The Complete Works of the First Fathers of the Church

This anthology edited by Philip Schaff, a renowned ecclesiastic historian, includes the most important works by early Christian theologians. Their comportment and sacrifice, their lectures and preaching, their moral values, and their understanding of Christianity and its most precious messages – shaped the foundations of the Christianity, helping it spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond its borders during the first centuries after the death of Jesus.

The edition includes:

Volume I: The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus – Explore the teachings of the Apostolic Fathers, accompanied by the influential works of Justin Martyr and Irenaeus. Witness the theological contours taking shape in the crucible of the early Christian era.

Volume II: Fathers of the Second Century – Journey through the intellectual landscape of the second century as the early Christian fathers grapple with theological complexities and lay the groundwork for enduring doctrines.

Volume III: Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian

Delve into the Latin Christian tradition with a focus on Tertullian, its founder. Uncover the distinctive contributions of Tertullian to Christian theology and witness the evolution of Latin Christianity.

Volumes IV-VI: The Fathers of the Third Century – Traverse the vast theological landscape of the third century across three volumes. Encounter the diverse perspectives of early Christian thinkers as they engage with theological challenges and shape the contours of Christian belief.

Volumes VII-VIII: The Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries – Continue the exploration into the third and fourth centuries, where theological discourse matures and Christianity establishes its identity amidst evolving cultural and doctrinal landscapes.

Volume IX: Recently Discovered Additions to Early Christian Literature; Commentaries of Origen – Uncover hidden gems in Christian literature with recently discovered additions. Additionally, explore the insightful commentaries of Origen, offering a deeper understanding of early Christian texts.