church-history
Historical studies on the development of Christian doctrine, early church writings, councils, and controversies.
Cyprian, Circumcision & Infant Baptism Paid Members Public
The following excerpt is taken from St. Cyprian’s discussion on the necessity and centrality of infant baptism where he stresses the importance of baptizing infants immediately without delay. In doing so, Cyprian breaks down the significance of physically circumcising male infants on the 8th day. The blessed saint explains
St. Cyprian: No Church Without the Bishop Paid Members Public
Here is what the blessed Cyprian wrote in respect to the authority, centrality and necessity of the Bishop: 3. But with respect to what you have said, that priests should be lowly, because both the Lord and His apostles were lowly; both all the brethren and Gentiles also well know
Tertullian & Apostolic Succession Paid Members Public
I quote from Tertullian’s The Prescription Against Heretics, where he appealed to the Bishops taught and appointed by the holy Apostles to expose the heresies being spread by false teachers and so-called Christians. All emphasis will be mine. Chapter 31. Truth First, Falsehood Afterwards, as Its Perversion. Christ’
St. Irenaeus, Scripture & the Church Paid Members Public
St. Irenaeus was the Bishop of Lyons, France and died as a holy martyr for Christ. He was discipled by another Bishop named Polycarp, who himself was martyred for Christ at the age of 86 and was personally trained by Apostles such as John. Here is what this second century
Hilary, Cyril & the Filioque Paid Members Public
I cite a few references from two renowned early Church fathers on the issue of the eternal procession of the Holy Spirit. All emphasis will be mine. Hilary of Poitiers 29. Concerning the Holy Spirit I ought not to be silent, and yet I have no need to speak; still,
Holy Mary in Early Christian Writers Paid Members Public
In this post I cite what some of the early Church writers, theologians, apologists and/or fathers wrote in regards to Luke 1:26-38. These quotations are fascinating since they show how the early Christians viewed Mary, with some calling her the Ark/Temple of God, and the New
PETRINE PRIMACY & ROMAN SUPREMACY Paid Members Public
Here I cite snippets from two fourth century AD references affirming the primacy of Rome due to its relationship to Peter, the chief of the holy Apostles. All emphasis will be mine. Athanasius Apologia Contra Arianos (Athanasius), Part I Chapter 2. Letter of Julius to the Eusebians at Antioch. Eusebius
Tertullian & Punctuation of John 1:3-4 Paid Members Public
I will be referencing Tertullian’s interpretation of John 1:1-4 in order to demonstrate that this outstanding African apologist clearly taught that the Person of Christ is an uncreated, divine Person who came forth from within God prior to the creation of all things. In these references, the