SS Outline 1.18.2026

Church History
January 18, 2026

Title: The Constantinian Era

Subject Matter: The church’s transformation under imperial favor

I. From Persecuted Minority to Publicly Favored Faith
A. After 313, Christianity rushed from a tolerated religion to a privileged religion.
B. 
Imperial funding, legislation, and patronage reshaped church life.

II. Constantine’s Policies Toward the Church
A. Legal Changes

• 
Restoration of confiscated property.

• Exemption of clergy from certain taxes and civic duties.
• Provision for state-funded church buildings.

B. Moral and Social Legislation


• Restrictions on gladiatorial games.

• Protections for women, children, and the poor.

• Sunday is recognized as a day of rest and worship.

III. Institutional and Administrative Impact
A. The church began developing clearer administrative structures parallel to those of the empire.

B. Bishops increasingly served as cultural and sometimes political brokers.

C. Imperial involvement in disputes and councils increased (leading to Nicaea in 325).

Reading 1 – Eusebius, Church History 10.2
“After the grievous storms of persecution, a bright day of peace dawned, and the churches came forth from hiding as if from long captivity.”
Discussion Questions:

• How does Eusebius frame the end of persecution in theological terms?
• What assumptions does he make about God’s purposes in political events?

Reading 2 – Eusebius, Life of Constantine 2.28
“Constantine, inspired by God, adorned the churches with beautiful buildings more splendid than any before, that the worship of the Savior might shine forth.”
Discussion Questions:

• Does Eusebius see imperial patronage as a spiritual good, a political necessity, or both?
• What potential blind spots might arise from a historian who admires the emperor?

Reading 3 – Imperial Legislation on the Church (c. 320s)
“He ordered that the church’s judgments in disputes between believers shall have binding authority, even above the civil courts.”
Discussion Questions:

• How could this reinforce the church’s unity?
• How might it blur the line between ecclesial authority and political authority?

Eusebius of Caesarea
I. Early Life and Formation

• Born around 260 in Palestine.

• Mentored by Pamphilus, a scholar devoted to Origen’s writings.

• Survived the Diocletian persecution and witnessed the church’s reemergence.

II. Historian of the Early Church

• Authored the first central narrative of Christian history: Ecclesiastical History.

• Goal: demonstrate God’s providence from Christ to his own day. It preserves invaluable documents, quotations, and accounts of martyrs.

III. Bishop and Imperial Interpreter

• Became Bishop of Caesarea around 313.

• Admired Constantine and saw him as a chosen instrument for Christian flourishing.

• Wrote Life of Constantine as a theological biography.