The Apostolic Fathers: A Guided Tour

Please note: This post does reference some sensitive topics about immoral practices in the first-century world of the Greeks. 

Before I read through the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, at Husband's suggestion (he's been working on me for the last 3-ish years to read them), I had views on church organization and history essentially based on the biblical text and study Bible notes. This wasn't necessarily bad, but after actually reading the writings for historical context, I can see that I had extremely incomplete knowledge. Like many in contemporary America, I was uninformed on the reasons for several positions on church order and doctrine, which was a problem.

Who Were the Church Fathers?

The fathers were those Christians whose writings are preserved from the first several centuries of Christianity. They span several generations of Christians but typically there is a line of influence directly from apostles or the apostles' disciples. Of note, each either wrote/taught before, or spoke against, Gnosticism. Here is a sample of the fathers who wrote around the time of the Council of Nicaea:

Who Were the Apostolic Fathers?

All information in this section is from Michael Holmes' interlinear translation of the mostly-Greek and partly-Latin Apostolic Fathers. (I've linked the 2006 third edition but have been reading the 1999 second edition.) Husband recommended that I read these in a slightly different order than presented, mostly chronological. The historical setting in which the writings of the Apostolic Fathers were copied and preserved spanned 65-135 AD for the most part. The Apostles died before or around 65 AD, at which time Christianity was flourishing. 

Starting around 70 AD, relationships with majority Judaism began to deteriorate because the Temple was destroyed. Several would-be messiahs revolted thereafter, the most notable being Simon Bar Kochba in 132. Meanwhile, the church structure was becoming more centralized and standardized, more urban and intellectual. Even though Peter and Paul were (traditionally documented as) executed by Nero, persecution en masse was quite sporadic until around 250 AD.

Didache

Although I had heard of this anonymous writing in early high school thanks to an evening church class on the Book of Concord, I hadn't known how narrowly read this is/was. Here's what stood out to me:

• The "way of life" consists of the 2 greatest commandments plus the Golden Rule (bless, pray, fast). Give generously to the right person, not to someone who would misuse the gift.
• Applications of the (Lutheranly-subdivided) 5th and 6th Commandments include homosexual pedophilia, abortion, and infanticide, which were common in Greek culture. Discern whom to reprove, whom to pray for, and whom to love sacrificially.
• Support your preacher often; spend time listening to the saints every day.
• Parents are responsible to calmly teach their children to fear God.
• The only prohibited food for Christians in the time of writing was meat sacrificed to idols.
• Baptism for adults occurs after catechesis, by immersion in running cold water. Both candidate and baptizer were to fast for 1-2 days prior, and commune after the baptism.
• Eucharistic practice included set pre- and post-Communion prayers for laity and extemporaneous prayers by the prophets.
• True apostles will ask for hospitality for at most 3 days, and ask for only enough food for travel to their next city. Prophets must live rightly.

The Letter of the Romans to the Corinthians (1 Clement)

The bishop of the church in Rome at the time wrote this epistle to the church at Corinth, appealing to Scripture via near-constant quotations of Old and New Testament books that had been in canon as of the time of writing, and not supporting later Roman Catholic interpretations related to the papacy. He wrote this in response to an intra-church revolt in Corinth, around 95-97 AD (roughly when Revelation was written). Here are my notes:

• "Submit to the presbyters" is repeated! Episcopal succession is one of the big differences between where I was (LCMS) and where I am (ACNA).
• Corinthians had obeyed Paul for the most part, before sinning due to pride.
• Long Old Testament examples include, but are by no means limited to, Cain and Abel, Moses' flight, Abraham, Lot, and Rahab as well as the Apostle Paul. Virtues and vices explored by means of these examples include jealousy, humility, faith, resurrection hope, works, and intercession.
• All roles within the church (e.g., husband, wife, priest, deacon, child) are to be instructed toward right knowledge and action.
• Justification by works: before others (as James describes). Do good zealously because we are justified (before God) by faith.
• Order in regular worship and the church year is related to apostolic succession, bishops, and deacons (Septuagint translation of Isaiah 60:17).

The Fragments of Papias

Papias was the bishop of Hierapolis around 130 AD. Themes of his work likely included the millennium and authors of the Gospels. Contemporaneous with Polycarp and an additional disciple of the Apostle John, he is thought to have written down the account of the woman caught in adultery and been strongly influential on Irenaeus. The church historian Eusebius was of the opinion that any interpretation that assumes millennialism is a misunderstanding--however, the (lesser) error of chiliasm was often held by early Fathers. The fragments are others' references to him because his work has not survived.

Of note, at least one of the fragments addresses the differences in the Gospel accounts. Much has been written about the benefits of these differences (even apparent contradictions) because that reflects the non-colluding character of the eyewitnesses who provided the accounts. The early church knew about the differences and didn't mind, because no tertiary traditions or details in the differences are of significance to doctrine.

The Letters of Ignatius

Written somewhere between 98 and 117 AD, these letters were composed to churches in a circuit during the last few weeks of Ignatius' life after his arrest. Central issues addressed include false teachers, church unity and structure (especially that the bishop locates the church), and his impending death. Holmes includes the (seven) generally-accepted middle-recension letters as authentic per Eusebius. The style is between Pauline and secular, and literary context is influenced by the Johannine and Matthean communities. Notes on specific epistles:

• Ephesians: obey the bishop (as you would Christ), then the presbyter, then the deacon. Go to church! Ignatius' chains are spiritual pearls. Mysteries that have been revealed for saving faith include the virginity of Mary, and the birth and death of Jesus.
• Magnesians: the bishop, though young, has authority as a shepherd over the congregation; acting like a Christian to be worthy of the name "Christian" entails obeying one's bishop. Gather together in unity. Don't live by Judaism - worship on Sunday, not Saturday. Christianity is a historic and historically true faith.
• Trallians: being subject to the bishop = living in Christ. Deacons need to stay out of criticism. Have equal respect for all offices (bishop, presbyter, deacon). Ignatius longs to suffer for Christ. 5: "For we still lack many things, that we might not lack God." Heresy is compared to poisoned "food." Bishops should be gentle, strong, wise, and forgiving. The substance of Christ is shown in the real, bodily events of the Christian life.
• Romans: neither rush nor discourage death.
• Philadelphians: "Theophorus" (God-bearer) is addressed in this and several other epistles. A bishop should be wise enough to be silent. The events of the Passion are true. There is one Eucharist. Jewish converts must embrace Jesus wholly. Listen to those in the holy orders! Learn about/from Jesus' person and life plus the Old Testament.
• Smyrnaeans: Christ's grace means loving the marginalized, regularly communing while celebrating the Real Presence in the Eucharist, and praying. The bishop's authority validates a church's Eucharist (this is a major theme). The word "catholic" is first used here.
• Polycarp (Smyrna's very good bishop): focus on unity, patience, prayer for understanding, 1:1 relationships, diligence, frequent meeting, sermons on chastity, Baptism as a shield, and the awareness of time as belonging to God.

The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians

Polycarp was involved prominently in preserving texts that were in the New Testament canon. In this letter, he quotes much New Testament Scripture in a simple style (although he names only Ephesians specifically as Scripture). Notes:

• Outsiders have wrong beliefs which lead to wrong behaviors (theopraxy-orthopraxy coin)
• The goal as Christians is the receipt of "the world that is to come" (new creation)
• Valens was a former priest, deposed because of a lack of self-control which showed that he didn't "get" his office

Martyrdom of Polycarp

This is a traditionally held account by eyewitnesses to the death of Polycarp at the hands of those loyal to Caesar. A 90-minute YouTube movie on his life and death is mostly accurate. Notes:

• Conflict of Lord Christ (the core of the gospel) versus Lord Caesar
• Enthusiasm (eagerly handing oneself over right away) was seen as dangerous to faith because enthusiasts would then recant and become cowardly rather than remaining steadfast
• Christ's presence prevented martyrs from reacting with pain to physical torture
• Polycarp prayed audibly for 2 hours when his captors came, delaying his capture
• At the stadium where he was to be executed, God spoke so all Christians there could hear and understand it. Polycarp refused to explain his doctrine in that it would cast pearls before swine. He declined to be nailed to the stake (unworthy of Christ) so was bound. His body didn't burn, but smelled like incense. The Christians weren't allowed to bury his body when he died because after death he was cremated, so they buried his bones.

The Epistle of Barnabas

This beloved writing explores, via allegorical exegesis (popular among Jews and Greeks) how Christ and Judaism relate. Its three basic doctrines are the hope of eternal life, righteousness in a legal/courtroom sense, and love shown by works. Notes:

• Habitual deliberate sin is the same as not keeping covenant (e.g., in Judaism per the New Perspective), and so it can lead to losing one's salvation. Election means do good works!
• The epistle weaves together many Old Testament quotes, typically from the Septuagint.
• Circumcision isn't unique to Judaism.
• Takes the position of the 6 days of creation referring to 6,000 years (though this question/debate is far beyond the scope of this post)

An Ancient Christian Sermon

Also known as 2 Clement, this epistle is actually anonymous. It is the earliest writing to quote much of the New Testament as canonized/accepted Scripture. Themes are ora et labora, and the fact that belonging to the church (being baptized and staying in the practice of faith) saves one.

The Shepherd of Hermas

Among the Apostolic Fathers, this writing is unique for several reasons, especially (1) much longer length (it took me weeks to finish), (2) almost zero quotation of Scripture, and (3) almost exclusive use of elaborate parables. Traditionally, Hermas was the brother to Bishop Pius. This letter deals with issues particular to the church in Rome especially relating to post-baptismal sin. Questionable doctrines (likely related to point 2...) are marked with a question mark in parentheses. Notes:

• Visions (5):
• Desire is the conflict between sin and self-control
• Don't hold grudges, but discipline the family as needed
• The church is like a tower built on the water of salvation
• Foreshadowed the widespread persecution of Christians; one can escape (?) because of total trust in God
• The Shepherd appeared in the last vision, promising to be with Hermas for the rest of his life
• Mandates (12):
• God as creator is as a unity (Trinity/tri-unity) - hold to this doctrine
• Be sincere and innocent
• Speak only the truth
• Be faithful in your marriage, but divorce for known adultery is permissible. Repentance indicates understanding of right teaching. Habitual sin cannot (?) be forgiven.
• Be patient in all things rather than being angry or bitter
• Two angels (good and evil) are with each person (?) to influence them
• Fear God and Satan's works, but not Satan himself. "Every creature fears the Lord, but not all keep his commandments."
• Be self-controlled when it comes to evil, but don't control or limit the amount of good you do.
• Repent . . . then ask of God single-mindedly for requests (without thinking "I'm not worthy"), even if the answer is received slowly.
• An angry temper and double-mindedness can cause bad grief that grieves the Holy Spirit.
• Test the prophets by (1) presence of spiritual fruit in their lives, and (2) whether they prophesy only in a congregational setting rather than on their own
• Evil desires (e.g., adultery, luxury) can destroy Christians. Believe that you can obey God.
• Parables (10):
• Living abroad, take only what you need and obey the laws of the "country" where your true citizenship is. Help the poor.
• The vine must climb an elm to bear fruit--so also, rich Christians provide for poor ones.
• In this creation, one can't distinguish the righteous from sinners.
• In the new creation, the righteous will bear full fruit. Don't devote your life wholly to business, but to Christ.
• Fast from evil! Keep doing good, especially after you receive a reward. Give the grocery money to the poor when you fast from eating.
• God afflicts people in this life as punishment for unbelief (?) and/or to incentivize repentance. Most luxury is harmful to Christians' faith.
• Is the head of household (responsible) punished for his family's sins? Origin of the idea of penance as part (?) of forgiveness.
• There are degrees of sinfulness.
• An analogy is drawn between a cumulative tower of saints and the church. Good stones can be added and bad ones removed until the church is complete.
• Obey Christ's commandments to "cure" sins that have been committed. Rescue others from distress lest you be responsible if they take matters into their own hands.

The Epistle to Diognetus

This anonymous letter (though Eusebius thought Quadratus might have written it) is the only writing in the collection to address non-Christians as an apologetics work. Targets of early apologists (115-225 AD) included pagans' accusations of Christians practicing atheism (not worshiping traditional gods), cannibalism (Eucharist), infant sacrifice (Baptism), incest (referring to fellow Christians as brothers and sisters), and the novelty of Christianity (versus being a historic faith in the mind of God). Early apologists included Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Aristides, Theophilus of Antioch, Tatian, Quadratus (in fragments), Melito of Sardis (in fragments), Appolinaris of Hierapolis (in fragments), Aristo of Pella (lost), and Miltiades (lost).

One copy of the Epistle was from the 1200s or 1300s, copied in 1580/1590. From these copies we have the accepted Greek text. Compared especially to the Shepherd of Hermas, the style of this writing was refreshingly fluent and Scripture-quoting/inspired. Notes:

• Questions addressed include (1) God's identity and right worship, (2) nature of Christian love, and (3) why Christianity emerged at the time that it did.
• Question (1): God is not a manmade, impotent idol. He is the creator of all made things, needing nothing. His proper worship is neither pagan nor Judaic (with circumcision and "fussy" feasts required--some unfortunate anti-Semitism).
• Question (2): Christians love each other by being good citizens of both earth and heaven, not exposing their newborn children as pagans did, being generous, being faithful to their spouses, loving yet persecuted. The soul is to the body as the Christian is to the world (diffuse, in not of, invisible yet visible).
• Question (3): God had to reveal Himself as different from philosophers' foolish speculations and more than natural knowledge. He patiently let mankind sin during the planned wait for the eternal Son to be incarnated so that sin's consequences would be fulfilled and sin would be fully atoned for. (Paragraph 9 felt like a drink of good wine, encapsulating the best of Protestantism.)
• The author was a disciple to the apostles. He writes several doxologies and creeds to the eternal Christ.
• Paragraph 12 quote: "But the tree of knowledge does not kill; on the contrary, disobedience kills." Reference to 1 Corinthians 8:1.

Summary Case to Read the Fathers

After reading this book, I find myself with a deeper appreciation for historic Christianity, and better grounded to defend orthodox interpretations of various doctrines. I'm a long way off from having a full knowledge of the early church, but my appetite has been whetted to find out.