Eusebius: Ecclesiastical History, Books I–X

Chapter XXXIII.—The Error of Beryllus.

1. Beryllus, ^{Edition note 1} whom we mentioned recently as bishop of Bostra in Arabia, turned aside from the ecclesiastical standard ^{Edition note 2} and attempted to introduce ideas foreign to the faith. He dared to assert that our Saviour and Lord did not pre-exist in a distinct form of being of his own ^{Edition note 3} before his abode among men, and that he does not possess a divinity of his own, ^{Edition note 4} but only that of the Father dwelling in him.

2. Many bishops carried on investigations and discussions with him on this matter, and Origen having been invited with the others, went down at first for a conference with him to ascertain his real opinion. But when he understood his views, and perceived that they were erroneous, having persuaded him by argument, and convinced him by demonstration, he brought him back to the true doctrine, and restored him to his former sound opinion.

3. There are still extant writings of Beryllus and of the synod held on his account, which contain the questions put to him by Origen, and the discussions which were carried on in his parish, as well as all the things done at that time.

4. The elder brethren among us ^{Edition note 5} have handed down many other facts respecting Origen which I think proper to omit, as not pertaining to this work. But whatever it has seemed necessary to record about him can be found in the Apology in his behalf written by us and Pamphilus, the holy martyr of our day. We prepared this carefully and did the work jointly on account of faultfinders. ^{Edition note 6}