c. A.D. 35–99
↗Clement of Rome
A first-century bishop whose letter reveals an ordered, authoritative, apostolic Church.
Close enough
to hear the echo.
Meet the Christians nearest to the apostolic age and discover how they worshiped, taught, and understood the saving work of Christ.
c. A.D. 35–107
↗Ignatius of Antioch
A disciple of the apostolic generation who writes unmistakably about bishops, unity, and the Eucharist.
c. A.D. 100–165
↗Justin Martyr
An early apologist who describes Christian worship, baptism, and Eucharistic belief in detail.
c. A.D. 130–202
↗Irenaeus of Lyons
A defender of apostolic succession and the public faith preserved by the churches founded by the apostles.
c. A.D. 210–258
↗Cyprian of Carthage
A bishop and martyr whose writings emphasize the visible unity of Christ’s Church.
A.D. 354–430
↗Augustine of Hippo
A towering teacher of grace, Scripture, the sacraments, and the pilgrim Church.