Quadratus of Athens

Quadratus (Greek Κοδρᾶτος Kodrâtos or Kodratus ) ( † about 130 in Athens ) was a bishop of Athens and apologist. The Christian Orient expects him to the seventy disciples.

Quadratus of Athens is considered the first Christian apologist. Eusebius of Caesarea calls him one of the pupils of the apostles, especially Paul and John. Due to his age, he can be counted among the Apostolic Fathers. Quadratus allegedly knew some who were healed by Christ himself. Bishop Dionysius of Corinth, who died in 171, reported that Quadratus had after the martyrdom of his predecessor, Saint Publius, assumed the office of bishop of Athens. When Emperor Hadrian Athens or Asia Minor in 120 years, paid a visit, have Quadratus, as reported by Eusebius, the Emperor passed a defense, in which he justified Christianity and pointed out that he himself could testify that he some of those who Jesus had healed or raised from the dead, was still personally encountered.

Lange is unanimously assumed that the defense of Scripture itself does not exist anymore (except for the passage quoted by Eusebius ). In recent times, but P. Andriessen and W. Holmes represented the thesis Quadratus ' Apology could be identical to the Diognetbrief, although the only known by Eusebius quote does not appear in it.

Quadratus died around 130, he is said to have survived a stoning, but his then died in prison. As Bishop Leonidas succeeded him in office. Quadratus is venerated as a saint. His feast day is May 26 in the Catholic and September 22 in the Orthodox Church.