Early Christian Public Confession

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book I Direct teaching

At last, when, with no small difficulty, the brethren had converted her, she spent her whole time in the exercise of public confession, weeping over and lamenting the defilement which she had received from this magician.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Direct teaching

Coming frequently into the Church, and making public confession, he thus remained, one time teaching in secret, and then again making public confession;

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book I Direct teaching

Some of them, indeed, make a public confession of their sins;

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

...ho keeps these words from our brothers deceives those miserable people, so that those who, by truly repenting, might satisfy God, both as Father and as merciful, by their prayers and works, are misled more deeply to their destruction; and those who might have raised themselves up fall more deeply. For although, in lesser sins, sinners may do penance for a set time, and according to the rules of discipline come to public confession, and by the laying on of the hands of the bishop and clergy receive the right of communion, now, before their time is fulfilled, while persecution is still raging, while the peace of the Church itself is not yet restored, they are admitted to communion, and their name is presented. While the penitence has not yet been completed, confession has not yet been made, and the hands of the bishop and clergy have not yet been laid on them, the Eucharist is given to them, although it is written, "Whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord," 1 Corinthians 11:27.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

The former is a public, the latter is a private confession.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

The confession that is made with the voice, and before the authorities, is what the most reckon the only confession.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

This confession is followed by that which is partial, that before the authorities, if necessary, and reason dictate.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

With the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...d: those in the Church being confirmed, and those of the heathen who have devoted themselves to the search for salvation wondering and being led to the faith, and the rest being seized with amazement. So confession is by all means necessary. For it is in our power. But to make a defense for our faith is not universally necessary. For that does not depend on us. But he that endures to the end shall be saved. For who among those who are wise would not choose to reign in God, and even to serve? So some confess that they know God, according to the apostle. “But in works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and reprobate to every good work.” Titus 1:16. And these, though they confess nothing but this, will have done at the end one good work. Their witness, then, appears to be the cleansing away of sins with glory. For example, the Shepherd says, “You will escape the energy of the wild beast, if your heart becomes pure and blameless.” Also the Lord Himself says, “Satan has desired to sift you; but I have prayed.” Luke 22:31-32. Therefore the Lord alone, for the purification of the men who plotted against Him and disbelieved Him, drank the cup. In imitation of Him, the apos

Anonymous, Treatise Against the Heretic Novatian Supporting witness

let us give our full confession, since the powers of heaven rejoice over our repentance, all the angels rejoice, and Christ also rejoices, who once again with full and merciful moderation exhorts us, laden with sins, overwhelmed with crimes, to cease from wickedness, saying, Turn, and return from your impieties, and your iniquities shall not be to you for a punishment.

Romans 10:10 Direct teaching

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

James 5:16 Direct teaching

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Proverbs 28:13 Supporting witness

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

1 John 1:9 Supporting witness

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Leviticus 5:5 Supporting witness

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:

Jeremiah 14:20 Supporting witness

We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

Acts 8:22 Supporting witness

Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Acts 3:19 Supporting witness

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.

Romans 10:9 Supporting witness

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Nehemiah 9:2 Supporting witness

Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.

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

Tertullian, Scorpiace Direct teaching

...the Lord from saying plainly that confession by men must also be made there, if that was where He clearly announced His own confession would be? Then the statement would have run like this: "Whoever shall confess in me before men in heaven, I also will confess in him before my Father who is in heaven." He ought to have saved me from this mistake about confession on earth. He would not have wanted me to take part in confession on earth if He had commanded confession in heaven. For I knew of no men except the inhabitants of the earth, since up to that time man himself had not been seen in heaven. Besides, how believable is this claim: that after death I should be raised to heavenly places and there be put to the test, when I could not be transferred there at all unless I had already been tested? They say I would be tried there concerning a command by means of which I could not get there, but only gain admission. Heaven stands open to the Christian before the road to it does, because there is no road to heaven except for the one to whom heaven stands open. And the one who reaches it will enter. What powers do I hear you saying stand guard at the gate, in agreement with Roman supers

Tertullian, Scorpiace Supporting witness

...Clear, as I think, are the words used in making this announcement, and also the way to explain both confession and denial, although the manner of expressing them is different. He who confesses that he is a Christian bears witness that he belongs to Christ. He who belongs to Christ must be in Christ. If he is in Christ, he certainly confesses in Christ when he confesses that he is a Christian. For he cannot be this without being in Christ. Besides, by confessing in Christ he also confesses Christ, since by being a Christian he is in Christ, while Christ Himself also is in him. For if you have mentioned day, you have also shown the element of light that gives us day, although you may not have mentioned light. So, although He has not expressly said, "He who will confess me," still the act involved in daily confession is not different from what is meant in our Lord's statement. For he who confesses himself to be what he is, that is, a Christian, also confesses that by which he is this, that is, Christ. Therefore he who has denied that he is a Christian has denied in Christ, by denying that he is in Christ while he denies that he is a Christian. And on the other hand, by denying that

Origen, Commentary on Matthew Supporting witness

And such a one indeed as, with the heart believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth makes confession unto salvation, Romans 10:10 and bears testimony to the works of Christ, as making confession by all these things of Christ before men, will be confessed by Him before His Father in heaven.

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.

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

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

Matthew 10:32 Supporting witness

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

Luke 12:8 Supporting witness

“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Direct teaching

...et since they escaped the notice of their persecutors by doing this, let a penalty of six months of penance be imposed on them. For in this way they will profit more, by meditating on the prophet's words and saying, "To us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called the Messenger of My mighty counsel." Isaiah 9:6 As you know, before His coming, another infant, in the sixth month of his conception, preached repentance for the remission of sins, Luke 1:76-77 and He Himself also was conceived to preach repentance. Moreover, we hear that both also preach, first of all, not only repentance, but also the kingdom of heaven, which, as we have learned, is within us. Luke 17:21 For the word that we believe is near us, in our mouth and in our heart. Being reminded of this, they will learn to confess with their mouths that Jesus is the Christ, believing in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and being like those who hear, that with the heart man believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. Romans 10:8-10

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

...feared, let no one knock at the Church of Christ. Instead, let repentance be done away with, let no confession of sin be made, let the bishops be despised and trampled underfoot, let peace be proclaimed by the presbyters with deceitful words, and so that the fallen may not rise up, or those outside may not return to the Church, let communion be offered to those who are not in communion?"

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...ur brothers in the state of penitence, that God, the lover of compassion, will show them the way of repentance, and accept their return and their confession, and bruise Satan under their feet suddenly, Romans 16:20, and redeem them from the snare of the devil and the mistreatment of the demons, and free them from every unlawful word, and every absurd practice and wicked thought. Forgive them all their offenses, both voluntary and involuntary, and blot out that handwriting which is against them, Colossians 2:13-14, and write them in the book of life, Philippians 4:3. Cleanse them from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, 2 Corinthians 7:1, and restore and unite them to His holy flock. For He knows our frame. For who can glory that he has a clean heart? And who can boldly say that he is pure from sin? Proverbs 20:9. For we are all among the blameworthy. Let us still pray for them more earnestly, for there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, Luke 15:7, so that, having turned from every evil work, they may be joined to every good practice. Let us pray that God, the lover of mankind, will quickly accept their petitions, will restore to them the joy of His salvation, and stre

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

This is to close off and cut off the way of grief and repentance. So, while throughout all Scripture the Lord God comforts those who return to Him and repent, repentance itself is taken away by our hardness and cruelty, which block the fruits of repentance. But if we find that no one ought to be kept from repenting, and that peace may be granted by His priests to those who plead and beg for the Lord's mercy, since He is merciful and loving, then the groaning of those who mourn must be accepted, and the fruit of repentance must not be denied to those who grieve. And because in the place of the departed there is no confession, nor can confession be made there, those who have repented with their whole heart and have asked for it ought to be received into the Church and kept in it for the Lord, who will surely judge, when He comes to His Church, those whom He finds within it. But apostates and deserters, or adversaries and enemies, and those who destroy the Church of Christ, cannot be admitted to the peace of the Church, according to the apostle, even if they have been killed outside the Church for His name, since they have kept neither the unity of the Spirit nor of the Church.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Direct teaching

...an falls seven times, that is, often, and rises again. And, he says, if all who had failed in their confession had done this, namely, taken up their struggle again and confessed before the tyrant that they were Christians, they would have shown a most complete repentance. Therefore, the subject covered in this canon is different from that in the first canon. There, those who had lapsed because of torture were not converted in such a way as to confess the faith before the tyrants. But here, those who have lapsed because of torture confess the Lord before the tyrants with a worthy repentance. Therefore they are counted as not having fallen.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

And, says he, if all who have failed in their confession had done this, namely, taken up their struggle again, and before the tyrant confessed themselves to be Christians, they would have shown forth a most perfect penitence.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

And, says be, if all who have failed in their confession had done this, that is, after their fall, taken up the contest afresh, and confessed themselves to be Christians before the tyrants, they would have given proof of a most perfect repentance.

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

But I am amazed that some are so stubborn that they think repentance should not be granted to the lapsed, or that pardon should be denied to those who repent, when it is written, “Remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works,” Revelation 2:5. This is clearly said to someone who has plainly fallen, and whom the Lord urges to rise again by his works, because it is written, “Alms do deliver from death,” Tobit 4:10. This certainly does not mean from that death which the blood of Christ once destroyed, and from which the saving grace of baptism and of our Redeemer has delivered us, but from that death which afterward creeps in through sins. Also, in another place, time is given for repentance, and the Lord threatens the one who does not repent: “I have,” He says, “many things against you, because you allow your wife Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols; and I gave her time to repent, and she will not repent of her fornication. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds,” Re

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

Balsamon. These canons deal with those who, during the persecution, denied the faith and are doing penance. The first canon orders that those who, after many tortures, sacrificed to the gods because they were too weak to endure, and who have spent three years in penitence, should be given another forty days. Then they should be admitted into the Church. Pay attention to these canons. They set out various useful rules for those who have denied their God and are seeking repentance, and for those who willingly sought martyrdom and fell away, and then confessed the faith again, and for other similar matters. Also consult many canons of the Council of Ancyra, because that will be helpful to you.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

Therefore, O bishop, judge with authority like God, yet receive those who repent, for God is a God of mercy. Rebuke those who sin. Warn those who have not turned back. 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.

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...become useless to their Lord because they have taken on savage habits. Therefore, these people have repentance in their power, unless they are found to have denied from the heart. But if anyone is found to have denied from the heart, I do not know whether he can live. And I say this not about these present days, as if anyone who has denied now may receive repentance, for it is impossible for someone to be saved who now intends to deny his Lord. But for those who denied Him long ago, repentance seems to be possible. If, therefore, anyone intends to repent, let him do so quickly, before the tower is completed. For if not, he will be completely destroyed by the women. And the chipped stones are the deceitful and the slanderers. And the wild beasts that you saw on the ninth mountain are the same. For just as wild beasts destroy and kill a person by their poison, so also the words of such people destroy and ruin a person. Accordingly, these are crippled in their faith because of the deeds they have done in themselves. Yet some repented and were saved. And the rest, who are like this, can be saved if they repent. But if they do not repent, they will perish with those women, whose powe

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

...emembering the struggles they endured for God's sake before their fall, and also their later worthy repentance, and that they show that because of their sin they have been, as it were, strangers to their own city. And we will not only have communion with them, but also pray for their reconciliation, along with other fitting things, including the good works they ought to do, for example, fasting, giving to the poor, and penance. By these things, he who is our Advocate makes the Father favorable toward us. Then he uses a passage from Holy Scripture, and it is taken from the first catholic epistle of the holy apostle and evangelist John.