Ante Nicene
Apostolic Fathers
Barnabas
Interprets the Old Testament and highlights the distinction from Judaism.
Clement of Rome
Addresses church order and unity in 'First Epistle to the Corinthians.'
Didache
An early Christian treatise containing ethical teachings, church practices, and instructions on baptism and the Eucharist.
Hermas
Includes visions and moral guidance for the early church in 'Shepherd of Hermas.'
Fathers of the 2nd Century
Athenagoras
Defended Christianity against pagan criticism in works like 'Embassy for the Christians.'
Clement of Alexandria
Sought to harmonize Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine in broad intellectual writings.
Irenaeus
A key apologist known for 'Against Heresies,' defending orthodox beliefs and countering Gnosticism.
Justin Martyr
An influential theologian whose extensive commentaries and systematic theology shaped early Christian doctrine.
Tatian
Authored 'Address to the Greeks' and 'Diatessaron,' emphasizing Christian unity.
Theophilus
An early Christian apologist and bishop of Antioch, known for his writings against paganism.
Fathers of the 3rd Century
Alexander of Alexandria
Known for defending orthodox Christology against Arianism.
Alexander of Lycopolis
A Neoplatonist philosopher who critiqued Christian doctrine in his work Against the Doctrines of the Christians.
Archelaus
A 3rd-century bishop known for debating the heretic Manichaeus.
Arnobius
Defended Christianity and critiqued pagan beliefs in 'Against the Pagans.'
Caius
Wrote defenses of Christianity and countered various heresies.
Commodianus
A Christian poet of the 3rd or 4th century who wrote acrostic verses exhorting pagans to convert and warning of divine judgment.
Cyprian
Wrote on church unity, bishop roles, and baptism, providing early church insights.
Gregory Thaumaturgus
Known for his miracles and theological writings, including 'Declaration of Faith.'
Hippolytus
A 3rd-century theologian and martyr who opposed heresies, wrote Refutation of All Heresies, and contributed to early Church liturgy.
Julius Africanus
A 3rd-century Christian historian who compiled the Chronographiai, a universal history reconciling biblical and secular chronology.
Methodius
Wrote against heretical teachings, with works like 'Symposium' addressing theological and moral themes.
Minor Writers
The writings of Pierus of Alexandria, Theognostus of Alexandria, Anatolius of Alexandria, and Alexander of Cappadocia
Minucius Felix
An early Christian apologist known for his dialogue Octavius, defending Christianity against pagan criticism.
Novatian
A theologian and antipope who wrote on church nature and discipline, focusing on lapsed Christians.
Origen
An influential theologian whose extensive commentaries and systematic theology shaped early Christian doctrine.
Peter of Alexandria
A 4th-century bishop and martyr who defended orthodoxy against Arianism and wrote penitential canons guiding the Church.
Tertullian
A prolific early Christian author and theologian known for his defense of Christianity and his coining of theological terms.
Fathers of the 4th Century
Constitutions of the Holy Apostles
Outlines church regulations, liturgical practices, and ecclesiastical laws.
Dionysius
Wrote letters providing insights into early church practices and relationships.
Lactantius
Systematically defended Christianity against pagan philosophies in 'Divine Institutes.'
Venantius
Authored writings on Christian doctrine and ethics reflecting early church concerns.
Victorinus
Wrote commentaries on the Apocalypse and other theological works.