The “church fathers” are the earliest writers outside of the New Testament. Their writings are not classified as apocryphal nor are they considered authoritative.
They wrote to edify their fellow Christians. Their writings are not canonical because they recognize the superior authority of the canonical writings. These works quote extensively from the New Testament documents, both the gospels and Paul’s letter.
Here’s a list of some of the major works and their features.
Clement of Alexandria
Clement of Alexandria was an early theologian and philosopher.
1Clement was written with the New Testament period (c. 95-96 AD). A long letter by Clement of Rome to the church at Corinth dealing with a disturbance in Corinth when legitimately appointed “presbyters” were ejected. Clement urges peace and order.
- English Translation of 1 Clement by J. B. Lightfoot
- English Translation of 1 Clement by Charles Hoole
- English Translation of 1 Clement by Roberts-Donaldson
- The Apostolic Fathers by J. B. Lighfoot
- Kirsopp Lake’s Introduction to 1 Clement
- Roberts-Donaldson Introduction to 1 Clement
- Handbook of Patrology: St. Clement
- The Ecole Glossary: Clement of Rome
- Catholic Encyclopedia: Clement I, Saint and Pope
- A Study in 1 Clement
2Clement – a homily of unknown date and origin (perhaps 130-160 AD).
- English Translation by J. B. Lightfoot
- English Translation by C. H. Hoole
- Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Roberts-Donaldson Introduction: 2Clement
- Kirsopp Lake’s Introduction
- Handbook of Patrology: The Homily Called Second Epistle of St. Clement
- Catholic Encyclopedia: Pope St. Clement I
Ignatius
Ignatius was bishop of Antioch. He wrote 7 letters with an emphasis on the mysteries of incarnation and salvation.
- To Polycarp – English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- To Polycarp – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- To Polycarp – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Smyrnaeans – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Smyrnaeans – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Smyrnaeans – English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- Smyrnaeans – English Translation by C.H. Hoole
- Philadelphians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Philadelphians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Philadelphians – English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- Philadelphians – English Translation by C.H. Hoole
- Romans – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Romans – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Romans – English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- Trallians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Trallians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Trallians – English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- Trallians – English Translation by C.H. Hoole
- Magnesians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Magnesians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Magnesians – English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- Magnesians – English Translation by C.H. Hoole
- Ephesians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Ephesians – Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Ephesians – English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- Roberts-Donaldson Introduction
- Kirsopp Lake’s Introduction to the Epistles of Ignatius
- Handbook of Patrology: St. Ignatius
- Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Ignatius of Antioch
Polycarp
Polycarp was a revered figure in the early church. He was Bishop of Smyrna when Ignatius wrote. He knew the apostles, especially John and taught Irenaeus. He wrote a letter to the Philippians around (135 AD).
- English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- English Translation by Kirsopp Lake
- Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Kirsopp Lake’s Introduction
- Roberts-Donaldson Introduction
- The Ecole Glossary: Polycarp of Smyrna
- Handbook of Patrology: St. Polycarp and the Acts of His Martyrdom
- Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Polycarp
- Church Fathers: The Martyrdom of Polycarp
The Didache
The Didache refers to the “teaching of the apostles”. It is a composite work (90-110 AD) dealing with church order and moral exhortation, directions for baptism, correct form of the Lord’s Prayer, eucharistic prayers, rules for hospitality and warns against charlatans.
- Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- English Translation by Charles H. Hoole
- English Translation by Kirsopp Lake
- Roberts-Donaldson Introduction
- Wace Introduction
- Handbook of Patrology: The Doctrine of the Twelve Apostles
- The Ecole Glossary Introduction: Didache
- Catholic Encyclopedia: Didache
Epistle of Barnabas
The Epistle of Barnabas was written in Alexandria c 130-140 AD. It has a strongly anti-jewish message and uses allegorical exegesis.
- English Translation by J. B. Lightfoot
- English Translation by Charles Hoole
- English Translation by Kirsopp Lake
- Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Kirsopp Lake’s Introduction
- Roberts-Donaldson Introduction
- Handbook of Patrology: Pseudo-Barnabas
- Catholic Encyclopedia: Barnabas
- The Ecole Initiative Introduction
- The General Epistle of Barnabas
Shepherd of Hermas
The Shepherd of Hermas is an allegory written by a member of the Roman church. It is designed to rouse a lax church and call to repentance Christians “who had sinned”.
- English Translation by J.B. Lightfoot
- Roberts-Donaldson English Translation
- Kirsopp Lake’s Introduction
- Roberts-Donaldson Introduction
- Handbook of Patrology: The Shepherd of Hermas
- Catholic Encyclopedia: Hermas
Resources
- The Apostolic Fathers by J. B. Lighfoot
- Complete list of the Writings on EarlyChristianWritings.com
- List of the Apocrypha on EarlyChristianWritings.com
- Chronological list of early Christian writings
More: Introduction to the New Testament
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