Peter, Bishop of Alexandria

This episode contains three works related to Peter, Bishop of Alexandria. Following Theonas, Peter held his episcopate for twelve years until, in A.D 311, the ninth year of persecution under Maximin, he was beheaded. Lauded by Eusebius as an “excellent doctor of the Christian religion,” an account of his character and martyrdom comprise the first work presented in here. It should be noted that this account references “the Ever Virgin-Mary” and the heretic Arius, suggesting a much later date for its composition than Peter’s death.

The second document, a Canonical epistle likely written around A.D. 306, addresses the question of the lapsed, or those who fell away during persecution and wished to return to the Church. The decisions laid out in the canons largely mirror those made by Cyprian, showing agreement between Alexander and Carthage on this matter.

The final work in this episode discusses the date of Passover. Given Anatolius’ work previously presented it is perhaps unsurprising to find the Bishop of Alexandria speaking authoritatively on the matter. It does, however, provide more insight into how the Early Church handled worship and ends with a rather surprising claim, that in the city of Ephesus there existed an original copy of John’s Gospel. Sadly, such physical signs of the Apostolic age are no longer extant, but the witness of the Church remains a testament to God’s power and grace. Even without such items the message of the Gospel has continued to spread throughout the world through the faithful witness of believers like Peter.

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