This is the parallel English / Greek text of the Apostolic fathers of the church. Included are Clement's two epistles (one thought to be genuine and the other spurious), Ignatius' seven letters, Polycarp's letter, the Didache, the Epistle of Barnabas, the Martyrdom of Polycarp, and the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus. Each Greek words is either linked to Strong's dictionary or to a concise Greek-English dictionary provided as an appendix.
These writings are of special interest since the authors were disciples of the apostles. Their letters were widely circulated throughout the Christian world, and although the letters were ultimately not included in the Bible, they give a fascinating window into the early Christian world.
St. Clement of Rome ( - )
St. Clement was the bishop of Rome and third in succession from St. Peter. Around the year 95 AD, a letter was written by the Church of Rome to the Church at Corinth that is attributed to Saint Clement. This document is the earliest Christian writing besides the New Testament documents. In fact, the Gospel of John is likely written around the same time as this document. This "first letter of Clement" (a second letter was falsely attributed to him) was copied by the Corinthian Church and circulated all over the empire, rendering the very first papal "encyclical." It was so highly regarded by the universal church that for several centuries the Church in Egypt and elsewhere regarded it as one of the New Testatment scriptures.The Church of St. Clement is one of the most fascinating places in Rome. Excavations revealed that the medieval Church, built in the 12th century, actually was built on top of a 4th century Church which was in turn built over a house church going back to the first century. It is very possible that this was the house of St. Clement himself.
... Show more