(BEGINNING OF 2ND CENT.)
[Roman, and all Latin Martyrologies. Authorities:--Eusebius, lib.
iii. c. 39; and S. Jerome, De Scrip. Ecclesiasticis, c. 9;
epist. 29, ad. Theodoram.]
Papias lived at the same time as the illustrious Polycarp, and had the
privilege of conversing with those who had known and heard the
Apostles, as also with Aristion and the priest John, who had been
disciples of our blessed Lord. He wrote a work entitled "The
interpretation of Our Lord's declaration," in five books, containing
various parables of Our Lord not contained in the Gospels, and other
portions of His doctrine. Papias was visited at Hierapolis, where he
was bishop, by the daughters of S. Philip the Apostle, and from them
also he derived much information. Papias does not seem, from Eusebius'
account, to have been a man of much mental power. He says, "He was
very limited in his comprehension, as is evident from his discourses."
Nor had he much acuteness of judgment, for he is accused by the same
writer of having inserted in his work much that was fabulous.