Anthanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, is credited with creating Life of Antony. It is believed that St. Athanasius wrote it in Greek "during one of his two long stays in the deserts of Egypt, in 356 and 366, at the time of the Arian crisis." And although the balance of qualified opinion is on the side of the Athanasian authorship, much controversy still surrounds this claim.
             Although Athanasius claims to seeing Antony on several occasions and even submitting himself to the role of "his attendant for a long time, and [pouring] water on his hands," historical records show that Athanasius bears only an indirect relationship to the historical Antony. In his letter Athanasius exalts Antony in such a fashion as to imply a personal, close relationship with him. However, he mentions Antony "only once in his other writings." While Athanasius corresponded with various monks, historical data displays "no correspondence with Antony."
             Additionally, a rather tentative theory about the authorship of Life of Antony may also explain an ancient feud. Eusebius's Life of Constantine and Athanasius's Life of Antony, upon closer examination, actually share a great number of common concerns. Such common themes and other internal indications even suggest that theses two texts might be apologetic pieces aimed at one another. "Athanasius did, after all, specifically name Eusebius as one of his enemies." But of course, this theory is mere speculation.
             In the text, the author directly addresses his readers as Christians and pagans alike. He even commands, "Read these words, therefore, to the rest of the brethren that they may learn what the life of monks ought to be; and may believe that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ glorifies those who glorify Him".
             To the Christians and saints, the Life of Antony makes numerous references to the Scripture, such as the Gospel passages...