Apollinaris (d. 390) was the bishop of Syria and known for replicating the New Testament in the form of Platonic dialogues at a time when the Roman Emperor Julian prohibited the teaching of Christianity. Apollinaris also opposed Arianism, which denied the deity of Jesus Christ; he believed Christ dwelt in a spiritualized body.

Apollinaris’ position resulted in two sects, the Vitalians and the Polemeans. The former contended that Christ’s nature was so blurred than even his physical body is worthy of worship.