Amazing Trip Through the Bible – Page 11 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on May 31, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 65 Comments

Rome into 10 Parts, Division of West

Beginning the early parts of the 4th century, the emperors at Rome were already aware of the increasing weakness of the Western Roman Empire. By 330 AD, Constantine decided to move the capital of his empire to Byzantium, which was located in the eastern portion of the empire. While the empire was divided into the east and west, it still functioned as one.

Invasions of the Western Roman Empire

Slowly, the western portion of the Roman Empire was breaking up because of frequent invasions and lack of control by its rulers. When Odoacer became the new ruler in 476 AD, Anglo-Saxon invaders established a German kingdom in England. On the other hand, other tribes founded their own kingdoms in other parts of the empire with the Visigoths settling in Spain, Vandals in North Africa, the Franks in Gaul and the Ostrogoths in the Italian peninsula.

Division_of_West_Rome_into_10_Parts — ‘Division of the Roman Empire among the Caesars appointed by Constantine I: from left to right, the territories of Constantine II, Constans I, Dalmatius, and Constantius II. After the death of Constantine I (May 337), this was the formal division of the Empire until Dalmatius was killed and his territory divided between Constans and Constantius.’

‘Division of the Roman Empire among the Caesars appointed by Constantine I: from left to right, the territories of Constantine II, Constans I, Dalmatius, and Constantius II. After the death of Constantine I (May 337), this was the formal division of the Empire until Dalmatius was killed and his territory divided between Constans and Constantius.’

With the death of Attila the Hun in 453 AD, the Ostrogoths were finally free from these Mongolian invaders. This also gave them an opportunity to settle within the empire to the south and west part of the Danube. Theodoric became their ruler, and he led the march heading to the eastern Roman empire. The ruler of the Roman Empire in the East attempted to stop the Ostrogoths from entering his lands. So, he encouraged Theodoric to divert his attention to invading Italy.

The Roman emperor also suggested that the Ostrogoths should overthrow Odoacer, who has been Italy’s ruler since 476. Theodoric succeeded in his plans for invading Italy and defeating Odoacer, in 493 AD. Thus, he became the king of Italy while establishing a capital at Ravenna. During his reign, he was able to provide peace and prosperity to Italy. However, civil strife resumed when he died in 526 AD. Justinian, a Roman emperor, regained Italy in the 6th century and managed to maintain its progress for a few years.

Division of Western Rome

The Western Roman Empire was divided into ten parts by 351 to 476 AD where it is located on the Bible Timeline Poster with World History. This era in the history of the Roman Empire lasted for about 125 years, which was from the middle part of the 4th century and up to the last quarter of the 5th century.

By 476 AD, there was a final general agreement made regarding the different parts that made up Western Rome. At this period, the map of the empire underwent a significant change that was often abruptly made. There were also details about the paths of several aggressive nations that charged towards their territories and crossed or re-crossed each of these places for many times. Despite the confusion, historians have arrived at the conclusion that there were ten parts or kingdoms established in the division of West Rome.

The division was made possible by several nations that were largely instrumental in the collapse and breaking up of the Roman Empire. The groups that held Roman territories and formed their own kingdoms included the Franks, Huns, Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Heruli, Lombards, Anglo-Saxons, Suevi, Vandals, and Burgundians. Each of the kingdoms established were independent from each other unlike the method followed by the Roman Empire

References:
http://www.pbministries.org/Eschatology/end_times/endtimes_22.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Roman_Empire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Impero_Romano_da_maggio_a_settembre_337.png

Posted on May 30, 2014September 1, 2016 by Amy — 2 Comments

Burgundians

The Romans encountered great problems on how to fight back the frequent invasions of various tribes that threaten its peace, order, and wealth. Among these groups were the Burgundians or a group of aggressive and powerful people from the East Germanic tribe. Based on studies, this tribe originally settled in mainland Scandinavia and moved to Bornholm, a Baltic Island. Afterwards, they traveled to Bornholm, and they explored the Vistula basin, which is near modern-day Poland. Some members of the tribe relocated to the west and crossed the Rhine in 406 AD. Afterwards, they remained in the Rhine Valley and formed their own independent kingdom. On the other hand, a few Burgundians chose to stay in their homeland in the Oder-Vistula basin. Here, they established a contingent in the Hunnic army of Attila in 451 AD where it is charted on the Bible Timeline Poster with World History.

Burgundian and Christianity

A number of Burgundians who settled in the east decided to adopt the Arian practice of Christianity in place of their old beliefs called Germanic polytheism. When they imbibed the teachings of Arianism, this sparked suspicion between the Catholic Church of the Western Roman Empire and the Burgundians. Nevertheless, King Gundobad (a Burgundian) fostered a good personal relationship with the Bishop of Vienne named Avitus. Even the son of Gundobad was a Catholic, and several Burgundians decided to convert including a number of females in the ruling family.

‘Kingdom of the Burgundians in around 500’

Historical Background

According to Roman scholars including Pliny and Tacitus, minimal information was available about the origins of the Germanic tribes from the east portion of the Elbe River and the Baltic Sea. However, Pliny mentioned the Burgundians, along with the Goths, Vandals and other eastern Germanic tribes.

Claudius Ptolemy wrote that that the Burgundians lived in various places including the Vistula Rivers, Suevus, the southern part of coast-dwelling tribes, and the northern portion of Luii. Jordanes, another writer, also noted that the Burgundians who were once in the Vistula basin were nearly annihilated by the King of the Gepids, during the 3rd century.

In the latter part of the 3rd century, it was discovered that the Burgundians lived on the east portion of the Rhine river banks. They also confronted the Roman Gaul with the hopes of dwelling in this place. There were also accounts of the defeat of the Burgundians in Gaul, with Emperor Probus gaining victory after the battle.

As for Ammaianus Marcellinus were the Romans’ descendants. However, the Romans barely gave any accounts of the Burgundians migrating from Poland. Yet, other Vandals were noted as moving westward during this period. Thus, there were some doubts regarding the connection between the western and eastern Burgundians.

About 40 years later, this tribe of people nomads the Burgundians appeared once again. The northern tribes successfully crossed the river Rhine, and they made their way through the Germanic migrations. Included in the crossing were the Suevi, Vandals, Alans, and a few Burgundians. A percentage of Burgundians set off westwards while the other half remained in their Oder-Vistula homeland.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgundians#Background
http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Families/Family/45453

Posted on May 30, 2014July 26, 2015 by Amy — 19 Comments

Who Wrote the Book of Hebrews?

The book of Hebrews is thought of as more elaborate and refined than all of the books in the New Testament. This section of the bible has been titled as a ‘masterpiece’ and immensely complex. From the first records of the Christian church, its origins and who wrote it have been contemplated. It is thought that at one point the author had been recognized and revered by its audience. However that knowledge is lost and is now thought of as unattainable. There is in fact, so much information unknown concerning Hebrews that not only is the writer in question but the date it was made, and even the name, “To [the] Hebrews” is debated as the original title.

Traditional thinking states that Paul is the writer for the Book of Hebrews, and up till the 1800s, the question was satisfied. Even though there is a high number of Christians (scholars and common folk alike) today who still stand for the statement, the question has once again come to surface with doubts. Below is the thinking from both sides of the matter:

Paul wrote the Book of Hebrews

13th Chapter of Hebrews mentions Timothy as a missionary partner with Paul (Jesus had sent disciples to go in groups of two)
13th Chapter also says the words were from ‘Italy’ – this matches Paul’s location
The different ways of writing is to focus attention to a different people
The King James Bible clearly states Paul as the author
The author was a Jew, so was Paul
Paul didn’t want to include his name in the book of Hebrews since his relation with the Gentiles making him unpopular with his native people.

Paul did not write the Book of Hebrews

The ‘style’ of writing, the theological view, and religious memories are different.
The author was probably a student or a friend of Paul’s from the different way of writing
The author was probably a leader of a largely Jewish society for which they were writing
The author had to have been Priscilla, and the name was taken out to conceal its female origins or to prevent the writing from being suppressed. “The lack of any firm data concerning the identity of the author in the extant writings of the church suggests a deliberate blackout more than a case of collective loss of memory.” Gilbert Bilezikian
No salutation – Paul always has some form of ‘salutation’, it would only be logical to say that the anonymous writing was not his.
Although Paul was an educated writer, he had personally declared that he did not write with a superior air of which Hebrews is written.
Paul often branched out from one subject to another whereas Hebrews stays on one concept from beginning to end.
Paul used personal pronouns such as “I”, “me”, “my”, and “mine” more than a hundred times per section. Hebrews only does that 7 times in the whole book.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Hebrews
http://www.fpcr.org/blue_banner_articles/Who-Wrote-Hebrews.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/author-Hebrews.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authorship_of_the_Epistle_to_the_Hebrews
http://www.judaismvschristianity.com/hebrews.htm
http://www.kjv1611.org.uk/WHO%20WROTE%20THE%20BOOK%20OF%20HEBREWS.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bartolomeo_Montagna_-_Saint_Paul_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

Posted on May 29, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 2 Comments

Lombards

The Lombards once gained full control of Italy from 568 until 774 AD where they are located on the Biblical Timeline with World History. According to historians, this Germanic tribe came from a smaller group of people called the Winnili. They were originally from Scandinavia and eventually migrated to various areas in search of new lands to conquer. By the 1st century AD, the Lombards formed a portion of the Suebi that was located in northwestern Germany. Four centuries after, they transferred to another area that was situated in the northern part of the Danube river. They also fought with the Heruls and Gepids during a few encounters with these other tribes.

‘Paul the Deacon, historian of the Lombards.’

The Rise of the Lombards

King Audoin, a Lombard, successfully defeated the Gepid military leader named Thurisind in 551 AD. When Alboin took the place of this great Lombard king, he was able to destroy the Gepids during the Battle of Asfeld. With much inspiration from his victories, Alboin led his people to settle in Italy. At that time, the land depopulated as a result of the Gothic War. Upon reaching Italy, the Lombards joined a few other tribes such as the Gepids, Ostrogoths, Saxons, Bulgars, Heruls and Thuringians. In 559 AD, the Lombards had already invaded all of the major cities in the northern part of the Po River. Even several areas of the southern and central portions of Italy succumbed to this powerful tribe. The Lombards established a kingdom called Regnum Italicum, which was situated in Italy. However, the kingdom fell apart when it was conquered by King Charlemagne, a Frankish ruler who decided to integrate this into his very own empire. Nevertheless, Lombard nobilities maintained control of some parts of Italy into the 11th century until they were invaded by the Normans.

Origin of the Lombards

In a written account by Paul the Deacon, a historian, the history and practices of the Lombards may be taken from the document made in the 7th century, which explained the origin of this tribe. In the said narrative, there was a small tribe referred to as the Winnili that lived in southern Scandinavia. The tribe was divided into three groups, and one of these departed from their homeland in search for foreign fields. Based on researchers, a possible reason for this would be overpopulation. In one occasion, the Vandals, another powerful tribe, were preparing for war against the Winnili. Before the battle, they prayed to Godan, who replied that victory will be given to those who would come first at the battlefield before the sun rises. However, the Winnili were much fewer in number, and they asked for advice from Frea. The goddess suggested that all of the women should tie and wear their hair in the front part of their faces like a beard. They must also march along with their husbands. When Godan found them early in the morning, he asked Frea who these long-beard mean were. Frea only answered that it is only fair that this tribe should be given victory. Thus, this started the name “Lombard”. Originally, it was referred to as Langobardi, Lombardi, and Lombards. These people also grew their beards in memory of Godan, and they decided to keep this appearance that gave them a distinct quality from the others.

References:
http://www.thenagain.info/webchron/westeurope/Lombards.html http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/346673/Lombard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PauDia_010.PNG

Posted on May 27, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Yemenite Kingdom Subject to the Abyssinians

Various civilizations were on the rise during the peak of the Yemenite Kingdom, specifically in Mesopotamia, Egypt and several areas situated nearby the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, Yemen served as a widely recognized and significant trade link that connected these civilizations. Numerous goods were traded including incense, which was popular among pre-Islamic nations that took part in the trades.

The Minaean kingdom (1200 to 650 BC) became quite popular at that time because of its spices and frankincense. Another nation that was regarded as its great success and prosperity was Sheba, which was regarded as its efficient irrigation and farming system. A few other nations that were a part of the trade included Hadhramaut and the Qataban kingdoms. These two kingdoms eventually became a part of South Yemen.

Himyar was another pre-Islamic kingdom during that era, which was also joined in the trade. The kingdom was formed during the first century BC, and it ended in about 500 AD where it is located on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History. At that time, Sheba and Himyar had a significant impact on the Yemenite kingdom. These states were even coined as the Arabia Felix because of their prosperity that surpassed several nations.

Conquer of the Yemenite Kingdom

Yemenite_Kingdom_Subject_to_the_Abyssinians — Red Sea

During the first century BC, Egypt was invaded by Rome, and the Red Sea was turned into the new major route of commerce. Hence, the Arabian kingdoms in the southern part of the nation reached their decline as caravan routes were no longer widely recognized by traders in that era. Soon, the regimes in Yemen also became much weaker as the other trading kingdoms were no longer able to protect the nation from the invasion of the Abyssinians, which is now referred to as Ethiopia. The conquest began in the 4th century by the Abyssinian kingdom, which was followed by the Sassanids in the 6th century. By the 7th century, the Islamic era was on the rise, and this resulted in a significant part of the formation of the Yemeni people and the entire kingdom.

Beginning 525 AD, Yemen succumbed to an intense time of turmoil with the Abyssinians. It also lasted for about 50 years and was eventually followed by the Persians’ rule and control over Yemen. It was also during this period that there was an extensive conflict in terms of the tribal, religious and political aspects of the kingdom. The main purpose of the Persians was to seize the Romans by gaining victory over the Abyssinian army stationed in Yemen. At around 575 AD, the Abyssinians were finally defeated because of the powerful Persian army that reigned supreme over their opponents.

For over 70 years, the Yemenite kingdom was controlled by the Abyssinians. This was also during the time when Christianity was considered as a significant religion throughout the land. Also, the Abyssinians also ruled over some portions of the Arabia Felix.

However, the reign of Abyssinians came to an end when they finally left Yemen, along with the troops of Ayrit, who was the leader of the 70,000 army. The Himyarite ruler, being aware of his defeat, decided to drown himself when he knew that his reign was soon to reach its end. He was also the last ruler of the line of emperors by the Himyarites.

References:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/yemen/history-4.htm
http://www.cs.nmsu.edu/~fmohamed/ancient-ye.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Sea_topographic_map-en.jpg

Posted on May 26, 2014November 11, 2018 by Amy — Leave a comment

Laodicea Council 360 AD

Arranged the Canon of Old and New Testament

In about 360 AD where it is marked in the Biblical Timeline Poster, the Laodicea Ad Lycum, or simply the Laodicea, is where the Synod convened in Phrygia Pacatiana. This place is quite different from Syria’s Laodicea, much to the confusion of some people. While the actual year of the council remains to be unclear, some reports state that the event was held in 365 AD. On the other hand, there are others who agree that it was probably in 363 AD when the council convened.

Laodicia_Council_360_AD — ‘Colonnaded Street in Laodicea’

There were those who hoped that the 7th canon would provide a hint to settle the accurate date of the Council once and for all. For instance, it was during the 4th century that the great Bishop Photinus rose into prominence. There were more Eusebians during the synod held at Antioch (about 344 AD), as well as the Orthodox situated at Milan that condemned him. In 366, this bishop died out of banishment and condemnations.

To put it safely, it may be best to consider that the Synod of Laodicea met at about 343 to 381 years. It also took place over the years that the Sardican and Second Ecumenical Council were held. Moreover, people have come to terms with the minimal importance of knowing the accurate date of the council.

Key Facts about the Council of Laodicea

The Laodicea Council was referred to as a regional synod that was composed of 30 clerics all coming from Asia Minor. They all gathered in Laodicea, specifically in Phrygia Pacatiana from the year 363 to 364 AD. Moreover, the council commenced after the Roman and Persian War, which was waged by the last of the Constantinian emperor named Julian. He aimed to revive the practice of paganism in the empire while discriminating and punishing Christians.

According to researchers, the 59th canon put restrictions on the canonical books included in the Old and the New Testament. Then, the 60th cannon provided a list of all the books, where the New Testament consisted of 26 books, not including the Apocalypse or Book of Revelation. On the other hand, there were 22 books in the Old Testament, which was also made up of the 22 scriptures of the Hebrew version of the Bible. Also included in the Old Testament were the Epistle of Jeremy, as well as the Book of the prophet Baruch.

However, there were some doubts that circulated in terms of the 60th canon’s authenticity. The reason for this was the missing manuscripts that were added eventually to present the content of the books included in the 59th canon. Thus, Cyril provided a list that matched the one presented in the Laodicea Council, in 350 AD.

In the said council (which Cyril was a part of), a list was given to show all the books included in the Holy Scriptures. This list was not contradictory to the one provided by Eusebius. In fact, Eusebius suggested that there should be unity in terms of the accepted writings recognized by the Church. Thus, he was against the reading of scriptures that were not generally received to avoid confusion among the Christians who are exposed to these writings in the Bible.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Laodicea
http://biblehub.com/library/davidson/the_canon_of_the_bible/chapter_vii_the_bible_canon.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Laodicea_(2).JPG

Posted on May 25, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Constantine Converted to Christianity

Constantine was one of the greatest Roman emperors who led Rome during 306 to 337 AD where he is located on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History. It was during his reign that Christianity became recognized as the Roman Empire’s primary religion. While historians are yet to have a solid evidence of Constantine’s decision of choosing Christianity and establishing it as the empire’s dominant religion, there were some doubts about the form of Early Christianity that Constantine favored. Moreover, several studies have proven that one of the possibilities that Constantine turned to Christianity was because of the influence of his mother towards him. However, Constantine was not baptized until a few years before he died.

Brief Information about the Life of Constantine

Constantine was born and raised at Naissus. His father, Flavius Constantius, was a renowned army officer who eventually divorced Constantine’s mother in 289 to marry Theodora. Driven to find his mission in life, Constantine decided to pursue a military career and travelled throughout the Roman Empire. During his crossing to the Alps, along with his army, he had a dream of a brilliant cross that was shining as it faced the sun. The cross bore the words “In this sign, conquer”. When he woke up from that dream, he decided to take it as a sign and guide throughout his journey. He was also able to defeat Maxentius, who was his rival at that time. Eventually, Constantine succeeded in conquering Rome, which led him to his victory as the empire’s new emperor.

Constantine_Converted_to_Christianity — Constantine

Early Christianity at the Time of Constantine

During the rule of Constantine, the early years of Christianity were filled with perils and threats. For instance, believers encountered harsh persecution by the government. There was also the issue on Arian heresy or the denial of Christ’s divinity. However, God decided to raise up a mighty leader who would defend Christianity from its adversaries. Thus, Constantine was able to overcome these events that helped shape the Christian religion throughout time.

Constantine‘s Conversion to Christianity

One of the significant turning points in Early Christianity’s great history was Constantine’s conversion to the Christian religion. This event was also depicted as the “Triumph of the Church” or the “Constantinian Shift”. It was in 313 AD that Constantine, along with Licinius, legalized Christian worship. Constantine left a legacy that is visible in the transformation of Christianity from being a private sect to a recognized public church. He also set the religion on a firm institutional ground that turned the Church into one of the leading cultural forces affecting the ancient world. Sunday was chosen as the day of worship, and it was also made into a public holiday. However, there were no firm evidences as to whether it was Emperor Constantine who chose Sunday instead of Saturday as the day of worship for Christians. There were two documents written in the first century that expressed how the Christians worshipped during a different day from the Sabbath day by the Jewish. Nevertheless, one thing is definite – that it was Constantine who transformed this religion, which used to be considered as an illegal sect, into a widely recognized religion of the Romans.

References:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/christianityromanempire_article_01.shtml
https://www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/constantine/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rome-Capitole-StatueConstantin.jpg

Posted on May 24, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 2 Comments

Anglo-Saxons and Britain Vandals in Spain (407 to 429 AD)

One group of people with Eastern Germanic heritage were called the Vandals. These people were originally from Jutland, and they settled in areas between the Vistula and Oder rivers during the first century AD where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline with World History. Based on historians, these people had wagons as their home, and they travelled from one pasture to another. When they remained in the Danube region, they provided troops and military reinforcements for the Romans. They also adopted Arianism or the heretical form of Christianity.

Key Facts about the Vandals and Anglo-Saxons

Tacitus first used the word Vandilii to describe this group of Germanic people that were from the ancestry of East Germans. During the Marcomannic War of 166 AD, these people decided to live in a place that is now referred to as Silesia. By the third century, or the time when the Roman Empire was experiencing great crisis due to invasions from its opponents, the Vandals joined forces with the Samaritans to conquer the frontier of the Roman Empire along the upper areas of the Rhine River.

Anglo-Saxons_and Britain_Vandals_in_Spain(407_to_429_AD) — ‘Reconstruction of a Germanic Iron Age warrior’s garments representing a Vandalic man’

‘Reconstruction of a Germanic Iron Age warrior’s garments representing a Vandalic man’

The Anglo-Saxons, on the other hand, were people who remained in Great Britain since the fifth century. They also included a few other groups from Germanic tribes who stayed on the southern portion of the island along with their descendants.

The early parts of the Anglo-Saxon era included medieval Britain’s history from the end of the Roman’s reign. This period was also considered as the migration period because of massive human migration throughout Europe beginning 400 AD. These migrants included those with Germanic ancestry including the Anglos, Saxons, Suebi, Goths, Franks, and Lombards. However, these people were eventually defeated by the Slavs, Huns, Avars, Alans and Bulgars.

Vandals Joined Forces with Other Tribes

In 406, the Vandals decided to join forces with some of the freed slaves from Pannonia, as well as with a few other barbarian tribes. These people included some Goths, Suevi and nomadic Alans that bravely overcame the frozen Rhine into the Roman Gaul. Their reason for following this route was to save themselves from the attack of the Huns.

After these people have conquered France, they decided to remain in the southern part of Spain after crossing the Pyrenees. The Vandals also lived in the countryside, yet it left several towns with their native population. These people also seized the Roman ships, and they succeeded in piratical raids to the coasts of Greece and various parts of the Mediterranean.

Downfall of the Empire

By 409 AD, the Roman empire began to fall apart because of a lack of control from its emperor. It was at this time that some of Emperor Constantine’s army were in Spain, and that made it difficult for his army to reach Gaul quickly. Eventually, the Germans residing at the western part of the Rhine river revolted against him, and a number of invaders from the eastern portion of the river finally reached Gaul. At that time, Britain no longer had any form of protection or troops after it had succumbed to massive raids by the Saxons from 408 to 409 AD.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandals
http://www.localhistories.org/barbarians.html
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/articles/v/vandals_and_the_roman_empire.aspx

Posted on May 23, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Vulgate (The Latin Bible)

The Bible was first translated into Latin during the fourth century, and it was referred to as the Vulgate. It served as the masterpiece of St. Jerome, as per the recommendations of the Pope, Damasus the First, during the year 382 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart. He was assigned to revise the Vetus Latina or the Old Latin translations.

Jerome was quite fluent in the Greek language, and he was also versed in Hebrew at that time that he began the translation of the Holy Scripture. He worked on making corrections to the New Testament’s existing version in Latin.

Since then, the manuscript became widely adopted. During the 13th century, the Latin revision or the “Versio Vulgata”, this means a commonly-used translation. By the 16th century, this was recognized as the officially used version of the Roman Catholic Church.

Key Information about the Vulgate

Regarded as the Bible’s Latin translation, it was written by Eusebius Hieronymus (otherwise known as St. Jerome) during the latter part of the 4th century and the beginning of the 5th century. Jerome was taught by a wise rhetoric teacher named Aelius Donatus, who was also famous for his advocacy for punctuation. Aelius also authored Virgil’s biography.

When Jerome was appointed the Pope to write the four Gospels, the former used widely accepted Latin language version for the Holy Scripture. This resulted in the replacement of the other less-scholarly written works at that time. While he was merely instructed to carry out the translations on the New Testament (focused only on the Gospels), Jerome decided to take it further by translating a huge portion of the “Septuagint”. This referred to the translation from Hebrew into Greek. It also included several apocryphal works, which were not featured in the Hebrew version of the Bible.

Originally, the Gospels were expressed in the Greek language. This was largely because the language was widely spoken in the area ruled by the famed ruler, Alexander. It is also worth noting that there was a pan-Hellenic dialect that was popular during the Hellenistic era, which was Koine. The dialect was Vulgar Latin’s equivalent in Greek.

In fact, most Jews that resided in areas that were primarily made up of Jewish people spoke Koine Greek, as well. Eventually, the Hellenistic era paved the way for the Romans to gain dominance, although Koine Greek remained as the spoken dialect in the East. On the other hand, the western world spoke the Latin language.

Further Details about the Latin Bible

There are insufficient evidence of how much Jerome was able to translate the New Testament. However, the author decided to compare the existing Latin translations of the Holy Scripture with the Greek version. He observed that the Gospels were written in the Greek language, while the Old Testament was in Hebrew.

Jerome decided to complete the Latin translation after referring to the Septuagint. He also checked with the Hebrew version, and this allowed him to create a different version of the texts in the Old Testament. Jerome did not work on any translations for the Apocrypha, as well as beyond Judith and Tobit. These texts were translated from the Aramaic language.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome#Translations_and_commentaries
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1154
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Domenico_Ghirlandaio_-_St_Jerome_in_his_study.jpg

Posted on May 22, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Eusebius, the Great Ecclesiastical

Eusebius, who is also referred to as Eusebius Pamphili or Eusebius of Caesarea, was a renowned Christian polemicist and historian. He also served as the bishop of the Caesarean centers during 314 AD where he is listed on the Bible Timeline with World History. However, his greatest contribution was when he wrote the Ecclesiastical History, which was one of the books he has produced.

Interesting Facts about Eusebius

When Agapius completed his term as bishop of Caesarea, he was succeeded by Eusebius. This brilliant man took a special role during the Council of Nicaea, which was in 325 AD. Emperor Constantine considered Eusebius as a wise and noble man, and it was one of the reasons why the latter was chosen to present his own creed to the 318 attendees during the Council. One of Eusebius’ powerful opponents was Athanasius of Alexandria. At the synod held in Caesarea in 334, Athanasius was summoned to attend, but he refused to do so. During the year after that, he was requested to take part in the synod, in Tyre. It was in this event that Eusebius of Caesaria was tasked to preside. Athanasius was able to foresee the possible result of this situation, and he proceeded to Constantinople to speak about this matter to the emperor. Afterwards, Constantine summoned the bishops including Eusebius.

Following some deliberations, Athanasius was condemned, and he was put into exile in 335 AD. Since then, Eusebius gained the trust and favor of the emperor. He was also inspired to write about the life of the emperor shortly after his death in 337. Moreover, his work entitled “The Life of Constantine” became a significant historical masterpiece since it included numerous accounts from actual witnesses and primary sources that strengthened the credibility of his work.

About the Church History

Eusebius, the Roman bishop of Caesarea, wrote the Church History during the fourth century. This served as his brilliant masterpiece, which chronicled the development and progress of early Christianity during the first to the fourth century. Originally, the text was written in Koine Greek, yet it was eventually translated into Armenian, Syriac and Latin. This fine work by Eusebius was depicted as the very first and full-length narrative that was historical in nature and expressed the viewpoint of a Christian. Also, the text was continued by Sozomen and Socrates Scholasticus, who were the two great advocates of this masterpiece in Constantinople.

Along with Theodoret of Cyrrhus, a bishop, they continued this exceptional work written by Eusebius. It is worth noting that the chronicle written by Eusebius was intended to give a layout of a comparative timeline featuring the Old Testament and pagan history. It included a few other historiographical genres and universal history. This great masterpiece served historical importance, although the author did not have any intentions of making this text a vindication of Christianity as a religion. Nevertheless, the eloquence and wisdom that the author exuded in completing this text has turned it into one of the finest works in the history of the Catholic Church.

References:
http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Eusebius_Gospels.htm
http://www.bible-researcher.com/eusebius.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_History_(Eusebius)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eusebius_of_Caesarea.jpg