Approaching Apollonius: An Introduction to Apollonius of Tyana for Students and Teachers in Biblical Studies
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Apollonius of Tyana resembles Jesus Christ more than does any other person in antiquity, at least if what his biographer Philostratus claims is true. According to their respective biographers--in the Life of Apollonius of Tyana and in the canonical Gospels--both ancient figures were renowned holy men, miracle-workers, exorcists, and itinerant teachers who lived in the first century AD. Nevertheless, many Bible professors and students have never heard of Apollonius. Others who have heard of Apollonius often uncritically accept the testimony of Philostratus. Some New Testament scholars who write about Apollonius are unaware of the numerous historical problems that plague Philostratus’s book and of the other early sources that portray Apollonius as a sorcerer or charlatan. This book serves as a guide for students, professors, or curious laypersons who are approaching the study of Apollonius for the first time. This work explores ten key issues that will help the reader make an informed decision about Apollonius. The book examines the ancient sources available for the study of Apollonius, the historical accuracy of Philostratus’s biography, and the agendas of Philostratus and his royal patroness Julia Domna and provides a fulsome bibliography for those who wish to pursue these topics on their own.
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Approaching Apollonius successfully excavates the little-known facts that scholars and their students often overlook. Dr. Parker’s reexamination of all the available material relating to Apollonius, particularly the overlooked material, makes this work the starting point for all people who desire to learn more about this enigmatic but influential individual.
——Randall C. Bailey, Professor of Bible, VP, Black College of Biblical Studies, Faulkner University
Appeals to Apollonius are not uncommon in scholarship on the historical Jesus. But Approaching Apollonius shows how such appeals are often overly simplistic—sometimes grossly so. By contrast, Parker copiously sifts primary sources about Apollonius, even-handedly engages both biblical scholars and classicists, and critically explains ramifications for students of the New Testament. Parker’s work is epochal and puts on a new footing any future study of Apollonius’s relevance to the historical Jesus.
——J. David Stark, Winnie and Cecil May Jr. Biblical Research Fellow, Faulkner University