Hippolytus’ Dogmatic and Exegetical Works

Little is known with complete certainty about Hippolytus. He was born around A.D. 170, possibly in Asia Minor or Alexandria, and ended up at the Church in Rome. A disciple of Irenaeus, he became part of Church leadership sometime between 198 and 217 when, likely having become a bishop in Rome himself, he fiercely opposed the election of the bishop Calixtus due to differing theological convictions regarding the Trinity. He remained committed to his theological positions through the next two bishops and in 235, was deported to Sardina where he died within the year.

This episode contains a number of Hippolytus’ dogmatic and exegetical works. This includes a short study of the visions of Daniel and John to find the antichrist, a treatise against the Jews, an argument against Plato, a rebuttal to the heretic Noetus, and an exposition of Jesus’ Baptism. Together they provide a window into the mind and faith of this faithful follower of Christ from the Third Century.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.