Historical Context
The fourth century would mark the end of the open persecution of Christianity. The Edict of Milan in 313 A.D. would make it a legal religion to practice in the Roman Empire. Surviving persecutions from both Jewish authorities in the first century and later Roman emperors such as Nero and Diocletian, the early Christians were hopeful for a long-awaited measure of peace.
While the fourth century provided safety from the sword, another danger loomed on the horizon. Christianity could not be snuffed out by physically killing its followers, so a new attack was formed. The Church would now be faced with heresy that would be more widespread than any they had seen before. This heresy was Arianism.
Arius was the originator and namesake of this heresy. It was later spread primarily by Eusebius of Nicomedia. The substance of this heresy was that the Son of God was not eternal, but a created being — exalted above all others, yet not truly God. The Arian controversy would initially be dealt with at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. under Emperor Constantine. Of this Nicene theology, Athanasius would become a champion.
Early Life and Education
Athanasius was born around the year 295 A.D. in Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria at that time was the intellectual hub of the Roman Empire. The school in Alexandria was known as a center for literature, and the library was world-renowned.
Athanasius would become a Christian sometime early in his life. There are mixed reports of his parents’ beliefs, but it would appear that they were Christians. We know that Athanasius was gifted in understanding the Scriptures from an early age.
Alexander was the Bishop of Alexandria during this period. It is reported that, looking from his window, he saw young boys playing at the seashore. One of the boys was baptizing the others. Upon questioning young Athanasius, Alexander was thoroughly impressed with his understanding of theology. So much so that he deemed the baptisms valid.
This would mark the beginning of Athanasius’ training under Alexander. He would serve in his inner circle in the fight against Arius. He stood unwavering in defense of Christ’s deity, was ordained a deacon, and in 328 succeeded his mentor as bishop.
A Life of Exile
Athanasius served as bishop for a total of 45 years. Of that time, he spent 17 years in exile. This was collectively served under five different periods. There are as follows:
First Exile (335–337) – Emperor Constantine was pressured by other bishops who supported Arianism. Athanasius was falsely accused of misconduct and insubordination. He would return after Constantine’s death in 337.
Second Exile (339–346) – Emperor Constantius II, who favored the Arian party, appointed Gregory of Cappadocia as patriarch in Alexandria under pressure from Eusebius of Nicomedia. Upon Gregory’s death, Athanasius returned to the thunderous applause of those in Alexandria.
Third Exile (356–362) – Emperor Constantius II, in a renewed attempt to appoint Arian bishops, exiled Athanasius for what would be the longest period. He would write extensively during this time. He also found the monks led by Anthony the Great. He returned after Constantius II died in 361.
Fourth Exile (362–363) – Emperor Julian “the Apostate” exiled bishops to weaken the Church. Those of orthodox theology and influence were banished. Athanasius would quickly return after the death of Julian.
Fifth Exile (365–366) – Emperor Valens, in support of the Arians, expelled all bishops holding to Nicene theology. Through public pressure, Valens allowed Athanasius back in 366.
Notable Contributions and Works
Athanasius is most known for his steadfast opposition to Arian doctrine and commitment to the true divinity of Christ. Though at times it seemed he stood nearly alone in defense of Nicene orthodoxy. It was from his great and unmoving opposition to the ever-growing Arian influence that we get the phrase Athanasius Contra Mundum—Athanasius against the world.
Even before the Council of Nicaea, we see his theological ability presented in two works. The first was Against the Heathen. This was a theological and philosophical critique of the pagan idolatry of his time. The second was one that he is most known for today, On the Incarnation. This was a theological explanation of why Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
He wrote against the Arians in both Discourses Against the Arians and Defense of the Nicene Definition. He also writes in defense of his office in the church in Defense Against the Arians. He also wrote Festal Letters and Letters to Serapion, the latter in which he defends the divinity of the Holy Spirit. The sum of these works proved Athanasius to be a champion of the doctrine of the Trinity.
One more notable work was produced in his lengthy third exile. During this time, he would befriend Anthony the Great, an ascetic monk. Athanasius would write Life of Anthony, detailing the story of his life and practices. This work is notable for its effect on the development of monasticism.
More relevant to our purposes here, Life of Anthony is one of, if not the first, Christian biographies. The existence of this work gives early attestation of the importance of learning from other Christians from the past. This began a pattern of biographical works moving forward. In a sense, that work stands behind every Christian biography written since — including this one.
Concluding Thoughts
The story of Athanasius reminds us that the greatest threats to the Church do not always come from persecution, but from false doctrine. The sword can kill the body, but theological error aims for the soul. Heresy can wear the garments of respectability and even claim political favor.
Yet truth does not depend on popularity. Athanasius endured exile after exile because he believed that Christ must be confessed as He truly is—eternal, uncreated, and fully divine. To compromise here would be to compromise everything. In what sense could we be called Christians with no Christ?
We inherit a faith that has been crystallized by conflict. When we confess Jesus Christ as truly God and truly man, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Namely, on the shoulders of Athanasius.
Further Reading
The following resources are helpful to learn more about Athanasius:
On the Incarnation: In Modern, Updated English – Athanasius, edited by Modern Puritans
Athanasius (The Early Church Fathers) – Khaled Anatolios
2,000 Years of Christ’s Power Vol. 1: The Age of the Early Church – Nick Needham
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