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Athanasius of Alexandria
c. 296–373; bishop of Alexandria from 328· Person· People
Historical recordConfirmed by archaeology, outside sources or contemporary records.
The bishop of Alexandria who spent nearly 50 years defending Nicaea's teaching that the Son is fully God.
See it on the Bible & Christianity map →What it is
As a young deacon, Athanasius (c. 296–373) attended Nicaea with his bishop. Bishop of Alexandria from 328, he was exiled five times by four emperors, about 17 years in all, sometimes hiding with desert monks. His On the Incarnation argues that God became human so humans could share in God's life. His Life of Anthony spread the monastic ideal to the West. In 367 he listed the 27 New Testament books.
Why it matters
His stubbornness kept Nicene teaching alive when emperors favored its opponents; the phrase 'Athanasius against the world' comes from this.
Life, legacy and sources
Many of his treatises, letters and defenses of his conduct survive. Catholic, Orthodox and Coptic churches honor him as a saint. The 'Athanasian Creed' bears his name but was written later, around 500.
Questions and debates
Some historians see him as a ruthless political operator; enemies accused him of violence, and how fairly he portrayed his opponents is debated.
Connections (2)
▸Athanasius of Alexandria spent decades opposing Arius and the Arian controversyHistorical record
The connection
As a deacon, Athanasius attended Nicaea alongside his bishop. As bishop himself (from 328) he refused to readmit Arius, even when Constantine ordered it. His opponents had him exiled five times. In his Orations Against the Arians he argued that only a fully divine Son could save humanity, and he lumped his varied opponents together as 'Arians'.
When and where
Alexandria, Nicaea, Trier and Rome, and the Egyptian desert, 325–373.
Historical evidence
Athanasius's own defenses and treatises survive, and Arius's letters are preserved in them and in later historians such as Theodoret.
Questions and debates
How much of the clash was theology and how much Alexandrian church politics, including Athanasius's feud with the rival Melitian clergy, who allied with Arius's supporters, is debated.
▸Athanasius of Alexandria first listed the 27 New Testament books of The biblical canon: the agreed list of booksHistorical record
The connection
In his 39th Festal Letter, sent for Easter 367, Athanasius listed the books to be read as scripture, the first known list matching exactly today's 27 New Testament books: 'Let no one add to these or take away.' He named other books, like the Shepherd of Hermas, as useful for new believers but not scripture.
When and where
Alexandria, Egypt, Easter 367, sent to churches and monasteries across Egypt.
Historical evidence
The letter survives in Greek fragments and fuller Coptic copies; later collections of church law include its list.
Questions and debates
Whether he recorded a consensus or imposed one is debated; some suggest the Nag Hammadi books were hidden soon after his letter, but that is unproven.