Contents can be found at: Early Christian Writers, Christian Classics, New Advent. Purchase of these CD’s are available on-line. The magazine Christian History is a good resource @ Christianity Today Especially, issue 28, volume 9, number 4, “The 100 most important events in Church history”.

Clement of Rome’s epistle to the Corinthians, contains 59 chapters written during the 1st century, most likely a disciple of Paul (Phil.4:3).

Polycarp wrote an epistle of 13 chapters to the Philippians, to the Church in Smyrna, written in the later half of the 1st century until the beginning of the 2nd. A disciple of the Apostle John, Irenaeus was his disciple. "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

Ignatius (Theophorus) was a disciple of John and wrote during the later part of the 1st century to the 2nd century. He wrote a 21 chapter epistle to the Ephesians, 15 chapters to the Magnesians, 13 chapters to the Trallians, 10 chapters to the Romans, 11 chapters to the Church of Philadelphia, 12 chapters to the Church of Smyrna, 8 chapters to Polycarp,
10 chapters to Church in Tarsus, 14 chapters to church in Antioch, 15 chapters to Church of Philippians.

Justin Martyr wrote during the 2nd century. He was considered to be an “apologist.” He addressed more the government and authorities of his day in defense of the Gospel, trained in Greek philosophy.

Irenaeus wrote in the later part of the 2nd century into the 3rd. His focus was against Church heresies of the day, where he wrote 5 books against various heresies. He was one of the first to reference in his writings to almost all of the 27 books of today’s NT.

Shepherd of Hermas. Hermas may have been mentioned in (Rom.16:14). The Shepherd (pastor) of Hermas is a very allegorical writing popular during the 2nd through the 4th century most likely a fictional story. Other writings included 5 visions, writings on 12 commandments, and 10 Similitude’s.

Tatian wrote 42 chapters on Christianity during the 2nd century. Date of birth is unknown.

Theophilus of Antioch was an apologist of the 2nd century. He wrote commentaries on the Gospels and against heresies.

Athenagoras a converted Athenian philosopher of the 2nd century who was an apologist who wrote 2 books; one 37 chapters and the other 25 chapters.

Clement of Alexandria Egypt was one the most prolific apologists of the 2nd and 3rd century. His writings are too great to list.

Tertullian wrote about Church heresies and doctrines during the 2nd and 3rd century, famous for his coining of the word “Trinity”. Ironically, he was later thought of as a heretic by some. His writings are too great to list.

Origen wrote during the 2nd and 3rd century, a student of Clement of Alexandria. He was called the “father of biblical exegesis”. Later he was considered to be a heretic by some.

Cyprian was a pupil of Tertullian, he wrote during the 2nd century, some of which was concerning the organization of the Church. He wrote 82 epistles, 12 Treatises and more.

Augustine wrote in the 4th and 5th century. Some of his Famous writings include;
The City of God – a study of the relationship between Christianity and secular society, which was inspired by the fall of Rome to the Visigoths in 410, Confessions - This period of exploration, including its youthful excesses (perhaps somewhat exaggerated) are recorded in Augustine's most widely read work. Famous quotes; “Our souls cannot find rest until in finds its rest in Thee,” “The New is in the Old concealed and the Old is in the New revealed,” “Love God and do as you please.”

Ambrose led Augustine to Christ and baptized him. 4th century Bishop of Milan.

Athanasius a Church apologist and Bishop of Alexandria, Confessor and Doctor of the Church (296-373), formulated the Athanasius Creed.

Jerome wrote biblical commentaries and translated various Church writings including the Bible into Latin during the 4th and 5th century.

John Chrysostom wrote during the 4th and 5th century, called the “golden mouth,” because of his eloquent preaching skills.

Eusebius bishop of Caesarea was a famous 3rd and 4th century biblical and Church historian, called the “Father of Church History”.

Anselm “I believe so that I may understand.” (1093-1109) Archbishop of Cantebury.

Thomas Aquinas “I understand in order that I may believe.” The beginning of the Scholastic movement. He wrote “Summa Theologica.” He was called the “Angelic Doctor.”

Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) wanted to be a crusader but ended up a monk. Began the order of the Franciscans. He received the “stigmata.”

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