Abercius of Hieropolis
Abercius of Hieropolis was a Christian clergyman who lived during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is believed to have been a bishop of Hierapolis and ministered across Syria and Mesopotamia, leading to his designation as one of the Equals-to-the-Apostles. He is primarily remembered for his evangelistic work and the inscription bearing his name, which was found in fragments and later reconstructed.
- Feast Day
- October 22
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Asia Minor
Key Facts
- ›Abercius of Hieropolis died around 167 AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
- ›He is considered by many to have been the bishop of Hierapolis, succeeding Papias.
- ›Abercius is said to have evangelized in Syria and Mesopotamia, earning him the title Equals-to-the-Apostles.
- ›He was imprisoned under Marcus Aurelius.
- ›Several works are attributed to him, including an Epistle to Emperor Marcus Aurelius and a Book of Discipline, both of which are lost.
- ›The Inscription of Abercius, preserved in the Vatican Museums, is considered to be both authored by and about Abercius.
Avircius Marcellus
About Abercius of Hieropolis
Abercius of Hieropolis (died c. 167) was a Christian clergyman from Hierapolis who lived during the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is perhaps best known for his evangelistic activities and for being the subject of, and likely author of, the "Inscription of Abercius."
Life and Ministry
Abercius is said to have engaged in missionary work across Syria and Mesopotamia, leading to him being referred to as one of the Equals-to-the-Apostles. He was imprisoned under Marcus Aurelius and died around 167. His feast day is observed on October 22.
Writings and Inscription
Several works are attributed to Abercius, though most are now lost. These include an Epistle to Emperor Marcus Aurelius and a "Book of Discipline" addressed to his clergy. However, he is most prominently associated with the "Inscription of Abercius," an important early Christian epitaph preserved in the Vatican Museums, which contains phrases similar to those found on other early Christian stelae.
Location of Bishopric Debate
Scholarly debate exists regarding the exact location of Abercius' bishopric. William Ramsay and J. B. Lightfoot have argued that he was bishop of Hieropolis in the valley of Sandukli, rather than Hierapolis in the Maeander valley, suggesting that confusion between these two similarly named cities has led to errors in early Christian history.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Abercius of Hieropolis live?
Abercius of Hieropolis lived during the time of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and died around 167 AD.
What is Abercius of Hieropolis known for?
He is known for his evangelistic work in Syria and Mesopotamia, for which he was called an Equals-to-the-Apostles, and for the Inscription of Abercius, an important early Christian monument.
Was Abercius of Hieropolis a bishop?
It is generally considered, though not indisputably, that he was the bishop of Hierapolis and the successor to Papias.
What works are attributed to Abercius of Hieropolis?
Several works are ascribed to him, including an Epistle to Emperor Marcus Aurelius and a Book of Discipline, though both are lost. He is also the subject and probable author of the Inscription of Abercius.
Where is Abercius of Hieropolis venerated?
Abercius' feast day is celebrated on October 22nd in churches that follow the Julian Calendar.
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