Chapter 1, The Nature and Work of Christ Summary and Analysis

At the start of the first chapter, Eusebius discloses his plan for his history of the church. He wants to (a) describe the line of succession from Christ's apostles, (b) give the names and dates of heretics, (c) discuss the calamities faced by the Jews following their conspiracy against Christ, (d) recount the terrible campaigns against the gospel by heretics and the heroism with which the church fought against them, and (e) record the stories of the great martyrs. He will begin with the story of Jesus; he apologizes for his modest talents in historical writings.

Eusebius will demonstrate both the divine and ancient features of Christian origins. He will start with Christ but cannot find adequate words to describe Him. He cites Christ's greatness and claims the Old...