Introduction The Word was with God In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God from the beginning. Through him, all things are made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness
Many people devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching. They were filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. The believers owned everything together and shared with one another. They sold their property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Each day they met together in the temple courts.
Introduction to Justin Martyr Justin Martyr, also known as Saint Justin, was an early Christian apologist. Originally a professional philosopher, Justin converted to Christianity about 130 AD after witnessing Christians die for their faith. He learned about Christianity from “an old Christian man” who told him of a “true philosophy” to live life by. After Old
Introduction to Justin Martyr Justin Martyr, also known as Saint Justin, was an early Christian apologist. Originally a professional philosopher, Justin converted to Christianity about 130 AD after witnessing Christians die for their faith. He learned about Christianity from “an old Christian man” who told him of a “true philosophy” to live life by. After Old
The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus is an early writing defending Christianity from its accusers. The writer is unknown but is believed to have been written between 130 and 250 AD. The Epistle survived only in one manuscript which was destroyed by fire in 1870. Fortunately, it had already been printed (as early as 1592).
Papias was an Apostolic Father and Bishop of Hierapolis (Pamukkale, Turkey). He wrote the Exposition of the Sayings of the Lord in five books. Most of the work is lost apart from the following exerpts of Irenaeus of Lyons who penned them around 180 AD. Note: As with any apocryphal writing, Christians must take care to
The First Epistle of Clement is a letter addressed to the Christians in the city of Corinth. The letter was composed at some time between AD 80 and AD 140, and ranks with Didache as one of the earliest—if not the earliest—of extant Christian documents outside the canonical New Testament. As the name suggests, a
The Letter to the Philippians is an epistle composed around AD 110 to 140 by Polycarp of Smyrna, one of the Apostolic Fathers, from Antioch to the early Christian church in Philippi. The letter is one of a number believed to have been written by Polycarp. The letter was composed in Greek, but the Greek
The Shepherd of Hermas was written around 150-250 AD in Rome . In early Christianity, it was listed between the Acts of the Apostles and the Acts of Paul. The book consists of five visions granted to Hermas, a former slave. This is followed by twelve mandates or commandments, and ten similitudes, or parables. Part
The Shepherd of Hermas was written around 150-250 AD in Rome . In early Christianity, it was listed between the Acts of the Apostles and the Acts of Paul. The book consists of five visions granted to Hermas, a former slave. This is followed by twelve mandates or commandments, and ten similitudes, or parables. Part