Gregory Thaumaturgus’ Other Works

Known as Theodore before his baptism, Gregory was likely born in Neocaesarea, in modern-day Turkey, around A.D. 205. He came from a pagan family of modest means and, in the process of studying law, ended up in Caesarea where he met Origen. He was immediately drawn to this enigmatic, brilliant Christian scholar and became his student until 238. Gregory then returned to Neocaesarea, was ordained as Bishop, and by all accounts was successful at converting many from his native town to Christianity. He earned the surname Thaumaturgus, meaning wonder worker, because many miracles occurred while he led the Church. Unfortunately, his flock experienced significant trouble between the Decian persecution of 250 and being further ravaged by barbarian invasions in 260. Gregory participated in a council of bishops condemning Paul of Samosata and died soon after around 270.

This episode contains three works by Gregory Thaumaturgus. The first is a short declaration of Trinitarian Faith, preserved by Gregory of Nyssa in his “Life of Gregory” which itself recounts many of the older Gregory’s miracles. While only a few sentences, it clearly follows the Nicene format that would be formalized many decades later. The second is an exposition of the book of Ecclesiastes, where Gregory weaves interpretation and exposition alongside the text itself. The final is a short epistle, called Canonical because it is included in the church law of the Eastern Church, in which Gregory provides counsel to another bishop on ethical matters related to the attacking barbarians. He addresses wartime issues such as rape, pillaging, and benefitting from the destruction of one’s neighbor.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.