Early Christian Teachings on Christian Mysteries

1 Corinthians 2:7 Direct teaching

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

1 Corinthians 4:1 Direct teaching

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Luke 8:10 Direct teaching

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Direct teaching

... the situation, we will outline, as an illustration and pattern, what may occur to us about the way holy Scripture should be understood on these different points. First, we repeat and point out this fact: the Holy Spirit, by the providence and will of God, through the power of His only-begotten Word, who in the beginning was God with God, enlightened the ministers of truth, the prophets and apostles, so that they might understand the mysteries of those things or causes that take place among men, or in relation to men. By men, I now mean souls placed in bodies. These, relating the mysteries known to them and revealed through Christ, described them figuratively, as if they were a kind of human transactions, or handed down certain legal observances and injunctions. They did this not so that anyone who wished might treat these explanations as worthless and trample them under foot, but so that the person who devoted himself with all chastity, sobriety, and watchfulness to studies of this kind might be able, in this way, to trace out the meaning of the Spirit of God, which is perhaps lying profoundly buried, and the context, which may point again in another direction than ordinary spe

Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies Direct teaching

These, he says, are what everyone calls the secret mysteries, which we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, because they are foolishness to him. 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 These, he says, are the unutterable mysteries of the Spirit, which only we know. About these, he says, the Savior has declared, "No one can come to me unless my heavenly Father draws someone to me." John 6:44 For it is very hard, he says, to accept and receive this great and unutterable mystery. And again, he says, the Savior has declared, "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21 And it is necessary that those who do this will should not merely hear it, but should enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again, he says, the Savior has declared, "The tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of heaven before you." Matthew 21:31 For the tax collectors, he says, are those who receive the revenues of all things. But we, he says, are the tax collectors, to

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Supporting witness

and one human race also in which the mysteries of God are wrought, “which the angels desire to look into;” and they are not able to search out the wisdom of God, by means of which His handiwork, confirmed and incorporated with His Son, is brought to perfection;

Methodius, Oration on the Psalms Supporting witness

Learn the mysteries of God; the very thing itself which is being done bears witness that it is God that is thus hymned by uninstructed tongues.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book II Supporting witness

6. But, beyond reason inflated [with your own wisdom], ye presumptuously maintain that ye are acquainted with the unspeakable mysteries of God;

Clement of Rome, Connection to Matthew 13:11 Supporting witness

Wherefore also He explained to His disciples privately the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

For in the Christian system also it will be found that there is, not to speak at all arrogantly, at least as much of investigation into articles of belief, and of explanation of dark sayings, occurring in the prophetical writings, and of the parables in the Gospels, and of countless other things, which either were narrated or enacted with a symbolic signification, (as is the case with other systems).

Tertullian, Ad Nationes Supporting witness

our feasts and our marriages are invented and detailed by ignorant persons, who had never before heard about Christian mysteries.

Archelaus, Disputation with Manes Direct teaching

For we do not declare the mysteries touching the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit to a Gentile;

Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version) Direct teaching

three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence, but have been revealed to us.

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

This is a great mystery. Ephesians 5:31-32 In passing, (I would say that) it is enough for me that the works of the Creator are great mysteries in the estimation of the apostle, although they are so vilely esteemed by the heretics.

Tertullian, Ad Nationes Direct teaching

For it could not have been by the Christians themselves, I suppose, since by the very constitution and law of all mysteries the obligation of silence is imposed.

Dionysius of Alexandria, Miscellaneous Fragments Supporting witness

...ht at once to begin their festival joy and gladness. But in what you wrote to me, you showed very clearly, and with an intelligent understanding of the Holy Scriptures, that they do not seem to give any exact statement of the hour when He rose. For the Evangelists describe differently the people who came one after another to the tomb, and all declare that they found the Lord already risen. Matthew says it was at the end of the Sabbath. John writes that it was early, while it was still dark. Luke says it was very early in the morning. Mark tells us it was very early in the morning, at the rising of the sun. So no one has shown us clearly the exact time when He rose. It is admitted, however, that those who came to the tomb at the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, found that He was no longer lying in it. And let us not suppose that the Evangelists disagree or contradict one another. Even if there seems to be some small difficulty in the matter we are asking about, they all agree that the Light of the world, our Lord, rose on that one night, though they differ about the hour. So we may rightly try, with a wise and faithful mind, to bring their

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

...ror, and before the tyrants confessed himself a Christian, such a man shall no longer carry out his sacred ministry. This is because he has deserted the Lord's flock, and because, having of his own accord sought the contest, through not being able to endure the torment, he has brought reproach upon himself. For the apostles did not neglect the teaching of the people and prefer their own advantage. For the mighty Paul, after he had endured many torments, although he saw that it was far better to leave this life, still chose rather to live and to be tormented for the salvation and instruction of the people. Therefore those who seek the sacred ministry, from which they have fallen of their own accord, are altogether without perception. For how is it that they seek what they have left, when in this season of persecution they are able to be useful to their brothers? If indeed they had not fallen, indulgence would be extended to them for what they had done contrary to reason, for example, their voluntary flight, or their slackness in teaching and strengthening the brothers. But if they have lapsed through their own arrogance and conceit—for such is the nature of rashly venturing to ex

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

For a mystery ought to be most faithfully concealed and covered, especially by us, who bear the name of faith.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Direct teaching

...faithful should communicate with them, pray with them, and that they should take part in the sacred mysteries. And this should be granted with diligent caution and care, both lest they should seem to be afflicted with grief, seizing on a dissolution of this life, that is, as he says, being overcome by grief, they might depart and get free from the body, that is, go out from it, because of the violence of the torment and afflictions they undergo in prison; and lest anyone should have the pretext of their punishment for carrying himself dissolutely and cowardly in the contest of confession, and so fall away. Such a person will rather be put to shame, according to the saying in the Gospel, "Who could not finish after he had laid the foundation."

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Direct teaching

... a revelation of heavenly mysteries, and has appointed us to this ministry by the power of Your all-holy Spirit: grant, O Sovereign, that we may become servants of Your new covenant and ministers of Your pure mysteries. Receive us as we come near to Your holy altar, according to the greatness of Your mercy, so that we may become worthy to offer to You gifts and sacrifices for our transgressions and for those of the people. And grant to us, O Lord, that with all fear and a pure conscience we may offer to You this spiritual and bloodless sacrifice. Graciously receive it at Your holy and spiritual altar above the skies as an odor of a sweet spiritual fragrance, and in answer send down on us the grace of Your all-holy Spirit.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Direct teaching

For communion is sufficient for them, that the faithful should communicate with them, and pray with them, and that they should participate in the sacred mysteries.

Early Liturgies, Liturgy of Adaeus and Maris Direct teaching

Laid are the renowned holy and life-giving mysteries upon the altar of the mighty Lord, even until His advent, forever. Amen.

Early Liturgies, Liturgy of Adaeus and Maris Direct teaching

The clemency of Your grace, O our Lord and God, gives us access to these renowned, holy, life-giving, and divine mysteries, unworthy though we be.

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Direct teaching

Blessed is God, who blesses and sanctifies through the communion of the holy, and quickening, and pure mysteries, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...y may train themselves in His law day and night. May He strengthen them in piety, unite them to His holy flock and number them with it, grant them the laver of regeneration and the garment of incorruption, which is the true life, deliver them from all ungodliness, and give no place to the adversary against them. May He cleanse them from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, dwell in them, and walk in them, by His Christ. May He bless their going out and their coming in, and direct their affairs for their good. Let us still earnestly offer our prayers for them, that by their admission they may obtain the forgiveness of their transgressions, and so may be considered worthy of the holy mysteries and of constant communion with the saints. Rise up, you catechumens, ask for yourselves the peace of God through His Christ, a peaceful day and one free from sin, and the same for the whole time of your life, and your Christian end of it, a compassionate and merciful God, and the forgiveness of your transgressions. Dedicate yourselves to the only unbegotten God, through His Christ. Bow down your heads, and receive the blessing. But when each one is named by the deacon, as we said before, let

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

You who formerly said through Your holy prophets to those being initiated, “Wash and become clean,” Isaiah 1:16, and who have appointed spiritual regeneration through Christ, now also look down on those who are baptized, and bless them, and sanctify them, and prepare them so that they may become worthy of Your spiritual gift, and of the true adoption of Your spiritual mysteries, of being gathered together with those who are saved through Christ our Savior. Through Him, glory, honor, and worship be to You in the Holy Spirit forever. Amen. And let the deacon say: “Go out, you who are preparing for illumination.” And after that let him proclaim: “You penitents, pray. Let us all earnestly pray for our brothers in the state of penitence, that God, the lover of compassion, will show them the way of repentance, and accept their return and their confession, and bruise Satan under their feet suddenly, Romans 16:20, and redeem them from the snare of the devil and the mistreatment of the demons, and free them from every unlawful word, and every absurd practice and wicked thought. Forgive them all their offenses, both voluntary and involuntary, and blot out that handwriting which is against th

Early Liturgies, Liturgy of Adaeus and Maris Direct teaching

Divided, sanctified, completed, perfected, united, and commingled have been these renowned, holy, life-giving, and divine mysteries, the one with the other, in the adorable and glorious name of Your glorious Trinity, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, that they may be to us, O Lord, for the propitiation of our offenses and the forgiveness of our sins;

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

Vouchsafe them a holy admission, and unite them to Your holy Church, and make them partakers of Your divine mysteries, through Christ, who is our hope, and who died for them;

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

XIV. Now we have received the precious body and the precious blood of Christ, let us give thanks to Him who has thought us worthy to partake of these His holy mysteries;

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

we thank You that You have thought us worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries, which You have bestowed upon us, for the entire confirmation of those things we have rightly known, for the preservation of piety, for the remission of our offenses;

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Supporting witness

...ing their order, what basis is there for the claim that a plague was brought on the earth after the Christian religion came into the world and revealed the mysteries of hidden truth? "But," my opponents say, "the gods bring pestilences, droughts, wars, famines, locusts, mice, hailstones, and other harmful things on us, things by which the property of men is attacked. They do this because they are angry at your wrongdoings and your transgressions." If it were not foolish to spend time on matters that are already clear and need no defense, I would certainly show, by unfolding the history of past ages, that these evils you speak of were not unknown and did not come suddenly. I would show that plagues did not burst upon us, and that human affairs did not begin to be attacked by many kinds of dangers, from the time that our sect received the honor of this name. For if we are to blame, and if these plagues have been devised against our sin, from where did antiquity know these names for disasters? From where did it give a name to wars? By what understanding could it describe pestilence and hailstorms? Or how could it introduce these terms into its language, by which speech was made cle

Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen Supporting witness

And this is the sign of the Eleusinian mysteries: "I have fasted, I have drunk the cup; I have received from the box; after doing so, I put it into the basket, and from the basket into the chest." Truly, these are fine sights, and fitting for a goddess; mysteries worthy of the night, and fire, and the great-hearted, or rather foolish, people of the Erechthidae and the other Greeks as well. After death, a fate awaits them that they do not expect. And truly, Heraclitus of Ephesus prophesies against these people: the night-walkers, the magi, the bacchanals, the Lenaean revelers, and the initiated. He threatens them with what will come after death, and foretells fire for them. For what people think of as mysteries, they celebrate in a sacrilegious way. Law, then, and opinion, are worthless. And the mysteries of the dragon are a fraud, which religiously celebrates mysteries that are no mysteries at all, and with false piety observes profane rites. What are these mystic chests? For I must expose their sacred things, and reveal things not fit to be spoken. Are they not sesame cakes, and pyramid-shaped cakes, and round and flat cakes, embossed all over, and lumps of salt, and a serpent, th

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Direct teaching

From the solemn rites and mysteries of initiation, it is clear, whether those which are celebrated at fixed times and on set days, or those which are taught secretly by the heathen without allowing the observance of their usages to be interrupted.

Minucius Felix, Octavius Supporting witness

These are the Eleusinian mysteries. And what are the sacred rites of Jupiter?

Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen Supporting witness

As grounds of your belief in these, there are your mysteries, your solemn assemblies, bonds and wounds, and weeping deities.

Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen Supporting witness

O truly sacred mysteries! O stainless light! My way is lighted with torches, and I survey the heavens and God;

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

And if the Egyptians related fables of this kind, they are believed to convey a philosophical meaning by their enigmas and mysteries;

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Supporting witness

Of what do those Eleusinian mysteries and secret rites contain a narrative?

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

...n these matters would be absurd, and much like what he himself did when, in his accusations against Christians and Jews, he quoted, very inappropriately, not only the words of Plato, but, not satisfied even with these, also brought forward the mysteries of the Persian Mithras and their explanation. Now whatever the truth may be about these things, whether the Persians and those who conduct the mysteries of Mithras give false accounts or true ones about them, why did he choose these to quote rather than some of the other mysteries, along with their explanation? For the mysteries of Mithras do not seem to be more famous among the Greeks than those of Eleusis, or those in Aegina, where people are initiated into the rites of Hecate. But if he had to bring in barbarian mysteries with their explanation, why not instead those of the Egyptians, which are highly valued by many, or those of the Cappadocians concerning the Comanian Diana, or those of the Thracians, or even those of the Romans themselves, who initiate the noblest members of their senate? But if he thought it inappropriate to make a comparison with any of these because they gave no help in accusing Jews or Christians, why di

Minucius Felix, Octavius Supporting witness

...is, and the empty tomb of your Serapis or Osiris, with his limbs scattered about. Then consider the sacred rites themselves, and their very mysteries. You will find mournful deaths, misfortunes, funerals, and the griefs and wailings of miserable gods. Isis bewails, laments, and seeks after her lost son, with her Cynocephalus and her bald priests. The wretched worshipers of Isis beat their breasts and imitate the grief of the most unhappy mother. Then, when the little boy is found, Isis rejoices, and the priests exult, and Cynocephalus the discoverer boasts. And year by year they do not cease either to lose what they find, or to find what they lose. Is it not ridiculous either to grieve over what you worship, or to worship what you grieve over? Yet these were once Egyptian rites, and now they are Roman ones. Ceres, with lighted torches and surrounded by a serpent, with anxiety and care tracks the footsteps of Proserpine, stolen away in her wandering, and of her corrupter. These are the Eleusinian mysteries. And what are the sacred rites of Jupiter? His nurse is a she-goat, and as an infant he is carried away from his greedy father so that he may not be devoured. A clanging uproar

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

... them, the memory of the true God was taken away. Therefore they ought to have understood, from the mysteries and ceremonies themselves, that they were offering prayers to dead men. So then, I do not ask anyone to believe the poets' stories. If anyone thinks these speak falsely, let him consider the writings of the pontiffs themselves, and examine whatever literature there is about sacred rites. He will perhaps find more things than we have brought forward, from which he may understand that all things considered sacred are empty, vain, and made up. But if anyone, after finding wisdom, lays aside his error, he will certainly laugh at the foolishness of men who are almost without understanding. I mean those who either dance with improper gestures, or run naked, anointed and crowned with garlands, either wearing a mask or smeared with mud. What shall I say now about shields rotten with age? When they carry these, they think they are carrying the gods themselves on their shoulders. For Furius Bibaculus is regarded as one of the chief examples of piety. Although he was praetor, he still carried the sacred shield, with the lictors going before him, even though his office as praetor ex

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Supporting witness

...en, do we prove that all these stories are records of events? It is clear from the solemn rites and mysteries of initiation, whether those celebrated at fixed times and on set days, or those taught secretly by the heathen, who do not allow the observance of their customs to be interrupted. For it should not be believed that these have no origin, are practiced without reason or meaning, and have no causes connected with their first beginnings. That pine tree regularly brought into the sanctuary of the Great Mother—is it not in imitation of that tree under which Attis mutilated and unmanned himself, and which, they say, the goddess also consecrated to ease her grief? That raising up of phalli and fascina, which Greece worships and celebrates in rites every year—does it not recall the deed by which Liber paid his debt? What story do those Eleusinian mysteries and secret rites contain? Is it not about that wandering in which Ceres, worn out from looking for her daughter, when she came to the borders of Attica, brought wheat with her, honored the family of the Nebridae with a hind's skin, and laughed at that most astonishing sight in Baubo's groin? Or if there is another cause, that