On the "Rewriting" or Falsifying of Books of Origen at Caesarea

The legacy of Origen, one of early Christianity's most prolific theologians, is shrouded in controversy and ambiguity. Much of this uncertainty stems from the significant revisions his works underwent, particularly those associated with his time in Caesarea. Eusebius of Caesarea, a historian and bishop, played a crucial role in these revisions, aligning Origen's writings with the theological orthodoxy of the fourth century. This blog post explores the evidence and implications of these revisions, focusing on the profound impact Eusebius had on the preservation and transmission of Origen's works.

The Context of Origen's Later Works

Origen's later works, purportedly written in Caesarea, exhibit numerous references to rewrites and revisions. This period coincides with Eusebius's influence, raising questions about the extent of Eusebius's involvement in editing and altering Origen's texts.

1. Commentary on Matthew: This work, although attributed to Origen, does not follow the typical format of a commentary on Matthew. Instead, it often references the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John with ease, suggesting the use of a Diatessaron—a harmony of the four Gospels. The question arises whether Origen originally used a Diatessaron or if this was an interpolation by Eusebius.

2. Against Celsus: The preface of Against Celsus indicates a significant revision:

   "I decided to put this preface at the beginning after I had composed the reply to everything up to the point where Celsus puts the attack against Jesus into the mouth of the Jew."

   This statement suggests that the original order of the text was altered, and parts were possibly removed or restructured by a later editor, likely Eusebius. The mention of a second draft implies a more extensive revision process than merely adding a preface.

Eusebius's Role and Motivations

Eusebius's motivations for revising Origen's works can be understood in the context of his theological and political goals:

• Anti-Arian Orthodoxy: Eusebius aimed to eliminate elements from Origen's writings that could be interpreted as supporting Arianism, ensuring alignment with the Nicene Creed.
• Personal Theological Views: Eusebius had his interpretations and theological positions, which he likely wanted reflected in the influential works of Origen.

Eusebius’s influence extended beyond simple edits. He had the resources, including scribes and copyists, to undertake extensive revisions. The relationship between Eusebius and his supposed patron Pamphilus further complicates matters. Jerome, an early Church historian, notes that Eusebius’s works were closely tied to Pamphilus, to the point where it’s challenging to distinguish between their contributions.

The Case of the Hexapla and Other Works

The Hexapla, Origen’s critical edition of the Old Testament, also underwent significant changes under Eusebius's supervision. This project exemplifies Eusebius's approach to revising texts:

• Collaborative Editing: Jerome describes how Eusebius and Pamphilus worked together on the Hexapla. Eusebius’s influence is evident, blurring the lines between Origen's original work and later revisions.
• Literary Control: The revisions reflect Eusebius’s control over the textual transmission, ensuring that the theological positions of the emerging orthodoxy were upheld.

Jerome's account of Eusebius's commentary on Isaiah further illustrates the extent of these revisions. He mentions that Eusebius, while promising a historical interpretation, often resorted to allegory, blending different interpretative approaches in a manner that aligned with his theological agenda.

Implications of the Revisions

The implications of these revisions are significant:

• Theological Consistency: Eusebius’s revisions ensured that Origen’s works were consistent with Nicene orthodoxy, shaping the theological landscape of early Christianity.
• Historical Authenticity: The authenticity of Origen’s works is compromised, raising questions about his true theological positions and the nature of early Christian thought.
• Literary Influence: Eusebius’s role highlights the broader practices of literary control and censorship in early Christianity, reflecting the power dynamics within the Church.

Conclusion

The rewriting or falsifying of Origen’s books at Caesarea underscores the complexities of early Christian literature. Eusebius’s extensive revisions reveal the interplay between theology, politics, and literary preservation. Understanding these revisions provides critical insights into the development of early Christian doctrine and the historical authenticity of theological writings. The legacy of Origen, as mediated through Eusebius, reminds us of the profound impact that later editors had on shaping the canon of early Christian thought.