Of the Early Christian Fathers

Clement of Rome. It is usually thought that Clement of Rome is the one referred to by the Apostle Paul in Phil.4.3. He wrote an Epistle to the Corinthians which is bound up with the New Testament volume of the Alexandrian Manuscript (Codex A). In it are copious references to passages in the New Testament and the general tenor bears a striking resemblance to Holy Writ. This, incidentally, is a very valuable chain of evidence in relation to the authenticity of the Scriptures for it proves that the New Testament as we know it was in existence at that time.

Polycarp. His name is probably one of the best known of the Christian Fathers and was Bishop of Smyrna which was not very far from Ephesus. He was born in A.D.70 and martyred at the age of 86 in the year A.D.156. The witness before the Roman Pro-Consul who tried to persuade him to recant is well known "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any wrong: how can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?" Only one of his letters remains, but it throws much light upon his character and pious outlook. He was a disciple of John and had had the advantage of early Christian training like Timothy who had from a child known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make wise unto salvation. Here is an extract from his letter (to the Philippians) "Polycarp and the presbyters that are with him, to the church of God at Philippi: Mercy unto you, and peace, from God Almighty, and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, be multiplied…Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, serve the Lord with fear, and in truth; laying aside all empty and vain speech, and the error of many, believing in Him that raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and hath given Him glory…But He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also raise up us in like manner, if we do His will, and walk according to his commandments, and love those things which He loved; abstaining from all unrighteousness, inordinate affection, from evil speaking, false witness, nor rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, or striking for striking, or cursing for cursing; but remembering what the Lord has taught us, saying, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."

Papias. He was another saint of the early period of the Gospel church, who knew at least two of the Lord's disciples and also the daughters of the Apostle Philip. We do not know so much about him as of the others because his works are only found by extracts from those of others—the actual writings being either hidden or destroyed. It is evident, however, that he was well versed in the Scriptures and boldly took his stand on the Lord's side.

Tertullian. This Christian came of heathen parents in the days of Pagan Rome; his father was a centurion, that is, the commander of a hundred men. He was brought up and educated along orthodox lines and was skilled in law and history.

Like the Apostle Paul, he was not converted until of mature years; he was probably forty years old when this vital step was taken and he was not "disobedient unto the heavenly vision." It cannot be over-emphasised that he and those like him were intensely earnest or they would never have espoused the cause of Christianity, for it entailed so much suffering and loss of reputation. He wrote much, often in Latin, and those writings reveal his deeply spiritual outlook, for he brought his great scholarship to bear upon the mine of Christian truth which is available to those who are guided by the Holy Spirit. Incidentally, it appears that Tertullian was the first to introduce the phrase "New Testament."

Irenaeus. This Father was a disciple of both Papias and Polycarp and was born about A.D.130 in Asia Minor. We associate him particularly with his Christian work at Lyons where he held office in the church during the fierce Pagan persecutions of Christians, especially under Marcus Aurelius towards the end of the second century. Pothinus was imprisoned and died A.D.177 and Irenaeus succeeded him as Bishop of the church at Lyons. Once again, our insight into his character is obtained mainly from his own writings which are fully in harmony with the calling of this Age.

Clement of Alexandria. Alexandria was a very famous city in the world of that time being next in importance after Rome as regards wealth and after Athens as regards literature and science. Tradition has it that Mark preached the Gospel in Egypt and founded the church in Alexandria. It possessed a University and famous library. Clement lived in these surroundings and was a scholarly man who contributed his due share to the cultural life of the city, being president of a noted school of thought. He embraced Christianity in adulthood and his conversion without doubt had a marked influence on many, just as Paul's testimony a century or so before when in front of King Agrippa was so convincing that "almost thou persuades me to be a Christian." His writings are full of references to the Scriptures and his life was brought fully in conformity thereto.

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