Early Christian Views of the Christian Life

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

"Fear the Lord," he said, "and keep His commandments." Ecclesiastes 12:13 For if you keep God's commandments, you will be strong in everything you do, and everything you do will be beyond compare. For by fearing the Lord, you will do everything well. This is the fear you ought to have, so that you may be saved. But do not fear the devil. For if you fear the Lord, you will rule over the devil, because there is no power in him. But someone in whom there is no power should never be feared. He in whom there is glorious power is the one who is truly to be feared. For everyone who has power ought to be feared, but he who has no power is despised by all. Therefore, fear the deeds of the devil, because they are evil. For if you fear the Lord, you will not do these deeds, but will hold back from them. For there are two kinds of fear. If you do not want to do what is evil, fear the Lord, and you will not do it. But again, if you want to do what is good, fear the Lord, and you will do it. Therefore the fear of the Lord is strong, great, and glorious. Fear the Lord, then, and you will live to Him, and all who fear Him and keep His commandments will live to God. "Why," I said, "sir, did you say

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

He finished the twelve commandments and said to me, "You now have these commandments. Live by them, and urge your hearers to do the same, so that their repentance may be pure for the rest of their lives. Carefully carry out this ministry that I now entrust to you, and you will accomplish much. For you will find favor among those who are going to repent, and they will listen to your words, because I will be with you and will compel them to obey you." I said to him, "Sir, these commandments are great, good, and glorious, and they are able to make glad the heart of the person who can keep them. But I do not know whether a human being can keep these commandments, because they are extremely hard." He answered and said to me, "If you settle it in your mind that they can be kept, then you will keep them easily, and they will not be hard. But if you begin to think that they cannot be kept by man, then you will not keep them. Now I say to you, if you do not keep them, but neglect them, you will not be saved, nor your children, nor your household, since you have already decided for yourself that these commandments cannot be kept by man."

Polycarp, Epistle to the Philippians Supporting witness

and let us teach, first of all, ourselves to walk in the commandments of the Lord.

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Supporting witness

...same Instructor through all these things. Here, then, is a complete command, and an instruction for life that includes everything: "As you would want people to do to you, do the same to them." Luke 6:31. We can sum up the commandments in two, as the Lord says: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength; and your neighbor as yourself." Then from these He concludes, "On these hang the law and the prophets." Further, to the one who asked, "What good thing shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?" He answered, "You know the commandments?" And when the man replied, "Yes," He said, "Do this, and you shall be saved." The love of the Instructor is especially clear in the different commands that bring salvation, so that discovery may be easier through the richness and arrangement of the Scriptures. We have the Ten Commandments given by Moses. By a basic principle, simple and of one kind, they identify sins in a way that leads to salvation: "You shall not commit adultery. You shall not worship idols. You shall not corrupt boys. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. Honor your father and your mother." Exodus 20

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Supporting witness

Keeping, then, to our aim, and selecting the Scriptures which bear on the usefulness of training for life, we must now compendiously describe what the man who is called a Christian ought to be during the whole of his life.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

This is the way of life, in which may you be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness

Mark 10:19a You know the commandments. 45 If you would enter into life, keep the commandments.

Romans 6:4 Supporting witness

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

2 John 1:6 Supporting witness

And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.

Deuteronomy 5:33 Supporting witness

You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...Christ Jesus, that you put off, as regards your former way of life, the old man, which is corrupted according to deceitful desires. But be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who was created according to God in righteousness and holiness of the truth, Ephesians 4:20-24, according to the likeness of God. Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or greed, must not even be named among you, as is proper for saints, nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, Ephesians 5:1-4. For the Apostle, teaching that we must be chaste even in speech itself, writes, “For know this, that every fornicator,” and so on, up to the words, “But rather rebuke them,” Ephesians 5:5-11. Their teaching has flowed out of some apocryphal book. And I will now bring forward the saying that is the mother and source of their self-indulgence. Whether they admit that they themselves are the writers of this book, here is their recklessness, though driven by lustful excess they falsely ascribe it to God; or whethe

Polycarp, Epistle to the Philippians Supporting witness

They must not be slanderers, double-tongued, or lovers of money, but temperate in all things, compassionate, industrious, walking according to the truth of the Lord, who was the servant of all.

Unknown, Unknown Work Supporting witness

Such ought those who are consecrated to Christ appear, and frame themselves in their whole life, as they fashion themselves in the church for the sake of gravity;

Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Supporting witness

...o travel to the appointed place, they must be zealous in their works. The knowledge given to us for walking this path is as follows. You shall love Him who created you; you shall glorify Him who redeemed you from death. You shall be pure in heart, and rich in spirit. You shall not join yourself to those who walk the path of death. You shall hate doing anything unpleasing to God; you shall hate all hypocrisy. You shall not forsake the commandments of the Lord. You shall not exalt yourself but shall be humble. You shall not take glory for yourself. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not allow over-boldness into your soul. You shall not commit fornication; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not corrupt youth. You shall not speak the word of God with any impurity. You shall not show favoritism when you reprove someone for transgression. You shall be meek; you shall be peaceable. You shall tremble at the words you hear. You shall not hold grudges against your brother. You shall not doubt whether something will happen or not. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain. You shall love your neighbor more than your own soul. You shall not kill a c

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

...t distinguished of the school of Valentinians, says plainly that there is a confession by faith and conduct, and one with the voice. The confession that is made with the voice, and before the authorities, is what most people count as the only confession. This is not sound. Hypocrites also can confess with this confession. But neither will this saying be found to be spoken universally. For all the saved have confessed with the confession made by the voice, and departed. Of these are Matthew, Philip, Thomas, Levi, and many others. And confession by the lip is not universal, but partial. But what He now specifies is universal: that which is by deeds and actions corresponding to faith in Him. This confession is followed by that which is partial, that before the authorities, if necessary, and if reason directs. For he will rightly confess with his voice who has first confessed by his disposition. And with regard to those who confess, he has rightly used the words “in Me,” and for those who deny, the word “Me.” For those, though they confess Him with the voice, yet deny Him, since they do not confess Him in their conduct. But those alone confess “in Him” who live in the confession and

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...o to the church because of unbelievers, then you, O bishop, shall gather them in a house, so that a godly man may not enter an assembly of the ungodly. For it is not the place that sanctifies the man, but the man the place. And if the ungodly possess the place, avoid it, because it is profaned by them. For just as holy priests sanctify a place, so profane people defile it. If it is not possible to assemble either in the church or in a house, let each one by himself sing, read, and pray, or let two or three do so together. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Let none of the faithful pray with a catechumen, not even in the house. For it is not right that one who is admitted should be polluted with one who is not admitted. Let none of the godly pray with a heretic, not even in the house. For what fellowship has light with darkness? Let Christians, whether men or women, who have relations with slaves either stop, or let them be rejected.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Background

...d say, “The grace of Almighty God, and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” And let all say with one voice, “And with your spirit.” The high priest says, “Lift up your mind.” All the people say, “We lift it up to the Lord.” The high priest says, “Let us give thanks to the Lord.” All the people say, “It is right and proper to do so.” Then let the high priest say: “It is most right and proper, before all things, to sing a hymn to You, the true God, who is before all beings, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Ephesians 3:15 who alone is unbegotten, without beginning, without ruler, and without master; who needs nothing; who gives everything good; who is beyond all cause and generation; who is always and unchangeably the same; from whom all things came into being as from their proper source. For You are eternal knowledge, everlasting sight, unbegotten hearing, untaught wisdom, first by nature, the measure of being, and beyond all number. You brought all things out of nothing into being by Your only begotten Son, and You begot Him before all ages by Your will, Your power, and Your goodness, without any instru

Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness

Seeing, therefore, that we are the portion of the Holy One, let us do all those things which pertain to holiness, avoiding all evil-speaking, all abominable and impure embraces, together with all drunkenness, seeking after change, all abominable lusts, detestable adultery, and execrable pride.

1 Peter 1:15 Supporting witness

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,

2 Peter 3:11 Supporting witness

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Titus 2:12 Supporting witness

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

2 Corinthians 7:1 Supporting witness

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version) Supporting witness

...e Holy Spirit as a guide, and being borne up by faith, while elevated by love from earth to heaven, walking alongside those who are undefiled. For, says [the Scripture], “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.” Now the way is unerring, namely, Jesus Christ. For, He says, “I am the way and the life.” And this way leads to the Father. For “no one,” He says, “comes to the Father except through Me.” Blessed, then, are you who are God-bearers, spirit-bearers, temple-bearers, bearers of holiness, adorned in every way with the commandments of Jesus Christ, being “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people,” on whose account I rejoice exceedingly, and have had the privilege, through this Epistle, of conversing with “the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” I rejoice, therefore, over you, that you do not give heed to vanity, and love nothing according to the flesh, but according to God.

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness

If Christ was only man, how is it that He Himself says, “And everyone who believes in me shall never die”? Yet the one who believes in man alone is called accursed. But the one who believes in Christ is not accursed, and is said not to die forever. Therefore, if on the one hand He is only man, as the heretics claim, how will anyone who believes in Him not die eternally, since the one who trusts in man is regarded as accursed? Or on the other hand, if he is not accursed, but rather, as we read, is appointed to receive everlasting life, then Christ is not only man, but also God. In Him, the one who believes both puts aside all danger of curse and gains the fruit of righteousness. If Christ was only man, how does He say that the Paraclete will take what is His, the things that He will declare? For the Paraclete does not receive anything from man, but gives knowledge to man. Nor does the Paraclete learn future things from man, but teaches man about what is to come. Therefore, either the Paraclete has not received from Christ, as man, what He should declare, since man could give nothing to the Paraclete, seeing that man himself ought to receive from Him, and Christ in this case is both

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

For we who have been persuaded by many, yea by innumerable, arguments to lead a Christian life, are especially anxious to bring all men as far as possible to receive the whole system of Christian truth;

Clement of Rome, Second Epistle (attributed) Supporting witness

By what course of conduct, then, shall we attain these things, but by leading a holy and righteous life, and by deeming these worldly things as not belonging to us, and not fixing our desires upon them?

Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Short Version) Supporting witness

Only [in one way or another] let us be found in Christ Jesus unto the true life.

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

Accordingly, you will find no Christian, however simple he may be, and however little versed in critical studies, who would say that He who died was the truth, the life, the way, the living bread which came down from heaven, the resurrection;

Ignatius, Epistle to the Romans (Long Version) Supporting witness

...and outer strength, that I may not only speak, but truly will, so that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really found to be one. For if I am truly found a Christian, I may also be called one, and be deemed faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." The Christian is not the result of persuasion, but of power. When he is hated by the world, he is loved by God. For says the Scripture, "If you were of this world, the world would love its own; but now you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it: continue in fellowship with me."

Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Background

...he New Testament, whenever the Spirit is named without any added word that describes a quality, the Holy Spirit is meant. For example: "Now the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace," and, "Seeing you began in the Spirit, are you now made perfect in the flesh?" We think this distinction may also be observed in the Old Testament, as when it is said, "He that gives His Spirit to the people who are upon the earth, and Spirit to them who walk thereon." For without doubt, everyone who walks upon the earth, that is, earthly and bodily beings, is also a partaker of the Holy Spirit, receiving it from God. My Hebrew master also used to say that the two seraphim in Isaiah, each described as having six wings and calling to one another, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God of hosts," are to be understood as the only-begotten Son of God and the Holy Spirit. We also think that the expression found in the hymn of Habakkuk, "In the midst either of the two living things, or of the two lives, You will be known," should be understood as referring to Christ and the Holy Spirit. For all knowledge of the Father is obtained by revelation of the Son through the Holy Spirit. So these two bei

Galatians 2:20 Supporting witness

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Colossians 3:4 Supporting witness

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:3 Supporting witness

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Philippians 3:20 Supporting witness

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Ignatius, Epistle to Polycarp (Long Version) Direct teaching

Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life], even as does the Lord of all.

Ignatius, Epistle to Polycarp (Short Version) Supporting witness

Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life]: where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

...e I was sitting in my house and praising the Lord for all that I had seen, I was thinking about the commandments: that they are excellent, powerful, glorious, and able to save a person's soul. I said to myself, "I will be blessed if I walk in these commandments, and everyone who walks in them will be blessed." While I was saying these things to myself, I suddenly saw him sitting beside me, and I heard him say this: "Why are you doubtful about the commandments that I gave you? They are excellent. Do not doubt them at all. Instead, put on faith in the Lord, and you will walk in them, for I will strengthen you in them. These commandments are useful for those who intend to repent. For if they do not walk in them, their repentance is in vain. Therefore, you who repent, throw away the wickedness of this world that wears you out. And by putting on all the virtues of a holy life, you will be able to keep these commandments, and you will no longer add to the number of your sins. Walk, therefore, in these commandments of mine, and you will live to God. All these things have been spoken to you by me." After he had said these words, he said to me, "Let us go into the fields, and I will show

Athenagoras, A Plea for the Christians Supporting witness

Therefore, having the hope of eternal life, we despise the things of this life, even to the pleasures of the soul, each of us reckoning her his wife whom he has married according to the laws laid down by us, and that only for the purpose of having children.

Ignatius, Epistle to the Trallians (LongVersion) Supporting witness

For says He, “I am the life; he that believeth in me, even though he die, shall live: and every one that liveth and believeth in me, even though he die, shall live for ever.” Do ye therefore flee from these ungodly heresies;

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

Here life is either lost or saved; here eternal safety is provided for by the worship of God and the fruits of faith.

Justin Martyr, The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr Supporting witness

Then the prefect Rusticus said to Chariton, “Tell me more, Chariton, are you also a Christian?” Chariton replied, “I am a Christian by the command of God.” Rusticus the prefect asked the woman Charito, “What do you say, Charito?” Charito answered, “I am a Christian by the grace of God.” Rusticus asked Euelpistus, “And what about you?” Euelpistus, a servant of Caesar, responded, “I too am a Christian, having been freed by Christ; and by the grace of Christ, I share the same hope.” Rusticus the prefect asked Hierax, “And you, are you a Christian?” Hierax answered, “Yes, I am a Christian, for I revere and worship the same God.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Did Justin make you Christians?” Hierax replied, “I was a Christian, and will be a Christian.” Then Pæon stood up and said, “I too am a Christian.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Who taught you?” Pæon replied, “From our parents, we received this good confession.” Euelpistus said, “I willingly heard the words of Justin. But I also learned to be a Christian from my parents.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Where are your parents?” Euelpistus replied, “In Cappadocia.” Rusticus asked Hierax, “Where are your parents?” And he answered, “Christ

Irenaeus, Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenæus Background

...se of the display it gives, but also because of the timing when it is shown. For instance, consider early fruit from the grape or the fig, or any fruit really, which no one expects to be mature or fully developed while it's still growing. Yet, although someone might see it as somewhat imperfect, they don't dismiss the immature grape as useless when they pick it. On the contrary, they gather it with pleasure because it appears early in the season, not worrying if the grape possesses perfect sweetness. They feel satisfaction knowing it came before the rest. Similarly, God, when He sees the faithful with wisdom that is still imperfect and faith that is small, overlooks their shortcomings in this regard and does not reject them. Instead, He kindly welcomes and accepts them as early fruits, honoring the mind, whatever state it may be in, that is marked with virtue, even if not yet perfect. He makes allowances for it, considering it a precursor to the harvest and esteems it highly since, being more willing than the rest, it has, in a sense, claimed the blessing early for itself.

Dionysius of Alexandria, Miscellaneous Fragments Supporting witness

... leaving the course too quickly. For it is a wise saying: "What is within a little is not little in life." But those who continue and endure a very long time, and persevere even until the fourth watch, which is also the time when our Savior showed Himself walking on the sea to those who were then out on the deep, we receive as noble and hard-working disciples. As for those who stop and refresh themselves on the way, as they are moved to do or as they are able, let us not press them too hard. For not all keep the six days of fasting equally or in the same way. Some spend all the days fasting, remaining without food the whole time. Others keep only two days, others three, others four, and others not even one. And those who have struggled painfully through these long fasts, and afterward have become worn out and nearly undone, should be pardoned if they are somewhat hasty in taking food. But if there are any who not only avoid such long fasting, but refuse from the beginning to fast at all, and instead live luxuriously during the first four days, and then, when they come to the last two days, that is, the Preparation and the Sabbath, fast strictly during those and those alone, and

Archelaus, Disputation with Manes Supporting witness

...ere be for a man in circumcising himself if he still holds the worst thoughts against his neighbor? Accordingly, He desired instead to open to us the ways of the fullest life by a short path. He did this lest perhaps, after we had traveled long roads of our own, we should find our day cut short by night, and lest, while outwardly we might appear splendid in the sight of men, inwardly we should be like ravening wolves or like whitewashed tombs. For far above a person of that kind should be placed the man who, although dressed only in dirty and worn-out clothing, hides no evil in his heart against his neighbor. For it is only the circumcision of the heart that brings salvation. Merely fleshly circumcision can be of no benefit to men unless they also have the spiritual circumcision. Listen also to what Scripture says about this: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." What need, then, is there for me to labor and suffer, since I have been told the short way of life, and know that it will be mine if only I can be pure in heart? And this fully agrees with the truth we have now learned: if a person succeeds in keeping the two commandments, he fulfills the whole law an

Tertullian, On the Resurrection of the Flesh Supporting witness

...righteousness, and truth. And he is so completely focused throughout this passage on teaching moral conduct that he tells us we ought to bear the image of Christ in this flesh of ours, and in this time of instruction and discipline. For when he says, "let us bear," in the imperative mood, he fits his words to the present life, in which man exists in no other substance than as flesh and soul. Or if it is another substance, even a heavenly one, that this faith of ours looks forward to, still the promise is made to that substance to which the command is given to work hard and earnestly so as to deserve its reward. Since, then, he makes both the image of the earthy and the image of the heavenly consist in moral conduct—the one to be rejected, and the other to be pursued—and then accordingly adds, "For this I say" (that is, because of what I have already said, since the word "for" connects what follows with the words before), "that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God," 1 Corinthians 15:50, he means that flesh and blood must be understood in no other sense than as the previously mentioned image of the earthy. And since this is understood to consist in the old way of life

Athenagoras, A Plea for the Christians Supporting witness

For if we believed that we should live only the present life, then we might be suspected of sinning, through being enslaved to flesh and blood, or overmastered by gain or carnal desire;