An Exile for Christ

On this day in 362 AD, Athanasius returned to Alexandria as his third exile came to an end. He had been in exile for six years in Upper Egypt evading arrest. He was about 65 years old when he returned from exile, but this would not be his last exile. He would be exiled two more times for various lengths of time and would die in 373.

Athanasius of Alexandria was the assistant to the Bishop Alexander of Alexandria at the Council of Nicaea. Athanasius would succeed Alexander as the Bishop of Alexandria. He would also take up his mentor's battle for orthodoxy in the church. Athanasius was well educated and well liked by the people. He was a Greek scholar, a textual critic, and expert theologian. If he had minded his own business, he probably would have been left alone in his city. However, Athanasius was dedicated to God and orthodoxy. He was a prolific author and he ably defended the doctrine of the Trinity. 

Athanasius of Alexander was a man that remained committed to God even when the world was against him. Several Roman Emperor's favored the heresy Arianism, but Athanasius wholeheartedly stood his ground against the false teaching. He never wavered in his commitment, even though it led to life-threatening conflict and exile. Athanasius could have experienced fame and comfort, but chose his commitment to God over the pleasures of the world. 

When the pressure comes to compromise our convictions, let us look to Athanasius. He stood his ground in faith and led the church toward orthodoxy.