Some Early Church Fathers

Clement of Rome: Bishop of Rome near the end of the first century, A.D. He wrote a letter to the Corinthian Church from the Roman Church (probably written 96 A.D.).

Ignatius of Antioch: Bishop of Antioch, which is in Syria. Ignatius wrote a number of letters to churches which have been preserved. He lived during the later part of the first century and first part of the second century. Ignatius was closely tied to the Apostle John, as was Polycarp, both of these men were taught directly by those who had lived and worked with the Apostle John. Ignatius was executed for his faith and public teaching of the Gospel.

Polycarp of Smyrna: Bishop of Smyrna (like Antioch in Asia Minor) who was a contemporary of Ignatius. He lived and taught alongside Ignatius in the late 1st century and early 2nd century, and wrote a letter to the churches about Ignatius’ death. Polycarp was also executed for his faith and witness for Christ. An account of his martyrdom has been preserved.

Justin Martyr: Christian philosopher, writer and teacher, born in the Mideast, in the biblical city of Schechem. He lived during the mid 2nd century, A.D., and was executed for his teachings in 165 A.D.

Irenaeus of Lyon: Born in Asia Minor around 135 A.D., and knew Polycarp of Smyrna. Moved to Lyon in Gaul around 170 A.D., and became Bishop. Irenaeus was a strong defender of the faith against all sorts of corruptions of the true teachings of the Apostles. He died around 202 A.D. during a time of persecution in Lyon.

Tertullian of Carthage: Born in Carthage, North Africa around 150 A.D. Became the theological leader of the Western Church. Church historian, Justo Gonzalez writes: “During several centuries Africa, rather than Rome, was the center of Latin Christian thought.” A History of Christian Thought, Vol. I, p. 175 (Abingdon, 1970). Tertullian wrote many theological works that have been preserved. He was very rigorous in demanding moral purity in the church, and he believed that God’s revelation of truth had not ended with the Apostles, but that God continued to reveal truth through contemporary prophets who were open to God’s Holy Spirit.

Origen of Alexandria: Born in Alexandria, Egypt, at the end of the 2nd century, A.D. Origen saw his father executed for his faith when Origen was 17 years old. Origen became one of the greatest Christian teachers and scholars of his time.

Cyprian of Carthage: Born in Carthage, North Africa in the early 200’s A.D., became Bishop of Carthage around 250 A.D. He was the leader of the North African church at a time of great persecution under Emperor Decius. He wrote pastoral and theological works which have been preserved.

Theologians of the Fourth Century: Athanasius of Alexandria, Egypt, who consecrated Fromentius, first Bishop of the Ethiopian Church. Ambrose of Milan, whose preaching was the occasion for Augustine’s conversion. Augustine of Hippo. Bishop in North Africa, who was one of the greatest theologians of the Church’s history. Many of his writings have been preserved.