The argument of this paper, that Justin and Theophilus each view specifically Christian writings as useful authorities for the construction of their apologetic works, has already been demonstrated. To more fully engage the considerations of the authority with which these two second century apologists viewed Christian sources, this study now offers a comparative analysis ofContinue reading “Scripture among the Apologists: Similarities”
Monthly Archives: December 2016
Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus on Scripture
Theophilus of Antioch clearly found numerous sources valuable for the construction of his apologetic Ad Autolycum, drawing upon numerous Greek, Jewish, and Christian sources in this writing. Especially important for his conception of scripture was the doctrine of the Logos, formed in Hellenistic Judaism and applied by Justin Martyr to Christian apologetics, but in TheophilusContinue reading “Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus on Scripture”
Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’s Other Christian Sources
Theophilus also made use of a number of Pauline writings.[i] Evidence is most convincing for reliance on Romans,[ii] 1 Corinthians,[iii] 2 Corinthians,[iv] Philippians,[v] Colossians,[vi] 1 Timothy,[vii] and 2 Timothy.[viii] In addition to these literary connections, Theophilus reflects a broad knowledge of Pauline phraseology, indicated most clearly in his discussion of resurrection in Autolycum 1.8 andContinue reading “Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’s Other Christian Sources”
Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’s Use of John
Perhaps the most important Christian writing for Theophilus was the Gospel According to John. There are numerous passages which rely on the Fourth Gospel, including Autolycum 1.4’s reference to the words of Thomas recorded in John 20.27[i] and Autolycum 2.23’s parallelism to John 16.21.[ii]
Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’s Christian Sources
Theophilus’ Ad Autolycum has an interesting claim to fame in its use of Christian sources: nowhere do these treatises mention or name the Historical Jesus of Nazareth.[i] While apologetic purposes may help explain this, some have taken this neglect to indicate that Theophilus represented a “Jesus-less” form of heretical Christianity or viewed Jesus as merelyContinue reading “Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’s Christian Sources”
Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’s Jewish Sources
In the Antiochene context, Jews and Christians existed quite comfortably alongside each other until the seventh century.[i] It is not surprising, then, to see that Theophilus’ thought was indebted to Judaism.[ii] The influence of Jewish Sources on Ad Autolycum may be categorized into four classes: Hellenistic Judaistic Thought, Prophetic Materials, Wisdom Literature, and the CosmogonyContinue reading “Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’s Jewish Sources”
Recommended Reading: December 17
If you read one article this week, look at The Dangers of Echo Chambers on Campus by Nicholas Kristof. For those of you with additionally reading time this weekend, check out the following selections, gathered from around the blogging world. I will be taking a blogging break the next couple of weeks (though the ScriptureContinue reading “Recommended Reading: December 17”
Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’ Greco-Roman Sources
At face value, Theophilus appears to have had extensive training in Greek philosophy and rhetoric, as he draws upon a host of classical sources including Homer, Plato, Euripides, Orpheus, and the Sibyl.[i] Though he presents a plethora of quotes from a variety of philosophical schools of thought, most of his sources and quotations appear reliantContinue reading “Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus’ Greco-Roman Sources”
Ep15: How Should Christians Spread the Gospel?
This episode of the Church Debates series reflects on the question of How Christians Should Spread the Gospel by examining the spread of Christianity in the medieval period.
Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus of Antioch
Theophilus of Antioch remains an underappreciated figure among the Christian writers of the second century. Born along the banks of the Euphrates River in Syria sometime in the early second century, Theophilus was raised in a pagan household and received a Greek education.[i] He converted to Christianity as an adult, became familiar with the JewishContinue reading “Scripture among the Apologists: Theophilus of Antioch”