Early Christian Views on Conversion to Christianity

Ignatius, Epistle to the Magnesians (Short Version) Direct teaching

... exist. Therefore, having become His disciples, let us learn to live according to the principles of Christianity. For anyone called by any other name besides this is not of God. Lay aside the evil, the old, the sour leaven, and be changed into the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be salted in Him, lest anyone among you becomes corrupted, since by your savor you will be judged. It is absurd to profess Christ Jesus and then follow Judaism. For Christianity did not embrace Judaism, but Judaism embraced Christianity, so that every tongue which believes might be gathered together to God.

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Supporting witness

...nd unworthy of God to many people who had not received grace to know that your nation was called to conversion and repentance of spirit, while they were sinful and suffering from spiritual disease; and that the prophecy announced after Moses's death is everlasting. This is mentioned in the Psalm, my friends. And it is clear that we, who have been made wise by them, confess that the statutes of the Lord are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb, because even when threatened with death, we do not deny His name. Moreover, it is evident to all that we who believe in Him pray to be kept by Him from foreign, that is, wicked and deceitful, spirits, as the word of prophecy figuratively declares by personifying a believer. For we continually beseech God through Jesus Christ to preserve us from the demons opposed to the worship of God, whom we once served long ago, so that, after our conversion by Him to God, we may be blameless. We call Him Helper and Redeemer, whose name even the demons fear; and today, when they are exorcised in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified under Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, they are defeated. It is thus clear to all that His Father has given Him such great

Tertullian, Apology Supporting witness

...have answered well enough the charges of the many crimes on which these fierce demands are made for Christian blood. We have fully presented our case. We have shown how we can prove that what we say is true, from the trustworthiness and antiquity of our sacred writings, and also from the confession of the powers of spiritual wickedness themselves. Who will dare to refute us, not with skill in words, but, as we have made our demonstration, on the basis of reality? But while the truth we hold is made clear to all, unbelief meanwhile, even at the very time when it is convinced of the worth of Christianity, now well known both for its benefits and from the intercourse of life, takes up the idea that it is not really something divine, but rather a kind of philosophy. "These are the very things," it says, "that the philosophers advise and profess: innocence, justice, patience, sobriety, and chastity." Why then are we not allowed the same freedom and immunity for our teachings that they have, when we are compared with them in what we teach? Or why are they not also forced to the same acts, by refusing which our lives are put in danger, if they are so much like us? For who forces a phil

Tertullian, Against the Valentinians Direct teaching

for another tide of emotion still overwhelmed her, even of conversion to the Christ, by Whom she had been restored to life, and had been directed to this very conversion.

Acts 11:21 Supporting witness

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Acts 9:35 Supporting witness

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 Supporting witness

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Acts 15:3 Direct teaching

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...about God are double-minded, and they receive none of their requests. But those who are complete in faith ask for everything, trusting in the Lord, and they receive it, because they ask without doubting and are not double-minded. For every double-minded person, even if he repents, will be saved only with difficulty. Therefore cleanse your heart from all doubt, and put on faith, because it is strong. Trust God that you will receive from Him all that you ask. And if at any time, after you have asked the Lord, you are slower to receive your request than you expected, do not doubt because you have not quickly received what your soul asked for. For it is always because of some temptation or some sin, unknown to you, that you are slower to receive your request. Therefore do not stop asking for what your soul desires, and you will receive it. But if you grow tired and begin to waver in your request, blame yourself and not Him who does not give to you. Think carefully about this doubting state of mind, for it is wicked and foolish, and it turns many completely away from the faith, even though they may be very strong. For this doubt is the daughter of the devil, and it acts very wickedly

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

...ck. Encourage those who stand firm to continue in their goodness. Receive those who repent, for the Lord God has promised with an oath to grant forgiveness to those who repent for the wrong things they have done. For He says through Ezekiel: "Speak to them, 'As I live,' says the Lord, 'I do not desire the death of a sinner, but that the wicked turn from his evil way and live. Therefore turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?'" Ezekiel 33:11. Here the word gives hope to sinners, so that if they repent, they will have hope of salvation. Otherwise, out of despair, they might give themselves over to their transgressions. But having hope of salvation, they may be converted, and may pray to God with tears because of their sins, and may repent from their hearts, and so calm His displeasure toward them. Then they will receive pardon from Him, as from a merciful Father.

Anonymous, Treatise Against the Heretic Novatian Direct teaching

... and pass by what leads to mercy, when Scripture cries out and says, "Repent, you who go astray; be converted in heart," Ezekiel 18:30. And when the same prophet also urges and says, "Be converted to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts and not your garments. Be converted to the Lord your God, for He is merciful and pities with great compassion," Joel 2:12-13.

Acts 3:19 Direct teaching

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:11 Supporting witness

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Psalms 51:13 Supporting witness

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

James 5:20 Supporting witness

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness

Let us turn to every age that has passed, and learn that, from generation to generation, the Lord has granted a place of repentance to all such as would be converted unto Him.

Justin Martyr, The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr Supporting witness

Then the prefect Rusticus said to Chariton, “Tell me more, Chariton, are you also a Christian?” Chariton replied, “I am a Christian by the command of God.” Rusticus the prefect asked the woman Charito, “What do you say, Charito?” Charito answered, “I am a Christian by the grace of God.” Rusticus asked Euelpistus, “And what about you?” Euelpistus, a servant of Caesar, responded, “I too am a Christian, having been freed by Christ; and by the grace of Christ, I share the same hope.” Rusticus the prefect asked Hierax, “And you, are you a Christian?” Hierax answered, “Yes, I am a Christian, for I revere and worship the same God.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Did Justin make you Christians?” Hierax replied, “I was a Christian, and will be a Christian.” Then Pæon stood up and said, “I too am a Christian.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Who taught you?” Pæon replied, “From our parents, we received this good confession.” Euelpistus said, “I willingly heard the words of Justin. But I also learned to be a Christian from my parents.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Where are your parents?” Euelpistus replied, “In Cappadocia.” Rusticus asked Hierax, “Where are your parents?” And he answered, “Christ

Justin Martyr, The Second Apology Supporting witness

...rvants and indulging in drunkenness and vice and wanting him to do the same, accused her of being a Christian when she left without his consent. She presented a request to the Emperor, asking for permission to settle her affairs before defending against the accusation, which was granted. Unable to prosecute her, her husband targeted a man named Ptolemaeus, her teacher in Christian doctrines, with the help of a centurion who was friendly to him. The centurion took Ptolemaeus, interrogating him only on whether he was a Christian. Ptolemaeus, being truthful, confessed, was imprisoned, and later, when questioned by Urbicus, again affirmed his belief truthfully and was sentenced. Lucius, another Christian, witnessing this unjust judgment, questioned Urbicus: “What cause is there for this judgment? Why punish a man not guilty of adultery, immorality, murder, theft, or any crime, but only for being called a Christian? This judgment does not reflect well on Emperor Pius, nor the philosopher, son of Caesar, nor the sacred senate.” Urbicus responded, “You seem to be like this man,” to which Lucius replied, “Most certainly I am,” and was ordered to be executed. Lucius gave thanks, knowing

Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies Direct teaching

He alleges, as to those who have been involved in every description of lasciviousness, and filthiness, and in acts of wickedness, if only any of them be a believer, that he determines that such a one, on being converted, and obeying the book, and believing its contents, should by baptism receive remission of sins.

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

and thenceforward until the present day, so many thousands of heretics in our provinces have been converted to the Church, and have neither despised nor delayed, nay, they have both reasonably and gladly embraced, the opportunity to attain the grace of the life-giving layer and of saving baptism.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

But to you, the converted of the Gentiles, is the kingdom given, because you, who knew not God, have believed by preaching, and have known Him, or rather are known of Him, through Jesus, the Saviour and Redeemer of those that hope in Him.

Acts 2:41 Direct teaching

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:12 Direct teaching

But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 18:25 Supporting witness

This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.

Galatians 3:27 Supporting witness

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ignatius, Epistle to the Magnesians (Short Version) Direct teaching

Therefore, having become His disciples, let us learn to live according to the principles of Christianity.

Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version) Supporting witness

...d is not in word, but in power." Men "believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth," the one "unto righteousness," the other "unto salvation." It is good to teach if the one who speaks also acts. For he who both "does and teaches, the same shall be great in the kingdom." Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, first did and then taught, as Luke testifies, "whose praise is in the Gospel through all the Churches." There is nothing hidden from the Lord, but our very secrets are near to Him. Let us therefore do all things as those who have Him dwelling in us, that we may be His temples, and He may be in us as God. Let Christ speak in us, just as He did in Paul. Let the Holy Spirit teach us to speak the things of Christ in the same way as He did.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

... the flower fades, but the word of the Lord endures forever" Isaiah 40:6. It is not fitting for any Christian, and especially it is not fitting for a virgin, to pay attention to any glory and honor of the flesh, but only to desire the word of God and to embrace blessings that will endure forever. Or if she must glory in the flesh, then certainly let her glory when she is tortured in confessing the Name; when a woman is found stronger than tortures; when she endures fire, or the cross, or the sword, or wild beasts, so that she may be crowned. These are the precious jewels of the flesh. These are the better ornaments of the body.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

...ayer to the gods of my country. But, as they did not respond, I called upon those among us known as Christians. Upon investigation, I found a great number and multitude of them and initially acted against them, which was quite inappropriate, as I later understood their power. They began the battle, not with weapons, armor, or bugles, as such preparations are detestable to them because of the God they carry in their conscience. Therefore, it appears that those we think are atheists have God as their guiding force entrenched in their conscience. Throwing themselves on the ground, they prayed not only for me but for the entire army, that we might be saved from the current thirst and hunger. We had been without water for five days because there was none, being deep in Germany, in enemy territory. Simultaneously as they threw themselves on the ground and prayed to God (a God unknown to me), water poured from the sky, refreshingly cool upon us but as withering hail upon Rome's enemies. Immediately we acknowledged the presence of God following their prayer—a God unconquerable and indestructible. Based on this, let us pardon such individuals who are Christians, lest they pray for and ac

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...r He says, "Behold, your house is left to you desolate." Matthew 23:38 And He has given to you, the converted from the Gentiles, spiritual grace, as He says through Joel: "And it shall come to pass after these things, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons shall prophesy, and your daughters shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." Joel 2:28 For God has taken away all the power and effectiveness of His word, and similar visitations, from that people, and has transferred it to you, the converted from the Gentiles. For this reason the devil himself is very angry at the holy Church of God. He has turned against you and has stirred up adversities, seditions, reproaches, schisms, and heresies against you. For he had previously brought that people under his power by their killing of Christ. But you, who have left his vanities, he tempts in different ways, as he did the blessed Job. For indeed he opposed that great high priest Joshua the son of Josedek. Zechariah 3:1 And he often sought to sift us, so that our faith might fail. But our Lord and Master, after bringing him to judgment, said to him: "The Lord rebuke you, O devil; and the L

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

...ient examples may be counted, but afterward, when the abundance of virtue and faith overflowed, the Christian martyrs cannot be counted, as the Apocalypse testifies and says: "After these things I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of every nation, and tribe, and people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb; and they were clothed in white robes, and palms were in their hands; and they cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! And one of the elders answered and said to me, Who are these who are clothed in white robes, and from where have they come? And I said to him, My lord, you know. And he said to me, These are they who have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple." But if the assembly of the Christian martyrs is shown and proved to be so great, let no one think it hard or difficult to become a martyr, when he sees that the crowd of martyrs cannot be counted.

Victorinus, On the Creation of the World Supporting witness

...t even among such matters there are some who, although they have claimed for themselves the name of Christian, provide examples and teachings of lack of self-control. Their vices have gone so far that, while fasting, they drink early in the morning. They do not think it Christian to drink after food, unless the wine poured into their empty and idle veins has gone down immediately after sleep. For they seem to enjoy what they drink less if food is mixed with the wine. So you may see such people in a new condition: still fasting, and already drunk; not running to the tavern, but carrying the tavern around with them. And if one of them offers a greeting, he gives not a kiss, but drinks a health. What can they do after food, when food finds them already drunk? Or in what condition does the setting sun leave those whom the rising sun sees already dull with wine? But things that are detestable are not to be taken as our examples. For only those things are to be taken by which our soul may be made better. And although in the Gospel the use of foods is given to us generally, it is still understood to be given to us only with the law of frugality and self-control. For these things are es

2 Corinthians 5:17 Supporting witness

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Acts 20:21 Supporting witness

testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.