Linus
“Possibly from linon, meaning 'linen'”
Summary
A Christian at Rome who sent greetings to Timothy through Paul, and who according to early church tradition became the first bishop of Rome after the apostles.
☩Biblical Reference
Linus is mentioned only once in Scripture, in 2 Timothy 4:21, where Paul, writing from his Roman prison during his second and final imprisonment, conveys greetings to Timothy from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia. Linus was thus among the few Christians who remained faithful to Paul when most had forsaken him during his final imprisonment. The fact that he is mentioned third in the list, without any special designation, suggests he had not yet attained any distinctive office at that time.
☩Church Tradition
According to Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons about AD 178, Linus was 'entrusted with the office of the bishopric by the apostles,' being the first bishop of Rome after Peter and Paul. Eusebius confirms this tradition in his church history, listing Linus as holding the Roman episcopate for twelve years. Tertullian differs by asserting that Clement was consecrated bishop by Peter, creating some confusion in early records. The Apostolic Constitutions identify him as 'Linus the son of Claudia,' suggesting a family connection with the Claudia mentioned alongside him in 2 Timothy.
☩Dating and Later Legend
The dates assigned to Linus's episcopate vary considerably among ancient authorities. Eusebius suggests AD 68-80, while Pearson argues for AD 55-67, placing his tenure during Peter's lifetime rather than after his death. Later tradition elaborated his story: the Roman Breviary states he was born at Volterra in Etruria, that he enacted a rule requiring women to have their heads covered in church based on 1 Corinthians 11:5, and that he died as a martyr by beheading at the instigation of Saturninus. He is said to be buried in the Vatican beside St. Peter.
Related Verses1 mention
2 Timothy· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Linus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Linus," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Linus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).