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Aristideswas a Christian apologistwhowroteanapologytoHadrian (emperor 117-138 ad). ThisGreek text wasconsideredlostuntil J. R. Harris discovered a complete Syriacversion in 1889 Aristidesissometimesreckonedamong the apostolicfathers, but I wouldprefertogrouphimwith the Christian apologists. Eusebius, Historyof the Church 4.3.1-3: And, whenTrajanhadruledfortwentywholeyearsminussixmonths, AeliusHadriansucceededto leadership. TohimQuadratusaddressed and gave a treatise, havingcomposedanapology on behalfofourreligion, sinceindeed some evilmenweretryingtotroubleourown. And itisstillextantamongmanyof the brethren, and the writingisalsowithus, fromwhich can beseenshiningproofbothof the understandingof the man and ofhisapostolicorthodoxy. 2. The apologists
And he himself makes apparent his own antiquity through these things that he records in his own words: But the works of our savior were always present, for they were true. Those who were healed, those who rose from the dead, who not only looked as though healed and risen, but also were always present, not only while the savior was sojourning but even after he left, were around for enough time so as that some of them stayed even unto our own times.
Suchwasthis man. And Aristidesalso, a faithful man and devotedtoourreligion, hasleftbehind just asQuadratusanapology on behalfof the faithaddressedtoHadrian. The writingofthis man tooispreservedhitherbyverymany. • Jerome says, Aristides, a mosteloquentAthenianphilosopher, and a discipleof Christ whileyetretaininghisoriginalgarb [as a philosopher], presented a work toHadrian at the sametimethatQuadratuspresentedhis. The work contained a systematic statement ofourdoctrine, thatis, anapologyfor the Christians, whichisstillextant and isregardedbyphilologiansasanindexofhisgenius.
The Christians, then, trace the beginning of their religion from Jesus the Messiah; and he is named the Son of God Most High. • And it is said that God came down from heaven, and from a Hebrew virgin assumed and clothed himself with flesh; • and the Son of God lived in a daughter of man. This is taught in the gospel, as it is called, which a short time was preached among them; and you also if you will read therein, may perceive the power which belongs to it. • This Jesus, then, was born of the race of the Hebrews; and he had twelve disciples in order that the purpose of his incarnation might in time be accomplished.
But he himself was pierced by the Jews, and he died and was buried; and they say that after three days he rose and ascended to heaven. • Thereupon these twelve disciples went forth throughout the known parts of the world, and kept showing his greatness with all modesty and uprightness. • And hence also those of the present day who believe that preaching are called Christians, and they are become famous.
