40 Days with the Fathers: Companion Texts

40 Days with the Fathers

companion texts

Edited and Compiled by

Luke J. Wilson

Compiled, formatted, edited, introduction and appendices

© 2019 Luke J. Wilson

Publisher: Independent Publishing Network.

Publication date: May 2019

PAPERBACK ISBN-13: 978-1-78972-250-5

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

without the express written permission of the publisher

except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Cover design: © 2019 Luke J. Wilson

On the cover, left to right: Leo the Great, Ambrose of Milan and Ignatius of Antioch.

Ante-Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers translations:

Public Domain.

Ante-Nicene Fathers, Edited and Translated by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson; A. Cleveland Coxe (ed.), Philip Schaff (ed.). Originally published 1885-6.

Nicene and post-Nicene Fathers, Series II, Schaff, P. Originally published 1891.

First Edition

For more information or to contact the author, see:

www.thatancientfaith.uk

www.fortydays.co.uk

Dedicated to all those who love Jesus and His Church, and hold a deep appreciation of all those who have come before us, that great cloud of witnesses; and to my wife, Lucy, whose dedication to God has always been an inspiration.

Also dedicated to Dr David Allen (1940–2018) who brought Church History to life with his wit and humour and inspired my passion for the subject.

CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

ANTE-NICENE FATHERS

Day 1   - The Didache

Day 2   - Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus: Chaps. 1-6

Day 3   - Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus: Chaps. 7-12

Day 4   - Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

Day 5   - Ignatius of Antioch: Letter to the Ephesians

Day 6   - Ignatius of Antioch: Letter to the Magnesians

Day 7   - Ignatius of Antioch: Letter to the Trallians

Day 8   - Ignatius of Antioch: Letter to the Romans

Day 9   - Ignatius of Antioch: Letter to the Philadelphians

Day 10 - Ignatius of Antioch: Letter to the Smyrnaeans

Day 11 - Ignatius of Antioch: Letter to Polycarp

Day 12 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 1-11

Day 13 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 12-23

Day 14 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 24-35

Day 15 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 36-47

Day 16 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 48-59

Day 17 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 60-68

Day 18 - Cyprian: On the Unity of the Church, Chaps. 1-9

Day 19 - Cyprian: On the Unity of the Church, Chaps. 10-18

Day 20 - Cyprian: On the Unity of the Church, Chaps. 19-27

POST-NICENE FATHERS

Day 21 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 1-10

Day 22 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 11-20

Day 23 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 21-30

Day 24 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 31-40

Day 25 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 41-50

Day 26 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 51-60

Day 27 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 61-70

Day 28 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 71-80

Day 29 - Athanasius: Life of Anthony, Chaps. 81-94

Day 30 - Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures XIX

Day 31 - Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures XX

Day 32 - Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures XXI

Day 33 - Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures XXII

Day 34 - Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical LecturesXXIII

Day 35 - Ambrose of Milan: On the Mysteries, Chaps. 1-4

Day 36 - Ambrose of Milan: On the Mysteries, Chaps. 5-9

Day 37 - Leo the Great: Letter XXVIII (called the Tome)

Day 38 - Leo the Great: Sermon XXI (On the Nativity Feast I)

Day 39 - Leo the Great: Sermon XLIX (On Lent XI)

Day 40 - Leo the Great: Sermon LXXII (On The Lord's Resurrection, II)

About The Author

Acknowledgements

Appendix A: The Martyrdom of Ignatius

Appendix B: Know Your Heresies

Appendix C: Timeline of the Early Church

Appendix D: Maps of Early Text Locations

Bibliography

Other Books in the Series

Books Coming Soon

PREFACE

This is the companion to the first book in the series, Forty Days with the Fathers: A Daily Reading Plan. The first book originally took form on my blog[1] as a daily post throughout the period of Lent in 2017 (hence the 40 days), and aims to give you a glimpse into the minds of that great cloud of witnesses that have come before us through short commentary of the early church texts.

This book follows the same forty day pattern and chapter breaks so you can read it alongside the first book, or as a stand-alone reading plan with no additional commentary, as it features the source texts in full as translated and edited by Philip Schaff et al. All the original footnotes are included as well as few of my own where certain things required clarification for 21st century readers. The more learned readers here may notice that I have chosen to only include the shorter Ignatian epistles in this collection—this is because I am convinced by the arguments for their genuineness over the longer letters which are thought to be interpolations.

The reading plan follows a collection of twenty-three early texts in full from the first four centuries. As an additional bit of information, at the beginning of each text I have given a preface which gives a Who, What, Why and When so you can read a short summary about the historical context, purpose for it being written, and the approximate date of each ancient text as well. At the end of each chapter, there is a notes section so you can jot down any thoughts you had during your reading, and at the very end of the book are some useful appendices containing historical data and maps to help bring more visual context the the New Testament and Early Church texts.

Each daily reading will vary in length of time to read, and by day 40, you will have read the writings of ten different Church Fathers from the Ante-Nicene and Post-Nicene period:

Didache, Diognetus, Polycarp, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Cyprian, Athanasius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose of Milan, and Leo the Great.

I hope that you will enjoy this journey through part of the first 400 years of Church History from some of the more prominent Early Church leaders, Bishops and martyrs; and feel as challenged and enlightened about the Faith as I did after I read these ancient witnesses for the first time.

INTRODUCTION

Why Read The Fathers?

Maybe for some of you reading this, the question might better be phrased as: who are the Church Fathers?

No doubt you will be familiar with some of their names: Augustine, Jerome, Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr et al. You may have even read portions or quotes by some of these men. But that still doesn't really explain to you who they are and why you should care, much less actually read any of their works.

This book deals with a selection of some of the most influential Early Church Fathers, sometimes also referred to as the Apostolic Fathers[2] (if they lived between AD 70-150), or the Ante Nicene Fathers for all of those in the period of time preceding the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). It is these men who wrote doctrine and defences against heresy and helped to continue and shape the Church in its most formative years.

Some of the earlier Christian leaders of the 2nd Century were discipled and taught by the Apostles themselves. Those include Clement of Rome,[3] Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna. Still others in mid-2nd century were then taught by those who knew the men who were taught by some of the Apostles. One of the more well-known Bishops who was second generation to the Apostles was Irenaeus.[4]

From day (chapter) 21 onwards though, we look at a few writers from beyond this period (around 356) up until AD 449 where we can observe some distinctive changes in thought and practice.

These people who came before us, those great men of faith, many of whom suffered persecution and martyrdom to preserve the Church and Christ's mission, bridge the gap between the Bible and the present day. They fill the void we sometimes wonder about when we get to the end of reading Acts or the Epistles and think, what happened next? or what happened to the Ephesian church after Paul left?.

So Why Read What They Wrote?

The Bible didn't just drop out of the sky, all leather bound and ready to read for us to pick up today. There was a lengthy process of selecting and preserving the apostles teachings which spanned nearly four centuries, and it was due to the Fathers and their faithfulness to the Scriptures that this was possible. Not only that, but due to their close links to the Apostles — some who were even taught directly by an apostle — we now have valuable resources and insights into aspects, teaching and issues within the very early Church which we can learn from and measure our doctrine and interpretation against.

This isn't to say that everything the Church Fathers said, did or wrote is perfect; or that we should elevate their texts to the level of Scripture, but we can glean much from those who knew and were discipled by the Apostles (or those who knew them second hand). We can read what certain portions of Scripture meant to them, or see how they interpreted things in the years following the Apostles, and can compare that to how we might read those same Scriptures today. This is a highly valuable resource for us to still have available; to be able to check our beliefs and doctrines against accepted, historical orthodoxy, which was quite literally shaped through blood, sweat and tears.

It's a wonderful thing to be able to look back millennia and know that what we believe and follow as Christians has been faithfully passed on and preserved for all this time.[5] Many doctrines we now take for granted were actually developed and defended during this time; carefully worded and formed to ensure that the truth of God doesn't get lost, diluted or warped for selfish gain.

We owe much to these men of God and can still learn a great deal from them, as they still speak to us today as part of that great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us.[6]

Introductory Notice From The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1

[A.D. 100-200.] The Apostolic Fathers are here understood as filling up the second century of our era. Irenæus, it is true, is rather of the sub-apostolic period; but, as the disciple of Polycarp, he ought not to be dissociated from that Father's company. We thus find ourselves conducted, by this goodly fellowship of witnesses, from the times of the apostles to those of Tertullian, from the martyrs of the second persecution to those of the sixth. Those were times of heroism, not of words; an age, not of writers, but of soldiers; not of talkers, but of sufferers. Curiosity is baffled, but faith and love are fed by these scanty relics of primitive antiquity. Yet may we well be grateful for what we have. These writings come down to us as the earliest response of converted nations to the testimony of Jesus. They are primary evidences of the Canon and the credibility of the New Testament. Disappointment may be the first emotion of the student who comes down from the mount where he has dwelt in the tabernacles of evangelists and apostles: for these disciples are confessedly inferior to the masters; they speak with the voices of infirm and fallible men, and not like the New Testament writers, with the fiery tongues of the Holy Ghost. Yet the thoughtful and loving spirit soon learns their exceeding value. For who does not close the records of St. Luke with longing; to get at least a glimpse of the further history of the progress of the Gospel? What of the Church when its founders were fallen asleep? Was the Good Shepherd always with His little flock, according to His promise?[7] Was the Blessed Comforter felt in His presence amid the fires of persecution? Was the Spirit of Truth really able to guide the faithful into all truth, and to keep them in the truth?[8]

And what had become of the disciples who were the first-fruits of the apostolic ministry? St. Paul had said, The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.[9] How was this injunction realized? St. Peter's touching words come to mind, I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.[10] Was this endeavour successfully carried out? To these natural and pious inquiries, the Apostolic Fathers, though we have a few specimens only of their fidelity, give an emphatic reply. If the cold-hearted and critical find no charm in the simple, childlike faith which they exhibit, ennobled though it be by heroic devotion to the Master, we need not marvel. Such would probably object: "They teach me nothing; I do not relish their multiplied citations from Scripture. The answer is, If you are familiar with Scripture, you owe it largely to these primitive witnesses to its Canon and its spirit. By their testimony we detect what is spurious, and we identify what is real. Is it nothing to find that your Bible is their Bible, your faith their faith, your Saviour their Saviour, your God their God?"

Let us reflect also, that, when copies of the entire Scriptures were rare and costly, these citations were words fitly spoken;—apples of gold in pictures of silver.[11] We are taught by them also that they obeyed the apostle's precept, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing,[12] etc. Thus they reflect the apostolic care that men should be raised up able to teach others also.

Their very mistakes enable us to attach a higher value to the superiority of inspired writers. They were not wiser than the naturalists of their day who taught them the history of the Phoenix and other fables; but nothing of this sort is found in Scripture. The Fathers are inferior in kind as well as in degree; yet their words are lingering echoes of those whose words were spoken as the Spirit gave them utterance.[13] They are monuments of the power of the Gospel. They were made out of such material as St. Paul describes when he says, Such were some of you.[14] But for Christ, they would have been worshippers of personified Lust and Hate, and of every crime. They would have lived for bread and circus-shows.[15] Yet to the contemporaries of a Juvenal they taught the Decalogue and the Sermon on the Mount. Among such beasts in human form they reared the sacred home; they created the Christian family; they gave new and holy meanings to the names of wife and mother; they imparted ideas unknown before of the dignity of man as man; they infused an atmosphere of benevolence and love; they bestowed the elements of liberty chastened by law; they sanctified human society by proclaiming the universal brotherhood of redeemed man. As we read the Apostolic Fathers, we comprehend, in short, the meaning of St. Paul when he said prophetically, what men were slow to believe, The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men ... But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.[16]

A. Cleveland Coxe, D.D.

December, 1884.

A Note From The Original Translators

The present volume has been translated by the Editors.[17] Their object has been to place the English reader as nearly as possible on a footing of equality with those who are able to read the original. With this view they have for the most part leaned towards literal exactness; and wherever any considerable departure from this has been made, a verbatim rendering has been given at the foot of the page. Brief introductory notices have been prefixed, and short notes inserted, to indicate varieties of reading, specify references, or elucidate any obscurity which seemed to exist in the text.

Edinburgh, 1867.

  Day 1 

The Didache

Who: Written by an anonymous author, possibly multiple sources compiled into one book at a later date. The title translates as the teaching, or in its full title: Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.

What: The Didache is basically a church handbook with a summarised collection of the basic teachings of the Church and Gospel, aimed at local church leaders and new converts. It is one of the earliest examples of a written catechism that still exists, and it was also considered by some Early Church Fathers to be a part of the New Testament at one point, whereas others viewed it as spurious and it was eventually not canonised.

Why: Tradition has it as being a collection of the Apostles teachings, so it was possibly written to preserve this information as they grew older or died, or moved away from the communities they planted.

When: Between 70-100 AD (possibly as early as 50 AD).

Chapter I – The Two Ways; The First Commandment

There are two ways,[18] one of life and one of death;[19] but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, thou shalt love God who made thee; second, thy neighbour as thyself;[20] and all things whatsoever thou wouldst should not occur to thee, thou also to another do not do.[21]

And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you.[22] For what thank is there, if ye love them that love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same?[23] But do ye love them that hate you;[24] and ye shall not have an enemy. Abstain thou from fleshly and worldly lusts.[25] If one give thee a blow upon thy right cheek, turn to him the other also; and thou shalt be perfect.[26] If one impress thee for one mile, go with him two. If one take away thy cloak, give him also thy coat.[27] If one take from thee thine own, ask it not back,[28] for indeed thou art not able.

Give to every one that asketh thee, and ask it not back;[29] for the Father willeth that to all should be given of our own blessings. Happy is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receiveth; for if one having need receiveth, he is guiltless; but he that receiveth not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement), he shall be examined concerning the things which he hath done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing.[30] But also now concerning this, it hath been said, Let thine alms sweat in thy hands, until thou know to whom thou shouldst give.[31]

Chapter II – The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden

And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery,[32] you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal,[33] you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten. You shall not covet the things of your neighbour,[34] you shall not forswear yourself,[35] you shall not bear false witness,[36] you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbour. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.

Chapter III – Other Sins Forbidden

My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads the way to murder; neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper; for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one; for lust leads the way to fornication; neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye; for out of all these adulteries are engendered.

My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads the way to idolatry; neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to look at these things; for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads the way to theft; neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered.

My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy; neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered. But be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth.[37] Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself,[38] nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. The workings that befall you receive as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.

Chapter IV – Various Precepts

My child, him that speaks to you the word of God remember night and day;[39] and you shall honour him as the Lord; for in the place whence lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And you shall seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. You shall not long for division, but shall bring those who contend to peace. You shall judge righteously, you shall not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether it shall be or not.

Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. You shall not hesitate to give, nor murmur when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. You shall not turn away from him that is in want, but you shall share all things with your brother, and shall not say that they are your own; for if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal?

You shall not remove your hand from your son or from your daughter, but from their youth shall teach them the fear of God.[40] You shall not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both;[41] for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but unto them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear.[42] You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Forsake in no way the commandments of the Lord; but you shall keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom.[43] In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.

Chapter V – The Way Of Death

And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgement, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not labouring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.

Chapter VI – Against False Teachers, And Food Offered To Idols

See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.

Chapter VII – Concerning Baptism

And concerning baptism, baptise this way: Having first said all these things, baptise into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,[44] in living water. But if you have no living water, baptise into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptiser fast, and the baptised, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptised to fast one or two days before.

Chapter VIII – Fasting And Prayer (the Lord's Prayer)

But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites;[45] for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week; but fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Neither pray as the hypocrites; but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel[46], thus pray:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Yours is the power and the glory forever.[47]

Thrice in the day thus pray.

Chapter IX – The Thanksgiving (Eucharist)

Now concerning the Thanksgiving[48], thus give thanks. First, concerning the cup:

We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory forever.

And concerning the broken bread:

We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory forever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; for Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever.

But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving, but they who have been baptised into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs.[49]

Chapter X – Prayer After Communion

But after you are filled, thus give thanks:

We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You caused to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory forever. You, Master almighty, created all things for Your name's sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory forever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna[50] to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha.[51] Amen.

But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.

Chapter XI – Concerning Teachers, Apostles, And Prophets

Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turn and teach another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not; but if he teach so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do.

Let every apostle that comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet that speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he hold the ways of the Lord.

Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit eats not from it, except indeed he be a false prophet; and every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgement; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him; but if he says to you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.

Chapter XII – Reception Of Christians

But let every one that comes in the name of the Lord be received, and afterwards you shall prove and know him; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you, except for two or three days, if need be. But if he wills to abide with you, being an artisan, let him work and eat;[52] but if he has no trade, according to your understanding see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep aloof from such.

Chapter XIII – Support Of Prophets

But every true prophet that wills to abide among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support.[53] Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have not a prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.

Chapter XIV – Christian Assembly On The Lord's Day

But every Lord's day[54] 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. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.[55]

Chapter XV – Bishops And Deacons; Christian Reproof

Therefore, appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money,[56] and truthful and proven; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Despise them not therefore, for they are your honoured ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel;[57] but to every one that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.

Chapter XVI – Watchfulness; The Coming Of The Lord

Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord comes.[58] But often shall you come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you be not made perfect in the last time.

For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate;[59] for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another,[60] and then shall appear the world-deceiver as the Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning.[61]

Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him.[62] Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.[63]

  Day 2 

Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus: Chaps. 1-6

Who: Anonymous author, mathetes is not a name, but is the Greek word for a disciple. Addressed to a certain Diognetus, who is otherwise unknown to us. There was a Diognetus who was a tutor of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, but he is not likely to be the actual recipient of this letter.[64]

What: Possibly one of the earliest examples of a Christian apologetic[65] defending the faith from its accusers, written to someone interested in learning more about the faith and its customs. Interestingly though, the term Jesus or Christ is not found in this letter at all, as the author seems to prefer the use of the term "the Word" instead.[66]

Why: The Christian faith was ridiculed and under attack in the early centuries, many things about the Church were misunderstood and so various Christians took to writing apologetics (defences) to clarify doctrines and prevent beliefs from being maligned.

When: Estimated between AD 130 and late 2nd century.

Chapter I – Occasion Of The Epistle

Since I see thee, most excellent Diognetus, exceedingly desirous to learn the mode of worshipping God prevalent among the Christians, and inquiring very carefully and earnestly concerning them, what God they trust in, and what form of religion they observe,[67] so as all to look down upon the world itself, and despise death, while they neither esteem those to be gods that are reckoned such by the Greeks, nor hold to the superstition of the Jews; and what is the affection which they among themselves; and why, in fine, this new kind or practice [of piety] has only now entered into the world,[68] and not long ago; I cordially welcome this thy desire, and I implore God, who enables us both to speak and to hear, to grant to me so to speak, that, above all, I may hear you have been edified,[69] and to you so to hear, that I who speak may have no cause of regret for having done so.

Chapter II – The Vanity Of Idols

Come, then, after you have freed[70] yourself from all prejudices possessing your mind, and laid aside what you have been accustomed to, as something apt to deceive[71] you, and being made, as if from the beginning, a new man, inasmuch as, according to your own confession, you are to be the hearer of a new [system of] doctrine; come and contemplate, not with your eyes only, but with your understanding, the substance and the form[72] of those whom ye declare and deem to be gods.

Is not one of them a stone similar to that on which we tread? Is[73] not a second brass, in no way superior to those vessels which are constructed for our ordinary use? Is not a third wood, and that already rotten? Is not a fourth silver, which needs a man to watch it, lest it be stolen? Is not a fifth iron, consumed by rust? Is not a sixth earthenware, in no degree more valuable than that which is formed for the humblest purposes? Are not all these of corruptible matter? Are they not fabricated by means of iron and fire? Did not the sculptor fashion