GENERALIZATION:

Eusebius' History of the Church is an extremely valuable source for anyone who wants to understand the development of the church during the Ante-Nicene period. However, the work does have some serious limitations.

ID'S:

EUSEBIUS, DEMONSTRATION OF THE GOSPEL, PAMPHILIUS, ABGAR, PHILO, JOSEPHUS, THEOPHANIES, CONSTANTINE, POLYCARP, ORIGEN
 

I. Introduction

II. Strengths of Eusebius

A. Scholarly ability

1. Education: Pamphilius
2. Wide variety of sources
3. Scholarship balanced by personal experience
4. Decent philosopher and theologian (Preparation for the Gospel/Proof of the Gospel=Demonstration of the    Gospel)

B. Concentration on particularly important subjects

C. Expert in chronology

D. Quotes liberaly from sources/identifies sources clearly

E. Isn't often deceived by fables
 

III. Weaknesses of work

A. Problems with sources

B. Style

C. Bias

D. Preference for ingenious rather than simple

N.B.: This is just an introductory outline. You will be reading most of Eusebius' Church History. As you read, be sure to pay keep track of those things that make this book a valuable source and any limitations you see. Note the issues Eusebius deals with especially well and those he does not deal with so well.