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
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
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
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
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
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
Roberts-Donaldson Introduction
Handbook of Patrology: The Shepherd of 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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