Early Christian Era: Leaders and Theologians

Question 1

Ephrem the Syrian (Syriac)

Answer 1

Syriac theologian, biblical exegete, hymnwriter
4th century
Associated with Edessa at crossroads of Roman and Persian empires
His popular hymns, often sung by all-female choirs, influential in opposing heresy
Father of the Syriac-speaking church

Question 2

Important Christian Emperors

Answer 2

Constantine the Great, early 4th century (Christianity tolerated)
Theodosius, late 4th century (paganism proscribed)
Justinian I, 6th century (flowering of Byzantine culture, built Hagia Sophia)

Question 3

Athanasius of Alexandria

Answer 3

Bishop of Alexandria, theologian
4th century
Defender of Nicene orthodoxy and opponent of Arianism
Often exiled for his firm beliefs
Wrote important work On the Incarnation and Life of Anthony
Known as Athanasius Contra Mundum (“Athanasius against the world”)

Question 4

Eusebius of Caesarea (Greek)

Answer 4

Bishop of Caesarea Maritima (in Palestine)
3rd-4th centuries
The ‘Father of Church History’
Among many historical writings, wrote the famous Ecclesiastical History
Biographer of Constantine the Great

Question 5

The Cappadocians (Greek)

Answer 5

Macrina
Basil the Great
Gregory of Nyssa
Gregory of Nazianzus

Question 6

Basil the Great

Cappadocian

Answer 6

bishop of Caesarea (in Asia Minor), theologian, institutional founder
One of the Cappadocian Fathers (brother of Gregory of Nyssa and Macrina)
4th century
defender of Nicene orthodoxy
Organizer of communal monasticism, hospitals, hostels for the poor
Wrote important treatise On The Holy Spirit

Question 7

Macrina the Younger

Cappadocian

Answer 7

One of the 4th-century Cappadocians
Spiritual influence upon her brothers Basil and Gregory of Nyssa
Established a thriving ascetic community on the family estate in Pontus
Gregory of Nyssa wrote her life and testified to her theological competence and sanctity

Question 8

John Chrysostom (Greek)

Answer 8

Archbishop of Constantinople, prolific theological writer, “golden tongued” orator
4th century
Important biblical expositor
A moral reformer, he came into conflict with Empress for his attack on corruption
Opposed abuse of wealth, concerned for the poor, founded hospitals
On the Priesthood, major work on Christian ministry

Question 9

Ambrose of Milan (Latin)

Answer 9

Bishop of Milan
4th century (Latin West)
Stood up to mother of emperor
Opposed Arianism
Commanded penance for emperor Theodosius
Influenced Augustine

Question 10

Gregory of Nyssa

Cappadocian

Answer 10

bishop of Nyssa (in Asia Minor), Nicene theologian
One of the Cappadocian Fathers (brother of Basil and Macrina)
4th century
Treatises defending the Trinity and Incarnation
Ascetical writings and “spiritual” exegesis in the tradition of Origen

Question 11

Gregory the Great (Latin)

Answer 11

Pope, last of the Latin Fathers and Doctors of the Church
6th (and very early 7th) century
monastic founder, promoter; wrote life of Benedict
sent missionaries to England
stepped into administration of Rome during famine, plague, and barbarain invasion
biblical and practical writer, fostered worship and liturgical music
Wrote influential Pastoral Rule

Question 12

Gregory of Nazianzus

Cappadocian

Answer 12

Gregory “the Theologian”
One of the Cappadocian Fathers (later Archbishop of Constantinople)
4th century
Classically trained in Athens
Trinitarian, Nicene theologian, elaborates doctrine of the Spirit (“procession”)

Question 13

Jerome (Latin)

Answer 13

Latin theologian, ascetic, major biblical scholar, translator
4th century
Studied in Rome, widely travelled, settled in Bethlehem as monk
Translated Scriptures into Latin (Vulgate) and accepted Hebrew canon (without Apocrypha)
Engaged in (often bitter) controversies with heretics (and friends!)

Question 14

Augustine of Hippo (Latin)

Answer 14

North African bishop of Hippo and theologian
4th - 5th centuries
Wrote important autobiography, Confessions
Defended a catholic vision of the church and sacraments against Donatists
Defended the priority of God’s grace against Pelagius
Major treatises: The City of God, On the Trinity, On Christian Doctrine
Enormous influence on the medieval church and the Reformers