Systems Theology

Early Church Documents

Study key patristic texts with better discovery, better context, and better source navigation.

Back to navigator

Epistle to Diognetus

Explains Christian identity as life in the world but not of it, rooted in divine revelation rather than ethnic or civic boundaries.

Mathetes (anonymous)2nd century2nd century

Overview

Category
Apostolic Fathers
Genre
Epistle
Tradition
Cross-Tradition
Region
Mediterranean
Original language
Greek
Date certainty
Approximate

Historical context

Manuscript context

Epistle to Diognetus circulated in Mediterranean and is received through Greek manuscript and translation traditions associated with Mathetes (anonymous).

Themes

EcclesiologyDiscipleshipChurch OrderChristology

Controversies

  • Christological debates

Source links

  • English translation

    www.newadvent.org · Source quality: Primary · Last checked: 2026-02-28

  • Archive mirror

    web.archive.org · Source quality: Archive · Last checked: 2026-02-28

Read source

Timeline position

Epistle to Diognetus

Related documents

  • Epistle of Barnabas

    Anonymous early Christian authorearly 2nd century

    Interprets Israel's scriptures christologically and frames discipleship through a moral contrast between two ways of life.

  • Second Epistle of Clement

    Anonymous early Christian preachermid 2nd century

    A homiletic exhortation calling believers to repentance, holiness, and steadfastness as they await final judgment.

  • The Didache

    Anonymous early church manualc. AD 100

    Presents practical catechesis on Christian morals, baptism, fasting, prayer, Eucharistic practice, and local church leadership.

  • The Shepherd of Hermas

    Hermas2nd century

    Uses visions and parables to stress repentance after baptism, moral discipline, and patient perseverance in church life.

  • Epistle to the Ephesians

    Ignatius of Antiochc. AD 107

    Urges believers to remain united around their bishop and to confess Christ fully against early doctrinal distortions.

  • Epistle to the Magnesians

    Ignatius of Antiochc. AD 107

    Encourages fidelity to apostolic teaching and warns against returning to old covenant shadows after Christ's fulfillment.

  • Epistle to the Smyrnaeans

    Ignatius of Antiochc. AD 107

    Defends the real incarnation and suffering of Christ, then links orthodox confession to a coherent sacramental church life.

  • Epistle to the Trallians

    Ignatius of Antiochc. AD 107

    Stresses submission to church oversight and vigilance against teachers who divide Christ's humanity from his divinity.