Apollonius of Ephesus

Apollonius of Ephesus was an ecclesiastical writer who flourished between approximately 180 and 210 AD. He is recognized primarily for his role as an anti-Montanist polemicist, likely hailing from Asia Minor. His writings were dedicated to the defense of the established Church against the doctrines and practices of Montanism, a prophetic movement that emerged in Phrygia.

Life and Historical Context

Apollonius possessed a deep familiarity with the Christian history of Ephesus and the activities of the Montanists. While the author of the work 'Praedestinatus' identified him as a Bishop of Ephesus, this assertion is not corroborated by other early Christian writers, rendering it uncertain. He actively combated Montanism, following in the intellectual footsteps of other opponents such as Zoticus of Comanus, Julian of Apamaea, Sotas of Anchialus, and Apollinaris of Hierapolis.

Major Contributions and Works

Although Apollonius's writings are now lost and their exact titles unknown, their content and significance are attested to by later church historians. Eusebius cites his work, and Jerome praises it as a "lengthy and remarkable volume" that constituted "an abundant and excellent refutation of Montanism." It is believed that his work focused on demonstrating the falsity of Montanist prophecies and recounting the lives of Montanus and his key followers, including the apostate Themison and the pseudo-martyr Alexander. He also contributed to the dissemination of reports regarding their supposed suicide by hanging.

Theological Significance

Apollonius's writings preserved important historical and theological information. He spoke of figures like Zoticus, who attempted to exorcise Maximilla, a key Montanist prophetess, and of the martyr-Bishop Thraseas, another adversary of Montanism. Furthermore, Apollonius relayed traditions concerning Jesus' advice to the Apostles regarding their mission after the Ascension, a tradition also known to Clement of Alexandria. He also recounted the miraculous restoration to life of a dead man in Ephesus by John the Apostle, indicating his knowledge of the Apocalypse of John.

Opposition and Legacy

Apollonius is ranked among the significant opponents of Montanism, alongside figures like Miltiades and Apollinaris. His refutation of Montanism was impactful enough to provoke a response from Tertullian, a prominent figure who later adopted Montanist views. Tertullian felt compelled to compose a seventh book of his work 'peri ekstaseos' specifically to counter Apollonius's arguments, writing it in Greek for the benefit of the Montanists in Asia.