The Ante-Nicene Patriarchs (100-325 AD)

I. CONSIDERING THE HISTORICAL FATHERS

A. Important Ministries of the Ante-Nicene Period

• 1. Apologetics
     --- a. defense of Christianity to authorities
• 2. Polemics
     --- a. refutation of unbiblical doctrine, false teachings, & heretics
     B. Important Ministers of the Ante-Nicene Period
• 1. Early Fathers
     --- a. Ignatius of Antioch (c.35-c.110)
     --- b. Polycarp of Smyrna (c.69-c.155)
     --- c. Papias of Heiropolis (c.60-c.130)
• 2. Greek Fathers
     --- a. Justyn Martyr (c.100-c.165)
     --- b. Irenaeus of Lyon (c.130-c.202)
     --- c. Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215)
     --- d. Origen of Alexandria (c.185-c.254)
     --- e. Athanthius of Alexandria (c.296-373)
• 3. Latin Fathers
     --- a. Tertullian (c.155-c.220)
     --- b. Cyprian of Carthage (c.210-258)
     C. Important Matters Concerning the Ante-Nicene Period
• 1. Scripture must be copied by hand & circulated
• 2. shelf-life of Scripture limited because of frailty of materials used
• 3. Scripture destroyed by Roman empire
• 4. schisms, factions, & heresies grew where leadership was weak

II. CHALLENGED BY HISTORY'S DISTINCT LESSONS

A. Inappropriate, Misplaced Trust (Psalm 146:3)

• 1. Psalm 62:9; 118:8-9
• 2. it dishonors Christ
     --- a. Proverbs 3:5-6; John 14:6
• 3. it demeans Christ's people
     --- a. Jeremiah 17:5
• 4. it disappoints in every case
     --- a. Psalm 62:5-8