Primary source · Koine Greek (Book I in Rufinus's Latin)

The Defence of Origen (Apology for Origen)

Pamphilus of Caesarea, with Eusebius · AD 308–310, written in prison

What this text is

Five books composed in chains, with a sixth added by Eusebius after the martyrdom — the scholar's case that Origen taught within the church's rule of faith.

Profile of Pamphilus of Caesarea →

Public-domain translations

Rufinus's Latin of Book I (c. 397)

We write not as partisans, but that the labours of a man who spent himself upon the scriptures should not be condemned unread. Let his own words, not rumour, be the evidence.

Manuscript witnesses

Rufinus's Latin version of Book I

c. 397 (medieval copies)

Of the six books, only the first survives, in Rufinus's Latin — the martyr-scholar's defence of Origen.

SOLE SURVIVING FORM

Provenance

The prison of Caesarea, AD 308–310, with Eusebius as co-author

Editions & scholarship

Critical editions and standard translations behind the text above.

Figures named in this text (2)