Previous Vol 8 - 10.10.1.0.0 Next
Claudius Apollinaris, Bishop of Hierapolis, and Apologist
Introduction
Introduction to Claudius Apollinaris, [3755] Bishop of Hierapolis, and Apologist.
[a.d. 160-180.] This author, an early apologist, is chiefly interesting as a competent witness, who tells the story of the Thundering Legion [3756] in an artless manner, and gives it the simple character of an answer to prayer. This subject is treated by Lightfoot, in his recent work on the Apostolic Fathers, [3757] in an exhaustive manner; and the story, reduced to the simple narrative as Apollinaris gives it, receives from him a just and discriminating approval.
Apollinaris, as well as Rhodon, has been imagined the author of the work (ascribed to Asterius Urbanus) against Montanism, dedicated to Abiricius Marcellus. [3758] This is sufficiently refuted by Routh, [3759] whose Greek text, with notes, must be consulted by the studious. [3760]
Apollinaris was bishop of Hierapolis on the Mæander, and, Lightfoot thinks, was probably with Melito and Polycrates, known to Polycarp, and influenced by his example and doctrine. [3761] He addressed his Apology, which is honourably mentioned by Jerome, to M. Antoninus, the emperor. He also wrote Adversus Gentes and De Veritate; also against the Jews. Serapion calls him [3762] "most blessed."