We happened upon an interesting comment in Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History regarding a certain Papias. He wrote:

“In these he (Papias) says there would be a certain millennium after the resurrection, and that there would be a corporeal reign of Christ on this very earth; which things he appears to have imagined, as if they were authorized by the apostolic narration, not understanding correctly those matters which they propounded mystically in their representations. For he was very limited in his comprehension, as is evident from his discourses; yet he was the cause why most ecclesiastical writers, urging the antiquity of the man, were carried away by a similar opinion; as, for instance, Irenaeus, or any other that adopted such sentiments.” ¹

There are many good snippets in Christian history about this godly man, including that he was a disciple of the aged Apostle John. But it is a particular blessing to come across something dating from the early Second Century AD that confirms a doctrinal truth we have been blessed with here at the end of the Gospel Age. Namely, that Jesus’ second coming would signal the resurrection and the ushering in of a Millennial Reign on earth. It is noteworthy to observe that Eusebius, writing in the Fourth Century, attempts to discredit Papias for that opinion. It was a truth that had faded much by Eusebius’ lifetime. But note, Eusebius shows that it seemed to be the doctrinal viewpoint of most writers of that earlier time. We believe it was the prevailing view!

We thank the Lord for this little telescope back across the ages of Christian history that reaffirms this truth from the Divine Plan of the Ages!

(1) The Ecclesiastical History of Eusebius Pamphilus, Baker Book House, 1977, Book 3, Chapter 39, page 126.

Papias, associate of Polycarp,
who was the bishop of Smyrna and disciple of the Apostle John.

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