Anonymous, The Religious Discussion at the Court of the Sassanids [Religionsgespräch am Hof der Sasaniden / De Gestis in Perside] (2010)
Source: Roger Pearse
Religious Discussion at the Court of the Sassanids
[Religionsgespräch am Hof der Sasaniden / De Gestis in Perside]
[Translated by Andrew Eastbourne]
Page numbers refer to Bratke's edition ; section numbers refer to Bringel's edition (unless otherwise stated, her edition of the "long recension"—pp. 288-494). References to "Bringel's text" normally introduce my own translation of her Greek text, not her (French) translation, and general references to Bringel's comments refer to footnotes ad locc. in her edition.
Fragments of Philip of Side, and probable references to him, are put in boldface here.
[p. 1]
1. When Arrhinatus was king of Persia, and second after him was Pasargarus, who held the highest rank of the highest officials in authority, and third was Diocles, who managed the satrapies and provinces, and Aphroditianus, holding the rank of "chief cook" — dialalia abdodedôrou mou toi —"the authority will judge purely"— there arose a dispute in this land between pagans and Christians concerning Dionysarus and Philip, the writers of history. The pagans championed Dionysarus, the Christians, Philip.
2. And when many had been agitated, the King gathered together all the bishops who were in those lands, numbering more than 100, and not a few archimandrites; [p. 2] among these they urged me also to come along—the only one from Roman territory; for all [these others] were from those regions.
3. And when they had been assembled, the King brought together the Rabbis of the Jews, saying to them: " Since some have said that the fine sayings of the pagans preach about Christ, and some dispute this, become judges of the two sides, and tell me the truth accurately. For I trust neither pagans nor Christians one-sidedly, when they are speaking in defense of themselves. Therefore, laboriously unfolding every idea in the divine book, and devoting all your thoughts to it, neither favoring the one group nor the other, report them to the unconquerable authority of my hands —knowing that if you are hindered by any other order, I will immediately see to the destruction of you all."
And they fell down upon the golden pavement at his feet seven times, and said: "Imperial Master, first god of all authority and kingship, grant us space for a defence!"
And he granted it, saying: "Consider the religion which you revere, without partiality to either."
And they said: "Let us not come into evil suspicion, when your hand holds sway over all the land. We shall not say anything except what is right for Your Heavenly Divinity to hear. For we are not able to listen to pagans—for they are far from our religion—nor to give heed at all to the murderous and impure Christians, who have become tyrants over the whole human race, and have attacked all the just [commands] of the divine monarchy; they apply all [p. 3] their professions of faith to one single man, whom our ancestors rightly determined to destroy; and they treat the one who died as though he were alive, and they call upon the one whom they did not see as though they see him. But if it seems good to you, righteous masters, make the all-wise and noble Aphroditianus [act as] judge for the two parties."
And immediately the King said: "By Zeus, you have uttered inspired speech today!" And quickly bringing Aphroditianus, and sending those men [i.e., the Jews] away, he said to him: " Your people began the dispute against Philip, the priest of the Christians . Therefore, whereas I know that you neither take delight in feasting nor take pleasure in wine, but instead you spurn gatherings of people and despise reputation and cast aside money, devoting yourself solely to philosophy, I give you this order: Go yourself alone and respond to the chorus of priests, showing all deference to the truth, so that in this matter too the power of our kingship shall be preeminent."
4. But the Jews were putting this man forward as a trick, so that he might trample underfoot the Christians' name. This Aphroditianus was a pagan to whom no one's mouth was able to render an account. And there was no small struggle impending for us, so as not to be defeated by this man. For all the hairs [on our heads], if they became mental processes, would not be able to disentangle one simple thought of his.
5. Now then, when before the meeting everyone had been cowering in fear of him, and they were trying to escape from his inarguable stratagems, and were lamenting —before his appearance, I said to the bishops who were with me: "Do you not know that right here, the "un-wise" [art] defeated the "all-wise" art? Have you given yourselves such expectations of being entirely overcome by him? All the wisdom of the Chaldaeans and Babylonians has been overcome by the divine thought of that young man, Daniel. [p. 4] Therefore, in imitation of him, let us say: 'There is a God in heaven who reveals deep and hidden things.' So let us take along with us Casteleus the senior priest and let us continue entirely undefeated."
6. And after fasting and making prayers of entreaty, we assembled together, along with that man who had grown old in righteousness, Casteleus; and the bishops sealed themselves, keeping the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in their minds.
And now, Aphroditianus arrived—he himself having also grown old, being now in his eightieth year—and when he sat down upon a throne of gold, built from priceless stones, since the faces of everyone were bowed to the ground, he recognized that they were in no way able to defend themselves before him. And he said to them, having been goaded by God: "You peaceful priests, why are you disturbed? I have not come to cause you pain by any means, but rather to encourage you. So the contest can proceed painlessly. Take heart, then, and apply yourselves to the truth correctly, in earnest, and you will have victory." And the bishops, hearing this, recovered their wits fully.
7. Irenaeus, the bishop of Basirênê, said: "With whom is your God-fearing will disputing? With Dionysarus or with Philip? If you are at odds with Dionysarus, he is yours! You ought to be the judge regarding him. But if [you are at odds] with Philip, then we should make a defence in his regard, since he is a Christian ."
8. Aphroditianus said: "It is well for you, priest, if you finish as you have begun. For I bear on my lips the things [written] by Philip . But, so that you will not think that I [p. 5] have made any additions, bring the so-called 'books' themselves and read them to the assembly."
9. Hesiod the bishop said: "And if I bring out a book and you attack it as having been falsified ...?"
Aphroditianus said: "I know, if anything has been left out or if anything has been added."
10. And his long-winded book was brought, in which "Greek Oracles" were contained . And he ordered the boy standing near him to read it: Phdgse distrarek tou ô —"let the one standing beside [me] read."
But he, not paying heed to the book, quickly declared it (?).