Ancient Writings of Emperor Hadrian as Referenced by Eusebius

Evidence ID: HIS-EV21

Evidence: Ancient Writings of Emperor Hadrian as Referenced by Eusebius

Summary: Eusebius, a Christian historian, referenced the letter from Emperor Hadrian of the second century in which Hadrian stated how Christians were to be treated by Roman authorities near Palestine. His letter directs the local proconsul Minucius Fundanus to pronounce judgement only after due process of law.

Description: Eusebius of Caesarea (circa 275 to 339) was bishop of Caesarea in Palestine. Because of his prolific works on early church history, he is regarded as the father of church history. His reference to Hadrian statement of the treatment of Christians is consistent with the response of Emperor Trajan to Pliny the Younger [HIS-EV20].

In one of his works, Eusebius referred to a letter written by Serenius Granianus, proconsul of Asia, to Emperor Hadrian (ca. 117-138 AD) regarding the treatment of Christians.

"I do not wish, therefore, that the matter should be passed by without examination, so that these men may either be harassed, nor opportunity of malicious proceedings be offered to informers. If, therefore, the provincials can clearly evince their charges against Christians, so as to answer before the tribunal, let them pursue this course only, but not by mere petitions, and mere outcries against Christians. For it is far more proper, if Anyone would bring an accusation, that you should examine it."

From this short passage, we learn that Granianus' successor, Minucius Fundanus, was instructed by Hadrian to not accuse Christians falsely and pronounce judgement without due process of law. Accusations need to be substantiated with credible evidence before Christians can be properly charged. This treatment of Christians is consistent with Emperor Trajan [HIS-EV20].

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