Apollinaris Claudius was a 2nd-century Christian bishop and writer from Hierapolis in Phrygia. Known as an apologist, he gained recognition for his polemical works, which aimed to demonstrate that certain contemporary errors were merely borrowed from pagan traditions. During the reign of Marcus Aurelius, he authored an apology for the Christian faith, specifically addressing the emperor by referencing the military successes attributed to Christian prayers. Although much of his written work is lost, his historical presence is noted by early chroniclers like Eusebius.