Theophilus of Antioch

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Theophilus of Antioch was the bishop of Antioch (often called the Pope of Antioch) from about 169 to 183. He followed Eros and was succeeded by Maximus I; the exact dates are not certain. He probably died between 183 and 185. Born a pagan near the Tigris and Euphrates, he became a Christian after studying the Scriptures. Eusebius notes his zeal against heretics, especially Marcion.

Writings and ideas
Theophilus wrote several works, but only one survives today: an Apology to Autolycus, written to a learned pagan friend. In this book he defends Christianity and argues against paganism, mainly using the Old Testament as his authority. He argues that Biblical truths came before Greek philosophy and are divinely inspired. He contrasts the true God with the errors of pagan thinkers and uses creation and Genesis to make his case. He quotes many Old Testament books and seems to know some New Testament writings as well. In his second letter, he identifies the Word (Logos) as the Son of God, quoting John 1:1–3 and explaining that the Word was with God and was God.

The Trinity idea
Theophilus is notable for using the word “Trinity” (tria) in Christian writing. He does not present the later formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but speaks of God, His Word (Logos), and His Wisdom (Sophia) as three related aspects. This was an early way to express the idea of a threefold divine reality, connected to creation and God’s nature.

Chronology and other notes
In Book III he gives a timeline from creation to Emperor Marcus Aurelius, placing the world’s creation many thousands of years before his own time. He argues that Moses and the Hebrew prophets preceded the Greek philosophers. The Apology is cited by some later writers, though not always in the same form. Theophilus’s work shows how early Christians used Old Testament authority to defend their faith and how they thought about God, the Word, and Wisdom.

Legacy
Theophilus helped shape early Christian theology and apologetics. He is seen as a forerunner to later church fathers like Irenaeus and Cyprian, contributing to the understanding of Scripture and the defense of the Christian faith.