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Athenagoras of Athens, a Christian apologist of the second century C.E., is remembered as a remarkable defender of the Christian faith in the face of Roman persecution and misunderstanding. Known for his intellectual acumen, Athenagoras articulated a compelling defense of Christian doctrines, emphasizing their rationality and moral superiority to the prevailing pagan beliefs of his time. He is best known for two surviving works: A Plea for the Christians (often called the “Embassy”) and On the Resurrection of the Dead. These writings reflect the breadth of his philosophical training and his commitment to defending the gospel message through reason and Scriptural support.

Athenagoras’ works illuminate how early Christians addressed accusations against their faith, proclaimed monotheism in a polytheistic world, and defended core doctrines such as the resurrection. His apologetic method was firmly rooted in Scripture, viewing it as the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for faith and practice. By examining his contributions, we gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of the early church as it navigated a hostile cultural environment.

Athenagoras’ Defense of Christianity

Athenagoras wrote A Plea for the Christians around 177 C.E., addressing it to the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. His primary goal was to refute three key accusations levied against Christians: atheism, cannibalism, and incest. These charges, stemming from misunderstandings of Christian worship and community life, were often used to justify persecution.

Refuting Atheism. Athenagoras vigorously denied the claim that Christians were atheists, a charge rooted in their refusal to worship the Roman pantheon or the emperor. He argued that Christians were not without a deity but worshiped the one true God, who is uncreated, eternal, and distinct from matter. He wrote: “Is it not absurd to apply the name of atheism to those who distinguish God from matter and teach that matter is one thing and God another?” (A Plea for the Christians, 4). For Athenagoras, the Christian God was not a product of human imagination, as were the Roman deities, but the Creator of all things, eternal and unchangeable.

Criticizing Polytheism. Athenagoras challenged the inconsistencies and absurdities of polytheism. He posed pointed questions to highlight its irrationality, asking, “If there were from the beginning two or more gods…since he that made the world is above the things created, where can the other or the rest be?” (A Plea for the Christians, 8). He demonstrated that the very nature of the universe’s unity and order pointed to a single divine Creator, whom Christians worshiped.

Affirming the Unity and Triunity of God. Athenagoras articulated a clear understanding of monotheism while acknowledging the triunity of God. He explained that Christians believe in one God who is both unity and plurality: “We acknowledge also a Son of God…The Holy Spirit Himself also…we speak of God the Father, and of God the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (A Plea for the Christians, 10). He described the relationship between the Father and the Son in terms of the eternal Logos, emphasizing that the Son was not created but had existed with the Father from eternity.

The Inspired Nature of Scripture

Athenagoras viewed Scripture as the divinely inspired Word of God. He believed that the prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, likening them to instruments through which God communicated his will. He wrote: “It would be irrational for us to cease to believe in the Spirit from God, who moved the mouths of the prophets like musical instruments” (A Plea for the Christians, 7). This perspective underscored his confidence in the reliability and authority of Scripture as the foundation for Christian doctrine and practice.

He cited the writings of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others as the product of divine revelation, explaining that the prophets spoke not from their own understanding but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This belief in the inspiration of Scripture was central to Athenagoras’ apologetic approach, as he used the Word of God to confront error and present the truth of Christianity.

Athenagoras on Creation and the Resurrection

One of Athenagoras’ most significant contributions was his defense of the resurrection in his treatise On the Resurrection of the Dead. He upheld the physical resurrection of the body, countering both pagan skepticism and misconceptions about Christian beliefs. For Athenagoras, the resurrection was integral to God’s plan for humanity, ensuring the continued existence of both body and soul in eternity.

Creation and the Nature of God. Athenagoras distinguished sharply between the Creator and creation, emphasizing that matter is created and perishable while God is uncreated and eternal. He criticized those who worshiped idols made of matter, pointing out that such practices failed to acknowledge the vast difference between the Creator and his creation. He wrote: “I admire its beauty, and adore the Artificer” (A Plea for the Christians, 16).

The Power of God in the Resurrection. Athenagoras argued that the resurrection was not only possible but necessary, given God’s power and justice. He reasoned that if God created human bodies, he could surely raise them from the dead. He stated, “It is not possible for God to be ignorant, either of the nature of the bodies that are to be raised, as regards both the members entire and the particles of which they consist” (On the Resurrection of the Dead, 2). For Athenagoras, the resurrection demonstrated God’s ability to restore creation and fulfill his promises.

The Justice of the Resurrection. Athenagoras linked the resurrection to the final judgment, explaining that both body and soul must be present for justice to be fully realized. He wrote, “Man, therefore, who consists of the two parts [body and soul], must continue forever. But it is impossible for him to continue unless he rise again” (On the Resurrection of the Dead, 15). He referenced 2 Corinthians 5:10, which states that individuals will be judged for the deeds done “in the body,” underscoring the necessity of bodily resurrection for accountability and reward.

Legacy of Athenagoras’ Apologetics

Although Athenagoras is not mentioned by Eusebius, the early church historian, his writings had a profound influence on later Christian thought. His emphasis on the rationality of Christian faith, the unity of God, and the hope of resurrection provided a robust framework for defending Christianity in a hostile cultural context. His works continue to serve as valuable resources for understanding the challenges faced by the early church and the enduring truths of the gospel.

Athenagoras’ defense of Christianity highlights the importance of engaging with culture through reasoned argumentation and unwavering commitment to Scriptural authority. His writings remind believers of the need to proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction, relying on the inspired Word of God to confront error and reveal the truth of Jehovah’s eternal purpose.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).