E03229: The Acts of *Sylvester (bishop of Rome, 00397) are written in Latin in a number of versions, the earliest by the 5th c. They narrate episodes of the life of Sylvester, in particular highlighting his role in the conversion and baptism of the emperor Constantine. Later translated into Greek and Syriac.

Acts of Sylvester

We here provide a short summary of the main elements of the narrative of books I and II of the Acts, which go back to the earliest version. In the lack of any reliable edition classifying the versions and manuscripts, this summary is based on the most accessible text, that of Mombritius’ edition, despite its shortcomings (it represents, according to Levison’s classification, the version C). See the bibliography for detailed studies on the content of the Acts and the various versions (in particular Pohlkamp 1992).

Summary:

BHL 7725:

The Acts are preceded by a prologue (starting “Historiographus noster Eusebius”), stating that they were originally written in Greek by Eusebius and here translated into Latin.

BHL 7726-7730:

The main narrative can be divided into four parts written over two books (two parts per book). The first part (Mombritius 508-510), focusses on Sylvester, from youth until his consecration as bishop of Rome, referring to his pastoral activity (welcoming the future martyr Timotheus and praying at his martyrion after his death; taking care of the poor; holding theological disputes over fasting). The second (Mombritius, 510-515) relates how the emperor Constantine, as he persecuted Christians, fell ill with leprosy. He then repented, met Sylvester (following the advice of Peter and Paul appearing to him), was converted and then baptised by the bishop in the imperial palace thus regaining health. The narrative continues discussing Constantine's activities to promote Christianity after his baptism. The third part (Mombritius, 515-529) first narrates the dispute on Christianity between Sylvester and twelve learned Jews in Rome, organised following a letter exchange between Constantine and his mother Helena, and taking place in front of the emperor Constantine and his mother. The long description of the dispute, presided by the judges Crato and Zenophilus in 315, sees Sylvester’s triumph, also thanks to the miraculous resurrection of a bull. It ends with the conversion of several Jews and pagans, in particular Constantine’s mother and sons. The fourth and final part of the narrative (Mombritius 529-531) narrates how Sylvester miraculously defeated a dragon in Rome (with the help of the Apostle Peter who appeared to him in a vision and gave him instructions on how to defeat it) and triggered mass conversions. It ends with the text of a law of Constantine promoting Christianity.

The Acts in Mombritius’ edition end with an epilogue added later to the original narrative (BHL 7731-7732; Mombritius, 531) praising Sylvester’s actions (notably the construction of churches of the saints) and relating Sylvester’s last speech. Sylvester is said to have been buried in the cemetery of Priscilla, at the third milestone on the Via Salaria on the day before the Calends of January [= 31 December].

Text: Mombritius 1910, II, 508-531. Summary: M. Pignot.