Evodius

Evodius (Ancient Greek: Ευωδίας, Euōdias) was an early Christian figure active around the mid-first century AD (c. 50–70). He is identified in some Christian writings as the first bishop of Antioch, a prominent city in Roman Syria. In certain traditions, he is seen as succeeding the Apostle Peter in this leadership role.

Historical Context and Sources

Antioch in the first century was a cosmopolitan trade center with a significant Hellenistic Jewish population, which was an early target for the Christian message. However, very little is definitively known about Evodius's life, and no writings attributed to him survive. The main sources of information about Evodius date from centuries later, often reducing him to a name in lists of early bishops.

Fourth-century writings, such as Eusebius's Church History, mention Evodius as the first bishop of Antioch, with Ignatius appointed second. The Apostolic Constitutions, a pseudepigraphal work from the fourth century, also lists Evodius as bishop of Antioch, stating he was ordained by Peter. The ninth-century Chronography of George Syncellus indicates that "Euodius" was the first Antiochene bishop around the fourth year of Emperor Claudius's reign (c. 45 AD).

Some scholars, like Walter Bauer, have questioned whether Evodius was indeed the Bishop of Antioch, suggesting interpretations where Peter himself might be considered the first bishop, with no successor between him and Ignatius. This is further complicated by ancient distinctions between apostles and bishops.

Tradition and Legacy

As Christianity grew, there was an increased interest in the Apostolic Age, leading to expansions in narratives about early figures. In later traditions, Evodius is sometimes depicted as one of the seventy disciples of Christ. Peter's role in Antioch was often expanded, with Evodius presented as his chosen successor upon Peter's departure for Rome. The end of his episcopacy is often dated to 66 AD, succeeded by Ignatius of Antioch.

There are divergent traditions regarding his death: Catholic tradition considers it likely that Evodius died of natural causes, while Eastern Orthodox tradition holds that he was martyred under Emperor Nero.

Apocryphal Works

Three apocryphal works in Coptic, likely by the same author, are pseudepigraphically attributed to Evodius. These texts, dating from the 6th to 8th centuries, identify him as being in Rome and as a successor of Peter, though this location is not found in other accounts. These include treatises on the Dormition of the Virgin, the Passion and Resurrection, and the Life of Jesus.