The writings of the Apostolic Fathers

About this eBook

Author

Polycarp, Saint, Bishop of Smyrna, 69-155

Original Publication

Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1870.

Credits

David King and the Online Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive.)

Language

English

LoC Class

BR: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Christianity

Subject

Apostolic Fathers

Category

Text

Project Gutenberg

eBook-No. 77576

Release Date

December 30, 2025

Copyright

Public domain in the USA.

Contents

1. 1.The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers
2. 2.NOTE BY THE EDITORS TO VOL. I.
3. 3.CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
4. 4.THE FIRST EPISTLE OF CLEMENT. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE FIRST EPISTLE OF CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS. [1] — Chap. i. — The Salutation. Praise of the Corinthians before the breaking forth of schism among them. — Chap. ii. — Praise of the Corinthians continued. — Chap. iii. — The sad state of the Corinthian church after sedition arose in it from envy and emulation. — Chap. iv. — Many evils have already flowed from this source in ancient times. — Chap. v. — No less evils have arisen from the same source in the most recent times. The martyrdom of Peter and Paul. — Chap. vi. — Continuation. Several other martyrs. — Chap. vii. — An exhortation to repentance. — Chap. viii. — Continuation respecting repentance. — Chap. ix. — Examples of the saints. — Chap. x. — Continuation of the above. — Chap. xi. — Continuation. Lot. — Chap. xii. — The rewards of faith and hospitality. Rahab. — Chap. xiii. — An exhortation to humility. — Chap. xiv. — We should obey God rather than the authors of sedition. — Chap. xv. — We must adhere to those who cultivate peace, not to those who merely pretend to do so. — Chap. xvi. — Christ as an example of humility. — Chap. xvii. — The saints as examples of humility. — Chap. xviii. — David as an example of humility. — Chap. xix. — Imitating these examples, let us seek after peace. — Chap. xx. — The peace and harmony of the universe. — Chap. xxi. — Let us obey God, and not the authors of sedition. — Chap. xxii. — These exhortations are confirmed by the Christian faith, which proclaims the misery of sinful conduct. — Chap. xxiii. — Be humble, and believe that Christ will come again. — Chap. xxiv. — God continually shows us in nature that there will be a resurrection. — Chap. xxv. — The phœnix an emblem of our resurrection. — Chap. xxvi. — We shall rise again, then, as the Scripture also testifies. — Chap. xxvii. — In the hope of the resurrection, let us cleave to the omnipotent and omniscient God. — Chap. xxviii. — God sees all things: therefore let us avoid transgression. — Chap. xxix. — Let us also draw near to God in purity of heart. — Chap. xxx. — Let us do those things that please God, and flee from those He hates, that we may be blessed. — Chap. xxxi. — Let us see by what means we may obtain the divine blessing. — Chap. xxxii. — We are justified not by our own works, but by faith. — Chap. xxxiii. — But let us not give up the practice of good works and love. God Himself is an example to us of good works. — Chap. xxxiv. — Great is the reward of good works with God. Joined together in harmony, let us implore that reward from Him. — Chap. xxxv. — Immense is this reward. How shall we obtain it? — Chap. xxxvi. — All blessings are given to us through Christ. — Chap. xxxvii. — Christ is our Leader, and we His soldiers. — Chap. xxxviii. — Let the members of the church submit themselves, and no one exalt himself above another. — Chap. xxxix. — There is no reason for self-conceit. — Chap. xl. — Let us preserve in the church the order appointed by God. — Chap. xli. — Continuation of the same subject. — Chap. xlii. — The order of ministers in the church. — Chap. xliii. — Moses of old stilled the contention which arose concerning the priestly dignity. — Chap. xliv. — The ordinances of the apostles, that there might be no contention respecting the priestly office. — Chap. xlv. — It is the part of the wicked to vex the righteous. — Chap. xlvi. — Let us cleave to the righteous: your strife is pernicious. — Chap. xlvii. — Your recent discord is worse than the former which took place in the times of Paul. — Chap. xlviii. — Let us return to the practice of brotherly love. — Chap. xlix. — The praise of love. — Chap. l. — Let us pray to be thought worthy of love. — Chap. li. — Let the partakers in strife acknowledge their sins. — Chap. lii. — Such a confession is pleasing to God. — Chap. liii. — The love of Moses towards his people. — Chap. liv. — He who is full of love will incur every loss, that peace may be restored to the church. — Chap. lv. — Examples of such love. — Chap. lvi. — Let us admonish and correct one another. — Chap. lvii. — Let the authors of sedition submit themselves. — Chap. lviii. — Blessings sought for all that call upon God. — Chap. lix. — The Corinthians are exhorted speedily to send back word that peace has been restored. The benediction.
5. 5.THE SECOND EPISTLE OF CLEMENT. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE SECOND EPISTLE OF CLEMENT. [259] — Chap. i. — We ought to think highly of Christ. — Chap. ii. — The church, formerly barren, is now fruitful. — Chap. iii. — The duty of confessing Christ. — Chap. iv. — True confession of Christ. — Chap. v. — This world should be despised. — Chap. vi. — The present and future worlds are enemies to each other. — Chap. vii. — We must strive in order to be crowned. — Chap. viii. — The necessity of repentance while we are on earth. — Chap. ix. — We shall be judged in the flesh. — Chap. x. — Vice is to be forsaken, and virtue followed. — Chap. xi. — We ought to serve God, trusting in His promises. — Chap. xii. — We are constantly to look for the kingdom of God.
6. 6.THE EPISTLE OF POLYCARP. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE EPISTLE OF POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS. [316] — Chap. i. — Praise of the Philippians. — Chap. ii. — An exhortation to virtue. — Chap. iii. — Expressions of personal unworthiness. — Chap. iv. — Various exhortations. — Chap. v. — The duties of deacons, youths, and virgins. — Chap. vi. — The duties of presbyters and others. — Chap. vii. — Avoid the Docetæ, and persevere in fasting and prayer. — Chap. viii. — Persevere in hope and patience. — Chap. ix. — Patience inculcated. — Chap. x. — Exhortation to the practice of virtue. [369] — Chap. xi. — Expression of grief on account of Valens. — Chap. xii. — Exhortation to various graces. — Chap. xiii. — Concerning the transmission of epistles. — Chap. xiv. — Conclusion.
7. 7.THE MARTYRDOM OF POLYCARP. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE ENCYCLICAL EPISTLE OF THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA CONCERNING THE MARTYRDOM OF THE HOLY POLYCARP. — Chap. i. — Subject of which we write. — Chap. ii. — The wonderful constancy of the martyrs. — Chap. iii. — The constancy of Germanicus. The death of Polycarp is demanded. — Chap. iv. — Quintus the apostate. — Chap. v. — The departure and vision of Polycarp. — Chap. vi. — Polycarp is betrayed by a servant. — Chap. vii. — Polycarp is found by his pursuers. — Chap. viii. — Polycarp is brought into the city. — Chap. ix. — Polycarp refuses to revile Christ. — Chap. x. — Polycarp confesses himself a Christian. — Chap. xi. — No threats have any effect on Polycarp. — Chap. xii. — Polycarp is sentenced to be burned. — Chap. xiii. — The funeral pile is erected. — Chap. xiv. — The prayer of Polycarp. — Chap. xv. — Polycarp is not injured by the fire. — Chap. xvi. — Polycarp is pierced by a dagger. — Chap. xvii. — The Christians are refused Polycarp’s body. — Chap. xviii. — The body of Polycarp is burned. — Chap. xix. — Praise of the martyr Polycarp. — Chap. xx. — This epistle is to be transmitted to the brethren. — Chap. xxi. — The date of the martyrdom. — Chap. xxii. — Salutation.
8. 8.THE EPISTLE OF BARNABAS. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE EPISTLE OF BARNABAS. [457] — Chap. i. — After the salutation, the writer declares that he would communicate to his brethren something of that which he had himself received. — Chap. ii. — The Jewish sacrifices are now abolished. — Chap. iii. — The fasts of the Jews are not true fasts, nor acceptable to God. — Chap. iv. — Antichrist is at hand: let us therefore avoid Jewish errors. — Chap. v. — The new covenant, founded on the sufferings of Christ, tends to our salvation, but to the Jews’ destruction. — Chap. vi. — The sufferings of Christ, and the new covenant, were announced by the prophets. — Chap. vii. — Fasting, and the goat sent away, were types of Christ. — Chap. viii. — The red heifer a type of Christ. — Chap. ix. — The spiritual meaning of circumcision. — Chap. x. — Spiritual significance of the precepts of Moses respecting different kinds of food. — Chap. xi. — Baptism and the cross prefigured in the Old Testament. — Chap. xii. — The cross of Christ frequently announced in the Old Testament. — Chap. xiii. — Christians, and not Jews, the heirs of the covenant. — Chap. xiv. — The Lord hath given us the testament which Moses received and broke. — Chap. xv. — The false and the true Sabbath. — Chap. xvi. — The spiritual temple of God. — Chap. xvii. — Conclusion of the first part of the epistle. — Chap. xviii. — Second part of the epistle. The two ways. — Chap. xix. — The way of light. — Chap. xx. — The way of darkness. — Chap. xxi. — Conclusion.
9. 9.THE EPISTLES OF IGNATIUS. (SHORTER AND LONGER.) — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE EPHESIANS. — Chap. i. — Praise of the Ephesians. — Chap. ii. — Congratulations and entreaties. — Chap. iii. — Exhortations to unity. — Chap. iv. — The same continued. — Chap. v. — The praise of unity. — Chap. vi. — Have respect to the bishop as to Christ Himself. — Chap. vii. — Beware of false teachers. — Chap. viii. — Renewed praise of the Ephesians. — Chap. ix. — Ye have given no heed to false teachers. — Chap. x. — Exhortations to prayer, humility, etc. — Chap. xi. — An exhortation to fear God, etc. — Chap. xii. — Praise of the Ephesians. — Chap. xiii. — Exhortation to meet together frequently for the worship of God. — Chap. xiv. — Exhortations to faith and love. — Chap. xv. — Exhortation to confess Christ by silence as well as speech. — Chap. xvi. — The fate of false teachers. — Chap. xvii. — Beware of false doctrines. — Chap. xviii. — The glory of the cross. — Chap. xix. — Three celebrated mysteries. — Chap. xx. — Promise of another letter. — Shorter. — Chap. xx. — Exhortations to stedfastness and unity. — Longer. — Chap. xxi. — Conclusion. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE MAGNESIANS. — Chap. i. — Reason of writing the epistle. — Chap. ii. — I rejoice in your messengers. — Chap. iii. — Honour your youthful bishop. — Chap. iv. — Some wickedly act independently of the bishop. — Chap. v. — Death is the fate of all such. — Chap. vi. — Preserve harmony. — Chap. vii. — Do nothing without the bishop and presbyters. — Chap. viii. — Caution against false doctrines. — Chap. ix. — Let us live with Christ. — Chap. x. — Beware of Judaizing. — Chap. xi. — I write these things to warn you. — Chap. xii. — Ye are superior to me. — Chap. xiii. — Be established in faith and unity. — Chap. xiv. — Your prayers requested. — Chap. xv. — Salutations. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE TRALLIANS. — Chap. i. — Acknowledgment of their excellence. — Chap. ii. — Be subject to the bishop, etc. — Chap. iii. — Honour the deacons, etc. — Chap. iv. — I have need of humility. — Chap. v. — I will not teach you profound doctrines. — Chap. vi. — Abstain from the poison of heretics. — Chap. vii. — The same continued. — Chap. viii. — Be on your guard against the snares of the devil. — Chap. ix. — Reference to the history of Christ. — Chap. x. — The reality of Christ’s passion. — Chap. xi. — Avoid the deadly errors of the Docetæ. — Chap. xii. — Continue in unity and love. — Chap. xiii. — Conclusion. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE ROMANS. — Chap. i. — As a prisoner, I hope to see you. — Chap. ii. — Do not save me from martyrdom. — Chap. iii. — Pray rather that I may attain to martyrdom. — Chap. iv. — Allow me to fall a prey to the wild beasts. — Chap. v. — I desire to die. — Chap. vi. — By death I shall attain true life. — Chap. vii. — Reason of desiring to die. — Chap. viii. — Be ye favourable to me. — Chap. ix. — Pray for the church in Syria. — Chap. x. — Conclusion. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE PHILADELPHIANS. — Chap. i. — Praise of the bishop. — Chap. ii. — Maintain union with the bishop. — Chap. iii. — Avoid schismatics. — Chap. iv. — Have but one Eucharist, etc. — Chap. v. — Pray for me. — Chap. vi. — Do not accept Judaism. — Chap. vii. — I have exhorted you to unity. — Chap. viii. — The same continued. — Chap. ix. — The Old Testament is good: the New Testament is better. — Chap. x. — Congratulate the inhabitants of Antioch on the close of the persecution. — Chap. xi. — Thanks and salutation. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE SMYRNÆANS. — Chap. i. — Thanks to God for your faith. — Chap. ii. — Christ’s true passion. — Chap. iii. — Christ was possessed of a body after His resurrection. — Chap. iv. — Beware of these heretics. — Chap. v. — Their dangerous errors. — Chap. vi. — Unbelievers in the blood of Christ shall be condemned. — Chap. vii. — Let us stand aloof from such heretics. — Chap. viii. — Let nothing be done without the bishop. — Chap. ix. — Honour the bishop. — Chap. x. — Acknowledgment of their kindness. — Chap. xi. — Request to them to send a messenger to Antioch. — Chap. xii. — Salutations. — Conclusion. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO POLYCARP. — Chap. i. — Commendation and exhortation. — Chap. ii. — Exhortations. — Chap. iii. — Exhortations. — Chap. iv. — Exhortations. — Chap. v. — The duties of husbands and wives. — Chap. vi. — The duties of the Christian flock. — Chap. vii. — Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch. — Chap. viii. — Let other churches also send to Antioch.
10. 10.THE EPISTLES OF IGNATIUS AFTER THE SYRIAC VERSION. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO POLYCARP. [1384] — Chap. i. — Chap. ii. — Chap. iii. — Chap. iv. — Chap. v. — Chap. vi. — Chap. vii. — Chap. viii. — THE SECOND EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS: TO THE EPHESIANS. [1398] — Chap. i. — Chap. iii. [1404] — Chap. viii. [1405] — Chap. ix. — Chap. x. — Chap. xiv. [1407] — Chap. xv. — Chap. xviii. [1409] — Chap. xix. — THE THIRD EPISTLE OF THE SAME ST IGNATIUS. [1412] — Chap. i. — Chap. ii. — Chap. iii. — Chap. iv. — Chap. v. — Chap. vi. — Chap. vii. — Chap. ix. [1424]
11. 11.THE MARTYRDOM OF IGNATIUS. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE MARTYRDOM OF IGNATIUS. — Chap. i. — Desire of Ignatius for martyrdom. — Chap. ii. — Ignatius is condemned by Trajan. — Chap. iii. — Ignatius sails to Smyrna. — Chap. iv. — Ignatius writes to the churches. — Chap. v. — Ignatius is brought to Rome. — Chap. vi. — Ignatius is devoured by the beasts at Rome. — Chap. vii. — Ignatius appears in a vision after his death.
12. 12.THE EPISTLE TO DIOGNETUS. — Introductory Notice. — THE EPISTLE TO DIOGNETUS. — Chap. i. — Occasion of the Epistle. — Chap. ii. — The vanity of idols. — Chap. iii. — Superstitions of the Jews. — Chap. iv. — The other observances of the Jews. — Chap. v. — The manners of the Christians. — Chap. vi. — The relation of Christians to the world. — Chap. vii. — The manifestation of Christ. — Chap. viii. — The miserable state of men before the coming of the Word. — Chap. ix. — Why the Son was sent so late. — Chap. x. — The blessings that will flow from faith. — Chap. xi. — These things are worthy to be known and believed. — Chap. xii. — The importance of knowledge to true spiritual life.
13. 13.THE PASTOR OF HERMAS. — Introductory Notice. — BOOK FIRST.—VISIONS. — VISION FIRST. AGAINST FILTHY AND PROUD THOUGHTS, AND THE CARELESSNESS OF HERMAS IN CHASTISING HIS SONS. — VISION SECOND. AGAIN, OF HIS NEGLECT IN CHASTISING HIS TALKATIVE WIFE AND HIS LUSTFUL SONS, AND OF HIS CHARACTER. — VISION THIRD. CONCERNING THE BUILDING OF THE TRIUMPHANT CHURCH, AND THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF REPROBATE MEN. — VISION FOURTH. CONCERNING THE TRIAL AND TRIBULATION THAT ARE TO COME UPON MEN. — VISION FIFTH. CONCERNING THE COMMANDMENTS. — BOOK SECOND.—COMMANDMENTS. — COMMANDMENT FIRST. On Faith in God. — COMMANDMENT SECOND. On avoiding evil-speaking, and on giving alms in simplicity. — COMMANDMENT THIRD. On avoiding falsehood, and on the repentance of Hermas for his dissimulation. — COMMANDMENT FOURTH. On putting one’s wife away for adultery. — COMMANDMENT FIFTH. Of sadness of heart, and of patience. — COMMANDMENT SIXTH. How to recognise the two spirits attendant on each man, and how to distinguish the suggestions of the one from those of the other. — COMMANDMENT SEVENTH. On fearing God, and not fearing the devil. — COMMANDMENT EIGHTH. We ought to shun that which is evil, and do that which is good. — COMMANDMENT NINTH. Prayer must be made to God without ceasing, and with unwavering confidence. — COMMANDMENT TENTH. Of grief, and not grieving the Spirit of God which is in us. — COMMANDMENT ELEVENTH. The Spirit and prophets to be tried by their works; also of the two kinds of spirit. — COMMANDMENT TWELFTH. On the twofold desire. The commandments of God can be kept, and believers ought not to fear the devil. — BOOK THIRD.—SIMILITUDES. SIMILITUDES WHICH HE SPAKE WITH ME. — SIMILITUDE FIRST. As in this world we have no abiding city, we ought to seek one to come. — SIMILITUDE SECOND. As the vine is supported by the elm, so is the rich man helped by the prayer of the poor. — SIMILITUDE THIRD. As in winter green trees cannot be distinguished from withered, so in this world neither can the just from the unjust. — SIMILITUDE FOURTH. As in summer living trees are distinguished from withered by fruit and living leaves, so in the world to come the just differ from the unjust in happiness. — SIMILITUDE FIFTH. Of true fasting and its reward: also of purity of body. — SIMILITUDE SIXTH. Of the two classes of voluptuous men, and of their death, falling away, and the duration of their punishment. — SIMILITUDE SEVENTH. They who repent must bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. — SIMILITUDE EIGHTH. The sins of the elect and of the penitent are of many kinds, but all will be rewarded according to the measure of their repentance and good works. — SIMILITUDE NINTH. The great mysteries in the building of the militant and triumphant church. — SIMILITUDE TENTH. Concerning Repentance and Alms-giving.
14. 14.FRAGMENTS OF PAPIAS. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — I. From the Exposition of the Oracles of the Lord. [1784] — II. [1790] — III. [1792] — IV. [1795] — V. [1796] — VI. [1804] — VII. [1807] — VIII. [1809] — IX. [1810] — X. [1811]
15. 15.APPENDIX. THE SPURIOUS EPISTLES OF IGNATIUS. — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE TARSIANS. — Chap. i. — His own sufferings: exhortation to stedfastness. — Chap. ii. — Cautions against false doctrine. — Chap. iii. — The true doctrine respecting Christ. — Chap. iv. — Continuation. — Chap. v. — Refutation of the previously mentioned errors. — Chap. vi. — Continuation. — Chap. vii. — Continuation. — Chap. viii. — Exhortations to holiness and good order. — Chap. ix. — Exhortations to the discharge of relative duties. — Chap. x. — Salutations. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE ANTIOCHIANS. — Chap. i. — Cautions against error. — Chap. ii. — The true doctrine respecting God and Christ. — Chap. iii. — The same continued. — Chap. iv. — Continuation. — Chap. v. — Denunciation of false teachers. — Chap. vi. — Renewed cautions. — Chap. vii. — Exhortation to consistency of conduct. — Chap. viii. — Exhortations to the presbyters and others. — Chap. ix. — Duties of husbands, wives, parents, and children. — Chap. x. — Duties of masters and servants. — Chap. xi. — Inculcation of various moral duties. — Chap. xii. — Salutations. — Chap. xiii. — Salutations continued. — Chap. xiv. — Conclusion. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO HERO, A DEACON OF ANTIOCH. — Chap. i. — Exhortations to earnestness and moderation. — Chap. ii. — Cautions against false teachers. — Chap. iii. — Exhortations as to ecclesiastical duties. — Chap. iv. — Servants and women are not to be despised. — Chap. v. — Various relative duties. — Chap. vi. — Exhortations to purity and caution. — Chap. vii. — Solemn charge to Hero, as future bishop of Antioch. — Chap. viii. — Salutations. — Chap. ix. — Concluding salutations and instructions. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE PHILIPPIANS. — Chap. i. — Reason for writing the epistle. — Chap. ii. — Unity of the three Divine Persons. — Chap. iii. — Christ was truly born, and died, etc. — Chap. iv. — The malignity and folly of Satan. — Chap. v. — Apostrophe to Satan. — Chap. vi. — Continuation. — Chap. vii. — Continuation: inconsistency of Satan. — Chap. viii. — Continuation: ignorance of Satan. — Chap. ix. — Continuation: ignorance of Satan. — Chap. x. — Continuation: audacity of Satan. — Chap. xi. — Continuation: audacity of Satan. — Chap. xii. — The meek reply of Christ. — Chap. xiii. — Various exhortations and directions. — Chap. xiv. — Farewells and cautions. — Chap. xv. — Salutations. Conclusion. — THE EPISTLE OF MARIA THE PROSELYTE TO IGNATIUS. — Chap. i. — Occasion of the epistle. — Chap. ii. — Youth may be allied with piety and discretion. — Chap. iii. — Examples of youthful devotedness. — Chap. iv. — The same subject continued. — Chap. v. — Expressions of respect for Ignatius. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO MARY AT NEAPOLIS, NEAR ZARBUS. — Chap. i. — Acknowledgment of her excellence and wisdom. — Chap. ii. — His own condition. — Chap. iii. — He had complied with her request. — Chap. iv. — Commendation and exhortation. — Chap. v. — Salutations and good wishes. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO ST JOHN THE APOSTLE. — A SECOND EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO ST JOHN. — THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE VIRGIN MARY. — REPLY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN TO THIS LETTER.
16. 16.INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
17. 17.INDEX OF TEXTS.

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