Eusebius’ Church History 22

Study Guide Questions for Book 8.13-8.17

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Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)

Despotism, Indulgence, Cowardice, Justice, Providence

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. What did Eusebius say should be done concerning Bishop Anthimus of Nicomedia?

2. According to Eusebius, what were things like in the Roman Empire before “the Roman government went to war” against the Christians?

3. What did Eusebius say was unique about the rule of Constantius Chlorus of all the emperors in his own day?

4. What was the end result of Maximian’s attempt to kill Constantine?

5. Of what kinds of despicable behavior was Maxentius guilty?

6. What did one woman do rather than allow the procurer’s of Maximian to take her to him?

7. What happened to Galerius as a result of his wicked persecution of Christianity?

8. After a time of great suffering from his “awful malady” Galerius issued an edict. What effect did that have on Christians living in Rome?

9. How did the four original tetrarchs of Rome die?

   1. Diocletian

   2. Galerius

   3. Maximian

   4. Constantius Chlorus

Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)

1. Why does Eusebius refer to those who have died for the faith by saying they joined “the chorus of martyrs?” What does he mean by this?

2. Why would Maxentius perform his vile deeds even upon the wives of Roman senators rather than just upon commoners?

3. What did Eusebius mean by saying, “As for the women…they showed themselves as manly as the men?”

4. Compare and contrast the “divine punishment” of emperor Galerius with that of king Herod from Book 1.8.

5. Eusebius appears to have omitted Maximin Daia’s and titles from his recording of the “imperial recantation.” Why might he have done this?

Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)

1. If you were to argue that there was one vice, in particular, that characterized the lives of the wicked Tetrarchs, which one would you say it was? Defend your answer with examples.

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Read John 19:1-11. How should this passage affect our thinking about Christians who endure suffering underneath unjust rulers?