Beryllus of Bostra

Beryllus of Bostra (fl. c. 222–235) was a bishop of Bostra whose writings are lost but is mainly remembered for denying the pre-existence of Christ, and also for dynamic Monarchianism, the denial of Christ's independent divinity. According to Eusebius he was among the "learned churchmen" (Hist. eccl. VI, 20) of the period. His writings and letters were held in the library established by Alexander of Jerusalem, but have not been preserved. Historical theology knows Beryllus. Origen disputed with Beryllus at the Councils of Arabia regarding Monarchianism between 238 and 244 and appears to have persuaded him, though he may have retained his view on pre-existence.[1] Beryllos offers an early example of the heretical beliefs Hellenic Christians imputed to the Arabs as a race.[2][3]

  1. ^ James L. Papandrea The Earliest Christologies: Five Images of Christ in the Postapostolic Age p.37
  2. ^ Rome and the Arabs, Dumbarton Oaks, 107–8, 154, 158
  3. ^ Byzantium and the Arabs in the Fourth Century, Dumbarton Oaks, 201, 278–79