Early Christian Creeds and the Rule of Faith

Tertullian, Against Marcion Direct teaching

For it was to the faithfulness of their preaching that he applied the word truth, not to the rightness of the rule itself, because there was indeed but one rule;

Tertullian, Against Hermogenes Supporting witness

For in as far as by our rule, priority is given to the truth, which also foretold that there would be heresies, in so far must all later opinions be prejudged as heresies, being such as were, by the more ancient rule of truth, predicted as (one day) to happen.

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

But about answering the argument from custom, which they seem to set against the truth: who is so foolish as to prefer custom to truth, or, when he sees the light, not to leave the darkness? Unless, perhaps, the Jews' very ancient custom did them some good when Christ came, that is, when the Truth came, so that they remained in their old practice and abandoned the new way of truth. And in fact, you Africans can say this against Stephen: when you knew the truth, you left the error of custom. But we join custom to truth, and against the custom of the Romans we set another custom, the custom of truth. We hold from the beginning what was handed down by Christ and the apostles. We do not remember that this ever began among us at some point, since it has always been observed here that we have known only one Church of God, and have considered no baptism holy except that of the holy Church. Certainly, since some had doubts about the baptism of those who, although they receive the new prophets, still seem to acknowledge the same Father and Son as we do, very many of us met together in Iconium and examined the matter very carefully. We decided that every baptism must be completely rejected i

Tertullian, On the Veiling of Virgins Direct teaching

The rule of faith, indeed, is altogether one, alone immoveable and irreformable;

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Direct teaching

The Rule of truth requires that we should first of all things believe in God the Father and Lord n Omnipotent;

Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness

The Rule of truth requires that we should first of all things believe in God the Father and Lord n Omnipotent;

Hippolytus, Exegetical Fragments Supporting witness

but if we follow the truth, and aim at the exact rule of faith, we shall be well-pleasing to God.

Alexander of Alexandria, Epistles on the Arian Heresy Supporting witness

12. Concerning whom we thus believe, even as the Apostolic Church believes.

Tertullian, Against Praxeas Supporting witness

Bear always in mind that this is the rule of faith which I profess;

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness

that so finally the faith may be true, being also complete.

Justin Martyr, The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr Direct teaching

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 Direct teaching

...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

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

Ignatius of Antioch, Connection to Ephesians 4:5 Supporting witness

and one Comforter, the Spirit of truth; and also one preaching, and one faith, and one baptism; and one Church which the holy apostles established from one end of the earth to the other by the blood of Christ, and by their own sweat and toil;

Ignatius of Antioch, Connection to Romans 10:10 Supporting witness

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 teacher also does what he says.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

whereas we speak of that which is with God, as appears also from the confession of their faith made by those who are charged with being Christians, though they know that death is the punishment awarded to him who so confesses.

Polycarp, Connection to Acts 17:3 Supporting witness

who for our sins suffered even unto death, but whom God raised from the dead.

Polycarp, Connection to Jude 1:3 Supporting witness

Wherefore, forsaking the vanity of many, and their false doctrines, let us return to the word which has been handed down to us from

Hermas, Connection to Ephesians 4:25 Supporting witness

Love the truth, and let nothing but truth proceed from your mouth, that the spirit which God has placed in your flesh may be found truthful before all men.

Peter of Alexandria, Connection to Romans 10:8 Supporting witness

For the word which we believe is near us, in our mouth, and in our heart; which they, being put in remembrance of, will learn to confess with their mouths that Jesus is the Christ; believing in their heart that God hath raised him from the dead, and being as those who hear, that "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Alexander of Alexandria, Epistles on the Arian Heresy Supporting witness

To these Arius and Achilles opposing themselves, and those who with them are the enemies of the truth, have been expelled from the Church, as being aliens from our holy doctrine, according to the blessed Paul, who says, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed;

Gregory Thaumaturgus, A Sectional Confession of Faith Direct teaching

But the Church's Confession, and the Creed that brings salvation to the world, is that which deals with the incarnation of the Word, and bears that He gave Himself over to the flesh of man which He acquired of Mary, while yet He conserved His own identity, and sustained no divine transposition or mutation, but was brought into conjunction with the flesh after the similitude of man;

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness

...part of the argument, should we pass over that passage in the apostle: "Who, although He was in the form of God, did not think it robbery that He should be equal with God; but emptied Himself, taking up the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even to death, even the death of the cross. Therefore also God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, in the glory of God the Father"? "Who, although He was in the form of God," he says. If Christ had been only man, He would have been spoken of as being in the image of God, not in the form of God. For we know that man was made after the image or likeness of God, not after the form of God. Who then is that angel who, as we have said, was made in the form of God? But neither do we read of the form of God in angels, except because this one is chief and royal above all: the Son of God, the Word of God, the imitator of all His Father's works, since He

Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness

...part of the argument, should we pass over that passage in the apostle: "Who, although He was in the form of God, did not think it robbery that He should be equal with God; but emptied Himself, taking up the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even to death, even the death of the cross. Therefore also God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, in the glory of God the Father"? "Who, although He was in the form of God," he says. If Christ had been only man, He would have been spoken of as in the image of God, not in the form of God. For we know that man was made after the image or likeness, not after the form, of God. Who then is that angel who, as we have said, was made in the form of God? But neither do we read of the form of God in angels, except because this One is chief and royal above all: the Son of God, the Word of God, the imitator of all His Father's works, because He Hims

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

...oon is lifted up." For just as rain, if it falls on a fleece, cannot be noticed because it makes no sound, so he said that Christ would come to the earth without drawing anyone's notice, so that He might teach righteousness and peace. Isaiah also spoke in this way, in Isaiah 53:1-6: "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? We made proclamation before Him as children, and as a root in a thirsty land. He has no form nor glory; and we saw Him, and He had no form nor beauty. But His form was without honor, and marred beyond the rest of men. He is a man acquainted with grief, and knowing how to endure weakness, because He turned His face away from us; and He was not esteemed. He carries our sins, and He endures pain for us; and we thought that He Himself was in pain, and grief, and affliction. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our offenses; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; by His bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, and God has delivered Him up for our sins." And the Sibyl spoke in the same way: "Though an object of pity, dishonored, without form, He will give hope to those who are ob

Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness

...clared [our message] in His presence: He is, like a child, and like a root in dry ground; He has no form or glory, yes, we saw Him, and He had no form or attractiveness; but His form was unremarkable, even lacking compared to the [ordinary] form of men. He is a man familiar with suffering and acquainted with the endurance of grief: for His face was turned away; He was despised, and not esteemed. He bears our iniquities, and grieves for our sakes; yet we thought that [for His own account] He was exposed to labor, and stripes, and affliction. But He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. The punishment for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we were healed. All of us, like sheep, have gone astray; [every] person has wandered in their own way; and the Lord has delivered Him up for our sins, while in the midst of His sufferings He did not open His mouth. He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. In His humiliation, His judgment was taken away; who shall declare His generation? for His life was taken from the earth. For the transgressions of my people was He brought to

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

...sted to us by God with faithful courage. Nor should custom, which had crept in among some, keep the truth from prevailing and conquering. For custom without truth is only old error. Therefore, let us leave error behind and follow the truth, knowing that in Esdras also the truth conquers, as it is written: "Truth endures and grows strong forever, and lives and prevails forever and ever. With her there is no partiality or distinction; but what is just, she does. And in her judgments there is no unrighteousness, but the strength, and the kingdom, and the majesty, and the power, of all ages. Blessed be the Lord God of truth!" Christ showed this truth to us in His Gospel and said, "I am the truth." John 14:6 Therefore, if we are in Christ, and have Christ in us, if we remain in the truth, and the truth remains in us, let us hold fast to those things that are true.

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness

... if God the Father could not beget God the Son. But no blindness of the heretics shall lay down the rule for the truth. Nor, because they maintain one thing in Christ and do not maintain another, because they see one side of Christ and do not see another, shall that which they do not see be taken away from us for the sake of that which they do see. For they look at the weaknesses in Him as if they were a man's weaknesses, but they do not count the powers as if they were a God's powers. They keep in mind the infirmities of the flesh. They exclude the powers of the divinity. But if this argument from the infirmities of Christ is strong enough to prove Him to be man from His infirmities, then the argument of divinity in Him, gathered from His powers, is also strong enough to declare Him to be God from His works. For if His sufferings show human frailty in Him, why may not His works declare divine power in Him? For if this should not be enough to declare Him to be God from His powers, then His sufferings cannot be enough to show Him also to be man from them. For whatever principle is adopted on one side or the other will be found to stand. For there will be a danger that He should n

Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness

..., if God the Father could not beget God the Son. But no blindness of the heretics will lay down the rule for the truth. And because they hold one thing about Christ and do not hold another, because they see one side of Christ and do not see the other, what they do not see must not be taken away from us for the sake of what they do see. For they notice His weaknesses as if they were the weaknesses of a man, but they do not count His powers as the powers of God. They remember the infirmities of the flesh, but they leave out the powers of His divinity. Yet if the argument from Christ's infirmities is enough to prove from them that He is man, then the argument of divinity in Him, gathered from His powers, is also enough to declare from His works that He is God. For if His sufferings show human weakness in Him, why should not His works declare divine power in Him? For if His powers are not enough to show that He is God, then His sufferings cannot be enough to show that He is man either. For whatever principle is accepted on one side must also be accepted on the other. There is a danger that He may not be shown to be man from His sufferings, if He cannot also be shown to be God by His

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

...me tumultuous, and the people imagined vain counsels; when the kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ. It was so that from then on man might be justified by the liberty of faith, not by servitude to the law, because "the just shall live by his faith," Habakkuk 2:4. Now although the prophet Habakkuk first said this, yet you have the apostle here confirming the prophets, just as Christ did. Therefore, the object of the faith by which the just man shall live will be that same God to whom the law also belongs, by doing which no man is justified. Since, then, the curse in the law and the blessing in faith are equally found, you have both conditions set forth by the Creator: "Behold," says He, "I have set before you a blessing and a curse," Deuteronomy 11:26. You cannot establish a diversity of authors because there happens to be a diversity of things; for the diversity itself is proposed by one and the same author. Why, however, Christ was made a curse for us, Galatians 3:13, is declared by the apostle himself in a way that greatly helps our side, as being the result of the Creator's appointment. But it by no means f

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

...arvelous things. For it is true that not all people show themselves worthy of belief, and not all clearly show that they are telling people nothing but fictions and fables. Moreover, about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we say this: it is not at all surprising if, on such an occasion, one or two angels appeared to announce that Jesus had risen from the dead, and to provide for the safety of those who believed in this event, to the advantage of their souls. Nor does it seem at all unreasonable to me that those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and who show, as a fruit of their faith that should not be lightly valued, that they possess a virtuous life and have turned away from the flood of evils, should not be unattended by angels who lend their help in accomplishing their conversion to God.

1 Corinthians 15:3 Background

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

Acts 17:3 Background

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.