Arnobius of Sicca

• Arnobius flourished in Proconsular Africa under Diocletian (284-305) at Sicca and taught rhetoric with distinction.
• He was an eminent Latin apologist for Christianity.
• As a professor of rhetoric, his reputation was high and his

pupils numerous and distinguished; among them was Lactantius.

• Arnobius was a sincere pagan, well versed in philosophy, and active as a lecturer in attacks on Christianity.
• However, the sight of the martyrdoms during the Diocletian persecution affected him; and as a result of a dream, in which he was warned to submit to Christ, he was converted and approached the bishop of Sicca for reception as a Christian.
• The bishop was doubtful about his conversion, and Arnobius, to prove his sincerity, composed a polemical work against heathenism during the Diocletian persecution: Adversus Nationes.
• He was thereupon baptized and then ordained a presbyter.
• Of the remainder of his life, nothing is known.

1. Adversus Nationes (Against the Heathen): Seven books.

• Written ca. 303-311.
• Books 1-2 are a defense of Christianity - vindication

from charges.

• Books 3-7 attack pagan superstition and mythology, his knowledge of Christian doctrine is slight.
• The second part of the work is the better part.
• In this work, he speaks of God in the noblest language of adoration, referring to Him as the First Cause; Father and Lord of all things; Foundation of all; Author of only good; Unborn; Omnipresent; Infinite; Incorporeal; shrouded in light; to be known as the Ineffable.
• Of the Lord Jesus Christ, he says that He is God, and is the supreme Philosopher and Teacher, both of nature and religion.
• Against the Heathen is of great importance for its allusions to heathen mythology and ceremony; and to the law, education, and amusements of the period.