Philostratus’s biography of Apollonius was written to show Apollonius as a “divine man” and to prove that to those critical of him. Apollonius lived a bit after Jesus Christ when magic was still seen as part of society and even religion, yet people were still suspicious of those who practiced in magic believing them to be using it for evil purposes. Philostratus’s biography was written to try and show Apollonius in a new light, the light of the “divine man”, and prove to the critics that he only practiced good magic.

Philostratus’s goal was to refute the the charges against Apollonius of him practicing evil magic by showing his divine aspirations in both his teachings and his miracles (White, 59). He began by making connections between Apollonius and Pythagoras, who is considered a divine man in Greek literature. Philostratus’s goal was to prove Apollonius was even more divine and wise than that of Pythagoras. He says Apollonius’s powers were not wizardly and “black magic” but were in fact a by product of his philosophic wisdom, much like that of Pythagoras, Plato, and Socrates. He was a mortal above all others.

Many stories of divine men discuss their birth as characteristics of divinity. Apollonius was no different, he is said to have had a birth effected by the God, Proteus. It was told that Proteus, an Egyptian demon, came to Apollonius’s mother and foretold that her son would be no ordinary man. Even his birth was exceptional as he was born in a meadow with singing swans and a lightning bolt that came to the earth at the exact moment he was born, proving he was to be no ordinary man.

The authors of these stories of “divine men” also included writings of precious childhoods and Apollonius was no different. He traveled to India, where he learned of and cultivated his mystical sights. Then took his teachings and miracles to Rome, before, according to Philostratus, he disappeared to escape the tyrannical Domitian. He as a youth was much different than those of his generation as he was more interested in learning and teachings.

Apollonius used words and deeds to help those around him in ways never to be properly described. Apollonius, through the stories of Philostratus, has been described as a divine man who had connections with the gods and practiced magic that was only good and proper. That is what makes him worthy of the title divine man

Philostratus’ third-century commissioned biography served to enhance the reputation of Apollonius as a “divine man” and defend Apollonius against those critical of him. Apollonius had lived roughly two hundred years earlier, and while magic was a part of the very structure of society and religion during the time, people were suspicious and dismissive of those who practiced magic for evil purposes. It is clear in Philostratus’ biography that he desires to paint a picture of Apollonius as incredibly pure and wise, and as practicing magic only for good.

To restore Apollonius’ identity, Philostratus begins by making connections between Apollonius and the revered Greek philosopher Pythagoras. He claims that Apollonius was much like Pythagoras in wisdom and yet was even more divine. Not only was Apollonius exceedingly wise and divine, he had a “purified and healthy body.” His practices were far from evil or impure, in fact, Philostratus claims that Apollonius “set straight the errors of all,” restoring temples in many cities where he became much loved by the kings and wise people there. Through these professions, Philostratus urges the reader to think of Apollonius in a revered light and sets a foundation on which to build the rest of his story.

It is very characteristic in portraits of divine men to include miraculous birth stories. The story of Apollonius is no different as Philostratus includes visions and divine visitations during both the pregnancy and birth of Apollonius. His mother is visited by an apparition of an Egyptian demigod who foreshadows that her son will be no ordinary child. Exceptional events surround Apollonius’ birth as his mother delivers him in a meadow surrounded by singing swans. Philostratus even includes a miraculous sign in the form of a thunder bolt striking the earth at the very moment he was born. In all these ways, the story of Apollonius does not stray from the typical divine man story – illustrating this was no ordinary man.

Writers of divine man stories also often include precocious childhood stories, often describing their subject as having wisdom or talent or beauty (or any combination of such) far beyond what is natural for a child of their age, and far beyond what they could have learned from the adults around them. The child is typically described as excelling in some way and amazes all who observe them. Philostratus fits Apollonius in this model by detailing his exceptional knowledge, ability, and attractiveness. Further, Apollonius had far superior moral priorities and was not driven by the typical lusts of young men, preferring to spend his time studying over pursuing temporal desires. This pure and perfect portrait of Apollonius is clearly intended to depict a man of the highest character.

Apollonius’ words and deeds benefit those around him, including his own brother with whom he is contrasted (his brother is described as crass and a slave to vice). Through his gentleness and wisdom, Apollonius manages to win over his brother to pursue a straighter path in life. He also gave the majority of his inheritance to relatives. While people may have accused Apollonius of engaging in immoral activity, Philostratus claims this is unequivocally false, and that rather his nature was noble and beneficial to all around him. Apollonius even had his own secret worship practice that only the truest and most dedicated could learn and participate in. He understood every language without learning it and was recognized as divine for this quality. Philostratus argues that through all these exceptional qualities, Apollonius had favor and connection with the gods and should be remembered with reverence and his ways followed and practiced.

For thousands of years as White said, “there was no question: miracles really happened.” The discussion wasn’t about the legitimacy of miracles occurring, it revolved the criteria of magical acts and how they were interpreted by the society they originated from. In Philostratus’s, The Life of Apollonius of Tyana, the author attempt to restore the good name of Apollonius by comparing him to other divine men such as Plato & Socrates. Philostratus emphasized that Apollonius’s gifts of foresight were given to him through studying with Brahmans of India and Egyptians philosophers. Where some people cursed him for speaking false wisdom, the author wants his readers to understand that Apollonius was a well versed man who sent letters discussing the fallacies of certain religions, laws, and traditions. He’s even recognized for restoring mishandled temples and is closely compared in divine knowledge with Pythagoras.

Based on L. Bieler’s: Characteristics of a “Divine Man”, the entire life of divine men, including their birth can be broken down into a few specific criteria. Although only Apollonius seems to fulfill all steps, Jesus is also a great example, starting with a warning like the warning given by the angel to Mary, then a usual birth place like a manger on a special day like the Sabbath, followed by some type of miracle. In Section 1.4 of Philostratus’s story, he chronicles the auspicious signs prior to Apollonius’s birth. The Egyptian god, Proteus shows himself to the mother of Apollonius just prior to her labor, telling her that her child will be special. The author also notes that Apollonius will be greater in foreknowledge and wisdom than even Proteus, this gives further credibility to his case as a divine man.

Again, Apollonius’s life story parallels the requirements of a divine man. Even as a child everyone around him knew he was special. He was smarter than his peers and had complete self-control from the start. Even after the death of his father, he returned home to deal with all affairs and try to rehabilitate his drunk of a brother. Apollonius also followed the teachings of Pythagoras, refusing to eat animal meet, where animal skin, or taking part in vices like sex or drinking. Apollonius’s memory was great and his wisdom even greater, as young man he spent five years in silence, ignoring those who would anger him with their words and holding back even during the greatest realizations. Apollonius was a great man in deeds as well as faith, never breaking his own rules and rationally contemplating larger philosophical issues from a young age.

In section 1.16 of The Life of Apollonius of Tyana, the author discusses the middle of Apollonius’s life when he has already acquired great knowledge and travels the world. Whether it’s a the Magi’s or the Egyptians, Apollonius was willing to speak with all wise men, letting them teach him novel ideas while sharing his own knowledge with them. When he entered the city of Ninus, he found a young follower who knew him, the man was named Damis and he offered his assistance in translating for the Apollonius. To his surprise, Apollonius responded “I understand all languages, without having studied any of them… if I know every language of human kind; for indeed I know also every silence of humankind.” Later in his travels when Apollonius arrives in Babylon he meets a king who asks him to share in the sacrifice of a white horse. Here instead of showing dissatisfaction, Apollonius calmly tells him you may adhere to your own rituals, but I will also adhere to my own and he offers frankincense to the sun. This is an important part in the story, where a less divine man would oust the king as wrong in tradition, while Apollonius a truly divine man, offers wisdom where it is needed and doesn’t force his opinion on others, presumably because people were so attracted to his wisdom without coercion.