Who was Rabbula of Edessa?
Rabbula, also known in Latin as Rabula, served as the bishop of Edessa from 411 to August 435 AD. He is particularly noted for his staunch opposition to the theological views of Theodore of Mopsuestia and Nestorius. However, following his tenure, his successor Ibas reversed the official doctrinal stance of the bishopric, supporting Nestorianism. It is important not to confuse him with the 6th-century scribe of the renowned Rabbula Gospels.
Venerated as a saint, Bishop Rabbula is honored by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Syriac Orthodox Church, with his feast days observed on different dates.
Sources on Rabbula’s Life
The primary biographical source detailing Rabbula’s life is a Syriac text that chronicles his birth, significant achievements, and ultimate demise. This text, translated into English by J. J. Overbeck in 1865, was preserved in a Syriac manuscript housed in the British Museum. The parchment, dated to the sixth century AD, provides crucial insights into his spiritual journey, theological battles, and administrative efforts within the Church of Edessa.
An illustration from the Rabbula Gospels, depicting evangelists John, Matthew, Luke, and Mark.
Early Life and Conversion
Rabbula was born in Qinnasrin, an ancient town near Aleppo, which also served as a bishopric. His father was a pagan priest, while his mother was a devoted Christian. Despite his mother’s influence, Rabbula remained a pagan well into adulthood, even after marriage. His conversion to Christianity occurred during a journey to his country estates, where he witnessed a miraculous healing. Additionally, the teachings of Eusebius, the bishop of Kenneschrin, and Acacius, the bishop of Aleppo, played a significant role in transforming his religious beliefs. This moment marked the beginning of his deep commitment to the Christian faith.
Embracing Christian Asceticism
Once converted, Rabbula wholeheartedly dedicated himself to Christian asceticism. He renounced his worldly possessions, separated from his wife and family, and sought a monastic lifestyle. Initially, he resided in a monastery, but he later embraced an even more rigorous form of asceticism as a solitary hermit. His intense devotion and extreme self-discipline distinguished him among his peers and positioned him as a strong candidate for the bishopric of Edessa.
Bishop of Edessa
Following the death of Bishop Diogenes in 411-412 AD, Rabbula was chosen as his successor. Unlike many others, he did not feign reluctance to accept the position but instead took it on with determination. As bishop, he exhibited extraordinary energy and commitment to his duties, balancing administrative responsibilities with a continued ascetic lifestyle.
His tenure was marked by several significant accomplishments. He dedicated himself to the care of the poor and suffering, using Church resources to provide relief and assistance. Additionally, he implemented strict disciplinary measures among the clergy and monastic communities to ensure adherence to Christian principles. Rabbula also played a pivotal role in combatting heresies, particularly the Nestorian doctrine, which was gaining traction at the time.
Opposition to Nestorianism
Rabbula was one of the fiercest opponents of Nestorianism, a Christological doctrine promoted by Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople. Nestorianism emphasized the distinction between Christ’s divine and human natures, a view that Rabbula saw as a dangerous deviation from orthodox Christian teaching. His theological stance aligned with that of Cyril of Alexandria, a prominent defender of Christ’s unity.
Bishop Rabbula’s alliance with Cyril of Alexandria and his direct challenges to Nestorianism underscored his commitment to orthodox Christology.
During a visit to Constantinople, Rabbula boldly preached before Emperor Theodosius II, who at the time favored Nestorius. His sermon denounced Nestorian beliefs, emphasizing the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures. Portions of this sermon have survived in Syriac translation, providing insight into his theological arguments. His alliance with Cyril of Alexandria further strengthened his opposition to Nestorianism, and he translated Cyril’s treatise De recta fide into Syriac to reinforce these teachings within his own bishopric.
Challenges to Rabbula’s Legacy
Despite the widely accepted view of Rabbula as a pious and dedicated bishop, some scholars argue that this portrayal may not be entirely accurate. The Life of Rabbula recounts an episode preceding his appointment as bishop, in which he and the future bishop of Tella, Eusebius, traveled to Baalbek (Heliopolis) in Lebanon—one of the last pagan strongholds—intending to provoke the locals into martyring them. Instead of being killed, Rabbula was severely beaten but survived. According to the Life of Rabbula, his survival was attributed to divine intervention, ensuring his future role as bishop. This account has led some scholars to question whether his actions were always as calculated and noble as traditionally depicted.
Rabbula’s Writings and Biblical Contributions
Although Rabbula’s literary contributions were not extensive, his efforts in shaping Syriac biblical texts were highly significant. He sought to replace the Diatessaron, a Gospel harmony composed by Tatian, with the four canonical Gospels. He mandated that every church should possess a copy of the canonical Gospels, a decision that had a lasting impact on Syriac Christianity.
Some scholars attribute a version (or revision) of the New Testament in Syriac, known as the Peshitta, to Rabbula. The British Museum houses a manuscript that is believed to be linked to his efforts. While some, such as F. C. Burkitt, have argued that Rabbula played a direct role in translating the Peshitta from Greek texts circulating in Antioch, later research by Arthur Vööbus suggests that the Peshitta predated him. This implies that Rabbula’s contribution might have been more about endorsing an existing translation rather than creating a new one.
Further research has revealed that the Gospel text prepared by Rabbula, the Evangelion Da-Mepharreshe, aligns with the Old Syriac Curetonian Palimpsest rather than the Peshitta. This discovery challenges earlier assumptions about his role in Syriac biblical translation. It suggests that Rabbula might have been unfamiliar with the Peshitta and instead worked on his own translation from the Greek.
Veneration and Feast Days
Rabbula is venerated as a saint, though his name does not appear in the official liturgical calendars of the Catholic or Orthodox Churches. However, historical records indicate that he was commemorated in Greek Mineas (liturgical books) from the 9th to 12th centuries. One such record exists in the Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai, listing his feast day as December 20.
The Syriac Orthodox Church actively venerates Rabbula, celebrating his memory on multiple dates: December 17 or 19, August 8, and the third Wednesday after Easter.
Rabbula’s legacy remains particularly strong within Syriac Christian traditions, where his theological contributions and ascetic example continue to inspire the faithful.
Questions and Answers
How did Rabbula convert to Christianity?
He converted after witnessing a miraculous healing and through the influence of bishops Eusebius of Kenneschrin and Acacius of Aleppo.
An illustration taken from the Rabbula Gospels.
What was Rabbula’s approach to Christian asceticism?
He embraced extreme asceticism, sold his possessions, separated from his wife, and lived as a hermit before becoming a bishop.
How did Rabbula combat heresies?
He fiercely opposed Nestorianism, preached against it in Constantinople, and translated Cyril of Alexandria’s De recta fide into Syriac.
What contributions did Rabbula make to Syriac Christianity?
He promoted the use of the four canonical Gospels over Tatian’s Diatessaron and may have contributed to the Syriac Peshitta translation.
What is the Life of Rabbula?
It is a Syriac biographical text detailing Rabbula’s life, achievements, and death, preserved in a 6th-century manuscript.
How did Rabbula’s successor, Ibas, differ from him?
Ibas reversed Rabbula’s anti-Nestorian stance and supported Theodore of Mopsuestia’s teachings.
What evidence suggests an alternative view of Rabbula?
Some scholars argue that his biography exaggerates his virtues and that he sought martyrdom by provoking pagans in Baalbek.
How is Rabbula venerated today?
He is venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox Churches, with feast days on December 17, 19, 20, and August 8.
What was Rabbula’s role in biblical translation?
He worked to replace the Diatessaron with the four Gospels and may have contributed to the Syriac Evangelion Da-Mepharreshe, distinct from the Peshitta.
