Keep Site Running

Home

Holy Spirit Novena

Catholic Encyclopedia

The Summa

Fathers Of The Church, Catholic Edition

ANTE-NICENE FATHERS: THE APOSTOLIC FATHERS, JUSTIN MARTYR, IRENAEUS

ANTE-NICENE FATHERS VOLUME 1. THE APOSTOLIC FATHERS, JUSTIN MARTYR, IRENAEUS

THE ANTE-NICENE FATHERS TRANSLATIONS OF THE WRITINGS OF THE FATHERS DOWN TO A.D. 325

CLEMENT OF ROME

The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

MATHETES

The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus

POLYCARP

The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

The Epistle Concerning the Martyrdom of Polycarp

The Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrna Concerning the Martyrdom of the Holy Polycarp

IGNATIUS

The Epistles of Ignatius

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians Shorter and Longer Versions

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians Shorter and Longer Versions

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians Shorter and Longer Versions

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans Shorter and Longer Versions

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians Shorter and Longer Versions

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans Shorter and Longer Versions

The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp Shorter and Longer Versions

The Syriac Version of the Ignatian Epistles

The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

The Second Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians

The Third Epistle of the Same St. Ignatius

The Spurious Epistles of Ignatius

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Tarsians

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Antiochians

The Epistle of Ignatius to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians

The Epistle of Maria the Proselyte to Ignatius

Mary of Cassobelae to Ignatius

The Epistle of Ignatius to Mary at Neapolis, Near Zarbus

The Epistle of Ignatius to St. John the Apostle - Ignatius, and the brethren who are with him, to John the holy presbyter

A Second Epistle of Ignatius to St. John - His friend Ignatius to John the holy presbyter

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Virgin Mary - Her friend Ignatius to the Christ-bearing Mary

Reply of the Blessed Virgin to this Letter - The lowly handmaid of Christ Jesus to Ignatius, her beloved fellow-disciple

The Martyrdom of Ignatius

BARNABAS

The Epistle of Barnabas

PAPIAS

The Fragments of Papias

JUSTIN MARTYR

The Writings of Justin Martyr

The First Apology of Justin

Epistle of Adrian in behalf of the Christians

Epistle of Antoninus to the common assembly of Asia

Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the senate, in which he testifies that the Christians were the cause of his victory

The Second Apology of Justin for the Christians Addressed to the Roman Senate

Dialogue of Justin, Philosopher and Martyr, with Trypho, a Jew

The Discourse to the Greeks

Justin’s Hortatory Address to the Greeks

Justin on the Sole Government of God

Fragments of the Lost Work of Justin on the Resurrection

Other Fragments from the Lost Writings of Justin

The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr

IRENÆUS

Irenaeus Against Heresies

Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenaeus

CLEMENT OF ROME

The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

Chapter I - The salutation. Praise of the Corinthians before the breaking forth of schism among them

Chapter II - Praise of the Corinthians continued

Chapter III - The sad state of the Corinthian church after sedition arose in it from envy and emulation

Chapter IV - Many evils have already flowed from this source in ancient times

Chapter V - No less evils have arisen from the same source in the most recent times. The martyrdom of Peter and Paul

Chapter VI - Continuation. Several other martyrs

Chapter VII - An exhortation to repentance

Chapter VIII - Continuation respecting repentance

Chapter IX - Examples of the saints

Chapter X - Continuation of the above

Chapter XI - Continuation. Lot

Chapter XII - The rewards of faith and hospitality. Rahab

Chapter XIII - An exhortation to humility

Chapter XIV - We should obey God rather than the authors of sedition

Chapter XV - We must adhere to those who cultivate peace, not to those who merely pretend to do so

Chapter XVI - Christ as an example of humility

Chapter XVII - The saints as examples of humility

Chapter XVIII - David as an example of humility

Chapter XIX - Imitating these examples, let us seek after peace

Chapter XX - The peace and harmony of the universe

Chapter XXI - Let us obey God, and not the authors of sedition

Chapter XXII - These exhortations are confirmed by the Christian faith, which proclaims the misery of sinful conduct

Chapter XXIII - Be humble, and believe that Christ will come again

Chapter XXIV - God continually shows us in nature that there will be a resurrection

Chapter XXV - The phoenix an emblem of our resurrection

Chapter XXVI - We shall rise again, then, as the Scripture also testifies

Chapter XXVII - In the hope of the resurrection, let us cleave to the omnipotent and omniscient God

Chapter XXVIII - God sees all things: therefore let us avoid transgression

Chapter XXIX - Let us also draw near to God in purity of heart

Chapter XXX - Let us do those things that please God, and flee from those He hates, that we may be blessed

Chapter XXXI - Let us see by what means we may obtain the divine blessing

Chapter XXXII - We are justified not by our own works, but by faith

Chapter XXXIII - But let us not give up the practice of good works and love. God Himself is an example to us of good works

Chapter XXXIV - Great is the reward of good works with God. Joined together in harmony, let us implore that reward from Him

Chapter XXXV - Immense is this reward. How shall we obtain it?

Chapter XXXVI - All blessings are given to us through Christ

Chapter XXXVII - Christ is our leader, and we His soldiers

Chapter XXXVIII - Let the members of the Church submit themselves, and no one exalt himself above another

Chapter XXXIX - There is no reason for self-conceit

Chapter XL - Let us preserve in the Church the order appointed by God

Chapter XLI - Continuation of the same subject

Chapter XLII - The order of ministers in the Church

Chapter XLIII - Moses of old stilled the contention which arose concerning the priestly dignity

Chapter XLIV - The ordinances of the apostles, that there might be no contention respecting the priestly office

Chapter XLV - It is the part of the wicked to vex the righteous

Chapter XLVI - Let us cleave to the righteous: your strife is pernicious

Chapter XLVII - Your recent discord is worse than the former which took place in the times of Paul

Chapter XLVIII - Let us return to the practice of brotherly love

Chapter XLIX - The praise of love

Chapter L - Let us pray to be thought worthy of love

Chapter LI - Let the partakers in strife acknowledge their sins

Chapter LII - Such a confession is pleasing to God

Chapter LIII - The love of Moses towards his people

Chapter LIV - He who is full of love will incur every loss, that peace may be restored to the Church

Chapter LV - Examples of such love

Chapter LVI - Let us admonish and correct one another

Chapter LVII - Let the authors of sedition submit themselves

Chapter LVIII - Blessings sought for all that call upon God

Chapter LIX - The Corinthians are exhorted speedily to send back word that peace has been restored. The benediction

MATHETES

The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus

Chapter I - Occasion of the epistle

Chapter II - The vanity of idols

Chapter III - Superstitions of the Jews

Chapter IV - The other observances of the Jews

Chapter V - The manners of the Christians

Chapter VI - The relation of Christians to the world

Chapter VII - The manifestation of Christ

Chapter VIII - The miserable state of men before the coming of the Word

Chapter IX - Why the Son was sent so late

Chapter X - The blessings that will flow from faith

Chapter XI - These things are worthy to be known and believed

Chapter XII - The importance of knowledge to true spiritual life

POLYCARP

The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

Chapter I - Praise of the Philippians

Chapter II - An exhortation to virtue

Chapter III - Expressions of personal unworthiness

Chapter IV - Various exhortations

Chapter V - The duties of deacons, youths, and virgins

Chapter VI - The duties of presbyters and others

Chapter VII - Avoid the Docetae, and persevere in fasting and prayer

Chapter VIII - Persevere in hope and patience

Chapter IX - Patience inculcated

Chapter X - Exhortation to the practice of virtue

Chapter XI - Expression of grief on account of Valens

Chapter XII - Exhortation to various graces

Chapter XIII - Concerning the transmission of epistles

Chapter XIV - Conclusion

The Epistle Concerning the Martyrdom of Polycarp

The Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrna Concerning the Martyrdom of the Holy Polycarp

Chapter I - Subject of which we write

Chapter II - The wonderful constancy of the martyrs

Chapter III - The constancy of Germanicus. The death of Polycarp is demanded

Chapter IV - Quintus the apostate

Chapter V - The departure and vision of Polycarp

Chapter VI - Polycarp is betrayed by a servant

Chapter VII - Polycarp is found by his pursuers

Chapter VIII - Polycarp is brought into the city

Chapter IX - Polycarp refuses to revile Christ

Chapter X - Polycarp confesses himself a Christian

Chapter XI - No threats have any effect on Polycarp

Chapter XII - Polycarp is sentenced to be burned

Chapter XIII - The funeral pile is erected

Chapter XIV - The prayer of Polycarp

Chapter XV - Polycarp is not injured by the fire

Chapter XVI - Polycarp is pierced by a dagger

Chapter XVII - The Christians are refused Polycarp’s body

Chapter XVIII - The body of Polycarp is burned

Chapter XIX - Praise of the martyr Polycarp

Chapter XX - This epistle is to be transmitted to the brethren

Chapter XXI - The date of the martyrdom

Chapter XXII - Salutation

IGNATIUS

The Epistles of Ignatius

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians Shorter and Longer Versions

Chapter I - Praise of the Ephesians

Chapter II - Congratulations and entreaties

Chapter III - Exhortations to unity

Chapter IV - The same continued

Chapter V - The praise of unity

Chapter VI - Have respect to the bishop as to Christ Himself

Chapter VII - Beware of false teachers

Chapter VIII - Renewed praise of the Ephesians

Chapter IX - Ye have given no heed to false teachers

Chapter X - Exhortations to prayer, humility, etc

Chapter XI - An exhortation to fear God, etc

Chapter XII - Praise of the Ephesians

Chapter XIII - Exhortation to meet together frequently for the worship of God

Chapter XIV - Exhortations to faith and love

Chapter XV - Exhortation to confess Christ by silence as well as speech

Chapter XVI - The fate of false teachers

Chapter XVII - Beware of false doctrines

Chapter XVIII - The glory of the cross

Chapter XIX - Three celebrated mysteries

Chapter XX - Promise of another letter

Chapter XX - Exhortations to stedfastness and unity

Chapter XXI - Conclusion

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians Shorter and Longer Versions

Chapter I - Reason of writing the epistle

Chapter II - I rejoice in your messengers

Chapter III - Honour your youthful bishop

Chapter IV - Some wickedly act independently of the bishop

Chapter V - Death is the fate of all such

Chapter VI - Preserve harmony

Chapter VII - Do nothing without the bishop and presbyters

Chapter VIII - Caution against false doctrines

Chapter IX - Let us live with Christ

Chapter X - Beware of Judaizing

Chapter XI - I write these things to warn you

Chapter XII - Ye are superior to me

Chapter XIII - Be established in faith and unity

Chapter XIV - Your prayers requested

Chapter XV - Salutations

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians Shorter and Longer Versions

Chapter I - Acknowledgment of their excellence

Chapter II - Be subject to the bishop, etc

Chapter III - Honour the deacons, etc

Chapter IV - I have need of humility

Chapter V - I will not teach you profound doctrines

Chapter VI - Abstain from the poison of heretics

Chapter VII - The same continued

Chapter VIII - Be on your guard against the snares of the devil

Chapter IX - Reference to the history of Christ

Chapter X - The reality of Christ’s passion

Chapter XI - Avoid the deadly errors of the Docetae

Chapter XII - Continue in unity and love

Chapter XIII - Conclusion

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans Shorter and Longer Versions

Chapter I - As a prisoner, I hope to see you

Chapter II - Do not save me from martyrdom

Chapter III - Pray rather that I may attain to martyrdom

Chapter IV - Allow me to fall a prey to the wild beasts

Chapter V - I desire to die

Chapter VI - By death I shall attain true life

Chapter VII - Reason of desiring to die

Chapter VIII - Be ye favourable to me

Chapter IX - Pray for the church in Syria

Chapter X - Conclusion

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians Shorter and Longer Versions

Chapter I - Praise of the bishop

Chapter II - Maintain union with the bishop

Chapter III - Avoid schismatics

Chapter IV - Have but one Eucharist, etc

Chapter V - Pray for me

Chapter VI - Do not accept Judaism

Chapter VII - I have exhorted you to unity

Chapter VIII - The same continued

Chapter IX - The Old Testament is good: the New Testament is better

Chapter X - Congratulate the inhabitants of Antioch on the close of the persecution

Chapter XI - Thanks and salutation

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans Shorter and Longer Versions

Chapter I - Thanks to God for your faith

Chapter II - Christ’s true passion

Chapter III - Christ was possessed of a body after His resurrection

Chapter IV - Beware of these heretics

Chapter V - Their dangerous errors

Chapter VI - Unbelievers in the blood of Christ shall be condemned

Chapter VII - Let us stand aloof from such heretics

Chapter VIII - Let nothing be done without the bishop

Chapter IX - Honour the bishop

Chapter X - Acknowledgment of their kindness

Chapter XI - Request to them to send a messenger to Antioch

Chapter XII - Salutations

Chapter XIII - Conclusion

The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp Shorter and Longer Versions

Chapter I - Commendation and exhortation

Chapter II - Exhortations

Chapter III - Exhortations

Chapter IV - Exhortations

Chapter V - The duties of husbands and wives

Chapter VI - The duties of the Christian flock

Chapter VII - Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch

Chapter VIII - Let other churches also send to Antioch

The Syriac Version of the Ignatian Epistles

The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

The Second Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians

The Third Epistle of the Same St. Ignatius

The Spurious Epistles of Ignatius

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Tarsians

Chapter I - His own sufferings: exhortation to stedfastness

Chapter II - Cautions against false doctrine

Chapter III - The true doctrine respecting Christ

Chapter IV - Continuation

Chapter V - Refutation of the previously mentioned errors

Chapter VI - Continuation

Chapter VII - Continuation

Chapter VIII - Exhortations to holiness and good order

Chapter IX - Exhortations to the discharge of relative duties

Chapter X - Salutations

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Antiochians

Chapter I - Cautions against error

Chapter II - The true doctrine respecting God and Christ

Chapter III - The same continued

Chapter IV - Continuation

Chapter V - Denunciation of false teachers

Chapter VI - Renewed cautions

Chapter VII - Exhortation to consistency of conduct

Chapter VIII - Exhortations to the presbyters and others

Chapter IX - Duties of husbands, wives, parents, and children

Chapter X - Duties of masters and servants

Chapter XI - Inculcation of various moral duties

Chapter XII - Salutations

Chapter XIII - Salutations continued

Chapter XIV - Conclusion

The Epistle of Ignatius to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch

Chapter I - Exhortations to earnestness and moderation

Chapter II - Cautions against false teachers

Chapter III - Exhortations as to ecclesiastical duties

Chapter IV - Servants and women are not to be despised

Chapter V - Various relative duties

Chapter VI - Exhortations to purity and caution

Chapter VII - Solemn charge to Hero, as future bishop of Antioch

Chapter VIII - Salutations

Chapter IX - Concluding salutations and instructions

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians

Chapter I - Reason for writing the epistle

Chapter II - Unity of the three divine persons

Chapter III - Christ was truly born, and died

Chapter IV - The malignity and folly of Satan

Chapter V - Apostrophe to Satan

Chapter VI - Continuation

Chapter VII - Continuation: inconsistency of Satan

Chapter VIII - Continuation: ignorance of Satan

Chapter IX - Continuation: ignorance of Satan

Chapter X - Continuation: audacity of Satan

Chapter XI - Continuation: audacity of Satan

Chapter XII - The meek reply of Christ

Chapter XIII - Various exhortations and directions

Chapter XIV - Farewells and cautions

Chapter XV - Salutations. Conclusion

The Epistle of Maria the Proselyte to Ignatius

Mary of Cassobelae to Ignatius

Chapter I - Occasion of the epistle

Chapter II - Youth may be allied with piety and discretion

Chapter III - Examples of youthful devotedness

Chapter IV - The same subject continued

Chapter V - Expressions of respect for Ignatius

The Epistle of Ignatius to Mary at Neapolis, Near Zarbus

Chapter I - Acknowledgment of her excellence and wisdom

Chapter II - His own condition

Chapter III - He had complied with her request

Chapter IV - Commendation and exhortation

Chapter V - Salutations and good wishes

The Epistle of Ignatius to St. John the Apostle - Ignatius, and the brethren who are with him, to John the holy presbyter

A Second Epistle of Ignatius to St. John - His friend Ignatius to John the holy presbyter

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Virgin Mary - Her friend Ignatius to the Christ-bearing Mary

Reply of the Blessed Virgin to this Letter - The lowly handmaid of Christ Jesus to Ignatius, her beloved fellow-disciple

The Martyrdom of Ignatius

Chapter I - Desire of Ignatius for martyrdom

Chapter II - Ignatius is condemned by Trajan

Chapter III - Ignatius sails to Smyrna

Chapter IV - Ignatius writes to the churches

Chapter V - Ignatius is brought to Rome

Chapter VI - Ignatius is devoured by the beasts at Rome

Chapter VII - Ignatius appears in a vision after his death

BARNABAS

The Epistle of Barnabas

Chapter I - After the salutation, the writer declares that he would communicate to his brethren something of that which he had himself received

Chapter II - The Jewish sacrifices are now abolished

Chapter III - The fasts of the Jews are not true fasts, nor acceptable to God

Chapter IV - Antichrist is at hand: let us therefore avoid Jewish errors

Chapter V - The new covenant, founded on the sufferings of Christ, tends to our salvation, but to the Jews’ destruction

Chapter VI - The sufferings of Christ, and the new covenant, were announced by the prophets

Chapter VII - Fasting, and the goat sent away, were types of Christ

Chapter VIII - The red heifer a type of Christ

Chapter IX - The spiritual meaning of circumcision

Chapter X - Spiritual significance of the precepts of Moses respecting different kinds of food

Chapter XI - Baptism and the cross prefigured in the Old Testament

Chapter XII - The cross of Christ frequently announced in the Old Testament

Chapter XIII - Christians, and not Jews, the heirs of the covenant

Chapter XIV - The Lord hath given us the testament which Moses received and broke

Chapter XV - The false and the true Sabbath

Chapter XVI - The spiritual temple of God

Chapter XVII - Conclusion of the first part of the epistle

Chapter XVIII - Second part of the epistle. The two ways

Chapter XIX - The way of light

Chapter XX - The way of darkness

Chapter XXI - Conclusion

PAPIAS

The Fragments of Papias

III

VII

VIII

JUSTIN MARTYR

The Writings of Justin Martyr

The First Apology of Justin

Chapter I - Address

Chapter II - Justice demanded

Chapter III - Claim of judicial investigation

Chapter IV - Christians unjustly condemned for their mere name

Chapter V - Christians charged with atheism

Chapter VI - Charge of atheism refuted

Chapter VII - Each Christian must be tried by his own life

Chapter VIII - Christians confess their faith in God

Chapter IX - Folly of idol worship

Chapter X - How God is to be served

Chapter XI - What kingdom Christians look for

Chapter XII - Christians live as under God’s eye

Chapter XIII - Christians serve God rationally

Chapter XIV - The demons misrepresent Christian doctrine

Chapter XV - What Christ himself taught

Chapter XVI - Concerning patience and swearing

Chapter XVII - Christ taught civil obedience

Chapter XVIII - Proof of immortality and the resurrection

Chapter XIX - The resurrection possible

Chapter XX - Heathen analogies to Christian doctrine

Chapter XXI - Analogies to the history of Christ

Chapter XXII - Analogies to the sonship of Christ

Chapter XXIII - The argument

Chapter XXIV - Varieties of heathen worship

Chapter XXV - False Gods abandoned by Christians

Chapter XXVI - Magicians not trusted by Christians

Chapter XXVII - Guilt of exposing children

Chapter XXVIII - God’s care for men

Chapter XXIX - Continence of Christians

Chapter XXX - Was Christ not a magician?

Chapter XXXI - Of the Hebrew prophets

Chapter XXXII - Christ predicted by Moses

Chapter XXXIII - Manner of Christ’s birth predicted

Chapter XXXIV - Place of Christ’s birth foretold

Chapter XXXV - Other fulfilled prophecies

Chapter XXXVI - Different modes of prophecy

Chapter XXXVII - Utterances of the Father

Chapter XXXVIII - Utterances of the Son

Chapter XXXIX - Direct predictions by the Spirit

Chapter XL - Christ’s advent foretold

Chapter XLI - The crucifixion predicted

Chapter XLII - Prophecy using the past tense

Chapter XLIII - Responsibility asserted

Chapter XLIV - Not nullified by prophecy

Chapter XLV - Christ’s session in heaven foretold

Chapter XLVI - The Word in the world before Christ

Chapter XLVII - Desolation of Judaea foretold

Chapter XLVIII - Christ’s work and death foretold

Chapter XLIX - His rejection by the Jews foretold

Chapter L - His humiliation predicted

Chapter LI - The majesty of Christ

Chapter LII - Certain fulfilment of prophecy

Chapter LIII - Summary of the prophecies

Chapter LIV - Origin of heathen mythology

Chapter LV - Symbols of the cross

Chapter LVI - The demons still mislead men

Chapter LVII - And cause persecution

Chapter LVIII - And raise up heretics

Chapter LIX - Plato’s obligation to Moses

Chapter LX - Plato’s doctrine of the cross

Chapter LXI - Christian baptism

Chapter LXII - Its imitation by demons

Chapter LXIII - How God appeared to Moses

Chapter LXIV - Further misrepresentations of the truth

Chapter LXV - Administration of the sacraments

Chapter LXVI - Of the Eucharist

Chapter LXVII - Weekly worship of the Christians

Chapter LXVIII - Conclusion

Epistle of Adrian in behalf of the Christians

Epistle of Antoninus to the common assembly of Asia

Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the senate, in which he testifies that the Christians were the cause of his victory

The Second Apology of Justin for the Christians Addressed to the Roman Senate

Chapter I - Introduction

Chapter II - Urbicus condemns the Christians to death

Chapter III - Justin accuses Crescens of ignorant prejudice against the Christians

Chapter IV - Why the Christians do not kill themselves

Chapter V - How the angels transgressed

Chapter VI - Names of God and of Christ, their meaning and power

Chapter VII - The world preserved for the sake of Christians. Man’s responsibility

Chapter VIII - All have been hated in whom the Word has dwelt

Chapter IX - Eternal punishment not a mere threat

Chapter X - Christ compared with Socrates

Chapter XI - How Christians view death

Chapter XII - Christians proved innocent by their contempt of death

Chapter XIII - How the Word has been in all men

Chapter XIV - Justin prays that this appeal be published

Chapter XV - Conclusion

Dialogue of Justin, Philosopher and Martyr, with Trypho, a Jew

Chapter I - Introduction

Chapter II - Justin describes his studies in philosophy

Chapter III - Justin narrates the manner of his conversion

Chapter IV - The soul of itself cannot see God

Chapter V - The soul is not in its own nature immortal

Chapter VI - These things were unknown to Plato and other philosophers

Chapter VII - The knowledge of truth to be sought from the prophets alone

Chapter VIII - Justin by his colloquy is kindled with love to Christ

Chapter IX - The Christians have not believed groundless stories

Chapter X - Trypho blames the Christians for this alone—the non-observance of the law

Chapter XI - The law abrogated; the New Testament promised and given by God

Chapter XII - The Jews violate the eternal law, and interpret ill that of Moses

Chapter XIII - Isaiah teaches that sins are forgiven through Christ’s blood

Chapter XIV - Righteousness is not placed in Jewish rites, but in the conversion of the heart given in baptism by Christ

Chapter XV - In what the true fasting consists

Chapter XVI - Circumcision given as a sign, that the Jews might be driven away for their evil deeds done to Christ and the Christians

Chapter XVII - The Jews sent persons through the whole earth to spread calumnies on Christians

Chapter XVIII - Christians would observe the law, if they did not know why it was instituted

Chapter XIX - Circumcision unknown before Abraham. The law was given by Moses on account of the hardness of their hearts

Chapter XX - Why choice of meats was prescribed

Chapter XXI - Sabbaths were instituted on account of the people’s sins, and not for a work of righteousness

Chapter XXII - So also were sacrifices and oblations

Chapter XXIII - The opinion of the Jews regarding the law does an injury to God

Chapter XXIV - The Christians’ circumcision far more excellent

Chapter XXV - The Jews boast in vain that they are sons of Abraham

Chapter XXVI - No salvation to the Jews except through Christ

Chapter XXVII - Why God taught the same things by the prophets as by Moses

Chapter XXVIII - True righteousness is obtained by Christ

Chapter XXIX - Christ is useless to those who observe the law

Chapter XXX - Christians possess the true righteousness

Chapter XXXI - If Christ’s power be now so great, how much greater at the second advent!

Chapter XXXII - Trypho objecting that Christ is described as glorious by Daniel, Justin distinguishes two advents

Chapter XXXIII - Ps. cx. is not spoken of Hezekiah. He proves that Christ was first humble, then shall be glorious

Chapter XXXIV - Nor does Ps. lxxii. apply to Solomon, whose faults Christians shudder at

Chapter XXXV - Heretics confirm the Catholics in the faith

Chapter XXXVI - He proves that Christ is called Lord of Hosts

Chapter XXXVII - The same is proved from other Psalms

Chapter XXXVIII - It is an annoyance to the Jew that Christ is said to be adored. Justin confirms it, however, from Ps. xlv

Chapter XXXIX - The Jews hate the Christians who believe this. How great the distinction is between both!

Chapter XL - He returns to the Mosaic laws, and proves that they were figures of the things which pertain to Christ

Chapter XLI - The oblation of fine flour was a figure of the Eucharist

Chapter XLII - The bells on the priest’s robe were a figure of the apostles

Chapter XLIII - He concludes that the law had an end in Christ, who was born of the Virgin

Chapter XLIV - The Jews in vain promise themselves salvation, which cannot be obtained except through Christ

Chapter XLV - Those who were righteous before and under the law shall be saved by Christ

Chapter XLVI - Trypho asks whether a man who keeps the law even now will be saved. Justin proves that it contributes nothing to righteousness

Chapter XLVII - Justin communicates with Christians who observe the law. Not a few Catholics do otherwise

Chapter XLVIII - Before the divinity of Christ is proved, he [Trypho] demands that it be settled that He is Christ

Chapter XLIX - To those who object that Elijah has not yet come, he replies that he is the precursor of the first advent

Chapter L - It is proved from Isaiah that John is the precursor of Christ

Chapter LI - It is proved that this prophecy has been fulfilled

Chapter LII - Jacob predicted two advents of Christ

Chapter LIII - Jacob predicted that Christ would ride on an ass, and Zechariah confirms it

Chapter LIV - What the blood of the grape signifies

Chapter LV - Trypho asks that Christ be proved God, but without metaphor. Justin promises to do so

Chapter LVI - God who appeared to Moses is distinguished from God the Father

Chapter LVII - The Jew objects, why is He said to have eaten, if He be God? Answer of Justin

Chapter LVIII - The same is proved from the visions which appeared to Jacob

Chapter LIX - God distinct from the Father conversed with Moses

Chapter LX - Opinions of the Jews with regard to Him who appeared in the bush

Chapter LXI - Wisdom is begotten of the Father, as fire from fire

Chapter LXII - The words “Let Us make man” agree with the testimony of Proverbs

Chapter LXIII - It is proved that this God was incarnate

Chapter LXIV - Justin adduces other proofs to the Jew, who denies that he needs this Christ

Chapter LXV - The Jew objects that God does not give His glory to another. Justin explains the passage

Chapter LXVI - He proves from Isaiah that God was born from a virgin

Chapter LXVII - Trypho compares Jesus with Perseus; and would prefer [to say] that He was elected [to be Christ] on account of observance of the law. Justin speaks of the law as formerly

Chapter LXVIII - He complains of the obstinacy of Trypho; he answers his objection; he convicts the Jews of bad faith

Chapter LXIX - The devil, since he emulates the truth, has invented fables about Bacchus, Hercules, and AEsculapius

Chapter LXX - So also the mysteries of Mithras are distorted from the prophecies of Daniel and Isaiah

Chapter LXXI - The Jews reject the interpretation of the LXX., from which, moreover, they have taken away some passages

Chapter LXXII - Passages have been removed by the Jews from Esdras and Jeremiah

Chapter LXXIII - [The words] “From the wood” have been cut out of Ps. xcvi

Chapter LXXIV - The beginning of Ps. xcvi. is attributed to the Father [by Trypho]. But [it refers] to Christ by these words: “Tell ye among the nations that the Lord,” etc

Chapter LXXV - It is proved that Jesus was the name of God in the book of Exodus

Chapter LXXVI - From other passages the same majesty and government of Christ are proved

Chapter LXXVII - He returns to explain the prophecy of Isaiah

Chapter LXXVIII - He proves that this prophecy harmonizes with Christ alone, from what is afterwards written

Chapter LXXIX - He proves against Trypho that the wicked angels have revolted from God

Chapter LXXX - The opinion of Justin with regard to the reign of a thousand years. Several Catholics reject it

Chapter LXXXI - He endeavours to prove this opinion from Isaiah and the Apocalypse

Chapter LXXXII - The prophetical gifts of the Jews were transferred to the Christians

Chapter LXXXIII - It is proved that the Psalm, “The Lord said to My Lord,” etc., does not suit Hezekiah

Chapter LXXXIV - That prophecy, “Behold, a virgin,” etc., suits Christ alone

Chapter LXXXV - He proves that Christ is the Lord of Hosts from Ps. xxiv., and from his authority over demons

Chapter LXXXVI - There are various figures in the Old Testament of the wood of the cross by which Christ reigned

Chapter LXXXVII - Trypho maintains in objection these words: “And shall rest on Him,” etc. They are explained by Justin

Chapter LXXXVIII - Christ has not received the Holy Spirit on account of poverty

Chapter LXXXIX - The cross alone is offensive to Trypho on account of the curse, yet it proves that Jesus is Christ

Chapter XC - The stretched-out hands of Moses signified beforehand the cross

Chapter XCI - The cross was foretold in the blessings of Joseph, and in the serpent that was lifted up

Chapter XCII - Unless the scriptures be understood through God’s great grace, God will not appear to have taught always the same righteousness

Chapter XCIII - The same kind of righteousness is bestowed on all. Christ comprehends it in two precepts

Chapter XCIV - In what sense he who hangs on a tree is cursed

Chapter XCV - Christ took upon Himself the curse due to us

Chapter XCVI - That curse was a prediction of the things which the Jews would do

Chapter XCVII - Other predictions of the cross of Christ

Chapter XCVIII - Predictions of Christ in Ps. xxii

Chapter XCIX - In the commencement of the Psalm are Christ’s dying words

Chapter C - In what sense Christ is [called] Jacob, and Israel, and Son of Man

Chapter CI - Christ refers all things to the Father

Chapter CII - The prediction of the events which happened to Christ when He was born. Why God permitted it

Chapter CIII - The Pharisees are the bulls: the roaring lion is Herod or the devil

Chapter CIV - Circumstances of Christ’s death are predicted in this Psalm

Chapter CV - The Psalm also predicts the crucifixion and the subject of the last prayers of Christ on Earth

Chapter CVI - Christ’s resurrection is foretold in the conclusion of the Psalm

Chapter CVII - The same is taught from the history of Jonah

Chapter CVIII - The resurrection of Christ did not convert the Jews. But through the whole world they have sent men to accuse Christ

Chapter CIX - The conversion of the Gentiles has been predicted by Micah

Chapter CX - A portion of the prophecy already fulfilled in the Christians: the rest shall be fulfilled at the second advent

Chapter CXI - The two advents were signified by the two goats. Other figures of the first advent, in which the Gentiles are freed by the blood of Christ

Chapter CXII - The Jews expound these signs jejunely and feebly, and take up their attention only with insignificant matters

Chapter CXIII - Joshua was a figure of Christ

Chapter CXIV - Some rules for discerning what is said about Christ. The circumcision of the Jews is very different from that which Christians receive

Chapter CXV - Prediction about the Christians in Zechariah. The malignant way which the Jews have in disputations

Chapter CXVI - It is shown how this prophecy suits the Christians

Chapter CXVII - Malachi’s prophecy concerning the sacrifices of the Christians. It cannot be taken as referring to the prayers of Jews of the dispersion

Chapter CXVIII - He exhorts to repentance before Christ comes; in whom Christians, since they believe, are far more religious than Jews

Chapter CXIX - Christians are the holy people promised to Abraham. They have been called like Abraham

Chapter CXX - Christians were promised to Isaac, Jacob, and Judah

Chapter CXXI - From the fact that the Gentiles believe in Jesus, it is evident that He is Christ

Chapter CXXII - The Jews understand this of the proselytes without reason

Chapter CXXIII - Ridiculous interpretations of the Jews. Christians are the true Israel

Chapter CXXIV - Christians are the sons of God

Chapter CXXV - He explains what force the word Israel has, and how it suits Christ

Chapter CXXVI - The various names of Christ according to both natures. It is shown that He is God, and appeared to the patriarchs

Chapter CXXVII - These passages of Scripture do not apply to the Father, but to the Word

Chapter CXXVIII - The Word is sent not as an inanimate power, but as a person begotten of the Father’s substance

Chapter CXXIX - That is confirmed from other passages of Scripture

Chapter CXXX - He returns to the conversion of the Gentiles, and shows that it was foretold

Chapter CXXXI - How much more faithful to God the Gentiles are who are converted to Christ than the Jews

Chapter CXXXII - How great the power was of the name of Jesus in the Old Testament

Chapter CXXXIII - The hard-heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians pray

Chapter CXXXIV - The marriages of Jacob are a figure of the Church

Chapter CXXXV - Christ is king of Israel, and Christians are the Israelitic race

Chapter CXXXVI - The Jews, in rejecting Christ, rejected God who sent him

Chapter CXXXVII - He exhorts the Jews to be converted

Chapter CXXXVIII - Noah is a figure of Christ, who has regenerated us by water, and faith, and wood: [i.e., the cross.]

Chapter CXXXIX - The blessings, and also the curse, pronounced by Noah were prophecies of the future

Chapter CXL - In Christ all are free. The Jews hope for salvation in vain because they are sons of Abraham

Chapter CXLI - Free-will in men and angels

Chapter CXLII - The Jews return thanks, and leave Justin

The Discourse to the Greeks

Chapter I - Justin justifies his departure from Greek customs

Chapter II - The Greek theogony exposed

Chapter III - Follies of the Greek mythology

Chapter IV - Shameless practices of the Greeks

Chapter V - Closing appeal

Justin’s Hortatory Address to the Greeks

Chapter I - Reasons for addressing the Greeks

Chapter II - The poets are unfit to be religious teachers

Chapter III - Opinions of the school of Thales

Chapter IV - Opinions of Pythagoras and Epicurus

Chapter V - Opinions of Plato and Aristotle

Chapter VI - Further disagreements between Plato and Aristotle

Chapter VII - Inconsistencies of Plato’s doctrine

Chapter VIII - Antiquity, inspiration, and harmony of Christian teachers

Chapter IX - The antiquity of Moses proved by Greek writers

Chapter X - Training and inspiration of Moses

Chapter XI - Heathen oracles testify of Moses

Chapter XII - Antiquity of Moses proved

Chapter XIII - History of the Septuagint

Chapter XIV - A warning appeal to the Greeks

Chapter XV - Testimony of Orpheus to monotheism

Chapter XVI - Testimony of the Sibyl

Chapter XVII - Testimony of Homer

Chapter XVIII - Testimony of Sophocles

Chapter XIX - Testimony of Pythagoras

Chapter XX - Testimony of Plato

Chapter XXI - The namelessness of God

Chapter XXII - Studied ambiguity of Plato

Chapter XXIII - Plato’s self-contradiction

Chapter XXIV - Agreement of Plato and Homer

Chapter XXV - Plato’s knowledge of God’s eternity

Chapter XXVI - Plato indebted to the prophets

Chapter XXVII - Plato’s knowledge of the judgment

Chapter XXVIII - Homer’s obligations to the sacred writers

Chapter XXIX - Origin of Plato’s doctrine of form

Chapter XXX - Homer’s knowledge of man’s origin

Chapter XXXI - Further proof of Plato’s acquaintance with Scripture

Chapter XXXII - Plato’s doctrine of the heavenly gift

Chapter XXXIII - Plato’s idea of the beginning of time drawn from Moses

Chapter XXXIV - Whence men attributed to God human form

Chapter XXXV - Appeal to the Greeks

Chapter XXXVI - True knowledge not held by the philosophers

Chapter XXXVII - Of the Sibyl

Chapter XXXVIII - Concluding appeal

Justin on the Sole Government of God

Chapter I - Testimonies to the unity of God

Chapter II - Testimonies to a future judgment

Chapter III - God desires not sacrifices, but righteousness

Chapter IV - The vain pretensions of false gods

Chapter V - We should acknowledge one only God

Fragments of the Lost Work of Justin on the Resurrection

Chapter I - The self-evidencing power of truth

Chapter II - Objections to the resurrection of the flesh

Chapter III - If the members rise, must they discharge the same functions as now?

Chapter IV - Must the deformed rise deformed?

Chapter V - The resurrection of the flesh is not impossible

Chapter VI - The resurrection consistent with the opinions of the philosophers

Chapter VII - The body valuable in God’s sight

Chapter VIII - Does the body cause the soul to sin?

Chapter IX - The resurrection of Christ proves that the body rises

Chapter X - The body saved, and will therefore rise

Other Fragments from the Lost Writings of Justin

The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr

The Martyrdom of the Holy Martyrs Justin, Chariton, Charites, Paeon, and Liberianus, who Suffered at Rome

Chapter I - Examination of Justin by the prefect

Chapter II - Examination of Justin continued

Chapter III - Examination of Chariton and others

Chapter IV - Rusticus threatens the Christians with death

Chapter V - Sentence pronounced and executed

IRENÆUS

Irenaeus Against Heresies

Book I

Chapter I - Absurd ideas of the disciples of Valentinus as to the origin, name, order, and conjugal productions of their fancied AEons, with the passages of Scripture which they adapt to their opinions

Chapter II - The Propator was known to Monogenes alone. Ambition, disturbance, and danger into which Sophia fell; her shapeless offspring: she is restored by Horos. The production of Christ and of the Holy Spirit, in order to the completion of the AEons. Manner of the production of Jesus

Chapter III - Texts of Holy Scripture used by these heretics to support their opinions

Chapter IV - Account given by the heretics of the formation of Achamoth; origin of the visible world from her disturbances

Chapter V - Formation of the Demiurge; description of him. He is the creator of everything outside of the Pleroma

Chapter VI - The threefold kind of man feigned by these heretics: good works needless for them, though necessary to others: their abandoned morals

Chapter VII - The mother Achamoth, when all her seed are perfected, shall pass into the Pleroma, accompanied by those men who are spiritual; the Demiurge, with animal men, shall pass into the intermediate habitation; but all material men shall go into corruption. Their blasphemous opinions against the true incarnation of Christ by the Virgin Mary. Their views as to the prophecies. Stupid ignorance of the Demiurge

Chapter VIII - How the Valentinians pervert the Scriptures to support their own pious opinions

Chapter IX - Refutation of the impious interpretations of these heretics

Chapter X - Unity of the faith of the Church throughout the whole world

Chapter XI - The opinions of Valentinus, with those of his disciples and others

Chapter XII - The doctrines of the followers of Ptolemy and Colorbasus

Chapter XIII - The deceitful arts and nefarious practices of Marcus

Chapter XIV - The various hypotheses of Marcus and others. Theories respecting letters and syllables

Chapter XV - Sige relates to Marcus the generation of the twenty-four elements and of Jesus. Exposure of these absurdities

Chapter XVI - Absurd interpretations of the Marcosians

Chapter XVII - The theory of the Marcosians, that created things were made after the image of things invisible

Chapter XVIII - Passages from Moses, which the heretics pervert to the support of their hypothesis

Chapter XIX - Passages of Scripture by which they attempt to prove that the Supreme Father was unknown before the coming of Christ

Chapter XX - The apocryphal and spurious Scriptures of the Marcosians, with passages of the Gospels which they pervert

Chapter XXI - The views of redemption entertained by these heretics

Chapter XXII - Deviations of heretics from the truth

Chapter XXIII - Doctrines and practices of Simon Magus and Menander

Chapter XXIV - Doctrines of Saturninus and Basilides

Chapter XXV - Doctrines of Carpocrates

Chapter XXVI - Doctrines of Cerinthus, the Ebionites, and Nicolaitanes

Chapter XXVII - Doctrines of Cerdo and Marcion

Chapter XXVIII - Doctrines of Tatian, the Encratites, and others

Chapter XXIX - Doctrines of various other Gnostic sects, and especially of the Barbeliotes or Borborians

Chapter XXX - Doctrines of the Ophites and Sethians

Chapter XXXI - Doctrines of the Cainites

Book II

Chapter I - There is but one God: the impossibility of its being otherwise

Chapter II - The world was not formed by angels, or by any other being, contrary to the will of the most high God, but was made by the Father through the Word

Chapter III - The Bythus and Pleroma of the Valentinians, as well as the God of Marcion, shown to be absurd; the world was actually created by the same Being who had conceived the idea of it, and was not the fruit of defect or ignorance

Chapter IV - The absurdity of the supposed vacuum and defect of the heretics is demonstrated

Chapter V - This world was not formed by any other beings within the territory which is contained by the Father

Chapter VI - The angels and the Creator of the world could not have been ignorant of the Supreme God

Chapter VII - Created things are not the images of those AEons who are within the Pleroma

Chapter VIII - Created things are not a shadow of the Pleroma

Chapter IX - There is but one Creator of the world, God the Father: this the constant belief of the Church

Chapter X - Perverse interpretations of Scripture by the heretics: God created all things out of nothing, and not from pre-existent matter

Chapter XI - The heretics, from their disbelief of the truth, have fallen into an abyss of error: reasons for investigating their systems

Chapter XII - The Triacontad of the heretics errs both by defect and excess: Sophia could never have produced anything apart from her consort; Logos and Sige could not have been contemporaries

Chapter XIII - The first order of production maintained by the heretics is altogether indefensible

Chapter XIV - Valentinus and his followers derived the principles of their system from the heathen; the names only are changed

Chapter XV - No account can be given of these productions

Chapter XVI - The Creator of the world either produced of Himself the images of things to be made, or the Pleroma was formed after the image of some previous system; and so on ad infinitum

Chapter XVII - Inquiry into the production of the AEons: whatever its supposed nature, it is in every respect inconsistent; and on the hypothesis of the heretics, even Nous and the Father Himself would be stained with ignorance

Chapter XVIII - Sophia was never really in ignorance or passion; her Enthymesis could not have been separated from herself, or exhibited special tendencies of its own

Chapter XIX - Absurdities of the heretics as to their own origin: their opinions respecting the Demiurge shown to be equally untenable and ridiculous

Chapter XX - Futility of the arguments adduced to demonstrate the sufferings of the twelfth AEon, from the parables, the treachery of Judas, and the passion of our Saviour

Chapter XXI - The twelve apostles were not a type of the AEons

Chapter XXII - The thirty AEons are not typified by the fact that Christ was baptized in His thirtieth year: He did not suffer in the twelfth month after His baptism, but was more than fifty years old when He died

Chapter XXIII - The woman who suffered from an issue of blood was no type of the suffering AEon

Chapter XXIV - Folly of the arguments derived by the heretics from numbers, letters, and syllables

Chapter XXV - God is not to be sought after by means of letters, syllables, and numbers; necessity of humility in such investigations

Chapter XXVI - ”Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.”

Chapter XXVII - Proper mode of interpreting parables and obscure passages of Scripture

Chapter XXVIII - Perfect knowledge cannot be attained in the present life: many questions must be submissively left in the hands of God

Chapter XXIX - Refutation of the views of the heretics as to the future destiny of the soul and body

Chapter XXX - Absurdity of their styling themselves spiritual, while the Demiurge is declared to be animal

Chapter XXXI - Recapitulation and application of the foregoing arguments

Chapter XXXII - Further exposure of the wicked and blasphemous doctrines of the heretics

Chapter XXXIII - Absurdity of the doctrine of the transmigration of souls

Chapter XXXIV - Souls can be recognised in the separate state, and are immortal although they once had a beginning

Chapter XXXV - Refutation of Basilides, and of the opinion that the prophets uttered their predictions under the inspiration of different gods

Book III

Chapter I - The apostles did not commence to preach the Gospel, or to place anything on record until they were endowed with the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. They preached one God alone, Maker of heaven and earth

Chapter II - The heretics follow neither Scripture nor tradition

Chapter III - A refutation of the heretics, from the fact that, in the various Churches, a perpetual succession of bishops was kept up

Chapter IV - The truth is to be found nowhere else but in the Catholic Church, the sole depository of apostolical doctrine. Heresies are of recent formation, and cannot trace their origin up to the apostles

Chapter V - Christ and His apostles, without any fraud, deception, or hypocrisy, preached that one God, the Father, was the founder of all things. They did not accommodate their doctrine to the prepossessions of their hearers

Chapter VI - The Holy Ghost, throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, made mention of no other God or Lord, save him who is the true God

Chapter VII - Reply to an objection founded on the words of St. Paul (2 Cor. iv. 4). St. Paul occasionally uses words not in their grammatical sequence

Chapter VIII - Answer to an objection, arising from the words of Christ (Matt. vi. 24). God alone is to be really called God and Lord, for He is without beginning and end

Chapter IX - One and the same God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is He whom the prophets foretold, and who was declared by the Gospel. Proof of this, at the outset, from St. Matthew’s Gospel

Chapter X - Proofs of the foregoing, drawn from the Gospels of Mark and Luke

Chapter XI - Proofs in continuation, extracted from St. John’s Gospel. The Gospels are four in number, neither more nor less. Mystic reasons for this

Chapter XII - Doctrine of the rest of the apostles

Chapter XIII - Refutation of the opinion, that Paul was the only apostle who had knowledge of the truth

Chapter XIV - If Paul had known any mysteries unrevealed to the other apostles, Luke, his constant companion and fellow-traveller, could not have been ignorant of them; neither could the truth have possibly lain hid from him, through whom alone we learn many and most important particulars of the Gospel history

Chapter XV - Refutation of the Ebionites, who disparaged the authority of St. Paul, from the writings of St. Luke, which must be received as a whole. Exposure of the hypocrisy, deceit, and pride of the Gnostics. The apostles and their disciples knew and preached one God, the Creator of the world

Chapter XVI - Proofs from the apostolic writings, that Jesus Christ was one and the same, the only begotten Son of God, perfect God and perfect man

Chapter XVII - The apostles teach that it was neither Christ nor the Saviour, but the Holy Spirit, who did descend upon Jesus. The reason for this descent

Chapter XVIII - Continuation of the foregoing argument. Proofs from the writings of St. Paul, and from the words of Our Lord, that Christ and Jesus cannot be considered as distinct beings; neither can it be alleged that the Son of God became man merely in appearance, but that He did so truly and actually

Chapter XIX - Jesus Christ was not a mere man, begotten from Joseph in the ordinary course of nature, but was very God, begotten of the Father most high, and very man, born of the Virgin

Chapter XX - God showed himself, by the fall of man, as patient, benign, merciful, mighty to save. Man is therefore most ungrateful, if, unmindful of his own lot, and of the benefits held out to him, he do not acknowledge divine grace

Chapter XXI - A vindication of the prophecy in Isa. vii. 14 against the misinterpretations of Theodotion, Aquila, the Ebionites, and the Jews. Authority of the Septuagint version. Arguments in proof that Christ was born of a virgin

Chapter XXII - Christ assumed actual flesh, conceived and born of the Virgin

Chapter XXIII - Arguments in opposition to Tatian, showing that it was consonant to divine justice and mercy that the first Adam should first partake in that salvation offered to all by Christ

Chapter XXIV - Recapitulation of the various arguments adduced against Gnostic impiety under all its aspects. The heretics, tossed about by every blast of doctrine, are opposed by the uniform teaching of the Church, which remains so always, and is consistent with itself

Chapter XXV - This world is ruled by the providence of one God, who is both endowed with infinite justice to punish the wicked, and with infinite goodness to bless the pious, and impart to them salvation

Book IV

Chapter I - The Lord acknowledged but one God and Father

Chapter II - Proofs from the plain testimony of Moses, and of the other prophets, whose words are the words of Christ, that there is but one God, the founder of the world, whom Our Lord preached, and whom He called His Father

Chapter III - Answer to the cavils of the Gnostics. We are not to suppose that the true God can be changed, or come to an end because the heavens, which are His throne and the earth, His footstool, shall pass away

Chapter IV - Answer to another objection, showing that the destruction of Jerusalem, which was the city of the great King, diminished nothing from the supreme majesty and power of God, for that this destruction was put in execution by the most wise counsel of the same God

Chapter V - The author returns to his former argument, and shows that there was but one God announced by the law and prophets, whom Christ confesses as His Father, and who, through His word, one living God with Him, made Himself known to men in both covenants

Chapter VI - Explanation of the words of Christ, “No man knoweth the Father, but the Son,” etc.; which words the heretics misinterpret. Proof that, by the Father revealing the Son, and by the Son being revealed, the Father was never unknown

Chapter VII - Recapitulation of the foregoing argument, showing that Abraham, through the revelation of the Word, knew the Father, and the coming of the Son of God. For this cause, he rejoiced to see the day of Christ, when the promises made to him should be fulfilled. The fruit of this rejoicing has flowed to posterity, viz., to those who are partakers in the faith of Abraham, but not to the Jews who reject the Word of God

Chapter VIII - Vain attempts of Marcion and his followers, who exclude Abraham from the salvation bestowed by Christ, who liberated not only Abraham, but the seed of Abraham, by fulfilling and not destroying the law when He healed on the Sabbath-day

Chapter IX - There is but one author, and one end to both covenants

Chapter X - The Old Testament Scriptures, and those written by Moses in particular, do everywhere make mention of the Son of God, and foretell His advent and passion. From this fact it follows that they were inspired by one and the same God

Chapter XI - The old prophets and righteous men knew beforehand of the advent of Christ, and earnestly desired to see and hear Him, He revealing himself in the Scriptures by the Holy Ghost, and without any change in Himself, enriching men day by day with benefits, but conferring them in greater abundance on later than on former generations

Chapter XII - It clearly appears that there was but one author of both the old and the new law, from the fact that Christ condemned traditions and customs repugnant to the former, while He confirmed its most important precepts, and taught that He was Himself the end of the Mosaic law

Chapter XIII - Christ did not abrogate the natural precepts of the law, but rather fulfilled and extended them. He removed the yoke and bondage of the old law, so that mankind, being now set free, might serve God with that trustful piety which becometh sons

Chapter XIV - If God demands obedience from man, if He formed man, called him and placed him under laws, it was merely for man’s welfare; not that God stood in need of man, but that He graciously conferred upon man His favours in every possible manner

Chapter XV - At first God deemed it sufficient to inscribe the natural law, or the Decalogue, upon the hearts of men; but afterwards He found it necessary to bridle, with the yoke of the Mosaic law, the desires of the Jews, who were abusing their liberty; and even to add some special commands, because of the hardness of their hearts

Chapter XVI - Perfect righteousness was conferred neither by circumcision nor by any other legal ceremonies. The Decalogue, however, was not cancelled by Christ, but is always in force: men were never released from its commandments

Chapter XVII - Proof that God did not appoint the Levitical dispensation for His own sake, or as requiring such service; for He does, in fact, need nothing from men

Chapter XVIII - Concerning sacrifices and oblations, and those who truly offer them

Chapter XIX - Earthly things may be the type of heavenly, but the latter cannot be the types of others still superior and unknown; nor can we, without absolute madness, maintain that God is known to us only as the type of a still unknown and superior being

Chapter XX - That one God formed all things in the world, by means of the Word and the Holy Spirit: and that although He is to us in this life invisible and incomprehensible, nevertheless He is not unknown; inasmuch as His works do declare Him, and His Word has shown that in many modes He may be seen and known

Chapter XXI - Abraham’s faith was identical with ours; this faith was prefigured by the words and actions of the old patriarchs

Chapter XXII - Christ did not come for the sake of the men of one age only, but for all who, living righteously and piously, had believed upon Him; and for those, too, who shall believe

Chapter XXIII - The patriarchs and prophets by pointing out the advent of Christ, fortified thereby, as it were, the way of posterity to the faith of Christ; and so the labours of the apostles were lessened inasmuch as they gathered in the fruits of the labours of others

Chapter XXIV - The conversion of the Gentiles was more difficult than that of the Jews; the labours of those apostles, therefore who engaged in the former task, were greater than those who undertook the latter

Chapter XXV - Both covenants were prefigured in Abraham, and in the labour of Tamar; there was, however, but one and the same God to each covenant

Chapter XXVI - The treasure hid in the Scriptures is Christ; the true exposition of the Scriptures is to be found in the Church alone

Chapter XXVII - The sins of the men of old time, which incurred the displeasure of God, were, by His providence, committed to writing, that we might derive instruction thereby, and not be filled with pride. We must not, therefore, infer that there was another God than He whom Christ preached; we should rather fear, lest the one and the same God who inflicted punishment on the ancients, should bring down heavier upon us

Chapter XXVIII - Those persons prove themselves senseless who exaggerate the mercy of Christ, but are silent as to the judgment, and look only at the more abundant grace of the New Testament; but, forgetful of the greater degree of perfection which it demands from us, they endeavour to show that there is another God beyond Him who created the world

Chapter XXIX - Refutation of the arguments of the Marcionites, who attempted to show that God was the author of sin, because He blinded Pharaoh and his servants

Chapter XXX - Refutation of another argument adduced by the Marcionites, that God directed the Hebrews to spoil the Egyptians

Chapter XXXI - We should not hastily impute as crimes to the men of old time those actions which the Scripture has not condemned, but should rather seek in them types of things to come: an example of this in the incest committed by Lot

Chapter XXXII - That one God was the author of both Testaments, is confirmed by the authority of a presbyter who had been taught by the apostles

Chapter XXXIII - Whosoever confesses that one God is the author of both Testaments, and diligently reads the Scriptures in company with the presbyters of the Church, is a true spiritual disciple; and he will rightly understand and interpret all that the prophets have declared respecting Christ and the liberty of the New Testament

Chapter XXXIV - Proof against the Marcionites, that the prophets referred in all their predictions to our Christ

Chapter XXXV - A refutation of those who allege that the prophets uttered some predictions under the inspiration of the highest, others from the Demiurge. Disagreements of the Valentinians among themselves with regard to these same predictions

Chapter XXXVI - The prophets were sent from one and the same Father from whom the Son was sent

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

Chapter XXXVIII - Why man was not made perfect from the beginning

Chapter XXXIX - Man is endowed with the faculty of distinguishing good and evil; so that, without compulsion, he has the power, by his own will and choice, to perform God’s commandments, by doing which he avoids the evils prepared for the rebellious

Chapter XL - One and the same God the Father inflicts punishment on the reprobate, and bestows rewards on the elect

Chapter XLI - Those persons who do not believe in God, but who are disobedient, are angels and sons of the devil, not indeed by nature, but by imitation. Close of this book, and scope of the succeeding one

Book V

Chapter I - Christ alone is able to teach divine things, and to redeem us: He, the same, took flesh of the Virgin Mary, not merely in appearance, but actually, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, in order to renovate us. Strictures on the conceits of Valentinus and Ebion

Chapter II - When Christ visited us in His grace, He did not come to what did not belong to Him: also, by shedding His true blood for us, and exhibiting to us His true flesh in the Eucharist, He conferred upon our flesh the capacity of salvation

Chapter III - The power and glory of God shine forth in the weakness of human flesh, as He will render our body a participator of the resurrection and of immortality, although He has formed it from the dust of the earth; He will also bestow upon it the enjoyment of immortality, just as He grants it this short life in common with the soul

Chapter IV - Those persons are deceived who feign another God the Father besides the Creator of the world; for he must have been feeble and useless, or else malignant and full of envy, if he be either unable or unwilling to extend external life to our bodies

Chapter V - The prolonged life of the ancients, the translation of Elijah and of Enoch in their own bodies, as well as the preservation of Jonah, of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the midst of extreme peril, are clear demonstrations that God can raise up our bodies to life eternal

Chapter VI - God will bestow salvation upon the whole nature of man, consisting of body and soul in close union, since the Word took it upon Him, and adorned with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, of whom our bodies are, and are termed, the temples

Chapter VII - Inasmuch as Christ did rise in our flesh, it follows that we shall be also raised in the same; since the resurrection promised to us should not be referred to spirits naturally immortal, but to bodies in themselves mortal

Chapter VIII - The gifts of the Holy Spirit which we receive prepare us for incorruption, render us spiritual, and separate us from carnal men. These two classes are signified by the clean and unclean animals in the legal dispensation

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.”

Chapter X - By a comparison drawn from the wild olive-tree, whose quality but not whose nature is changed by grafting, he proves more important things; he points out also that man without the Spirit is not capable of bringing forth fruit, or of inheriting the kingdom of God

Chapter XI - Treats upon the actions of carnal and of spiritual persons; also, that the spiritual cleansing is not to be referred to the substance of our bodies, but to the manner of our former life

Chapter 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

Chapter XIII - In the dead who were raised by Christ we possess the highest proof of the resurrection; and our hearts are shown to be capable of life eternal, because they can now receive the Spirit of God

Chapter XIV - Unless the flesh were to be saved, the Word would not have taken upon Him flesh of the same substance as ours: from this it would follow that neither should we have been reconciled by Him

Chapter XV - Proofs of the resurrection from Isaiah and Ezekiel; the same God who created us will also raise us up

Chapter XVI - Since our bodies return to the earth, it follows that they have their substance from it; also, by the advent of the Word, the image of God in us appeared in a clearer light

Chapter XVII - There is but one Lord and one God, the Father and Creator of all things, who has loved us in Christ, given us commandments, and remitted our sins; whose Son and Word Christ proved Himself to be, when He forgave our sins

Chapter XVIII - God the Father and His Word have formed all created things (which They use) by Their own power and wisdom, not out of defect or ignorance. The Son of God, who received all power from the Father, would otherwise never have taken flesh upon Him

Chapter XIX - A comparison is instituted between the disobedient and sinning Eve and the Virgin Mary, her patroness. Various and discordant heresies are mentioned

Chapter XX - Those pastors are to be heard to whom the apostles committed the Churches, possessing one and the same doctrine of salvation; the heretics, on the other hand, are to be avoided. We must think soberly with regard to the mysteries of the faith

Chapter XXI - Christ is the head of all things already mentioned. It was fitting that He should be sent by the Father, the Creator of all things, to assume human nature, and should be tempted by Satan, that He might fulfil the promises, and carry off a glorious and perfect victory

Chapter XXII - The true Lord and the one God is declared by the law, and manifested by Christ His Son in the Gospel; whom alone we should adore, and from Him we must look for all good things, not from Satan

Chapter XXIII - The devil is well practised in falsehood, by which Adam having been led astray, sinned on the sixth day of the creation, in which day also he has been renewed by Christ

Chapter XXIV - Of the constant falsehood of the devil, and of the powers and governments of the world, which we ought to obey, inasmuch as they are appointed of God, not of the devil

Chapter XXV - The fraud, pride, and tyrannical kingdom of Antichrist, as described by Daniel and Paul

Chapter XXVI - John and Daniel have predicted the dissolution and desolation of the Roman Empire, which shall precede the end of the world and the eternal kingdom of Christ. The Gnostics are refuted, those tools of Satan, who invent another Father different from the Creator

Chapter XXVII - The future judgment by Christ. Communion with and separation from the divine being. The eternal punishment of unbelievers

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

Chapter XXIX - All things have been created for the service of man. The deceits, wickedness, and apostate power of Antichrist. This was prefigured at the deluge, as afterwards by the persecution of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Chapter XXX - Although certain as to the number of the name of Antichrist, yet we should come to no rash conclusions as to the name itself, because this number is capable of being fitted to many names. Reasons for this point being reserved by the Holy Spirit. Antichrist’s reign and death

Chapter XXXI - The preservation of our bodies is confirmed by the resurrection and ascension of Christ: the souls of the saints during the intermediate period are in a state of expectation of that time when they shall receive their perfect and consummated glory

Chapter XXXII - In that flesh in which the saints have suffered so many afflictions, they shall receive the fruits of their labours; especially since all creation waits for this, and God promises it to Abraham and his seed

Chapter XXXIII - Further proofs of the same proposition, drawn from the promises made by Christ, when He declared that He would drink of the fruit of the vine with His disciples in His Father’s kingdom, while at the same time He promised to reward them an hundred-fold, and to make them partake of banquets. The blessing pronounced by Jacob had pointed out this already, as Papias and the elders have interpreted it

Chapter XXXIV - He fortifies his opinions with regard to the temporal and earthly kingdom of the saints after their resurrection, by the various testimonies of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel; also by the parable of the servants watching, to whom the Lord promised that He would minister

Chapter XXXV - He contends that these testimonies already alleged cannot be understood allegorically of celestial blessings, but that they shall have their fulfilment after the coming of Antichrist, and the resurrection, in the terrestrial Jerusalem. To the former prophecies he subjoins others drawn from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the Apocalypse of John

Chapter XXXVI - Men shall be actually raised: the world shall not be annihilated; but there shall be various mansions for the saints, according to the rank allotted to each individual. All things shall be subject to God the Father, and so shall He be all in all

Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenaeus