Eusebius. Based on the legal doctrine of cui bono ( who gains.) Eusebius, writing an alleged 'history of the church' in the 4th century is the first to proclaim the TF in all its glory.
Origen, writing 75 years earlier, never heard of it in spite of making specific reference to Book XVIII of Antiquities of the Jews AND it would have been extremely beneficial to the argument he was trying to make.
Whereas Eusebius gives us plenty of ammunition for seeing his reason for writing his godboy into the story.
Origen, writing 75 years earlier, never heard of it in spite of making specific reference to Book XVIII of Antiquities of the Jews AND it would have been extremely beneficial to the argument he was trying to make.
Whereas Eusebius gives us plenty of ammunition for seeing his reason for writing his godboy into the story.
Quote:9. Since an historian, who is one of the Hebrews themselves, has recorded in his work these things concerning John the Baptist and our Saviour, what excuse is there left for not convicting them of being destitute of all shame, who have forged the acts against them? But let this suffice here.
Eusebius Ecclesiastical History Book I Chapter XI
