Theophilus of Antioch

A rough work in progress by PTET

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Introduction | Exegesis | Conclusion | References


Introduction

Theophilus of Antioch (c. 117-181 CE) was one of the first of the second century Christian writers [ce]. According to the unreliable Eusebius, he was the sixth bishop of Antioch in Syria from 168 CE. [ar].

Although apparently a prolific writer, only three of his works survive [th]. Born a pagan, his education seems to have been less than perfect. He misquotes Plato several times, and shows a poor knowledge of Pagan lore. [aw]

Quite astoundingly, none mention Jesus Christ in any way. In this regard, he is markedly different from his supposed contemporaries Irenaeus and Justin Martyr[rr].

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Exegesis

The three extant works of Theophilus are addressed to a pagan named as Autoclyus.

The first book discusses that nature of God, as unchangeable creator of the Universe (1.2), "chastener of the godly, and father of the righteous; but he is a judge and punisher of the impious." (1.1). He talks of the need for faith in all matters (2.8), the absurdity of idolatry (2.9), and the need for worship. (2.11).

However, Theophilus discusses the meaning of the name Christian, and the physical resurrection of the dead, without even alluding to Jesus Christ. (1.12-13).

His second book ridicules pagan mythology (2.1-2.8), talks of God's creation and the special place of man (2.9-10) and discusses the fall of man (2.11) and our expulsion from paradise (2.25-30). He ends with a defence of the Jewish prophets and scriptures (2.31-38).

The third book contains the typical (for the time!) defences of Christianity from accusations of cannibalism (3.5 - possibly referring to the Eucharist), and assertions of Christian goodness and chastity (3.9-15). He ends with an attempt to bridge Jewish and Hellenistic histories in justification of Christian teaching.

However, at not time, including in his discussion of rituals or Christian belief does he ever mention Jesus Christ - who supposedly had died and been resurrected only a century before. Similarly, he makes no mention of the cross or crucifixion, the virgin birth or Paul.

Although supposedly writing after Justin Martyr[ar], Theophilus seems to describe a very different Christianity [rr].

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Conclusion

The surviving works of Theophilus only add to the mystery of early Christian writing. Like his contemporary Athengoras, Athengoras describes a Christianity without Christ.

(This document is a work in progress. Please contact me with any further information.)

PTET

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References
  1. Introduction to Theophilus by Roberts-Donaldson, The Ante-Nicence Fathers. [ar]

  2. Introduction to Theophilus by Wace, The Ante-Nicence Fathers. [aw]

  3. Theophilus, Catholic Encyclopedia, 1902 [ce]

  4. Theophilus of Antioch, The Ante-Nicence Fathers (from EarlyChristianWritings.com). [th]

  5. Theophilus of Antioch, Rick Rogers, Lexington Books; ISBN: 0739101323; (May 24, 2000) [rr]

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