The epistle of mathetes to diognetus is probably the earliest example of christian apologetics, writings defending christianity from its accusers. This is a brilliant, lucid exposition of christianity by an unknown author. The writer addresses the most excellent diognetus, a welldisposed pagan, who desires to know what is the religion of christians. My book, the super gospel, a harmony of ancient gospels, is available for purchase below. A late 2d century apology addressed to a certain diognetus who is otherwise unknown. Archive 1 archive 2 archive 3 early christian commentary. The epistle of james is the most jewish book in the nt. The epistle of mathetes to diognetus the epistle of mathetes to diognetus is probably the earliest example of christian apologetics, writings defending christianity from its accusers. This article is within the scope of wikiproject religion, a project to improve wikipedia s articles on religionrelated subjects. The epistle to diognetus was written in the mid to late 2ndcentury church by an unknown author 1. Somewhere in the second century a new apologetic letter began circulating throughout the early church. Epistle to diognetus encyclopedia volume catholic online. For the christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe.
The epistle to diognetus part 6 he came in love for, as i said, this was no mere earthly invention which was delivered to them, nor has a dispensation of mere human mysteries been. The epistle to diognetus is considered by some to be the noblest. The greek writing known under this name was first printed in 1592 by henricus stephanus, along with a companion piece to greeks, as hitherto unknown writings of. This epistle was written in the 2nd century, between ad at the earliest. The epistle of mathetes to diognetus bible study tools. The first epistle of clement is a letter addressed to the christians in the city of corinth.
Please participate by editing the article, and help us assess and. Estimates of dating based on the language and other textual evidence have ranged from ad, to the late 2nd century, with the latter often preferred in modern scholarship. The apostolic fathers patristic nectar publications. Historical comments on the epistle to diognetus orthodox. This beautiful little apology for christianity is cited by no ancient or medieval writer, and came down to us in a single manuscript which perished in the siege of. This letter is an answer to an inquiry which had been addressed to the author as to what was the character of the christian religion, and what were the reasons why he had. Full text of the epistle to diognetus internet archive.
The following interesting and eloquent epistle is anonymous, and we have no clue whatever as to its author. Recommended books for the study of early christian writings. Diognetus, epistle to a dictionary of early christian. Epistle to diognetus resources online and in print. Epistle to diognetus the catholic encyclopedia bible. Epistle to diognetus an extract from a letter of the 2nd or 3rd century which gives a moving account of the distinctive qualities of the christian life. Open library is an open, editable library catalog, building towards a web page for every book ever published. Address to diognetus encyclopedia of the bible bible.
For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar. The wisdom of sirach or ecclesiasticus kjv audio chapter 1 7. Epistle to diognetus 1st or 2nd century 1 quotes from clement of rome first century 2 quotes from hermas the pastor 1st century 1 quotes from polycarp a. Idolworship is ridiculed, and it is shown that jewish. Grant describes the epistle of mathetes to diognetus the anchor bible dictionary, v. Entry for epistle to diognetus the catholic encyclopedia one of 8 bible encyclopedias freely available, this encyclopedia is one of the most comprehensive resource on catholic teaching. Whoever wrote this epistle, and to whom, it was likely composed in the heart of the second century 190 ce. The epistle to diognetus pronounced dieogkneetus is also called the epistle of mathetes greek for disciple or learner. Seldom was research thoroughly discussed on the air, so this document contains a more complete form than the broadcast. This short epistle written to diognetus by mathetes was really good.
Letter to diognetus early christian work britannica. Information on the epistle of mathetes to diognetus. The first of the general, or catholic, epistles of the nt. It is often included with the works of the apostolic fathers, greek christian writers. The origins of the epistle to diognetus are surrounded in mystery, though for reasons we will discuss there is strong evidence that it is amongst the earliest extrabiblical books. Since i see thee, most excellent diognetus, exceedingly desirous to learn the mode of worshipping god prevalent. Epistle of james encyclopedia of the bible bible gateway. Epistle to diognetus epistle of mathetes to diognetus, readalong. Although there are not extant manuscripts, we do have transcriptions by scholars in the. The epistle of mathetes to diognetus by mathetes goodreads. This beautiful little apology for christianity is cited by no ancient or medieval writer, and came down to us in a single ms. One of the earliest examples of christian apologetic writing is mathetes epistle to diognetus this is an anonymous letter as mathetes is simply greek for disciple.
The epistle of mathetes to diognetus conciliar post. An apologetic address or letter of the early church. It was first included among the works of the apostolic fathers by. It is perhaps one of the first works of apologetics, where mathetes was trying to persuade diognetus toward the christian. Letter to diognetus, an early christian apologetic work probably dating from the 2nd or 3rd century ad. Introductory note to the epistle of mathetes to diognetus a. The first epistle of clement to the corinthians full audiobook. Diognetus was a tutor of the emperor marcus aurelius, who admired him for his freedom from superstition and sound educational advice meditations 1. Letter to diognetus christian history for everyman.
The date and authenticity of the epistle are discussed at length, as well as authorship, integrity, and a few difficulties scholars have with the work. The epistle to diognetus part 6 he came in love an. The letter or epistle to diognetus is a second or thirdcentury work that defends the doctrines of christianity. The epistle to diognetus is widely recognized as one of the true literary gems of early christianity. Ehrmans new loeb library edition of the apostolic fathers a title unknown before the 17th century presents a scholarly edition, with a lively translation, of christian writings that.
The epistle of mathetes to diognetus is an example of christian apologetics, writings defending christianity against the charges of its critics. Its intent was to foster dialogue and to engage listeners. Epistle to diognetus kindle edition by mathetes anonymous. The word is seen in the letter to diognetus as guiding those who teach. I found it particularly interesting, so i hope you enjoy it too. If you like to read period writings with reference to the bible and biblical type authors, this little book is a nice departure. The greek writer and recipient are not otherwise known. Diognetus is typically classified as a writing of the apostolic fathers, although its contents better fit among the writings of the apologists. Epistle of mathetes to diognetus early christian writings. Since i see thee, most excellent diognetus, exceedingly desirous to learn the mode of worshipping god prevalent among the christians, and inquiring very carefully and earnestly concerning them, what god they trust in, and what form of religion they observe, so as all to look down upon the world itself, and despise. The epistle to diognetus and the shepherd of hermas. Chapters 110 serve as an early defense of the christian faith. The anonymous author of this epistle gives himself the title.
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