Early Christian Research
Historically, what did Christians believe?
The Ante-Nicene Christians (prior to the Nicene Council of 325 A.D.) were chronologically, linguistically, and culturally closer to the age of the apostolic Church. Therefore, we believe they are more likely to be correct on any given issue of scriptural interpretation than modern Christians (though not infallible). Although they do not wield the same authority as the Bible, the primitive writings serve as a precious, yet often neglected resource because their beliefs came from the Bible. Below you will find several articles about the beliefs and practices of the early Christians.
What the Earliest Christians Taught About Baptism - By our brothers in Deer Park, Washington. The New Testament and the early Christians agree that baptism is more than merely symbolic.
What the Earliest Christians Taught About War and Violence - By Deer Park.
Eternal Security Examined Historically - By Nick Liguori.
Justin Martyr: A Greek Philosopher Comes to Christ - A wonderful narrative by Justin Martyr, recalling his conversion to Christiantiy through a dialogue with another philosopher.
The Early Christians on Predestination and Free Will
- Justin Martyr (c. 150 A.D.)
- Irenaeus (c. 175 A.D.)
- Tertullian (c. 200 A.D.)
- Origen (c. 230 A.D.)
- (Others Coming Soon)
Early Christian Writings
Polycarp of Smyrna's Epistle to the Philippians
Epistle of Barnabas
Off-site Articles
Scroll Publishing - David Bercot, an expert on the Ante-Nicene Fathers, has authored several books and audio teachings on this subject. In particular, his Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs is a priceless reference guide for the serious student of early Christianity. And his landmark book Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up is sure to challenge the reader's beliefs. The Early Church and Calvinism - By Pastor Lyndon Conn, an expert on the Ante-Nicene Church.
Recommended Resources
- The Ante-Nicene Fathers (ten volumes)
- Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up by David Bercot
- The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down by David Bercot
- Let Me Die in Ireland by David Bercot
- The Russians' Secret by Peter Hoover (Also free online e-book)
- The Secret of the Strength: What Would the Anabaptists Tell This Generation? by Peter Hoover (Also free online e-book)
- Behold the Lamb! The Story of the Moravian Church by Peter Hoover (Not yet in print, free online e-book)
- Ecclesiastic History by Eusebius (4th century historian of the Church)