II. Eusebius-Early Positions, Later To Be Reversed ^{28For Eusebius’ later interpretations, see the next chapter.}

Eusebius Pamphili (6. 260-c. 340), bishop of Caesarea and tamed “Father of Church History,” was probably born in Palestine or Syria, since he knew Syriac as well as Greek, and was liberally educated in Antioch and Caesarea. He was the intimate friend of the Pamphilus who conducted a theological school at Caesarea, in which Eusebius taught after his ordination. Pamphilus’ large library of Biblical and patristic writings was not only a rendezvous for scholars but a center for the reproduction of the Scriptures—and also for the writings of Origen. In such surroundings Eusebius spent his early manhood. Pre-eminently literary, he followed this bent throughout life. He was considered a man of vast erudition and an especially accomplished writer. His works, some of which are lost, form a pretentious list.PFF1 361.1

In 303 the dread Diocletian persecution broke upon the Christians like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and wrought havoc in the church. Pamphilus suffered martyrdom in the seventh year of this period of persecution, after two years of imprisonment. Eusebius was chosen bishop of Caesarea soon after the declaration of religious toleration, in 313, and held this office until his death, about 340.PFF1 361.2

Eusebius played an important part in the first great ecumenical council, with its momentous pronouncements, held at Nicaea in 325. According to some ancient sources he was probably given the post of honor at the right hand of the presiding emperor, whose complete confidence he held. Because of his recognized standing and his intimate acquaintance with Constantine, he was chosen to deliver the formal oration at this council. He opposed the wording of that part of the creed at variance with his own beliefs as to the nature of Christ, for he seems to have leaned a little toward the Arian position. ^{29Hefele, op, cit., vol. 1, pp. 288-290; Arthur Cushman McGiffert, Prolegomena to Eusebius’ Church History, in NPNF, 2nd series, vol. 1, p. 12.} His Ecclesiastical History was published about 325. In his later years he was unfriendly to millenarianism, pursuing the allegorical method of Origen, and expressing uncertainty as to the authority of the Apocalypse. (See illustration on page 327.)PFF1 361.3