church-history

Historical studies on the development of Christian doctrine, early church writings, councils, and controversies.

Synod of Laodicea on the Sabbath Day Members Public

The Synod of Laodicea has been dated by scholars anywhere between the years 343 and 381 AD, between the Sardican and the Second Ecumenical Council. I quote what this Synod wrote in respect to Sabbath keeping. Canon 16 The Gospels are to be read on the Sabbath [i.e. Saturday]

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
canonchurch-historygospel

Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, The Spirit, Basil & Amphiliocus Members Public

The deuteron-canonical writings contain passages which point to the Triunity of God. In fact, the New Testament itself echoes the language and ideas of these writings when describing Christ as Divine. For instance, Jesus is said to be the Wisdom, Word and Power of God, being uniquely born (monogenes) Son

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
apocryphatrinitywisdom

AMPHILIOCHIUS’ HOMILY ON JOHN 14:28 Members Public

The following is taken from C. Moss, S. Amphilochius of Iconium on John 14, 28, in Le Muséon 43 (1930), pp. 317-364, 330-343 (textus): p. 344-358 (translatio). All emphasis will be mine. ܐܡܦܠܝܟܘܣ ܐܦܝܣܩܘܦܐ ܕܐܝܩܢܘܢ: ܒܐܓܪܬ ܕܥܠ ܗܝܡܢܘܬ  Homily of S. Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium, concerning that which is said

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
trinityjesus-christgospel

Paul on Sabbath Observance Members Public

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul warns believers against the Judaizing influence of false Christians who sought to mislead the Gentiles into observing the Sabbath and other related observances prescribed under the Mosaic Law: “Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
colossianschristianitytheology

Aphrahat & the Jewish Sabbath Members Public

In this post, I quote the Assyrian Christian apologist Aphrahat’s refutation and repudiation of the Jewish claim that Sabbath observance is necessary for salvation. This blessed apologist shows that true Sabbath is that of God’s rest day, which is ushered in by the Lord Jesus Christ. DEMONSTRATION 13:

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
2025christianitychurch-history

Excerpts from Origen’s Romans Commentary Members Public

The quotations are taken from Origen’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, Books 1-5 (Fathers of the Church Patristic Series), translated by Thomas P. Scheck, published by The Catholic University of America Press Publication, 2009. All emphasis will be mine.  5. Concerning his Son . 83 He who was

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
romansbiblechurch-history

Jerome: A Saint After My Heart Members Public

The great St. Jerome is my beloved patron saints, and there is a reason why he is. The following is taken from St. Jerome- Biblical Scholar. All emphasis is mine. “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” These words spoken by our next intellectual of Church history capture the heart

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
saintscatholicismbible

Origen, Matthew & the Resurrection of Saints Members Public

In Matthew’s Gospel, the Evangelist mentions that when Jesus died, the dead bodies of the saint lain prone in the open and then came to live when Christ rose on the third day. These saints that showed themselves in the holy city: “And when Jesus had cried out again

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
matthewresurrectionsaints
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