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The Fathers, readable
Teaching by topic, and whole treatises chapter by chapter. Ante-Nicene voices first; later writers are labeled when they appear. Translation sources and notes are listed with each work.
Topics
What did they teach about God, Christ, will, church, last things? 1922 passages across the map.
Open the map →Works
280 treatises online · 11011 sections. Cross-linked to related topics.
From the topics
- Justin Martyr Dialogue with Trypho 7 Old Man: There existed, long before this time, certain men more ancient than all those who are esteemed philosophers, both righteous and beloved by God, who spoke by the Divine Spirit, and foretold events which would take place, and which are now taking place. They are called prophets. Scripture and Inspiration
- Hermas Shepherd (Mandates) Mandate 1 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. One God the Creator
- Ignatius of Antioch Epistle to the Ephesians 7 There is one Physician who is possessed both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God existing in flesh; true life in death; both of Mary and of God; first passible and then impassible — even Jesus Christ our Lord. Incarnation — Word Made Flesh
- Hermas Shepherd — Mandates Mand.11 These, says he, are the faithful, and he who sits on the chair is a false prophet, ruining the minds of the servants of God. It is the doubters, not the faithful, that he ruins. Spirit and Prophecy
- Barnabas Epistle 6 For the Scripture speaks about us when he says to the Son: “Let us make the human according to our image and according to our likeness, and let them rule the beasts of the earth and the birds of the heaven and the fish of the sea.” Image and Likeness
- Barnabas 5.1 For this reason the Lord endured handing over his flesh to corruption: that we might be cleansed by the forgiveness of sins, which is by the sprinkling of his blood. Salvation in Christ
- Ignatius of Antioch Ignatius — Epistle to the Ephesians 5 For if I in this brief space of time, have enjoyed such fellowship with your bishop — I mean not of a mere human, but of a spiritual nature — how much more do I reckon you happy who are so joined to him as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father, that so all things may agree in unity! One Church
- Didache Didache 14 But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. Eucharist and Thanksgiving