Approaching Apollonius: An Introduction to Apollonius of Tyana for Students and Teachers in Biblical Studies

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.