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Little is known of the early life of Eusebius. His date and place of birth are not known. He appeared to have been distantly related to the family of Emperor Constantine. It was from his access and influence at the court that Eusebius derived his power in the Church. He enjoyed the confidence of Constantine and his son and successor Constantius II. He was the tutor of [[Julian the Apostate]], who was emperor for two years after Constantius II. It was Eusebius who baptized Constantine in May 337.
Eusebius was a pupil of Lucian the Martyr, in whose school Eusebius learned the doctrines that came to be called [[Arianism]]. He became Bishop of Berytus but managed to get a transfer to the [[See]] of [[Nicomedia]], which was the residence of the Eastern Emperor Licinius. In Nicomedia he was well favored by Licinius’ wife Constantia, who was the sister of Constantine.
Arius, after his condemnation by [[Alexander of Alexandria]], took refuge at Caesarea and asked for and received support from Eusebius, whom Arius noted as a “fellow Lucianist.” Arius had also been a pupil of Lucian. Eusebius, taking the lead, wrote many letters supporting Arius. In response to these letters, Alexander sent letters to many bishops warning them of the [[heresy]] taught by Arius and Eusebius. In backing Arius, Eusebius convened a [[synod|council]] of bishops in his province asking them to support Arius and to influence Alexander to support Arius. This council authorized Arius to return to the [[church]] in Alexandria.