NEW COURSE: A Great Cloud of Witnesses: The First Three Centuries of the Church with Eusebius

Classical Literature



What happened to the Apostles after the account in the Acts of the Apostles? Why were early Christians persecuted? How did Emperor Constantine reshape the Mediterranean region? Eusebius of Caesarea, the first historian of the Christian Church, addresses these and many similar questions in his seminal work, Ecclesiastical History. It is no overstatement to claim that our knowledge of the first three centuries of Christianity would be dim without this text. This bishop and theological advisor to the emperor left posterity a work that, in ten chapters, unfolds the story of the spread of Christianity right up to the gathering of the Council of Nicaea (325).

Beginning in February, join Mr. Kevin G. Smith, Church History Instructor for New Aberdeen College, for a six-week trek through these early centuries of the Christian faith. Along with weekly readings, there will be a discussion-based live class each week. For the eager scholar, there will also be the opportunity to research and write about an aspect of Eusebius’ History with instructor feedback.

*Enrolled New Aberdeen students can register at no cost.

Participants are expected to read the text in advance and participate in the discussions online as you are able. These are live courses with the expectations that participants will engage with the instructor online. Readings will average between 60 and 75 pages per session. We are unable to offer refunds.

Mr. Kevin Smith, Instructor
Saturday mornings, 9:00 – 10:30 EST
February 12 through March 22 on Zoom
Cost: $99/student; $149/with writing component

Payment links:
1. Course with readings, no writing assignments
2. Course with readings plus feedback on writing assignments



What happened to the Apostles after the account in the Acts of the Apostles? Why were early Christians persecuted? How did Emperor Constantine reshape the Mediterranean region? Eusebius of Caesarea, the first historian of the Christian Church, addresses these and many similar questions in his seminal work, Ecclesiastical History. It is no overstatement to claim that our knowledge of the first three centuries of Christianity would be dim without this text. This bishop and theological advisor to the emperor left posterity a work that, in ten chapters, unfolds the story of the spread of Christianity right up to the gathering of the Council of Nicaea (325).

Beginning in February, join Mr. Kevin G. Smith, Church History Instructor for New Aberdeen College, for a six-week trek through these early centuries of the Christian faith. Along with weekly readings, there will be a discussion-based live class each week. For the eager scholar, there will also be the opportunity to research and write about an aspect of Eusebius’ History with instructor feedback.

*Enrolled New Aberdeen students can register at no cost.