Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 1
The Apostolic Fathers, Justin Martyr & Irenaeus
SECTION 361
8. True knowledge [4282] is [that which consists in] the doctrine of the apostles, and the ancient constitution [4283] of the Church through
8. True knowledge [4282] is [that which consists in] the doctrine of the apostles, and the ancient constitution [4283] of the Church throughout all the world, and the distinctive manifestation of the body [4284] of Christ according to the successions of the bishops, by which they have handed down that Church which exists in ever…
2,220 wordsSECTION 36215. And all those other points which I have shown the prophets to have uttered by means of so long a series of Scriptures, he who is truly s
15. And all those other points which I have shown the prophets to have uttered by means of so long a series of Scriptures, he who is truly spiritual will interpret by pointing out, in regard to every one of the things which have been spoken, to what special point in the dispensation of the Lord is referred, and [by thus exhibiti…
1,035 wordsSECTION 363Chapter XXXIV.--Proof against the Marcionites, that the prophets referred in all their predictions to our Christ.
Chapter XXXIV.--Proof against the Marcionites, that the prophets referred in all their predictions to our Christ. 1. Now I shall simply say, in opposition to all the heretics, and principally against the followers of Marcion, and against those who are like to these, in maintaining that the prophets were from another God [than H…
2,300 wordsSECTION 3643. But from what source could the offspring of their mother derive his knowledge of the mysteries within the Pleroma, and power to discourse
3. But from what source could the offspring of their mother derive his knowledge of the mysteries within the Pleroma, and power to discourse regarding them? Suppose that the mother, while beyond the Pleroma, did bring forth this very offspring; but what is beyond the Pleroma they represent as being beyond the pale of knowledge, …
767 wordsSECTION 365Chapter XXXVI.--The prophets were sent from one and the same Father from whom the Son was sent.
Chapter XXXVI.--The prophets were sent from one and the same Father from whom the Son was sent. 1. Which [God] the Lord does not reject, nor does He say that the prophets [spake] from another god than His Father; nor from any other essence, but from one and the same Father; nor that any other being made the things in the world,…
2,397 wordsSECTION 3666. Still further did He also make it manifest, that we ought, after our calling, to be also adorned with works of righteousness, so that the
6. Still further did He also make it manifest, that we ought, after our calling, to be also adorned with works of righteousness, so that the Spirit of God may rest upon us; for this is the wedding garment, of which also the apostle speaks, "Not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed u…
1,770 wordsSECTION 367Chapter XXXVII.--Men are possessed of free will, and endowed with the faculty of making a choice. It is not true, therefore, that some are by nature good, and others bad.
Chapter XXXVII.--Men are possessed of free will, and endowed with the faculty of making a choice. It is not true, therefore, that some are by nature good, and others bad. 1. This expression [of our Lord], "How often would I have gathered thy children together, and thou wouldest not," [4394] set forth the ancient law of human li…
2,210 wordsSECTION 368Chapter XXXVIII.--Why man was not made perfect from the beginning.
[4394] Matt. xxiii. 37. [4395] Rom. ii. 4, 5, 7. [4396] Matt. v. 16. [4397] Luke xxi. 34. [4398] Luke xii. 35, 36. [4399] Luke xii. 47. [4400] Luke vi. 46. [4401] Luke xii. 45, 46; Matt. xxiv. 48-51. [4402] to autexousion. [4403] 1 Cor. vi. 12. [4404] 1 Pet. ii. 16. [4405] Eph. iv. 25. [4406] Eph. iv. 29. [4407] 1 C…
2,207 wordsSECTION 369Chapter XL.--One and the same God the Father inflicts punishment on the reprobate, and bestows rewards on the elect.
3. If, however, thou wilt not believe in Him, and wilt flee from His hands, the cause of imperfection shall be in thee who didst not obey, but not in Him who called [thee]. For He commissioned [messengers] to call people to the marriage, but they who did not obey Him deprived themselves of the royal supper. [4423] The skill of G…
2,253 wordsSECTION 370Preface.
4. Inasmuch as the words of the Lord are numerous, while they all proclaim one and the same Father, the Creator of this world, it was incumbent also upon me, for their own sake, to refute by many [arguments] those who are involved in many errors, if by any means, when they are confuted by many [proofs], they may be converted to …
2,259 wordsSECTION 3712. But vain in every respect are they who despise the entire dispensation of God, and disallow the salvation of the flesh, and treat with co
2. But vain in every respect are they who despise the entire dispensation of God, and disallow the salvation of the flesh, and treat with contempt its regeneration, maintaining that it is not capable of incorruption. But if this indeed do not attain salvation, then neither did the Lord redeem us with His blood, nor is the cup of…
2,437 wordsSECTION 3722. If, again, they refer to any cause on account of which their Father does not impart life to bodies, then that cause must necessarily appe
2. If, again, they refer to any cause on account of which their Father does not impart life to bodies, then that cause must necessarily appear superior to the Father, since it restrains Him from the exercise of His benevolence; and His benevolence will thus be proved weak, on account of that cause which they bring forward. Now e…
2,574 wordsSECTION 3732. But what is that which, like a grain of wheat, is sown in the earth and decays, unless it be the bodies which are laid in the earth, into
2. But what is that which, like a grain of wheat, is sown in the earth and decays, unless it be the bodies which are laid in the earth, into which seeds are also cast? And for this reason he said, "It is sown in dishonour, it rises in glory." [4489] For what is more ignoble than dead flesh? Or, on the other hand, what is more gl…
1,476 wordsSECTION 374Chapter IX.--Showing how that passage of the apostle which the heretics pervert, should be understood; viz., "Flesh and blood shall not possess the kingdom of God."
Chapter IX.--Showing how that passage of the apostle which the heretics pervert, should be understood; viz., "Flesh and blood shall not possess the kingdom of God." 1. Among the other [truths] proclaimed by the apostle, there is also this one, "That flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." [4506] This is [the passage…
2,605 wordsSECTION 375Chapter XII.--Of the difference between life and death; of the breath of life and the vivifying Spirit: also how it is that the substance of flesh revives which once was dead.
2. Since, therefore, in that passage he recounts those works of the flesh which are without the Spirit, which bring death [upon their doers], he exclaimed at the end of his Epistle, in accordance with what he had already declared, "And as we have borne the image of him who is of the earth, we shall also bear the image of Him who…
2,311 wordsSECTION 3762. Vain, therefore, and truly miserable, are those who do not choose to see what is so manifest and clear, but shun the light of truth, blin
2. Vain, therefore, and truly miserable, are those who do not choose to see what is so manifest and clear, but shun the light of truth, blinding themselves like the tragic OEdipus. And as those who are not practised in wrestling, when they contend with others, laying hold with a determined grasp of some part of [their opponent's…
2,354 wordsSECTION 377Chapter XV.--Proofs of the resurrection from Isaiah and Ezekiel; the same God who created us will also raise us up.
4. If, therefore, flesh and blood are the things which procure for us life, it has not been declared of flesh and blood, in the literal meaning (proprie) of the terms, that they cannot inherit the kingdom of God; but [these words apply] to those carnal deeds already mentioned, which, perverting man to sin, deprive him of life. A…
2,237 wordsSECTION 3782. And then, again, this Word was manifested when the Word of God was made man, assimilating Himself to man, and man to Himself, so that by
2. And then, again, this Word was manifested when the Word of God was made man, assimilating Himself to man, and man to Himself, so that by means of his resemblance to the Son, man might become precious to the Father. For in times long past, it was said that man was created after the image of God, but it was not [actually] shown…
2,436 wordsSECTION 379Chapter XIX.--A comparison is instituted between the disobedient and sinning Eve and the Virgin Mary, her patroness. Various and discordant heresies are mentioned.
3. For the Creator of the world is truly the Word of God: and this is our Lord, who in the last times was made man, existing in this world, and who in an invisible manner contains all things created, and is inherent in the entire creation, since the Word of God governs and arranges all things; and therefore He came to His own in…
2,277 wordsSECTION 3802. Now the Lord would not have recapitulated in Himself that ancient and primary enmity against the serpent, fulfilling the promise of the C
2. Now the Lord would not have recapitulated in Himself that ancient and primary enmity against the serpent, fulfilling the promise of the Creator (Demiurgi), and performing His command, if He had come from another Father. But as He is one and the same, who formed us at the beginning, and sent His Son at the end, the Lord did pe…
2,548 wordsSECTION 3812. Thus, then, in the day that they did eat, in the same did they die, and became death's debtors, since it was one day of the creation. For
2. Thus, then, in the day that they did eat, in the same did they die, and became death's debtors, since it was one day of the creation. For it is said, "There was made in the evening, and there was made in the morning, one day." Now in this same day that they did eat, in that also did they die. But according to the cycle and pr…
1,585 wordsSECTION 382Chapter XXV.--The fraud, pride, and tyrannical kingdom of Antichrist, as described by Daniel and Paul.
Chapter XXV.--The fraud, pride, and tyrannical kingdom of Antichrist, as described by Daniel and Paul. 1. And not only by the particulars already mentioned, but also by means of the events which shall occur in the time of Antichrist is it shown that he, being an apostate and a robber, is anxious to be adored as God; and that, a…
2,646 wordsSECTION 383Chapter XXVII.--The future judgment by Christ. Communion with and separation from the divine being. The eternal punishment of unbelievers.
[4676] Rev. xvii. 12, etc. [4677] Matt. xii. 25. [4678] Dan. ii. 33, 34. [4679] Dan. ii. 41, 42. [4680] Dan. ii. 42, 43. [4681] Dan. ii. 44, 45. [4682] The Greek text is here preserved by Eusebius, Hist. Eccl., iv. 18; but we are not told from what work of Justin Martyr it is extracted. The work is now lost. An ancient cat…
848 wordsSECTION 384Chapter XXVIII.--The distinction to be made between the righteous and the wicked. The future apostasy in the time of Antichrist, and the end of the world.
Chapter XXVIII.--The distinction to be made between the righteous and the wicked. The future apostasy in the time of Antichrist, and the end of the world. 1. Inasmuch, then, as in this world (aioni) some persons betake themselves to the light, and by faith unite themselves with God, but others shun the light, and separate thems…
2,336 wordsSECTION 3852. These men, therefore, ought to learn [what really is the state of the case], and go back to the true number of the name, that they be not
2. These men, therefore, ought to learn [what really is the state of the case], and go back to the true number of the name, that they be not reckoned among false prophets. But, knowing the sure number declared by Scripture, that is, six hundred sixty and six, let them await, in the first place, the division of the kingdom into t…
2,231 wordsSECTION 3862. Thus, then, the promise of God, which He gave to Abraham, remains stedfast. For thus He said: "Lift up thine eyes, and look from this pla
2. Thus, then, the promise of God, which He gave to Abraham, remains stedfast. For thus He said: "Lift up thine eyes, and look from this place where now thou art, towards the north and south, and east and west. For all the earth which thou seest, I will give to thee and to thy seed, even for ever." [4722] And again He says, "Ari…
2,204 wordsSECTION 387[4742] This word "true" is not found in the Armenian.
[4742] This word "true" is not found in the Armenian. [4743] Or, following Arm. vers., "But if any one shall lay hold of an holy cluster." [4744] The Arm. vers. is here followed; the old Latin reads, "Et reliqua autem poma." [4745] [See pp. 151-154, this volume.] [4746] Isa. xl. 6, etc. Chapter XXXIV.--He fortifies his opin…
2,217 wordsSECTION 3882. Now all these things being such as they are, cannot be understood in reference to super-celestial matters; "for God," it is said, "will s
2. Now all these things being such as they are, cannot be understood in reference to super-celestial matters; "for God," it is said, "will show to the whole earth that is under heaven thy glory." But in the times of the kingdom, the earth has been called again by Christ [to its pristine condition], and Jerusalem rebuilt after th…
2,372 wordsSECTION 389[4798] This interesting extract we also owe to Eusebius, who (ut sup.) took it from the work De Ogdoade, written after this former friend of
[4798] This interesting extract we also owe to Eusebius, who (ut sup.) took it from the work De Ogdoade, written after this former friend of Irenæus had lapsed to Valentinianism. Florinus had previously held that God was the author of evil, which sentiment Irenæus opposed in a treatise, now lost, called peri monarchias. [4799] …
2,720 wordsSECTION 390XVIII.
[4817] From the Contemplations of Anastasius Sinaita, who flourished a.d. 685. Harvey doubts as to this fragment being a genuine production of Irenæus; and its whole style of reasoning confirms the suspicion. [4818] Matt. xv. 17. [4819] Gen. iii. 19. [4820] The Greek reads the barbarous word athrixia, which Massuet thinks is …
933 wordsSECTION 391XXIII.
XXIII. "And he mounted upon his ass." [4834] The ass was the type of the body of Christ, upon whom all men, resting from their labours, are borne as in a chariot. For the Saviour has taken up the burden of our sins. [4835] Now the angel who appeared to Balaam was the Word Himself; and in His hand He held a sword, to indicate th…
924 wordsSECTION 392XXXII. [4849]
XXXII. [4849] Josephus says, that when Moses had been brought up in the royal palaces, he was chosen as general against the Ethiopians; and having proved victorious, obtained in marriage the daughter of that king, since indeed, out of her affection for him, she delivered the city up to him. [4850] Why was it, that when these t…
814 wordsSECTION 393XXXVI.
XXXVI. True [4858] knowledge, then, consists in the understanding of Christ, which Paul terms the wisdom of God hidden in a mystery, which "the natural man receiveth not," [4859] the doctrine of the cross; of which if any man "taste," [4860] he will not accede to the disputations and quibbles of proud and puffed-up men, [4861] …
842 wordsSECTION 394XXXVIII.
XXXVIII. The [4876] apostles ordained, that "we should not judge any one in respect to meat or drink, or in regard to a feast day, or the new moons, or the sabbaths." [4877] Whence then these contentions? whence these schisms? We keep the feast, but in the leaven of malice and wickedness, cutting in pieces the Church of God; an…
826 wordsSECTION 395XLVII.
XLVII. The [4894] birth of John [the Baptist] brought the dumbness of Zacharias to an end. For he did not burden his father, when the voice issued forth from silence; but as when not believed it rendered him tongue-tied, so did the voice sounding out clearly set his father free, to whom he had both been announced and born. Now …
2,390 wordsSECTION 396These things the Saviour told in reference to His sufferings and cross; to these persons He predicted His passion. Nor did He conceal the fa
These things the Saviour told in reference to His sufferings and cross; to these persons He predicted His passion. Nor did He conceal the fact that it should be of a most ignominious kind, at the hands of the chief priests. This woman, however, had attached another meaning to the dispensation of His sufferings. The Saviour was f…
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Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.