LESSON 9 THE APOSTOLIC FATHERS Lesson Plan Who Were the Apostolic Fathers The Apostolic Fathers (a term first used in the 6 th century) is a category used to describe the Christians leaders that came to prominence after the apostles had died late in the first century into early in the second century. In all likelihood most of these men were not personally familiar with the actual apostles of the Lord (as only John was still alive during the early years of their tenure). From this unorganized sect of leaders we have fragments indicative of a small and struggling church widely dispersed and persecuted throughout the Roman Empire. Though not inspired by God, they built on the work left behind by the apostles. They sought to explain the teachings of Jesus Christ, deal with contemporary issues and stand against the rising heretics of the day. Some Significant Contributors
Those Were the Days In the whole range of history there is no more striking contrast than that of the Apostolic churches with the heathenism around them. They had shortcomings enough, it is true, and divisions and scandals not a few, for even apostolic times were no golden age of purity and primitive simplicity. Yet we can see that their fullness of life, and hope, and promise for the future, were a new sort of power in the world. Within their own limits they had solved almost by the way the social problem which baffled Rome, and baffles Europe still. They had lifted woman to her rightful place, restored the dignity of labor, abolished beggary, and drawn the sting of slavery. The secret of the revolution is that the selfishness of race and class were forgotten in the Supper of the Lord, and a new basis for society found in love of the visible image of God in men for whom Christ died (Henry M. Gwatkin, Early Church History to A.D. 312, p. 1909). Authentic, biblical Christianity has always been an exclusive religion. This became apparent during the Roman Empire. When the Emperor Alexander Severus heard about Christianity, he placed an image of Christ beside the other gods in his private chapel, just to be safe. The Romans were happy to welcome Jesus into their pantheon. What the Romans couldn t understand was why Christians refused to reciprocate. If the emperor was willing to worship Christ, why weren t Christians willing to worship the emperor? Yet the early Christians insisted that in order to worship Christ at all, they had to worship Christ alone. They were even willing to stand up for this conviction by playing Christians and lions at the Colosseum (Philip Graham Ryken, Is Jesus the Only Way? p. 10-11). It was a time when problems could no longer be solved by seeking an authoritative answer from an apostle. As a consequence, the church had to begin to deal with the question of sources of authority and authoritative tradition at a time when new challenges and pressures, both internal and external, were confronting the new religious movement in increasingly forceful terms (Michael Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, Introduction). Through these and other works of the first two centuries, we see early Christians grappling with their turbulent times. These documents refer often to the Gospels and the Epistles, which shows that early Christians looked for guidance to Holy
Scripture, both the Old Testament and the recently written New Testament. In the end, it was that dependence, along with the promise of Jesus (Matthew 16:18), and the ministry of the Holy Spirit (working through documents like these, even with sometimes flawed teachings) that saw the church through these perilous times (Moody Classics, The Apostolic Fathers, Forward by Mark Galli). Please Help Some Influential Works 1. First Clement (Clement A.D. 96-97) First Clement is one of the earliest and most significant Christian documents we have after the New Testament. The early church considered this letter just below the biblical writings. Clement wrote this letter to the church in Corinth after they,
in his opinion, unjustly removed several elders from leadership. The letter is lengthy and contains many references to the Paul s epistles and the Old Testament. Let us come to the most recent spiritual heroes. Let us take the noble examples furnished in our own generation. Through envy and jealousy, the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church] have been persecuted and put to death. Let us set before our eyes the illustrious apostles. Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labors, and when he had finally suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the prefects. Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience (Chapter 5). 2. Second Clement (author unknown A.D. 120-140) Second Clement, though doubtfully written by Clement, was sermon originally delivered to Christians during a church service based on Isaiah 54:1. Emphasis is on a call to repent from idolatry, live pure and persevere in the face of persecution. The work is outlined in three sections: theological, ethical and eschatological, followed by a short conclusion. Consider, brothers, that living in this world is but brief and transient, but the promise of Christ is great and wonderful, even the rest of the kingdom to come, and of life everlasting. By what course of conduct, then, shall we attain these things, but by leading a holy and righteous life, and by knowing these worldly things as not belonging to us, and not fixing our desires upon them? For if we desire to possess them, we fall away from the path of righteousness (Chapter 5). 3. The Martyrdom of Polycarp (author unknown A.D. 155) The Martyrdom of Polycarp is one of the few remaining works from an actual eyewitness during the severe persecutions of the early church. The work details
Polycarp s death at the age of 86 at the hands of the Romans in the second century Now, as Polycarp was entering into the stadium, there came to him a voice from heaven, saying, Be strong, and show yourself a man, O Polycarp! No one saw who it was that spoke to him; but those of our brothers who were present heard the voice. And as he was brought forward, the tumult became great when they heard that Polycarp was taken. And when he came near, the proconsul asked him whether he was Polycarp. On his confessing that he was, [the proconsul] sought to persuade him to deny [Christ], saying, Have respect to your old age, and other similar things, according to their custom, [such as], Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, Away with the Atheists. But Polycarp, gazing with a stern countenance on all the multitude of the wicked heathen then in the stadium, and waving his hand towards them, while with groans he looked up to heaven, said, Away with the Atheists. Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, Swear, and I will set you at liberty, reproach Christ. Polycarp declared, Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior? (Chapter 9). 4. Epistle of Barnabas (author unknown A.D. 130) The Epistle of Barnabas is more of a theological tract than an actual epistle. It discusses the questions that have confronted Christians since the beginning of time, primarily our use of the Old Testament in the church today. When this was written there was still great tensions between the church and the synagogue. The author seeks to prove that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and the fulfillment of of the Old Testament writings. For to this end the Lord endured to deliver up His flesh to corruption, that we might be sanctified through the removal of sins, which is brought about by His blood of sprinkling. For it is written concerning Him, partly with reference to Israel, and partly to us; and [the Scripture] says thus: He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities: with His stripes we are healed. He was brought as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb which is dumb before its shearer (Isaiah 53:5, 7). Therefore we ought to be deeply grateful to the Lord, because He has both made known to us things that are past, and has given us
wisdom concerning things present, and has not left us without understanding in regard to things which are to come (Chapter 5). 5. The Didache (author unknown early second century) The Didache ( Teachings ) is a short Christian document that contains instruction for the church community. Written as a catechism it has three main sections dealing with proper conduct and organization in the local church. Some Church Fathers even believed the Didache was inspired and thus should be included in the New Testament. Gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks, first confessing your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. And let no man, having his dispute with his fellow, join your assembly until they have been reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be defiled (Chapter 14). 6. The Letter to Diognetus (author unknown A.D. 130) This letter is a response addressed to the author as to the nature of the Christian religions and why he himself had chosen to embrace it. The tone is sentimental and it provides an effective summary as to why Christians have abandoned Paganism and Judaism. The character of Christians is noted as to how their lives have changed based upon the Christian beliefs they have adopted. He Himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than his righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! that the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors! (Chapter 8). 7. The Shepherd of Hermas (author unknown A.D. 140-160)
The Shepherd of Hermas was held in high regard by the early church. It too was also strongly considered for inclusion in the New Testament by some notable Church Fathers. The work is divided into five versions, twelve mandates and ten parables. Much is presented in an allegorical format. Emphasis is in the church and a call to repentance. First of all, believe that there is one God who created and finished all things, and made all things out of nothing. He alone is able to contain the whole, but Himself cannot be contained. Have faith therefore in Him, and fear Him; and fearing Him, exercise self-control. Keep these commands, and you will cast away from you all wickedness, and put on the strength of righteousness, and live to God, if you keep this commandment (Second Book, First Commandment). Food for Thought Why is it important to know these men and this period of church history? What were some of the greatest struggles for the Christian during this time? How did the Christian church survive? Would you like to read one or more of these letters in their entirety (all of them are available online)? Bible Memorization Hebrews 13:7- Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.