Systems Theology

Early Church Documents

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

Back to navigator

Treatise Concerning the Trinity

Offers a pre-Nicene defense of the Father, Son, and Spirit in continuity with scriptural monotheism.

Novatianmid 3rd century3rd century

Overview

Category
Ante-Nicene Fathers
Genre
Treatise
Tradition
Cross-Tradition
Region
Mediterranean
Original language
Greek
Date certainty
Approximate

Historical context

Manuscript context

Treatise Concerning the Trinity circulated in Mediterranean and is received through Greek manuscript and translation traditions associated with Novatian.

Themes

Doctrinal DevelopmentHeresy ResponsePastoral TheologyTrinity

Controversies

  • Arian controversy

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

Treatise Concerning the Trinity

Related documents

  • Against Celsus

    Origenc. AD 248

    A detailed response to pagan criticism, combining biblical exegesis, philosophical reasoning, and theological defense.

  • Exhortation to the Heathen

    Clement of Alexandrialate 2nd century

    Invites pagans to abandon idolatry and receive Christ the Logos as the true teacher and healer of humanity.

  • The Instructor

    Clement of Alexandrialate 2nd century

    Shows how Christian formation reshapes ordinary habits, speech, consumption, and virtue under Christ's guidance.

  • On Baptism

    Tertullianearly 3rd century

    Explains the meaning, necessity, and moral implications of baptism within Christian initiation and ongoing obedience.

  • The Prescription Against Heretics

    Tertullianc. AD 200

    Argues that doctrinal claims must be tested by apostolic origin and ecclesial continuity rather than novelty.

  • The Stromata

    Clement of Alexandriac. AD 200

    A wide-ranging synthesis of philosophy and theology aimed at mature Christian understanding and disciplined wisdom.

  • Of Patience

    Tertullianearly 3rd century

    Presents patience as a foundational Christian virtue that guards the believer against anger, pride, and self-assertion.

  • De Principiis (On First Principles)

    Origenc. AD 220

    One of the earliest large-scale Christian theological systems, addressing God, creation, scripture, freedom, and final restoration.