The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus

This episode contains another epistle from the early church, possibly written around AD 130. The author, introduced only as a disciple of the apostles and thus titled Mathetes, is entirely unknown. Despite this, the editor of the 1885 collection felt confident to include it as an authentic work by an early Christian. Listening to the tone and style it certainly echoes the writings of Paul.

More importantly, this likely represents the first surviving example of apologetic writing. While the Bible contains some examples in Acts of the apostles defending the faith, most of the Scriptures were written for communities of faith. In this epistle, however, the author addresses the non-Christian Diognetus and, with gentleness and respect, explains the Christian faith and refutes the pagan temple worship of the day.

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