The Apostolic Fathers

Patrística #1

by Michael W. Holmes, John Reginald Harmer

Lightfoot, J. B., Harmer, J. R.

Genres: Theology, History, Church History, Christianity, Religion, Christian, Nonfiction

347 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1872

About the author

Michael William Holmes

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an incredible blessing that the church still has access to these works. Some vary in difficulty (looking at you Shepherd of Hermas), but most are readable, applicable, and relevant. I would encourage every Christian to at least read the Martyrdom of Polycarp.

I reread this again for school and still love it. I will probably try to lead my church through these works sometime soon.

[John Majors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book. It's a collection of works by those that immediately followed the apostles. Some were believed to be disciples of the apostles (i.e. Papias and Polycarp were followers of John). Some of the works read like Scripture, some less so. But the book is chocked full of gems. The story of Polycarp's Martyrdom is incredible. The Didache is our oldest church manual. The Shepherd of Hermes was considered Scripture by some of the early church fathers. And the letters of Ignatius were written to some of the same churches of Revelation. This was my second time reading through the book - and I can't wait to read it again.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clement has some amazing passages. I wonder if he influenced the Eastern Church, since both refer to Jesus as Master quite often.
Ignatius was a somewhat of a mixed bag. Seems to exemplify a type of fearlessness that Aquinas would say stems from a lack of love. His emphasis on not just speaking about Christianity, but doing and being a Christian was great though — it’s hard to not appreciate a martyr like him.
Diognetus was fantastic as expected. I simply skipped Hermas with absolutely zero regrets: life's too short to waste on sub-par reading.

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writings in this book. Clement has a lot of really creative imagery and makes interesting biblical connections as he exhorts the Corinthians to Church unity. Ignatius's letters cry for unity within the Church. The hierarchy he provides for the Church: bishop, presbyters, and deacons, and the way he correlates those positions of authority to the Father, the counsel of God, and the apostles was really interesting. He very much saw submission to Church authority, particularly the bishop, as submission to the Father, because the Church was established on Christ and handed down by the apostles, which made it authoritative in structure. His letters made my soul yearn for unity in the Church; among Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. I loved his epistles. Best exhortation on Church unity I've ever read.

Ploycarp and the Didache were both really good and edifying. There was something special about The Epistle of Barnabas and The Epistle to Diognetus. I think I enjoyed those two epistles the most. I know they are not Scripture, they don't have the same authority as Scripture, but it felt very similar to reading Scripture. More so than the other writings in my opinion. If you're going to read anything from the Apostolic Fathers, I'd recommend these two epistles the most (and Ignatius's for the heart of Church unity that is exhorted).

Hermas had very interesting parables. I'm not entirely sure what I think about his commandments and parables as a whole. He was definitely the most allegorical and took the most liberty. I enjoyed the building of the Church tower at the beginning of his parables, but my favorite was the parable of the vineyard. There is definitely a lot of meditation worthy material in his writings. The Fragments of Papias and The Traditions of the Elders had some interesting things as well.

I'd recommend any Christian read this to start getting some roots in Church history and the writings of the fathers who have gone before us.

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[Micah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible one-stop-shop for the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. The translations are clear and contemporary. The introductory material for each document is illuminating.

The content varies widely. Clement and the Epistle of Diognetus are incredible. The Ignatius letters and Polycarp documents are very good. 1 Clement, the Diognetus author, Ignatius, and Polycarp all bear a likeness to the apostles in style and content. Others of the writings are very strange.

The Shepherd of Hermas was dreadfully moralistic. While there was evidently high Christology and Pneumatology, there was very little grace. While it was popular in the early church, I'm glad it has been largely confined to the dustbin of history. I would have hated to be a Christian in the dark corner of the church whence that wish.com quality wannabe apocalyptic literature came.

I wish I could have every Christian read Diognetus immediately.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I reverted to the Catholic faith five or six years ago, I have known about the Apostolic Fathers (in my fervent Wikipedia searches haha); Clement, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, and their epistles that have come down to us thousands of years later. Out of sloth and dedication to vain pursuits, that I admittedly still suffer from (I promise I am reading the Bible, by the way, I have only neglected to record it here), I neglected to take up and read. So three weeks ago I chose to rise off the couch and exercise my mind with the Apostolic Fathers. My only disclaimer is that I did not read through the whole thing, but read all that I wanted in 'one sitting', as it were, and I will definitely return to it.

Firstly, in my unqualified opinion, Mr. Holmes has done an excellent job as translator and editor of this edition, a revision of J.B. Lightfoot and J.R. Harmer's earlier work. As a lover of novelty, I adore the diglot presentation: english sitting beside the greek. The text is clearly printed and not a chore to read, and I was edified by what I read (1 Clement, 2 Clement, Ignatius' letters to the Ephesians, Magnesians and Trallians, and some parts of the Didache). I know nearly nothing about the greek text, nor translation, so I cannot comment on the quality of the translation (though I own, from CUA's series 'Fathers of the Church: Vol. 1.: The Apostolic Fathers' to compare it with). Finally, of course, I love a good hardback book. My only criticism is that the paper is thin, though I understand that that is unfair because the book is 800+ pages long.

In my little opinion (I write this review more so to practice review-writing), I think this book is well worth the money to read and own, though only if it increases sanctification. I thank God for having the opportunity to read the Apostolic Fathers, where others, due to poverty or persecution, cannot; I pray that I take the words to heart. I hope, also, to hand them down to posterity, until the Second Coming.

Please pray for me if you read this review, as I pray also.

[Bob Hayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christians today often have little sense of the past, and a low respect for church history. And they are almost totally ignorant of old books. Not every old book is worth reading, but some shine as true classics of the Christian faith. The Apostolic Fathers is one such work. It remains important for the insight it provides into the world of Christianity in the first generations after the death of the apostles.

As I read The Apostolic Fathers, I was reminded just how far removed I really am from the New Testament time period. I encountered much that was strange or different from my normal way of thinking. But I also found a good deal of continuity. Scripture is often quoted as Scripture. Justification by faith is stressed in 1 Clement, and a call to holy living pervades all the apostolic fathers. Even still, the Bible itself shines out all the brighter when compared with these non-inspired writings.

This Moody Classics edition is a handy sized, attractively presented book. It would fit in many pockets, and makes the task of reading “The Apostolic Church Fathers” much less daunting.

The book begins with a helpful foreword by Mark Galli. An introduction to each of the included works is provided and the merits of reading the Fathers is discussed. After the foreword you jump right into the Fathers themselves. 1 & 2 Clement, The Letters of Ignatius and Polycarp, The Martyrdom of Polycarp, The Didache, and The Pastor of Hermas are the included titles.

I was struck by the very first page of the Fathers, Clement’s first letter opens up with this line: “The church of God, living in exile in Rome, to the church of God, exiled in Corinth–to you who are called and sanctified by God’s will through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (pg. 17) The idea of the church being exiled is also found in the opening of 1 Peter and James. It was special to see that sense of a pilgrim-mindset so clearly in 1 Clement.

1 Clement also showed an early example of typological interpretation. This book written in A.D. 96 already reveals importance placed on the “scarlet thread” of Rahab: “(She) should hang a piece of scarlet from her house… by this they made it clear that it was by the blood of the Lord that redemption was going to come to all who believe in God and hope on him.” (pg. 25)

Polycarp’s letter to the bishop of Smyrna exhorts the careful study of Paul’s letters “that will enable you, if you study them carefully, to grow in the faith delivered to you” (pg. 127). Ignatius’ letter to Polycarp revealed that he believed miraculous spiritual gifts were still to be sought in his day: “But ask that you may have revelations of what is unseen. In that way you will lack nothing and have an abundance of every gift.” (pg. 121)

I must confess the Pastor of Hermas (sometimes called Shepherd of Hermas) was rather intriguing. It is a somewhat strange, allegorical tale of quite some length (around 150 pages in this edition). But even though much of it doesn’t make sense to me, or even seems wrong headed, it contains plenty of good exhortations and admonitions. In fact I even found a statement that echoes John Piper’s “Christian Hedonism” ideas: “Wherefore put on cheerfulness, which always is agreeable and acceptable to God, and rejoice in it. For every cheerful man does what is good, and minds what is good…” (pg. 222).

The back cover of this little book declares: “What you have in your hand is a modern translation of early Christian bestsellers.” I would recommend you strongly consider putting down today’s bestseller in favor of this convenient edition of The Apostolic Fathers. You’ll be glad you did.

Learn more about Moody Classics at MoodyClassics.com. See more of my reviews at CrossFocusedReviews.com.

[Tyler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "The Apostolic Fathers" for a class at St. Aidan's Anglican Church on the Anti-Nicene Fathers. It was super fascinating to read the earliest Christian writings dating to shortly after the time of the apostles. The letters of Ignatius & Polycarp were some of the best!

[Michael Kenan Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone who wants to understand the first generations of Christians and Christianity after the apostles. Michael Holmes has done us a great service by presenting the texts of the Apostolic Fathers with very illuminating introductions, and by providing excellent translations. I found his critical apparatus embedded in the text very useful indeed.
Highly recommended!

[Porter Sprigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introductory material with fascinating primary sources. Definitely a book I’ll keep and reference in the future.

[Aidan Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but a worthwhile one.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book for anyone who desires to get a glimpse into the life and beliefs of the Christian church directly following the lives of the apostles. Translated into modern English, along with footnotes and extensive introductions, this volume makes ancient Christian documents easily accessible to the 21st century reader.

[Darren Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good translation of the Apostolic Fathers, very easy to read and understand. And I appreciate the brief overview given by the editor for each book.

Among all the books, my favorites are those from Ignatius because he gave more historical context regarding the place of the bishop and church governance.

Most of the writings pertain to living a godly and upright life, however, some writings have gone too far to promote salvation by works system.

If you want to skip some of the books, I will recommend skipping The Shepherd of Hermas and Fragments of Papias. The rest are good to read for historical context, especially the ones by Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp.

[Karl Kranich]

It's fascinating to read these early Christian writings.

[Kyle McFerren · Rating 4 out of 5]

(2nd time reading)

Interesting collection of some of the earliest Christian writings outside of the New Testament. This was kind of a mixed bag. Some of them I really enjoyed: the letters of Ignatius (who was real concerned that all Christian activity be done under the supervision of church leaders), the Didache (which reads like one long rich sermon), and the Epistle to Diognetus (an early Christian apology full of straight gospel).

Also included were a few writings that were a little more "out there": the Shepherd of Hermas (an over-100-chapter-long mystical vision that seems to teach there's no forgiveness for sins after conversion) and the Epistle of Barnabas (which includes some questionable fun facts, such as that Jews weren't allowed to eat wild hares because they grow an extra orifice every year - what???) My biggest take away was that from the Church's earliest days there were theological disagreements, but the Holy Spirit was able to guide the early Church into a consensus about what constituted orthodoxy and eventually to agree upon the canonical books of the New Testament - which especially stand out as inspired and true in comparison to these.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being far from the time of the early church we sometimes don't understand what the views and perspectives of those who came before us in Church. The Apostolic Fathers gives us a little insight of just some of the views amongst earlier Christians. This little collection of writings is certainly a recommended read to anyone who is a believer and wants to know a little more about Church history and certainly is a great non-Scripture collection.

[Jed Wyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every Christian could gain alot of merit from these texts, especially those who are really making their faith their own. I wasn't a fan of Shepard of Hermas, or the epistle of Barnabas, but got alot out of the other texts. Really made me rethink how I worship the lord and how the christian church should conduct itself. Really cool to read about people who had been in contact with the deciples and others from the time period.

[Roger Araujo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primary sources to deepen our knowledge of the Christians of the first and second centuries. Here a summary using quotes of what drew my attention:

1. "Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ and understand how precious it is to his Father, because, being poured out for our salvation, it won for the whole world the grace of repentance" - already well developed Atonement understanding in the first century.

2. "Let us note how free from anger he is toward all his creation" - we can see how Paul influenced early theology, this passage seems to echo Romans 5:9.

3.1. "Many women, being strengthened by the grace of God, have performed many manly deeds" - women received much more respect in the early church in comparison to the secular world.

3.2. "When a brother sees a sister, he should not think of her as female, nor should she think of him as male. When you do these things, he says, the kingdom of my Father will come" - again, look here how Christianity is a Copernican revolution in human history.

4. "For he called us when we did not exist, and out of nothing he willed us into being" - colorful language.

5. "And let none of you say that this flesh is not judged and does not rise again" - Gnosticism and Doscetism were really bothering the orthodoxy defended by Paul.

6. "The scripture says, 'God created humankind male and female.' The male is Christ; the female is the church" - awesome way to see Christ in Genesis; not as creation (Arianism), but His human nature as created.

7. "For Jesus Christ, our inseparable life, is the mind of the Father, just as the bishops appointed throughout the world are in the mind of Christ" - the church of Corinth was about to have a schism and Ignatius stressed the importance of the Bishops to the union of the congregation.

8. "There is only one physician, who is both flesh and spirit, born and unborn, God in man, true life in death, both from Mary and from God, first subject to suffering and then beyond it, Jesus Christ our Lord" - Ignatius saw no problem in paradoxes.

9. "The one who truly possesses the word of Jesus is also able to hear his silence, so that he may be perfect, so that he may act through what he says and be known through his silence" - terrifying poetry.

10. "It is utterly absurd to profess Jesus Christ and to practice Judaism. For Christianity did not believe in Judaism, but Judaism in Christianity, in which every tongue believed and was brought together to God" - tension between the old and the new.

11. "Fire and cross and battles with wild beasts, mutilation, mangling, wrenching of bones, the hacking of limbs, the crushing of my whole body, cruel tortures of the devil—let these come upon me, only let me reach Jesus Christ!" - martyrdom as a way to salvation.

12. "For though I am still alive, I am passionately in love with death as I write to you" - Ignatius was facing hard times and fully exercising his faith in the resurrection of the flesh.

13. "Stay away from the evil plants, which are not cultivated by Jesus Christ, because they are not the Father’s planting" - the Gnostics were famous by their use of drugs.

14. "But the love of money is the beginning of all troubles" - the early church faced corruption.

[Daniel Nelms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic. I feel embarrassed that I have yet to read 1-2 Clement or the writings of Ignatius or Polycarp until now. The Shepherd of Hermas is long and becomes an arduous read, and The Epistle of Barnabas reads like (to a degree) like allegorical medieval scholasticism. I hope to continue to familiarize myself with these early writings, and absorb myself more in the early centuries of the Christian Church.

The letter that stood out the most to me, not only for its content but its beauty in writing, was Polycarp's letter to the Philippians. His grieving for Valens, a fallen pastor among them, seems relevant in modern times to post below:

"I am deeply grieved for Valens, who once was a presbyter among you, because he so fails to understand the office that was entrusted to him. I warn you, therefore: avoid the love of money, and be pure and truthful. Avoid every kind of evil. But how can someone who is unable to exercise self-control in these matters preach self-control to anyone else? Anyone who does not avoid love of money will be polluted by idolatry and will be judged as one of the Gentiles, who are ignorant of the Lord's judgment. Or do we now not know that the saints will judge the world, as Paul teaches? But I have not observed or heard of any such thing among you, in whose midst the blessed Paul labored and who are praised in the beginning of his letter. For he boasts about you in all the churches - one that at that time had come to know the Lord, for we have not yet come to know him. Therefore, brothers and sisters, I am deeply grieved for him and for his wife; may the Lord grand them true repentance. You therefore, for your part must be reasonable in the matter, and not regard such people as enemies, but, as sick and straying members, restore them, in order that you may save your body in its entirety. For by doing this you build up one another." (Chap. 11)

On now to Eusebius.

[Luke Merrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of the contemporaneous books of the New Testament. The writing of Ignatius of antioch were especially profound and revealed many exquisite theological insights. Clement of Rome was of note also.

The eschatalogical visions of these early writings were diverse; from pictures of ultimate redemption, to the life to come nullified of any form of repentance; although one cannot say these punishments were necessarily seen as eternal. The structure of the Church government shows progression also, or at least unique manifestations from the biblical epistles. Apparently Bishops began to replace the previously held authority of the disciples of Christ and were to be treated as the head of the Church, though they only represented the authority of Christ. This makes sense, especially when one considers the immense number of incipient sects of Christian teachings.

Reading these books sheds a unique light on the canon of scripture found in the new testament; Paul, and the other writers seem to be flowing with more grace than before and their christocentric faith points in a firm direction. The reason is, I think, is that these writings (of the apostolic fathers) are more reactionary rather than expository; the questions they presuppose relate more or less in pragmatic paradigms, where as the New Testament is more concerned with revealing the nature of God.

[Hermas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Patristics and to the concept of church history and the church fathers themselves. The writers within act as early witnesses to the truth of the Apostolic faith. This collection led to my conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism. Specifically Saint Ignatius of Antioch's letters, attesting to the truth of the real presence in the Eucharist in a way in which no one can ignore, and Saint Clement of Rome's insistence to obey the bishop as you would Christ. The more I read the more the Saint John Henry Newman quote "To Be Deep in History Is to Cease to Be Protestant" resonated with me.

Aside from using the text as a guide for early Apostolic Christian beliefs, the writers of these texts beautifully articulate themselves to the point where I often at times forgot that I wasn't reading scripture (many early Christian groups used many of these texts as scripture and I can see why).

I would recommend this to any Christian seeking to learn more about the history of their faith. Regardless if you are Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox I would insist that you read and study the writings of these men as they are the spiritual heirs of the Apostles and imitation of them is imitation of Christ.

[W Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of early Christian writings is a sort of sequel to the New Testament. It is intersting, helpful at times, and occasionally strange. There is a fair amount of diversity of thought here, along with a turn towards upholding the moral standards that would eventually define Christianity - a significant departure from Paul's sweeping vision of grace. The time until Jesus' return is no longer short; perhaps as a result, grace is still freely given but must be carefully kept. My favorite of these texts, and also the longest, is The Shepherd of Hermas, which is an episodic series of visions and teachings written in a style similar to the Prophets and Revelation; it does not contribute much to abstract theology, but it provides a wealth of vivid pictures and symbols for thinking about the Church and the world. Holmes' translation is very readable, and the introductions at the beginning of each text are very helpful.

[David Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 Clement
Ignatius
Polycarp
Martyrdom Accounts
Papias being wild
What is their not to like about taking time to read some Apostolic Fathers? These guys are the guys who knew Paul, Peter, and John! Theyre so encouraging. It was such a blessing to read and see how much they cared about their congregations and about their God. Polycarp especially is such a strikingly wonderful figure.

Even the things I did not enjoy as much such as the Didache and The epistle of Barnabus blessed my time.

The only thing that makes this not a 5 star read is the Shepherd of Hermas. I do not know why this text was so beloved by the early Church. UGHHHHH

However, thank goodness the Church still has access to these texts, though they are not biblically authoritative. However, If most people read CS Lewis with some sense of authority, I have no idea why they wouldnt take time to be blesses by 1 Clement and Polycarp.

[Moacyr Alves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the 3rd edition of the book.
First of all, this book is excellent for students of the Father's Greek. It presents the reader with a good critical Greek text. It is not a Corpus Christianorum, but present you with the major witenesses for the writings.
The introductions and the bibliography at the end of each introduction to the writings are very helpful if the reader is looking for a map to the Patristic Studies dungeon.
The translation itself sometimes can sound a little strange, specially for St. Ignatius letters. But you have access to the Greek text and you can change it and make notes, so you are not a hostage of the translation.
It is a very helpful resource, essential part of any theologian personal library, and it is a great introduction to the Apostolic Father's texts in an easier to understan English than ANF.

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firmou a minha fé na Santa Igreja Católica, não há erro, e fora dela não há salvação. Começamos por Clemente, o terceiro papa; Inácio de Antioquia e Policarpo de Esmirna. Os três falavam sobre a guarda do domingo, sobre a fé em Jesus Cristo e a submissão aos bispos. Temos as cópias do Pastor de Hermas, um livro muito bom com a Igreja como foco; e também, As Cartas de Barnabé, que apesar de um pouco rústicas, foram de muito proveito. Após, há um resumo sobre Pápias de Hierápolis, e é uma pena termos perdido tão valiosa obra. Por fim, a razão pela qual comprei este livro: Didaqué, o manual dos primeiros cristãos, ótima leitura.

[Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful for the excellent editorial and translation work done by Lightfoot and Holmes his successor. The reader of this collection will be fascinated by the diversity within these early fathers, and will probably enjoy some works much more than others. I loved the letters of Ignatius and the Epistle to Diognetus, the Epistle of Barnabas not so much. I was also impressed and heartened by the presence of the early catholicity evident amidst the disagreements, and, at times, the primitive ways these fathers expressed the gospel.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful aphorisms and sayings, mainly valuable in the Didache, Epistle of Barnabas, Martyrdom of Polycarp, and perhaps a few sayings here and there from Igantius for historical and eccelesiatical value in their great age.
Some tidbits but overall, was not as useful to read as Scripture. I suppose that is why its not included in the canon. The Shepherd of Hermas has some cool horticultural images that I enjoyed a lot but It lacked grace in my view and inspiration. I say that as a layman only.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly valuable historical text, and a well-produced edition, with original languages and translations on facing pages, a clear critical apparatus (for those so interested...not me!), and introductions to each text.

As for the texts themselves, a mixed bag. Polycarp, Diognetus, Barnabas - these epistles are fascinating. The Shepherd of Hermas - hmmm, that was one weird book...

All told, one cannot read these texts without developing a greater appreciation of the clarity of the inspired NT epistles!

[Sean Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure to be able to go back to the writings of these men and read from the writings of early Christendom.
Is it all good? - By no means but that does not take away the value of it, and the foundational building blocks on which a lot of today's theological and Christological writing originates from.
It is not the Bible, so there are faults, but it is a great privilegeto be able to read these writings.

[S. Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a telling experience to get into the mind of an Ante-Nicene Patriarch. Most of them, it seems, were Pre-Millenialist Arminians. However, as close as they all were to the Apostolic Church, they also had a large number of misunderstandings. I feel like this book helped to uncover the thoughts and mindsets of those who were alive in the days of the shaping and continuance of the Church under intense persecution.