# Athenagoras of Athens

Athenagoras of Athens (c. 133 – c. 190) was a Christian apologist and Ante-Nicene Church Father. An Athenian philosopher and convert to Christianity, he styled himself as "Athenagoras, the Athenian, Philosopher, and Christian". He is best known for his defenses of the faith against Roman persecution, blending Platonism with Christian theology.

# Early life

Athenagoras was likely born in Athens around 133 AD, though his exact origins are uncertain. He was educated in Platonic philosophy, alongside figures such as Pantaenus and Clement of Alexandria. Initially a pagan philosopher, he converted to Christianity after studying the Scriptures to refute them, only to be convinced by their truth. He later traveled to Alexandria, where he taught at the emerging Christian academy.

# Conversion and career

Athenagoras's conversion occurred amid his rhetorical training, evident in the polished style of his writings. As a Christian intellectual, he addressed the intellectual and legal challenges faced by the early Church under Roman emperors. His works reflect a deep engagement with both Greek philosophy and biblical revelation, positioning Christianity as the fulfillment of Platonic ideals.

# Major works

Only two treatises by Athenagoras survive:

• A Plea for the Christians composed around 176–177 AD and addressed to Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. This embassy-like plea defends Christians against accusations of atheism, immorality, and cannibalism, arguing for religious tolerance using philosophical reasoning.
• On the Resurrection of the Dead the earliest complete Christian exposition of bodily resurrection. It employs contemporary philosophy to affirm the doctrine's rationality, emphasizing God's omnipotence and human immortality.

# Theology and apologetics

Athenagoras's theology emphasized monotheism and an early articulation of the Trinity, portraying God as a unified essence with distinctions of Father, Son, and Spirit. He refuted pagan idolatry by citing Greek poets and philosophers, while upholding Christian ethics: purity in marriage, opposition to infanticide and abortion, and rejection of gladiatorial games and the death penalty. He argued that Christians, far from harming society, promoted justice and humanity, famously stating they could not endure even a just execution.

# Legacy

Despite his influence on later apologists, Athenagoras is sparsely referenced in early Christian sources, possibly due to the anonymous circulation of his works. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with a feast day on 24 July (Old Style: 6 August).