Quadratus of Athens

Quadratus of Athens (Ancient Greek: Κοδρᾶτος; fl. 2nd century) was an early Christian apologist, traditionally regarded as a disciple of the Apostles and one of the Seventy Disciples. He is best known for presenting an apology to Emperor Hadrian during his visit to Athens around 124–125 CE. His work included a defense of the Christian faith against its critics, what he saw as the enduring impact of Jesus' miracles.

Quadratus is also associated with the apostolic tradition and is recognized as the Bishop of Athens, succeeding Saint Publius. His feast day is observed on May 26 in the Catholic Church and September 21 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Quadratus was born near the end of the first century CE, likely in the region of Asia Minor. According to James Wallace, his year of birth is estimated to be around 60 CE.

Church historian Eusebius of Caesarea wrote that Quadratus was a disciple of the Apostles (auditor apostolorum), as noted in Chronicon. In his early years, he traveled as an itinerant preacher, spreading the Gospel and journeying through regions such as Asia Minor.

Later, after settling in Athens, Quadratus, much like other Athenian apologists such as Aristides and Athenagoras, did not hold a formal position within the Church hierarchy. Instead, he was an independent teacher, freely sharing his knowledge and faith. According to Robert and Andrew Foulis (1754) they refer to Quadratus and Aristides as former philosophers.

Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History (Book IV, Chapter 3) states that Quadratus delivered an Apology to Emperor Hadrian during his Athens visit in 124–125 CE. This defense of Christianity targeted critics and circulated widely in early Christian circles. Eusebius lauded his work because of its intellect and adherence to apostolic doctrine. The sole surviving fragment discusses Jesus's miracles with it reading:

Our Saviour's works, moreover, were always present: for they were real, consisting of those who had been healed of their diseases, those who had been raised from the dead; who were not only seen while they were being healed and raised up, but were afterwards constantly present. Nor did they remain only during the sojourn of the Saviour on earth, but also a considerable time after His departure; and, indeed, some of them have survived even down to our own times.

Dionysius of Corinth wrote that Quadratus was appointed Bishop of Athens following the martyrdom of Saint Publius. The letter states that through Quadratus' zeal, the Athenian Christians were reunited, and their faith was revitalized. Based on this reading, he became the third Bishop of Athens sometime during the first half of the second century. Although this claim is disputed as the third office Bishop was held around 180 CE, surpassing his approximate death year of 130 CE.