Early Church Fathers

The early Church Fathers lived in the second century CE. They wrote diverse topics as Scriptural commentaries, apologetics, and hagiographies. The texts below included authors named and unnamed.

1 Clement

1 Clement was one of the earliest known epistles outside the Christian canon. Most scholars date it from the late 90’s CE based upon the opening lines (1:1 below) they attribute to the persecution of Domintian; a minority date it into the second century CE. Tradition named Clement, the bishop of Rome, as its author. He penned his letter to the Corinthian congregation concerning a regional controversy about the removal of clergy. He considered the action unjust and demanded remedy. The letter alluded to other New Testament writings including phrases used in Hebrews.

1 Clement 1:1

1 By reason of the sudden and repeated calamities and reverses which are befalling us, brethren, we consider that we have been somewhat tardy in giving heed to the matters of dispute that have arisen among you, dearly beloved, and to the detestable and unholy sedition, so alien and strange to the elect of God, which a few headstrong and self-willed persons have kindled to such a pitch of madness that your name, once revered and renowned and lovely in the sight of all men, hath been greatly reviled.

1 Clement 5:4

Peter, through unjust envy, endured not one or two but many labours, and at last, having delivered his testimony, departed unto the place of glory due to him.

1 Clement 5:5-6

5 By reason of jealousy and strife Paul by his example pointed out the prize of patient endurance. After that he had been seven times in bonds, had been driven into exile, had been stoned, had preached in the East and in the West, he won the noble renown which was the reward of his faith, 6 having taught righteousness unto the whole world and having reached the farthest bounds of the West; and when he had borne his testimony before the rulers, so he departed from the world and went unto the holy place, having been found a notable pattern of patient endurance.

1 Clement 6:1

To these men, who walked in holiness, there was gathered a great multitude of the elect, who, having suffered, through envy, many insults and tortures, became a most excellent example among us.

1 Clement 44:2-3

2 For this cause therefore, having received complete foreknowledge, they appointed the aforesaid persons, and afterwards they provided a continuance, that if these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed to their ministration. Those therefore who were appointed by them, or afterward by other men of repute with the consent of the whole Church, and have ministered without blame to the flock of Christ in lowliness of mind, peacefully and with all modesty, and for long time have borne a good report with all these men we consider to be unjustly thrust out from their ministration.

3 For it will be no light sin for us, if we thrust out those who have offered the gifts of the bishop's office without blame and holy.

1 Clement 47:6

6 It is shameful, dearly beloved, yes, utterly shameful and unworthy of your conduct in Christ, that it should be reported that the very steadfast and ancient Church of the Corinthians, for the sake of one or two persons, make sedition against its presbyters.

1 Clement 63:3

3 And we have also sent faithful and prudent men that have walked among us from youth unto old age without blame, who shall also be witnesses between you and us.

Source

"First Clement: Clement of Rome." Early Christian Writings: New Testament, Apocrypha, Gnostics, Church Fathers. Web. 8 Jul 2023.

Irenaeus

Irenaeus (130-202CE) was the bishop of modern day Lyon. He wrote “Against the Heresies” where he railed against Gnosticism. According to tradition, he was born in Smyrna in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), heard the preaching of Polycarp (69-155CE), and even John the Evangelist. He proposed three pillars of orthodoxy: Scripture, apostolic tradition, apostolic succession.

Irenaeus Against the Heresies: Book 1 24:2a

(Saturninus) has also laid it down as a truth, that the Saviour was without birth, without body, and without figure, but was, by supposition, a visible man; and he maintained that the God of the Jews was one of the angels; and, on this account, because all the powers wished to annihilate his father, Christ came to destroy the God of the Jews, but to save such as believe in him; that is, those who possess the spark of his life.

Sources

“Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies / Adversus Haereses, Book 1 (Roberts-Donaldson translation)." Early Christian Writings: New Testament, Apocrypha, Gnostics, Church Fathers. Web. 12 Sep 2023.