The Apostolic Fathers in English
A Fresh Translation
A fresh, modern translation of key works of the apostolic fathers.
The “Apostolic Fathers” wrote what has become some of the most important literature in the early church—letters and epistolary documents, homilies and theological tracts, documents on church order, and apocalyptic literature. In fact, some texts came close to inclusion in the New Testament canon. The near-canonical status of the writings of the Apostolic Fathers in the early church makes their importance for modern study undisputed. These translations by Rick Brannan are perfect for use by students, scholars, and everyday Christians interested in these treasures of the early church.
Lexham Classics
Lexham Classics is a series of beautifully typeset new editions of classic works. Each book has been carefully transcribed from the original texts, ensuring an accurate representation of the writing as the author intended it to be. Learn more about Lexham Classics.
Top Highlights
“Let us look intently at the blood of Christ, and let us know that it is precious to his Father, because, being poured out for our salvation it brought 3 the grace of repentance to all the world.” (source)
“You shall not murder a child by ⌊abortion⌋, 5 and again, you shall not kill the just-born one.” (source)
“And concerning baptism, baptize in this way: having reviewed all of these things, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 1 in running water. 2 But if you do not have access to running water, baptize in other water. And if you are not able to baptize with cold water, then baptize with warm water. 3 But if you possess neither, pour water on the head three times, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 4 And before the baptism the baptizer should fast beforehand, and the one being baptized and •any others who are able. •Call upon the one being baptized to fast beforehand for one or two days.” (source)
“And we, therefore, having been called through his will in Christ Jesus, we are not justified through ourselves, or through our wisdom or understanding 3 or piety or deeds which we accomplished in holiness of heart, 4 but through the faith by which all those ⌊since the beginning⌋ 5 the Almighty God has justified to him be the glory ⌊forever⌋, 6 amen.” (source)
“Therefore, appoint for yourselves overseers and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are gentle and not lovers of money and truthful and well-proven, for to you they themselves also minister the ministry of the prophets and teachers. 2 Therefore you must not disregard them, for they are your honorable ones, along with the prophets and teachers.” (source)
- Title: The Apostolic Fathers in English
- Author: Rick Brannan
- Series: Lexham Classics
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Digital Publication Date: 2012
- Print Publication Date: 2017
- Format: Paperback, Logos Digital
- Trim Size: 6x9
- ISBN: 9781683590644
About Rick Brannan
Rick Brannan is Information Architect for Logos Bible Software. In his role at Logos, he is responsible for linguistic databases of the Greek New Testament, the Septuagint, and other Greek writings of the Hellenistic era. He is also Product Manager for the Lexham English Bible and the Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Rick has edited multiple works including The New International Version English-Greek Reverse Interlinear of the New Testament, The Lexham English Bible English-Greek Reverse Interlinear of the New Testament, and An English-Greek Reverse Interlinear of the Apostolic Fathers. He also translated the Greek portions of the writings of the Apostolic Fathers for The Apostolic Fathers Greek-English Interlinear. He resides in Bellingham with his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Ella.
Reviews
4 ratings
David Anfinrud
5/30/2025
Some interesting writings some of which are still used in the Catholic Church. Didache was just like a short list of things the Apostles wrote about Jesus' Teachings. Get insights ignored today by so called postmodern educators which try to minimize the Bible. Yet in these older writings near the time of Jesus still honored the Bible as the guide for our daily lives. You had Gnostics trying to destroy the Bible teachings and replace with their own. Even in the early church they had false teachers trying to convince people only they knew the truth.Charlie Orr
2/21/2024
"Miko" - Michael Mikolajczyk
5/27/2021
Fangreatastic resource for research and study of getting to know the early Church Theologians that had the privilege of knowing and learning from those who walked with, talked with, journeyed with, argued with, laughed with, joked with the King, and Lord we hope expectantly to return for us and to cease the last vestiges of Satan the Serpent-king's hate-fueled Empire of Sin. We are of a generation of blessed fortune to be able to learn from these same men and women. And we need to learn from them.... desperately and heartbreakingly so. We are living in a time period of a Church, especially the American Church, where traditions replace the teachings taught by our Lord and by those Jesus personally chose to unpack His purpose and doctrines in written words. We need... I definitely know I need to learn from them so I can know what He wants me to know to fulfill my part in the Great Commission.
Kyle W Bagwell
4/10/2020
It seems to have no page numbers in digital format. Is this supposed to be the case?
