Early Christian Beliefs About Merit and Reward
Early Christian writers taught that God rewards and judges people according to their works, while still insisting that salvation and judgment belong to God. Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian all speak this way in different contexts. The main Bible passages are Matthew 10:41, Romans 2:6-7, Revelation 22:12, and 1 Corinthians 3:8-14. Some writers also connect reward with grace, martyrdom, almsgiving, and final resurrection.
129 early-church witnesses · 220 source quotations · compared with Scripture
What did early Christians believe about merit and Reward?
Early Christians commonly taught that God gives reward and punishment according to a person’s works, while still stressing free choice, mercy, and final judgment. Justin Martyr says punishments and rewards are given based on each person’s actions, Athenagoras argues that reward according to merit belongs to God’s just judgment, and Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian all repeat the same basic pattern.
The Bible passages most often used for this teaching are Matthew 10:41, Romans 2:6-7, Revelation 22:12, and 1 Corinthians 3:8-14. The evidence is broad and strong across the 1st to 3rd centuries, though some writers frame reward in terms of grace, martyrdom, or heaven rather than a simple payment model. Many more early Christian quotations, Bible passages, and source links are gathered below so you can study the evidence for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian tie reward to a person’s works or merit.
- Matthew 10:41, Romans 2:6-7, Revelation 22:12, and 1 Corinthians 3:8-14 are the main Bible passages used for this topic.
- Some early Christians talk about reward as a gift of grace, but they still say God judges deeds and gives recompense.
Questions Answered by the Sources
Did early Christians teach that God rewards people according to their works?
The clearest witnesses say God gives punishments, chastisements, rewards, and recompense according to a person's actions or works. The Bible passages reinforce this with repeated statements that God renders to each person according to his work.
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Athenagoras, The Resurrection of the Dead Direct teaching
For the large number of those who fail of the end that belongs to them does not make void the common lot, since the examination relates to individuals, and the reward or punishment of lives ill or well spent is proportioned to the merit of each.
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Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching
If the day shall find us, whether it be the day of reward or of persecution, furnished, if swift, if running in this contest of charity, the Lord will never fail of giving a reward for our merits: in peace He will give to us who conquer, a white crown for our labours;
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Origen, Commentary on Matthew Supporting witness
but it should be our ambition to procure the reward for a greater number of good deeds, since with what measure we mete, it shall be measured to us, Matthew 7:2 and, according to the works of our own hands shall it happen unto us, Isaiah 3:11 and not in infinite wise, but either double or sevenfold shall sinners receive for their sins from the hand of the Lord;
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Clement of Rome, Connection to Revelation 22:12 Supporting witness
And thus He forewarns us: "Behold, the Lord [comes], and His reward is before His face, to render to every man according to his work." He exhorts us, therefore, with our whole heart to attend to this, that we be not lazy or slothful in any good work.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness
For it is said, Behold the Lord, and His reward is before His face, to give to every one according to his works;
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness
...they shall inherit the earth," Matthew 5:5. And the meek are those who have quelled the battle of unbelief in the soul, the battle of wrath, and lust, and the other forms subject to them. And He praises those meek by choice, not by necessity. For with the Lord there are both rewards and many mansions, corresponding to people's lives. "Whoever shall receive," He says, "a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward; and whoever shall receive a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward; and whoever shall receive one of the least of these my disciples, shall not lose his reward," Matthew 10:41-42. And again, He showed the differences of virtue according to merit, and the noble rewards, by the hours unequal in number. In addition, by the equal reward given to each of the laborers, that is, salvation, which is meant by the penny, He showed the equality of justice. And He hinted at the difference of those called by those who worked for unequal lengths of time. Therefore they shall work according to the fitting mansions of which they have been counted worthy as rewards, being fellow workers in the ineffable administration
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Romans 2:6 Background
He will render to each one according to his works:
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1 Corinthians 3:8 Background
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
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Romans 4:4 Background
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
More related quotations from this section 17 shown
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Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching
For this is what especially pleases God. This is where our works, with greater merit, succeed in gaining God's favor. This alone is what the obedience of our faith and devotion can offer to the Lord in return for His great and saving benefits, as the Holy Spirit declares and testifies in the Psalms: "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Who would not gladly and readily receive the cup of salvation? Who would not with joy and gladness desire that by it he himself also may offer something to his Lord? Who would not bravely and steadily accept a death that is precious in the sight of the Lord, to please His eyes? For He looks down from above on us as we are placed in the struggle for His name. He approves those who are willing, helps those who are struggling, and crowns those who conquer with the reward of patience, goodness, and love, rewarding in us whatever He Himself has given, and honoring what He has accomplished.
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Clement of Rome, Second Epistle (attributed) Direct teaching
..., though He was first a Spirit, became flesh and in this way called us, so we also will receive the reward in this flesh. Therefore let us love one another, so that we may all attain the kingdom of God. While we have an opportunity to be healed, let us give ourselves to God who heals us, and give Him a recompense. What kind of recompense? Repentance from a sincere heart. For He knows all things beforehand and knows what is in our hearts. Therefore let us give Him praise, not with the mouth only, but also with the heart, so that He may accept us as sons. For the Lord has said, "Those are my brothers who do the will of my Father." Matthew 12:50
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Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Direct teaching
...st time of your faith will profit you nothing, unless now in this wicked time we also resist coming sources of danger, as befits the children of God. To prevent the Black One from entering, let us flee from every vanity, let us completely hate the works of wickedness. Do not live a solitary life, as if already justified; but gathering together, seek what benefits everyone. For the Scripture says, “Woe to those who are wise to themselves, and prudent in their own view!” Let us be spiritually-minded; let us be a perfect temple to God. As much as possible, let us meditate on the fear of God, and keep His commandments, so we may rejoice in His ordinances. The Lord will judge the world without favoritism. Each will receive according to his deeds: if he is righteous, his righteousness will go before him; if he is wicked, the reward of wickedness is before him. Be careful, lest, resting at ease as those who are called, we fall asleep in our sins, and the wicked prince gains power over us and drives us from the kingdom of the Lord. Pay more attention to this, my brothers, when you reflect and see, that after such great signs and wonders were done in Israel, they were eventually abandone
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Tatian, The Diatessaron Direct teaching
...wn his rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Luke 6:32b For the publicans and sinners also love those who love them. Luke 6:33 And if you do a kindness to those who treat you well, where is your superiority? For sinners also do the same. Luke 6:34 And if you lend to him from whom you hope for a reward, where is your superiority? For sinners also lend to sinners, seeking recompense from them. Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good to them, and lend, and do not take away anyone's hope; so that your reward may be great, and you may be the children of the Highest. For he is lenient toward the wicked and the ungrateful. Luke 6:36 Be merciful, even as your Father also is merciful. Matthew 5:47 And if you seek the good of only your brothers, what more have you done than others? Is not this also the conduct of the publicans? Matthew 5:48 Be now perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.
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Tatian, The Diatessaron Direct teaching
...ew 6:1 Consider your alms. Do not do them before people so they may see you. If you do, you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:2 So when you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the marketplaces, so that people may praise them. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:4 Let your alms be hidden, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly.
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Ignatius, Epistle to Polycarp (Short Version) Direct teaching
...s, associates, and servants of God. Please Him under whom you fight, and from whom you receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your armor; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete armor. Let your works be the duties assigned to you, so that you may receive a worthy reward. Be patient with one another, in meekness, as God is towards you. May I have joy in you forever!
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching
Now desires and other sins are called briars and thorns. So the Gnostic works in the Lord's vineyard, planting, pruning, and watering. He is the divine farmer of what has been planted in faith. So those who have not done evil think it is right to receive the wages of rest. But the one who has done good by free choice asks for the reward due to a good worker. He certainly will receive double wages: both for the evil he has not done, and for the good he has done.
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Ignatius, Epistle to the Smyrnaeans (Long Version) Supporting witness
... so will Jesus Christ refresh you. You have loved me when absent, as well as when present. God will recompense you, for whose sake you have shown such kindness towards His prisoner. For even if I am not worthy of it, yet your zeal to help me is admirable. For “he who honors a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” It is also evident that he who honors a prisoner of Jesus Christ shall receive the reward of the martyrs.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness
... read." This is something he does not yet share in at present, but waits for in hope, expecting the reward that will certainly be given by Him who has promised to give workers the reward that is fitting. But the one who is counted among men ought not to desire a reward. For the one who boasts about his good service receives glory as his reward. And if someone does a duty for the sake of reward, is he not still held by the ways of the world, either as one who has done well and is hurrying to receive payment, or as an evildoer trying to avoid punishment? We must imitate the Lord as much as we can. And a person will do this if he obeys the will of God, receiving freely and giving freely, and receiving as a worthy reward citizenship itself. "The wages of a prostitute shall not come into the sanctuary," it is said. In the same way, it was forbidden to bring to the altar the price of a dog. And if the eye of someone's soul has been blinded by bad upbringing and teaching, let him come forward to the true light, to the truth, which shows in writing the things that are unwritten. "You who thirst, go to the waters," Isaiah 55:1 says, as spoken by Esaias. And "Drink water from your own ves
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Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness
...eives Him who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And everyone who gives one of these least ones only a drink of water, in the name of a disciple—truly I say to you—he will not lose his reward.
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Ignatius, Epistle to Polycarp (Long Version) Supporting witness
...sociates, and servants of God. Please Him under whom you fight, and from whom you will receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism be as enduring as your weapons; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete armor. Let your works be the duties assigned to you, so that you may receive a most worthy reward. Be patient with one another, in meekness, and God will be with you in the same way. May I find joy in you forever!
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Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness
If virtue does not exact a reward; if, as you say, it is to be sought on its own account, then estimate justice, which is the mother and chief of the virtues, at its own price, and not according to your advantage: give especially to him from whom you hope for nothing in return.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Background
Because alone of human things Virtue receives not a recompense from without, But has itself as the reward of its toils.
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Colossians 3:24 Background
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
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2 John 1:8 Background
Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
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Matthew 5:12 Background
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
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Mark 9:41 Background
For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
Did early Christians speak of merit, deserving, or worthy recompense?
Several sources describe reward in terms of merit, worthy recompense, or what is deserved for good works. Others stress that God repays virtue, labor, and righteousness with a fitting reward.
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Athenagoras, The Resurrection of the Dead Direct teaching
... the result is very clear to everyone. It does not happen in this life, because reward according to merit has no place in the present life. Many atheists and people who practice every kind of injustice and wickedness live to the very end without suffering disaster. On the other hand, those who have clearly lived as examples of every virtue live with pain, insult, slander, outrage, and all kinds of suffering. Nor does it happen after death, because the two no longer exist together. The soul is separated from the body, and the body itself is dissolved again into the materials from which it was made. It no longer keeps anything of its former structure or form, much less any memory of its actions. Therefore the conclusion is obvious to everyone. In the words of the apostle, "this corruptible must put on incorruption," 1 Corinthians 15:54, so that those who had died, after being made alive again by the resurrection, and after the parts that had been separated and completely dissolved have been joined together again, may each receive, in accordance with justice, what he did through the body, whether good or bad.
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Athenagoras, The Resurrection of the Dead Direct teaching
... belonging to the soul apart from the body and as not existing by itself. Yet some would assign the reward or punishment for these to the soul alone. How could anyone even think of courage or bravery as existing in the soul alone, when the soul has no fear of death, wounds, mutilation, loss, mistreatment, or the pain connected with these, or the suffering that comes from them? And what shall we say about self-control and temperance, when no desire pulls it toward food, sexual relations, or other pleasures and enjoyments, and when nothing else urges it from within or stirs it from without? And what about practical wisdom, when no matters are set before it that may or may not be done, and no things are set before it to be chosen or avoided? Or rather, what about it when there is in it no movement at all, and no natural impulse toward doing anything? And how could fairness in any sense be an attribute of souls, either in relation to one another or to anything else, whether of the same kind or a different kind, when they are not able, from any source, by any means, or in any way, to give what is equal, whether according to merit or according to analogy? The only exception is the hon
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Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness
For Almighty God Himself will raise us up through our Lord Jesus Christ, according to His infallible promise. He will grant us a resurrection with all those who have slept from the beginning of the world. Then we shall be such as we now are in our present form, without any defect or corruption. For we shall rise incorruptible. Whether we die at sea, or are scattered on the earth, or are torn to pieces by wild beasts and birds, He will raise us by His own power. For the whole world is held together by the hand of God. Now He says, "A hair of your head shall not perish." Luke 21:18 Therefore He exhorts us, saying, "In your patience you possess your souls." Luke 21:19 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the recompense of reward for the martyrs, Gabriel speaks to Daniel: "And many of them that sleep shall arise out of the dust of the earth, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that understand shall shine as the sun, and as the firmament, and as the stars." Daniel 12:2-3 Therefore the most holy Gabriel foretold that the saints should shine like the stars. For His sacred name did witness to them, that they might understand the truth.
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Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness
... great good from itself, because labors endured and overcome even to death cannot fail to receive a reward; if no reward such as it deserves is found on earth, since it despises all things that are weak and passing away, what else remains but that it should gain some heavenly reward, since it treats all earthly things with contempt and should aim at higher things, since it despises lowly things? And this reward can be nothing other than immortality.
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Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness
... relatives, or your rich neighbors, lest perhaps they also invite you, and you receive this as your reward." Luke 14:13: "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, those with a withered hand, the lame, and the blind. Luke 14:14: And blessed are you, since they have no way to repay you; for your reward will be at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:15: When one of those who were invited heard this, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God."
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Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness
Moreover, the Lord in the Gospel, Himself the avenger of our persecution and the rewarder of our suffering, says: Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness
Now, since Christ forbids the recompense to be expected now, but promises it at the resurrection, this is the very plan of the Creator, who dislikes those who love gifts and follow after reward.
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Revelation 22:12 Background
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
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Hebrews 10:35 Background
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
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Luke 14:14 Background
And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Common Questions
Did early Christians believe God rewards people according to their works?
Yes. Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian all say God gives reward or punishment according to deeds, merit, or labor.
Which Bible verses did early Christians use for merit and reward?
Common passages include Matthew 10:41, Romans 2:6-7, Revelation 22:12, and 1 Corinthians 3:8-14.
Did early Christians think reward was only about wages?
No. Some writers speak of wages or merit, but others also describe reward as grace, a crown, immortality, or the resurrection.
Source Index for Merit and Reward
The guided sections above show the strongest quotations. This compact index highlights 160 ranked source links from 220 compiled sources for deeper study.
Source index 160 ranked links shown
Early Christian Writings 80 shown of 129
Primary-source quotations from early Christian writers and church documents.
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Clement of Rome, Connection to Revelation 22:12
Bible Passages 80 shown of 91
Related Bible passages saved for comparison with the early Christian quotations.