The Church History - Eusebius (translated & edited by Paul L. Maier)
Published by Kregel Publications: Grand Rapids, 1999.
I quite like a regular structure to my work, and this book is slightly frustrating because it has upset that structure. I would usually put the translator of a book in bold in the article rather than adding them to the title of the page, but Paul L. Maier has done a little more than the average translator, in that he has edited, reduced, clarified, and also written articles to fit between each of Eusebius' original 'books'.
So, well done Paul L. Maier, for pushing above the article line. But also, don't do it again (I believe he has in fact done similar things for other ancient authors).
To the book itself:
The Church History, by Eusebius of Caesarea, is notable for being the first history written about Christianity, and for quoting various early authors whose works have otherwise been entirely lost to history. Being likely completed around 324-326 AD (page 370), the book gives a fascinating early perspective on the developing church, its struggles and debates around orthodoxy, and its persecution under various Roman Emperors, before (in the final few books) the crowning of Constantine - the first openly Christian Emperor - led to the church being more widely accepted throughout the 'known world.'
Reading a work from another culture often gives different insights into the faith from our own, and in this way The Church History is no exception. It is challenging to read how the early Christian community embraced the call to "witnessing unto death", even when sometimes that call may have too heavily leaned into fatalism by our modern perspective; on occasion individuals are criticized for trying to escape from persecution, and have to defend themselves against the accusation of cowardice by other figures.
The accounts of early divisions in the church are interesting as well. I can recall two excommunications happening in the History, which were possibly the first two examples of this ever happening. In both cases it is obvious how much the Church leadership has wrestled with the decision, and how in taking such a drastic step it is hoped that the heretical individual will 'see the light' and renounce their errors. And its encouraging to note how serious things needed to get before such an action was taken. Yet, its also interesting to recognise that these early examples set the precedent for later excommunications that may not have happened for such appropriate reasons.
One of my favourite moments in the book is actually quite early on. To set the foundation for the rest of his history, Eusebius talks about Jesus, including a history of how Jesus featured in the Old Testament as well as the New. By writing (and reading) in the original languages of Scripture, Eusebius picks up on a feature that I had never noticed before.
"The very names Jesus and Christ were honoured even by the God-loving prophets of old...When describing God's high priest as a man of supreme power, [Moses] calls him and his office "Christ" [anointed] as a mark of honour and glory, understanding the divine character of "Christ."
He was also inspired by the Holy Spirit to foresee quite clearly the title Jesus. Although previously it had never been known, Moses gave the title Jesus again as a type or symbol, only to the man he knew would succeed him after his death. His successor had been known by another name, Hoshea, which his parents had given him [Num. 13:16], but Moses calls him Jesus - Joshua the son of Nun himself bearing the image of our Saviour, who alone after Moses received authority over the true and pure religion. In this way Moses bestows the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ as a supreme honour on the two men who in his time surpassed all others in merit and glory: the high priest and the man who would rule after him." (page 27)
With interesting insights like this and an earlier perspective than most authors, I found The Church History an enjoyable read overall. There are moments when its style drags a little, or certain event are portrayed that may cause a little more incredulity from a modern reader, but here Maier's translation is a real aid, signposting difficult sections and offering commentary on other scholarly insights.
For fans of church history, I recommend.
Completed 8 September 2020.
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