Testimony of Early Apostolic Fathers(Mainstream Apologetics)

Summary: The teachings of apostolic fathers Clement, Polycarp and Ignatius from the first and second centuries are consistent with the original teachings of Jesus disciples. This clearly demonstrates the accuracy of the oral and written traditions of the early church.

Description: The of the first and second centuries were appointed as leaders of the early Christian church. According to church history, many of them studied under one of Jesus' original disciples. Before New Testament writings were available and circulated, the apostolic fathers used the practice of to accurately convey the teachings of the original disciples. In fact, the formal literary structures that enabled oral tradition were used by Jesus' disciples to memorize his teachings and ensure the subsequent written accounts were accurate.

To demonstrate the accuracy of oral tradition or transmission, the following apostolic fathers are cited.

Clement of Rome

After the martyrdom of Peter and Paul at Rome, Clement (ca. 30-100) became the bishop of the church in Rome [REF-CLE01]. He was likely Paul's co-laborer to the Philippians (Philippians 4:3) and a disciple of Peter.

Clement wrote to the early church in Corinth around 95 AD [REF-CEL05]. He states that Jesus' disciples were fully assured by Jesus' resurrection, so much so that they boldly proclaimed the resurrection with confidence.

Having therefore received the disciples' orders and being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established in the word of God, with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand. 1 Clement 42:3 (J. B. Lightfoot translation) [REF-CEL04]

Polycarp of Smyrna

Polycarp (ca. 69-155 AD) was the bishop of Smyrna. He was a disciple of John as recorded by Irenaeus, Tertullian and Saint Jerome [REF-POL01].

As recorded in the Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians around 110 AD [REF-CEL05], Polycarp states that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, so the Philippians could be steadfast in their faith.

The steadfast root of your faith which was famed from primitive times abideth until now and beareth fruit unto our Lord Jesus Christ, who endured to face even death for our sins, whom God raised, having loosed the pangs of Hades; on whom (Polycarp 1:2)

Being persuaded that all these ran not in vain but in faith and righteousness, and that they are in their due place in the presence of the Lord, with whom also they suffered. For they loved not the present world, but Him that died for our sakes and was raised by God for us. (Polycarp 9:2)

Now may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal High-priest Himself the Son of God Jesus Christ, build you up in faith and truth, and in all gentleness and in all avoidance of wrath and in forbearance and long suffering and in patient endurance and in purity; and may He grant unto you a lot and portion among His saints, and to us with you, and to all that are under heaven, who shall believe on our Lord and God Jesus Christ and on His Father that raised him from the dead. (Polycarp 12:2)

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius (ca. 35-107 AD) who was bishop of the church in Antioch in Syria [REF-IGN01]. He was likely a disciple of Peter.

Ignatius writes to the church in Smyrna on the way to his martyrdom around 110 AD [REF-CEL06]. He states that Jesus was raised "in the flesh", and that the disciples touched Jesus and ate with him.

For I know and believe that He was in the flesh even after the resurrection; and when He came to Peter and his company, He said to them, Lay hold and handle me, and see that I am not a demon without body. And straightway they touched Him, and they believed, being joined unto His flesh and His blood. Wherefore also they despised death, nay they were found superior to death. And after His resurrection He (both) ate with them and drank with them as one in the flesh, though spiritually He was united with the Father. (Smyrnaens 3:1-3)

From these accounts, we learn that the teachings of Clement, Polycarp and Ignatius were consistent with the teachings of Jesus' disciples. The facts of the resurrection were not embellished nor were new facts added. This clearly demonstrates the accuracy of the oral and written traditions of the first and second century writers namely, those of the apostles.