1. History of Christian Doctrine A Historical Survey With European Special Sauce

2. Early Post-Apostolic Writers A.D. 90-140 John died in late 90’s AD. Writers of this age called “postbiblical” and “post-apostolic” but were active and present in Biblical times. Third generation of church leaders Probably knew the apostles or heard them preach

3. Nomenclature Called generally Apostolic Fathers. Inaccurate – “Apostolic” signifies that they were followers of the apostles, – and “fathers” signifies that were founding leaders. – Generally not directly associated with the apostles. Foundation of Church: – Jesus Christ – New Testament apostles – New Testament prophets More appropriate to call them Post-Apostolic writers or Post-Apostolic leaders.

4. The Post Apostolic Men 1.Clement of Rome, bishop of Rome in the 90s. Wrote a letter to the church at Corinth. 2.Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna. Letter to the Philippians ca. 100AD. The Martyrdom of Polycarp contains both fanciful details and doctrinal errors. 3.Ignatius, bishop of Antioch,Seven letters, from about 110 AD 4.Hermas, wrote The Shepherd, c. 140-45, popular book, from Rome. 5.Papias, bishop of Hierapolis about 125. Fragments preserved by later authors

5. Some Writings Epistle of Barnabas (c. 100-20). author was not Paul’s companion Preaching of Peter (c. 110-30). not written by Peter, but it is a story about him Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, or Didache not written by the twelve apostles, ca. 1056 Second Epistle of Clement unknown author, ca. 100-150.

6. The Writings Writings are not speculative or philosophical, Adhere closely to the language of Scripture. No theological, or detailed discussion Simply letters. Little objectionable from Apostolic Pentecostal viewpoint Less so with Anonymous or pseudonymous writings.

7. The Teaching 1.Monotheism – One God, as OT proclaims, NT echoes. – “Trinity”, “three persons,” or other trinitarian terms do not appear 2.Deity of Jesus Christ – “the Lord our God,” “our God, Jesus Christ,” – “the inseparable Spirit,” “God, even Jesus Christ,” – “Christ our God,” – Scriptural distinction between the Father & Son (Incarnation) – No personal distinction w.r.t Holy Spirit. Not antitrinitarian, because the doctrine of the trinity had not yet developed.

8. The Teaching 3.The humanity of Christ and His saving work. – Real man who died for our sins and rose again. 4.Faith, repentance, and water baptism. – Water baptism : essential complement to repentance. – Necessary for the washing away of sins. – Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ Hermas: “no one shall enter into the kingdom of God unless he receive His holy name” Didache from much later, influenced by later men, ideas

9. The Teaching 5.The manifestation of the Holy Spirit – People were receiving the Holy Spirit and exercising various spiritual gifts. 6.Holiness of life. – Emphasis on good works, – Living a holy life – Separated from evil practices of the world

10. The Teaching 7.Church government and fellowship (one church, communication among churches) 8.Scriptures (quoted 23 NT Books) 9.Lord’s Supper (Biblical view only) 10.Last things (Second coming)

11. Summary Adherence to the doctrines of the New Testament— – One God, Jesus as the true God and true man, – Repentance, – Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ as part of the salvation experience, – Baptism of the Holy Ghost, the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, – Holiness of life. A vibrant apostolic church.