Early Church Questions
417 studies of what the first Christians said, each answering a question a THF member asked. Machine learning compiled every study from the early Christians’ own words and the Bible, and every quote links to its full passage. Read any study here, or print it as a PDF.
Not yet reviewed by The Historic Faith. We may correct, decline or remove any study. How we make these pages
Browse the 417 studies by subject
Seventeen subjects, the biggest first. Each one opens its list of studies below.
- Church leaders & orderHow should a church be led and kept in order?53 studiesSee them53 studies
- Christian living & the tongueHow should a Christian speak, endure and live each day?40 studiesSee them40 studies
- Grace, faith & salvationHow is a person saved: grace, faith, works?36 studiesSee them36 studies
- Bible stories & sayings of JesusWhat did they make of Bible stories and Jesus’ sayings?35 studiesSee them35 studies
- The Gospels, Scripture & early writersWhich Gospel came first, and which books did they read?33 studiesSee them33 studies
- God, Christ & the Holy SpiritWho is Jesus, and who is God?32 studiesSee them32 studies
- Baptism & the new birthHow and why did the first Christians baptize?24 studiesSee them24 studies
- The Lord's SupperWhat did they believe about communion?24 studiesSee them24 studies
- Money, wealth & givingWhat about money, riches and giving?21 studiesSee them21 studies
- Marriage, family & purityWhat should a Christian marriage and home look like?20 studiesSee them20 studies
- Sin, repentance & the soulWhat is sin, and how does a person repent?18 studiesSee them18 studies
- Self-defense, war & governmentMay a Christian fight, go to war or vote?18 studiesSee them18 studies
- Prayer, worship & the Spirit's giftsHow did they pray and worship together?18 studiesSee them18 studies
- Angels, Satan & creationWhat did they teach about angels, Satan and creation?16 studiesSee them16 studies
- Head covering, hair & dressWhat did they teach about head coverings, hair and dress?15 studiesSee them15 studies
- End times, heaven & hellWhat about the end times, heaven and hell?13 studiesSee them13 studies
- Newer questionsWhat else have members asked?1 studySee them1 study
Not sure where to begin? Start here
Four broad questions with deep sources. A good first read for anyone.
What did the early church say true Christianity is?
11 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Did the early church teach that baptism is needed for salvation?
10 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
Self-defense, war & government
Is God's kingdom separate from worldly kingdoms, and are rulers against God?
11 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
How did the early church govern itself through elders, and what made it work well?
13 passages · 8 writers · 16 quotes
What members are researching
Counted from the 417 published studies. A count is studies, not people.
Every topic with five or more studies
- Baptism17 studies
- Church leadership16 studies
- Which Gospel was written first15 studies
- Eucharist7 studies
- Self-defense7 studies
- Divorce and remarriage6 studies
- Wealth6 studies
- Head covering5 studies
- Prayer5 studies
- Apostolic succession5 studies
- Gossip and slander5 studies
11 of 262 topics have five or more studies; 205 topics have one. Tap a topic to see its studies.
Questions asked more than once
- Which Gospel was written first?3 studies
- How can hell be both fire and outer darkness?2 studies
- What did the early Christians believe about baptism?2 studies
- Which of the four Gospels was written first?2 studies
The same question was asked more than once; each ask became its own study. They are shown together in the list.
Questions that name a Bible book
72 studies name a chapter or verse in the question. Tap a book to see them.
The deepest studies
Ranked by linked passages, counted per study.
Sin, repentance & the soul
What did the early Christians believe about human nature?
15 passages · 12 writers · 16 quotes
God, Christ & the Holy Spirit
What did the early Christians believe about the eternal generation of the Son?
15 passages · 12 writers · 17 quotes
God, Christ & the Holy Spirit
What did the early Christians believe about Jesus as the Son of God?
15 passages · 11 writers · 16 quotes
God, Christ & the Holy Spirit
What did the early Christians believe about the virgin birth of Jesus?
15 passages · 9 writers · 16 quotes
Church leaders & order
Were elders and bishops the same office in the early church?
15 passages · 8 writers · 20 quotes
God, Christ & the Holy Spirit
What did the early Christians believe about the deity of Christ?
14 passages · 12 writers · 15 quotes
God, Christ & the Holy Spirit
What did the early Christians believe about Christ as the Word of God?
14 passages · 11 writers · 15 quotes
Grace, faith & salvation
What did the early Christians believe about free will?
14 passages · 11 writers · 16 quotes
Money, wealth & giving
What did early Christians teach about rich and poor, giving alms, and each one's duty to God?
14 passages · 10 writers · 15 quotes
Grace, faith & salvation
Did the early Christians believe in faith alone?
14 passages · 9 writers · 17 quotes
Have a question that is not here?
Ask it yourself in Early Christian Chat. It searches the early Christians’ writings in our library for you. Every study on this page began as a member’s question there.
Early Christian Chat is a members’ tool; you will be asked to sign in.
Print any study for Bible study or church
Every study has a Download PDF button, here and on its own page. The PDF is made for paper: large type, the short answer first, and every passage listed at the back.
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- Pick a question from the list.
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Inside every PDF
- Page 1: the question, the short answer and what is inside.
- The key points, each with the early Christians’ own words.
- At the back: every passage and Bible verse, each with its link.
- Page numbers and “How to cite this study”.
All 417 studies, by subject
Deepest studies first in each subject; the rest open under each one. Every study can be read here or printed as a PDF.
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Try one plain word, like baptism or prayer, or a subject above. Or ask it yourself:
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Church leaders & order
Elders, bishops and deacons, ordination, apostolic succession, church authority, discipline and unity.
Our full belief studies on this: Church Leadership · Elders · Early Christian Church Authority
53 studies
Were elders and bishops the same office in the early church?
Church leadership · 15 passages · 8 writers · 20 quotes
How did the early church govern itself through elders, and what made it work well?
Church leadership · 13 passages · 8 writers · 16 quotes
How did the early church remember the twelve apostles, and why did Jesus choose them?
The apostles · 13 passages · 11 writers · 16 quotes
What did the early church teach about elders, bishops and submitting to them?
Church order · 13 passages · 6 writers · 16 quotes
Did the early church have a head elder over the other elders?
Elders · 12 passages · 8 writers · 12 quotes
How did early bishops and elders guard and contend for the faith?
Church leadership · 12 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
How did early bishops and elders organize the church, and what were their duties?
Church leadership · 12 passages · 8 writers · 12 quotes
How did the early church recognize the one true Church?
The one church · 12 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
In the early church, who held authority: the congregation, the bishop, or the elders?
Church authority · 12 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
What is the difference between causing offense and giving a rebuke?
Offense and rebuke · 12 passages · 5 writers · 15 quotes
What qualifications does the Bible give church leaders, and what was their work?
Church leadership · 12 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
Who led the early church?
Church leadership · 12 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
Did early church elders govern the church or mainly shepherd the flock?
Elders · 11 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
Did elders lead churches as a group, and were they different from bishops?
Church leadership · 11 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
Did the early church keep choosing leaders by lot, as with Matthias, and how were elders chosen?
Ordination · 11 passages · 6 writers · 14 quotes
How much authority did early church elders have, and what kept them from abusing it?
Church leadership · 11 passages · 6 writers · 16 quotes
What did apostolic succession look like in the early church?
Apostolic succession · 11 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Apostolic Succession in Early Christianity
What does the Bible teach about unity, and how did the early Christians understand it?
Church unity · 11 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
What order of authority did the early church see from God and Christ down to the church?
Church authority · 11 passages · 9 writers · 12 quotes
Who has authority over the Church: Christ, the elders, or the congregation?
Church authority · 11 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
Besides Ignatius, did early Christians teach honoring and obeying bishops and elders?
Church leadership · 10 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
Did any early Christian writers call the Church's unity a sacrament?
Church unity · 10 passages · 5 writers · 13 quotes
Did the early church accept elders appointed outside the bishops' line of succession?
Ordination · 10 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
Did the early church count ordinations outside apostolic succession as valid?
Apostolic succession · 10 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church say a true church must trace its bishops back to the apostles?
Apostolic succession · 10 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
How did the apostles and early Christians appoint leaders in the churches?
Church leadership · 10 passages · 7 writers · 16 quotes
Is apostolic succession a myth, or did the early church teach it?
Apostolic succession · 10 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Should Christians follow church leaders who claim apostolic succession but do not obey Christ?
Church authority · 10 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early church teach about submission, humility and unity among believers?
Church life · 10 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
Who guided and led the early church?
Church leadership · 10 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
Who were the leaders of the early church?
Church leadership · 10 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
Could women lead Bible studies and teach other women in the early church?
Women and teaching · 9 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Did early church bishops and elders guard what was preached and who taught?
Church leadership · 9 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church allow calling spiritual leaders "father"?
Church titles · 9 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church set a minimum age for deacons?
Deacons · 9 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church think an elder's children could disqualify him?
Elder qualifications · 9 passages · 8 writers · 11 quotes
Is a church apostolic if it has succession but drops the apostles' teaching?
Apostolic succession · 9 passages · 6 writers · 14 quotes
What did early Christians mean by calling Christ the head of the church?
Head of the church · 9 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What were the duties of elders and bishops in the early church?
Church leadership · 9 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
When should church leaders show mercy, and when should they hold people accountable?
Church discipline · 9 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Can a bishop ordain an apostle?
Ordination · 8 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Could a single man serve as an elder or deacon in the early church?
Church leaders and marriage · 8 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church accept Paul as a true apostle?
Apostles · 8 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Did the early church keep the order of Matthew 18 when correcting a brother (Matthew 18:15–17)?
Church discipline · 8 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Was any bishop or elder called the head of the church, or only Jesus?
Head of the church · 8 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What does James mean when he says teachers will face a stricter judgment?
Teachers and judgment · 8 passages · 7 writers · 10 quotes
What qualifications did the early church require for deacons?
Deacons · 8 passages · 8 writers · 9 quotes
Why did the early church say it needs bishops, elders and deacons?
Church officers · 8 passages · 6 writers · 9 quotes
Did the early Christians call anyone besides Jesus a head?
Headship · 7 passages · 5 writers · 9 quotes
What does it mean that elders are caretakers, not owners, of the church (1 Peter 5:2–3)?
Church leadership · 7 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church teach respect for a young bishop?
Bishops · 6 passages · 2 writers · 10 quotes
What did the early church expect of an elder's wife?
Church leadership · 6 passages · 4 writers · 7 quotes
Did Ignatius tell Christians to respect a bishop who is young?
Bishops · 4 passages · 3 writers · 9 quotes
Christian living & the tongue
Gossip and slander, speech, self-control, humility, patience in trials and daily discipleship.
Our full belief studies on this: Early Christian Teaching on Gossip and Slander · What does James 1:2-18 mean? · Asceticism
40 studies
What did the early church teach about eating pork?
Food laws · 14 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
What does James 1:2–11 teach about trials, patience, wisdom and doubt?
Trials and patience · 13 passages · 9 writers · 20 quotes
Also in our full study: What does James 1:2-18 mean?
Should Christians compare themselves with others, or examine themselves?
Judging others · 12 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Should Christians live by strong feelings or by patient daily endurance?
Patience · 12 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
What did the early Christians teach about taming the tongue (James 3:1–12)?
Speech and the tongue · 12 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early church teach about anger and reconciliation (Matthew 5:21–26)?
Anger and reconciliation · 12 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Did early Christians think being fat was a sin?
Gluttony · 11 passages · 10 writers · 11 quotes
How are trials and wisdom connected in James 1:5–11?
Trials and wisdom · 11 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
How did the early church describe backbiting, slander, gossip and whispering?
Gossip and slander · 11 passages · 6 writers · 16 quotes
What did early Christians teach about the wisdom from above (James 3:13–18)?
Wisdom · 11 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early church teach about evangelism and spreading the gospel?
Evangelism · 11 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Evangelism and Preaching
What happens to Christians who are unmerciful (Matthew 5:7)?
Mercy · 11 passages · 8 writers · 12 quotes
What makes Christian love for one another different from ordinary human love?
Brotherly love · 11 passages · 10 writers · 14 quotes
Did the early Christians look down on people who are overweight?
Gluttony · 10 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early Christians teach about gluttony and self-control in eating?
Gluttony · 10 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early church teach about rebellion against God's authority (Jude 1:8–13)?
Rebellion · 10 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What does it mean to be a radical Christian?
Discipleship · 10 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
What practices were most central to early Christian life?
Christian life · 10 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Why is James so hard on the person who doubts (James 1:6–8)?
Faith and doubt · 10 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Did early Christians think the tongue truly cannot be tamed (James 3:8)?
The tongue · 9 passages · 7 writers · 10 quotes
Did the early church believe the Gospel had already been preached to the whole world?
Spread of the Gospel · 9 passages · 7 writers · 9 quotes
What did early Christians teach about gluttony?
Gluttony · 9 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
What did early Christians teach about trials, wisdom and doubt (James 1:2–8)?
Trials and patience · 9 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
What did the early Christians teach about gossip, backbiting and slander?
Gossip and slander · 9 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Early Christian Teaching on Gossip and Slander
What did the early church teach about God's patience, and does it mean He approves of sin?
Patience · 9 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What examples of gossip, slander, backbiting and whispering do early Christian writers give?
Gossip and slander · 9 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What is partiality, and why did the early church warn against it?
Partiality · 9 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What sins does a complaining spirit lead to, and how does it harm the church?
Murmuring · 9 passages · 6 writers · 14 quotes
Why do people gossip and slander, according to the early Christians?
Gossip and slander · 9 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Must the wives of elders and deacons avoid gossip and slander?
Gossip and slander · 8 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
What does the Bible say about defending yourself with words?
Christian speech · 8 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Who in the Bible felt like everyone was against them?
Loneliness and rejection · 8 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
Why did Jesus say calling a brother "fool" leads to hell fire (Matthew 5:22)?
Anger and speech · 8 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Why did the early Christians call humility the foundation of every virtue?
Humility · 8 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early Christians teach not to plan for the future?
Worry and trust · 7 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Does being fervent in spirit mean strong feelings or zeal shown in right living?
Zeal and the Spirit · 7 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Did Origen teach Christians to live a life of virtue?
Virtue · 5 passages · 2 writers · 11 quotes
Which early Christian writing says Christians are to the world what the soul is to the body?
Christians in the world · 5 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
Who in the Bible felt there was no way out of their situation?
Trusting God in trouble · 5 passages · 5 writers · 7 quotes
What does the Bible mean by "things strangled"?
Food laws · 3 passages · 3 writers · 6 quotes
Grace, faith & salvation
Grace, faith and works, free will, predestination, Romans 9, and how we are saved.
Our full belief studies on this: Grace · Predestination · Sanctification
36 studies
Did the early Christians believe in faith alone?
Faith and works · 14 passages · 9 writers · 17 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Teach Faith Alone?
What did the early Christians believe about Christ as our ransom?
Ransom · 14 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Early Christian Teaching on Christ as Ransom
What did the early Christians believe about deification?
Deification · 14 passages · 8 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Deification
What did the early Christians believe about free will?
Free will · 14 passages · 11 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Free Will
What did the early Christians believe about good works?
Works · 14 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Works
Did the early church fathers teach penal substitution, or see Christ's death differently?
Atonement · 13 passages · 6 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about faith and works?
Faith and works · 13 passages · 8 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Faith and Works in Early Christianity
What did the early Christians believe about faith?
Faith · 13 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Faith
What did the early Christians believe about predestination?
Predestination · 13 passages · 10 writers · 17 quotes
Also in our full study: Predestination
What did the early Christians believe about righteousness?
Righteousness · 13 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Righteousness
What did the early Christians believe about sanctification?
Sanctification · 13 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Sanctification
Did the early Christians believe in assurance of salvation?
Assurance of salvation · 12 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Assurance of Salvation
Did the early Christians teach Calvinism?
Free will · 12 passages · 10 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Did the Early Christians Teach Calvinism?
What did early Christians teach about faith without works (James 2:14–26)?
Faith and works · 12 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about apostasy?
Apostasy · 12 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Apostasy
What did the early Christians believe about grace?
Grace · 12 passages · 10 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Grace
What did the early Christians believe about salvation?
Salvation · 12 passages · 10 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Salvation
What did the early Christians believe about the atonement?
Atonement · 12 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Atonement
Did early Christian writers give a short definition of a saint?
Saints · 11 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
Did the early Christians believe in universal salvation?
Universal salvation · 11 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Teach Universal Salvation?
What did the early Christians believe about justification?
Justification · 11 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Justification
What did the early Christians believe about perseverance?
Perseverance · 11 passages · 9 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Perseverance
What did the early church say true Christianity is?
The Christian faith · 11 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Does real faith have to keep showing itself in works (James 2:14–26)?
Faith and works · 10 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about election?
Election · 10 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Election
What does the word charis, or grace, mean in the Bible?
Grace · 9 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church warn about mission drift?
Faithfulness · 8 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
What does "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy" mean (Romans 9:15)?
Mercy and election · 8 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
What does 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated' mean (Romans 9:13)?
Election · 8 passages · 5 writers · 9 quotes
Also in our full study: What does Jacob I loved but Esau I hated mean?
Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart (Romans 9:17–18)?
Hardening of Pharaoh · 8 passages · 3 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Why did God harden Pharaoh in Romans 9?
Does Romans 9 teach that God picks each person for salvation or ruin?
Predestination · 7 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Is grace taught in the Bible?
Grace · 7 passages · 6 writers · 8 quotes
What does 'not of him who wills, nor of him who runs' mean (Romans 9:16)?
Free will · 7 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
What does Paul mean by the potter and the clay (Romans 9:20–21)?
Potter and clay · 7 passages · 4 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: What does Romans 9 mean by the potter and the clay?
What does Paul mean by “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6)?
Letter and Spirit · 7 passages · 5 writers · 9 quotes
What does Jude teach about grace and obedience (Jude 1:5–7)?
Grace and obedience · 6 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Bible stories & sayings of Jesus
Old Testament people and stories, and Gospel scenes and sayings read by the early Christians.
Our full belief studies on this: Enoch · Moses and the Law in Early Christianity · Circumcision and the New Covenant
35 studies
How did early Christians understand the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4)?
Psalm 23 · 11 passages · 8 writers · 15 quotes
Is the Enoch from Seth's family line the same Enoch who never died?
Enoch · 11 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
What do the Beatitudes on hunger, mercy, peace and persecution mean (Matthew 5:6–12)?
Beatitudes · 11 passages · 6 writers · 15 quotes
Did the early Christians see King Solomon as a total failure?
Solomon · 10 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Did David seek God's guidance while Solomon leaned on his own wisdom?
David and Solomon · 9 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What did Jesus mean by "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13)?
Salt and light · 9 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early Christians connect Matthew 5:8 with Psalm 24:3–4?
Purity of heart · 8 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
How did the early church read the story of Rahab and the scarlet thread?
Rahab · 8 passages · 7 writers · 10 quotes
What did the early church teach about the wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11)?
Wedding at Cana · 8 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Who was the father of Enoch, Methuselah and Lamech, and which Lamech had two wives?
Genesis genealogies · 8 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Why fear no evil in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4)?
Psalm 23 · 8 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Why was a jar of manna kept in the Ark of the Covenant?
Ark of the Covenant · 8 passages · 6 writers · 9 quotes
Did early Christians connect Enoch with the end times?
Enoch · 7 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
How did John Chrysostom explain the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24–27)?
Wise and foolish builders · 7 passages · 1 writer · 9 quotes
Is Cain's son Enoch the same Enoch linked with the Book of Enoch?
Enoch · 7 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
What did early Christians say about Solomon's wealth and his turning from God?
Solomon · 7 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What did the early church teach about the ban on images in Deuteronomy 4:15–18?
Idolatry · 7 passages · 5 writers · 9 quotes
What does Exodus 16 say about the manna, and how did the early church read it?
Manna · 7 passages · 6 writers · 8 quotes
What does the plague of frogs mean (Exodus 8:1–11)?
Plagues of Egypt · 7 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Why did Israel make the golden calf, and how did Moses respond (Exodus 32:1–24)?
The golden calf · 7 passages · 7 writers · 10 quotes
What did early Christians learn from Moses and the golden calf (Exodus 32:1–35)?
Moses · 6 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
What did Jesus mean by fulfilling the law in Matthew 5:17–20?
The law · 6 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
What did Jesus mean by the eye as the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22–23)?
The inner eye · 6 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
What does the golden calf story show about Moses' character (Exodus 32:7–20)?
Moses · 6 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
What was the dog-fly in the plagues of Egypt?
Plagues of Egypt · 6 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
What was the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9)?
Circumcision · 6 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
Why did Queen Esther say she hated the bed of the uncircumcised?
Esther · 6 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
Did Abel have any children?
Cain and Abel · 5 passages · 4 writers · 6 quotes
What is the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9)?
Circumcision · 5 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
When did God shorten the long lives people lived in Genesis?
Long lives in Genesis · 5 passages · 4 writers · 6 quotes
Who is the weeping woman in Lamentations (Lamentations 1:1–2)?
Lamentations · 5 passages · 5 writers · 7 quotes
Why was the plague of lice a turning point for Egypt's magicians (Exodus 8:16–19)?
Plagues of Egypt · 5 passages · 4 writers · 7 quotes
What did Irenaeus teach about Jesus turning water into wine at Cana (John 2:1–12)?
Wedding at Cana · 4 passages · 1 writer · 10 quotes
What did John Chrysostom teach about the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43)?
Thief on the cross · 3 passages · 1 writer · 7 quotes
What did John Chrysostom say about the thief on the cross?
The thief on the cross · 2 passages · 1 writer · 6 quotes
The Gospels, Scripture & early writers
Which Gospel came first, Mark, books of Scripture, Enoch's book, and writers such as Justin and Origen.
Our full belief studies on this: Which Gospel was written first? · The Gospel of Mark · Was Matthew the first Gospel written?
33 studies
What does Romans 16:18 mean by "deceive the hearts of the simple"?
False teachers · 11 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
What do we know about the life, conversion and martyrdom of Justin Martyr?
Justin Martyr · 10 passages · 5 writers · 14 quotes
Does the Book of Enoch contradict the Bible?
Book of Enoch · 9 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
Did the early Christians treat the deuterocanonical books as Scripture?
Deuterocanonical books · 8 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: The Deuterocanonical Books
How did Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian differ about philosophy?
Philosophy · 8 passages · 2 writers · 15 quotes
Was Origen excommunicated, and why did early writers oppose his teaching?
Origen · 8 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
What did the early church mean by the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3)?
Apostolic faith · 8 passages · 5 writers · 14 quotes
Who were the Ante-Nicene Fathers?
Church fathers · 8 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Why is the letter to the Romans so hard to read?
Reading Romans · 8 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Why was Origen considered a heretic?
Origen's teachings · 8 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Was Matthew or Luke written first?
Which Gospel was written first · 7 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
Which Gospel book was written first?
Which Gospel was written first · 7 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Which Gospel came first?
Which Gospel was written first · 7 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Which Gospel was written first?
Which Gospel was written first · 7 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Asked 3 times; each ask became its own study.
Study 2 · 6 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel written first?
Study 3 · 5 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Which was the first Gospel written?
Which Gospel was written first · 7 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Is there a Marcus in the Bible?
Mark the evangelist · 6 passages · 6 writers · 7 quotes
Was Mark or Matthew the first Gospel written?
Which Gospel was written first · 6 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Was Mark or Matthew written first?
Which Gospel was written first · 6 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
Also in our full study: Was Matthew the first Gospel written?
Was Mark the first Gospel written?
Gospel of Mark · 6 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Was Matthew the first Gospel written?
The Gospel of Matthew · 6 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Was Matthew the first Gospel written?
What was the first Gospel written?
Which Gospel was written first · 6 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Which of the first three Gospels was written first?
Which Gospel was written first · 6 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel written first?
Which of the four Gospels was written first?
Which Gospel was written first · 6 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Asked 2 times; each ask became its own study.
Study 2 · 5 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Are Mark and John Mark the same person?
Mark the evangelist · 5 passages · 5 writers · 7 quotes
Are Mark and Marcus the same name in the Bible?
Mark the evangelist · 5 passages · 5 writers · 7 quotes
Is John Mark the same person as Mark?
Mark the evangelist · 5 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
Was the Gospel of Matthew written before the Gospel of Mark?
Gospel of Matthew · 5 passages · 4 writers · 6 quotes
Also in our full study: Was Matthew the first Gospel written?
What Gospel was written first, according to the early church?
Which Gospel was written first · 5 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
Which Gospel did the early church say was written first?
Which Gospel was written first · 5 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Which Gospel was written first?
What did the early church say about the opening of Jude (Jude 1:1–4)?
Epistle of Jude · 4 passages · 4 writers · 6 quotes
God, Christ & the Holy Spirit
The Trinity, the deity and humanity of Christ, His titles, and the Holy Spirit.
Our full belief studies on this: Was the Holy Spirit Seen as God by Early Christians? · God Is Everywhere and Beyond Human Limits · The Trinity
32 studies
What did the early Christians believe about Jesus as the Son of God?
Son of God · 15 passages · 11 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: The Son of God
What did the early Christians believe about the eternal generation of the Son?
Eternal generation · 15 passages · 12 writers · 17 quotes
Also in our full study: Did early Christians teach eternal generation?
What did the early Christians believe about the virgin birth of Jesus?
Virgin birth · 15 passages · 9 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Virgin Birth in Early Christian Writings
What did the early Christians believe about Christ as the Word of God?
Word of God · 14 passages · 11 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: The Word of God
What did the early Christians believe about God the Father?
God the Father · 14 passages · 9 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Early Christian Belief in God the Father
What did the early Christians believe about the deity of Christ?
Deity of Christ · 14 passages · 12 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Call Christ God?
What did the early Christians believe about the ascension of Jesus?
The Ascension · 13 passages · 11 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Teach Jesus Ascended?
What did the early Christians believe about the incarnation?
Incarnation · 13 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: The Incarnation
What did the early Christians believe about the Logos?
The Logos · 13 passages · 12 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: The Logos
Why did early Christians call Christ's crucifixion the passion?
The Passion · 13 passages · 10 writers · 15 quotes
Did the early Christians believe Jesus is both truly God and truly man?
Two natures of Christ · 12 passages · 10 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Two Natures of Christ
Did the early Christians believe Jesus is God?
Deity of Christ · 12 passages · 8 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Did the Early Christians Believe Jesus Is God?
Did the early Christians believe the Holy Spirit is God?
Holy Spirit · 12 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Was the Holy Spirit Seen as God by Early Christians?
Did the early church teach that Jesus was a man later adopted as God's Son?
Adoptionism · 12 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Reject Adoptionism?
What did the early Christians believe about the resurrection of Jesus?
Resurrection of Jesus · 12 passages · 10 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Jesus Rising from the Dead
What titles did the early Christians give to Jesus?
Titles of Christ · 12 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Early Christian Titles of Christ
Did the early Christians speak of God as above us, with His throne in heaven?
God's throne · 11 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about the Trinity?
Trinity · 11 passages · 8 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: The Trinity
Did the early Christians believe Jesus was fully human?
Humanity of Christ · 10 passages · 8 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Teach Christ Was Truly Human?
Did the early Christians pray to the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit · 10 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
What did Jesus mean when he said his witness about himself was not true (John 5:31)?
Witness of Christ · 9 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Did early Christians write about the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:22)?
Christ in the Old Testament · 8 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
Did Jesus do His miracles by His own divine power or by the Holy Spirit?
Christ's miracles · 8 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Did Jesus know Judas would betray him before he chose him?
Judas · 8 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early Christians believe that people who do evil are doing God's will?
God and evil · 8 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What did Jesus look like, according to the early Christians?
Jesus' appearance · 8 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
Who guided the early church?
Holy Spirit · 8 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
Why did the early church reject the teaching of Arius about Christ?
Arianism · 8 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Also in our full study: What Early Christians Said About Arianism
Did the prophecies about Solomon really point to Christ as the Messiah?
Messianic prophecy · 7 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
Did Justin Martyr believe in the Trinity?
Trinity · 6 passages · 4 writers · 8 quotes
Was Solomon the promised Messiah, or did the prophecies point to Christ?
Solomon and the Messiah · 6 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
What is the difference between the finger of God and the hand of God?
God's power · 5 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
Baptism & the new birth
Water baptism, new birth, catechumens, infant baptism and the rites that followed baptism.
Our full belief studies on this: Baptismal Regeneration in Early Christian Writings · Catechumens · Is baptism necessary?
24 studies
Did the early Christians believe in baptismal regeneration?
Baptism · 13 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Baptismal Regeneration in Early Christian Writings
Did the early church teach that we are born again in water baptism?
Baptism · 13 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
Did the early Christians believe baptism is necessary for salvation?
Baptism · 12 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Is baptism necessary?
Can a person be born again without being baptized?
Baptism · 11 passages · 8 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early Christians believe sins are forgiven in baptism?
Baptism · 11 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins
What did the early Christians believe about baptism?
Baptism · 11 passages · 8 writers · 17 quotes
Also in our full study: Baptism
Asked 2 times; each ask became its own study.
Study 2 · 11 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Baptism
What did the early Christians believe about immersion and pouring in baptism?
Baptism · 11 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Immersion and Pouring in Early Christian Baptism
What did the early Christians believe about laying on of hands after baptism?
Laying on of hands · 11 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Laying on of Hands After Baptism
What did the early Christians believe about the new birth?
New birth · 11 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: The New Birth
What did the early church and the Scriptures teach about baptism?
Baptism · 11 passages · 8 writers · 16 quotes
What did the early church fathers teach about baptism?
Baptism · 11 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
Did the early church teach baptismal regeneration?
Baptism · 10 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Baptismal Regeneration in Early Christian Writings
Did the early church teach that baptism is needed for salvation?
Baptism · 10 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early church think was most important about baptism?
Baptism · 10 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
How do we get into Christ and put on Christ, according to the Bible and the early Christians?
Baptism · 9 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about catechumens?
Catechumens · 9 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Catechumens
Did the early church baptize people right away, or make them wait?
Baptism · 8 passages · 5 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about anointing after baptism?
Anointing · 8 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Anointing After Baptism in Early Christianity
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire?
Baptism in the Spirit · 7 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
Did the early church fast for three days before baptism?
Baptism · 6 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
Did the early Christians baptize infants?
Infant baptism · 5 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Baptize Infants?
What did early Christians say about Philip being caught away after baptizing the eunuch?
Baptism · 5 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
What does it mean to be baptized for the dead (1 Corinthians 15:29)?
Baptism for the dead · 5 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
Also in our full study: What does 1 Corinthians 15:29 mean?
The Lord's Supper
Communion and the Eucharist: what it is, who may take it, the love feast.
Our full belief studies on this: The Eucharist · Closed Communion in Early Christianity · The Lord's Supper
24 studies
Did the early church link the Eucharist with gratitude and contentment?
Thanksgiving · 13 passages · 9 writers · 16 quotes
How did early Christians understand the Eucharist, and which Scriptures did they use?
Eucharist · 13 passages · 7 writers · 16 quotes
What did the early church believe about Communion?
Eucharist · 13 passages · 5 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Communion
Did the early Christians believe Communion is truly Christ's body and blood?
Eucharist · 12 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Did the Early Christians Believe in the Real Presence?
Did the early Christians practice closed communion?
Closed communion · 12 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Closed Communion in Early Christianity
Was the early church's love feast the same as communion, and did they wash feet each time?
Love feast · 12 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about the Eucharist?
Eucharist · 12 passages · 6 writers · 17 quotes
Also in our full study: The Eucharist
What did the early Christians believe about the Lord's Supper?
Lord's supper · 12 passages · 6 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: The Lord's Supper
What does “the communion of saints” in the Apostles' Creed mean?
Communion of saints · 12 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What were the most important things early Christians taught about the Lord's Supper?
Lord's supper · 12 passages · 7 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: The Lord's Supper
Did early Christians stay away from communion until they made peace with a brother?
Communion and reconciliation · 11 passages · 6 writers · 16 quotes
Did the early Christians believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist?
Real presence · 11 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Did the Early Christians Believe in the Real Presence?
What did the early Christians believe about Communion and the Eucharist?
Eucharist · 11 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: The Eucharist
What did the early church believe about the Eucharist?
Eucharist · 11 passages · 6 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: The Eucharist
What did the early church say Communion does for our salvation?
Eucharist · 11 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What was most important to the early church about the Lord's Supper?
Lord's supper · 11 passages · 6 writers · 15 quotes
Did the early Christians see the Eucharist as a sacrifice?
Eucharistic sacrifice · 10 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Eucharist as a Sacrifice in Early Christianity
Is there a link between Jesus as the true vine and the wine of communion?
Lord's supper · 10 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about Communion?
Communion · 10 passages · 5 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Communion
What did the early church expect of a person before taking Communion?
Communion · 10 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Why did early Christians call communion a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and how does it shape life?
Eucharist and thanksgiving · 10 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Did the early Christians take communion every week?
Weekly communion · 9 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Weekly Communion in the Early Church
What did the early church pray over the bread and cup at the Eucharist?
Eucharistic prayer · 9 passages · 6 writers · 14 quotes
Should Christians skip communion if a brother has something against them?
Reconciliation · 6 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Money, wealth & giving
Riches and the poor, almsgiving, possessions, generosity and contentment.
Our full belief studies on this: Riches and the Poor · Mark 10:17-31 Meaning · Almsgiving
21 studies
What did early Christians teach about rich and poor, giving alms, and each one's duty to God?
Riches and the poor · 14 passages · 10 writers · 15 quotes
What do rich and poor Christians owe each other, and who should receive alms?
Almsgiving · 14 passages · 9 writers · 16 quotes
What did early Christians mean by poor in spirit, and how did they use wealth?
Wealth and poverty · 12 passages · 7 writers · 14 quotes
Did early Christians think storing up wealth was wrong, and what are its dangers?
Wealth · 11 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
What does James mean by telling the rich to weep and howl (James 5:1–6)?
Wealth · 11 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Is it wrong for a Christian to be a landlord?
Property and wealth · 10 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early Christians teach about generosity, and is it part of God's nature?
Generosity · 10 passages · 8 writers · 12 quotes
What did the early church teach about being content in all things?
Contentment · 10 passages · 7 writers · 10 quotes
Did early Christians teach that being poor in spirit differs from simply being poor?
Poor in spirit · 9 passages · 5 writers · 13 quotes
How did the early Christians contrast generous and greedy uses of money?
Generosity and greed · 9 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
How did the early Christians say believers should handle wealth and possessions?
Possessions · 9 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
What did the early Christians teach about money and how to spend it?
Money · 9 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
Which early church father explained Jesus' hard sayings about the rich?
Wealth · 8 passages · 3 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church teach that giving alms covers sins?
Almsgiving · 7 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Does the eye of a needle in Jesus' saying mean a sewing needle?
Wealth · 7 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
How did early Christians explain making friends with unrighteous mammon (Luke 16:9)?
Wealth · 7 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
What did Jesus teach the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–30)?
Wealth · 7 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
What did the early Christians say a rich person must do to be saved?
Riches and salvation · 7 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
What did the early church teach about the widow's two mites (Luke 21:1–4)?
Giving · 7 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Where did John Chrysostom teach that wealth is given to us to help the poor?
Wealth and the poor · 7 passages · 3 writers · 8 quotes
What did John Chrysostom teach about Luke 16:9 and unrighteous mammon?
Almsgiving · 6 passages · 3 writers · 11 quotes
Marriage, family & purity
Marriage, divorce and remarriage, the marriage bed, lust, family and parents.
Our full belief studies on this: Sex and Marriage · An Unbelieving Spouse · What Matthew 19:3-12 Means
20 studies
What did the early church tell converts who were already married when they believed?
Marriage and conversion · 13 passages · 7 writers · 16 quotes
Did early Christians oppose married sex for pleasure or to ease lustful thoughts?
Sex and marriage · 12 passages · 5 writers · 14 quotes
What do the Bible and early Christians say about masturbation, and is it ever okay?
Sexual purity · 12 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
Is it wrong for a Christian to want sex with their own spouse?
Sex and marriage · 11 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Can a wife divorce an unfaithful husband, and may either spouse remarry?
Divorce and remarriage · 10 passages · 8 writers · 11 quotes
Did baptism wash away the sin of divorce and remarriage for new converts?
Divorce and remarriage · 10 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
How did early Christians describe the struggle against lust and sexual temptation?
Lust and temptation · 10 passages · 10 writers · 16 quotes
Is it lust to desire your own wife?
Lust and marriage · 10 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Is it sinful lust for a married man to desire his own wife?
Marriage and desire · 10 passages · 5 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early Christians teach about marriage and raising children?
Family · 10 passages · 6 writers · 17 quotes
Is marrying a divorced woman whose first husband is alive a real marriage?
Divorce and remarriage · 9 passages · 8 writers · 11 quotes
Should grown children take care of their parents in old age?
Honoring parents · 9 passages · 6 writers · 9 quotes
What did early Christians mean by sodomy, and did it include acts between a husband and wife?
Sexual ethics · 9 passages · 9 writers · 12 quotes
Does Matthew 19:9 allow a person to remarry after a divorce?
Divorce and remarriage · 8 passages · 7 writers · 9 quotes
Is a remarriage from before conversion still adultery?
Divorce and remarriage · 8 passages · 6 writers · 11 quotes
What did early Christians mean by the sin of Sodom?
Sexual morality · 8 passages · 4 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church count marrying a divorced woman as a real marriage?
Divorce and remarriage · 7 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
What does Paul mean that an unbelieving spouse is sanctified (1 Corinthians 7:14)?
Unbelieving spouse · 7 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
When did God forbid marrying your own brother or sister?
Marriage · 5 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
What does it mean that the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife (1 Corinthians 7:14)?
Marriage · 3 passages · 3 writers · 8 quotes
Sin, repentance & the soul
Original sin, human nature, the soul, repentance, confession and forgiveness.
Our full belief studies on this: Repentance · Forgiveness After Baptism in Early Christianity · Original Sin
18 studies
What did the early Christians believe about human nature?
Human nature · 15 passages · 12 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Human Nature
What did the early Christians believe about repentance?
Repentance · 14 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Repentance
What did the early Christians believe about confession of sins?
Confession of sins · 13 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Confession of Sins
What did the early Christians believe about forgiveness after baptism?
Forgiveness · 13 passages · 8 writers · 17 quotes
Also in our full study: Forgiveness After Baptism in Early Christianity
What did the early Christians believe about original sin?
Original sin · 13 passages · 10 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Original Sin
Are we born sinners because of Adam, or do we become sinners by our own free choice?
Original sin · 12 passages · 8 writers · 13 quotes
What did early Christians say the soul is and what it does?
The soul · 12 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about inherited sin?
Inherited sin · 12 passages · 10 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Inherited Sin in Early Christian Writings
What did the early Christians believe about mortal sin?
Mortal sin · 12 passages · 11 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: Early Christian Teaching on Mortal Sin
What did the early Christians believe about penance?
Penance · 12 passages · 10 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Penance
How should we view the Shepherd of Hermas and its teaching on repentance after baptism?
Shepherd of Hermas · 10 passages · 6 writers · 17 quotes
Did early Christians see the battle with temptation as a kind of persecution?
Temptation · 9 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
What is the soul, and how is it different from the spirit?
The soul · 9 passages · 7 writers · 15 quotes
In Clement's story, why did the apostle John swear an oath to the robber?
Repentance · 7 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
Who in the Bible got into trouble through wrong choices, then turned to God and was helped?
Repentance · 7 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
How did John Chrysostom explain Paul's inner war (Romans 7:22–24)?
Romans 7 · 6 passages · 1 writer · 11 quotes
What did John Chrysostom teach about the human soul?
The soul · 6 passages · 1 writer · 9 quotes
What did John Chrysostom teach about the soul?
The soul · 4 passages · 1 writer · 9 quotes
Self-defense, war & government
Nonresistance, self-defense, war, voting, and the Christian's allegiance to God's kingdom.
Our full belief studies on this: Self-Defense · Politics and the Kingdom of God · Two Kingdoms
18 studies
Did the early Christians vote in civil elections?
Voting · 12 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
Is God's kingdom separate from worldly kingdoms, and are rulers against God?
Kingdom of God · 11 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
What is two-kingdom theology, and did the early Christians teach it?
Two kingdoms · 11 passages · 8 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Two Kingdoms
Did early Christians believe the true church could use force to defend the faith?
Church and force · 10 passages · 9 writers · 13 quotes
What did Jesus say about defending yourself?
Self-defense · 10 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Self-Defense
What did the early Christians believe about war?
War · 10 passages · 8 writers · 16 quotes
Also in our full study: War and Peace
What does the Bible say about self-defense?
Self-defense · 10 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
Does Jesus allow Christians to fight back when they are attacked?
Self-defense · 9 passages · 7 writers · 9 quotes
What did the early church believe about politics and government?
Civil government · 9 passages · 6 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: Politics and the Kingdom of God
What does God say about defending yourself?
Self-defense · 9 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: Self-Defense
What does it mean to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)?
Peacemaking · 9 passages · 4 writers · 14 quotes
What does the Bible say about defending yourself when someone attacks you?
Self-defense · 9 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
Can a Christian be loyal to both earthly kingdoms and the kingdom of God?
Christian allegiance · 8 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
What did Jesus say about self-defense?
Self-defense · 8 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
What does God say about self-defense?
Self-defense · 8 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Self-Defense
What did the early church teach about not repaying evil for evil?
Revenge · 7 passages · 7 writers · 11 quotes
Does "all who take the sword will perish by the sword" still allow self-defense?
Nonviolence · 6 passages · 4 writers · 13 quotes
Did any early Christians hold high rank in the Roman Empire?
Christians and government · 5 passages · 5 writers · 8 quotes
Prayer, worship & the Spirit's gifts
Prayer, the holy kiss, the Lord's Day and Sabbath, tongues, prophecy and anointing the sick.
Our full belief studies on this: Prayer · The Holy Kiss in Early Christianity · The Sabbath
18 studies
What did the early Christians believe about the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Gifts of the Spirit · 14 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
Also in our full study: The Gifts of the Spirit
What did the early Christians believe about prophecy?
Prophecy · 13 passages · 9 writers · 15 quotes
Also in our full study: Prophecy
Did the early Christians pray to Jesus himself?
Prayer · 11 passages · 9 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early church pray to Jesus, or only to God the Father?
Prayer to Christ · 11 passages · 7 writers · 13 quotes
What did early Christians teach about prayer, sickness and restoring the wandering (James 5:13–20)?
Prayer and healing · 11 passages · 9 writers · 16 quotes
Did the early Christians pray to Jesus?
Prayer · 10 passages · 5 writers · 13 quotes
Did the early church expect an end-time leader to bring back the seventh-day Sabbath?
Sabbath · 10 passages · 8 writers · 11 quotes
Did the early Christians connect the eighth day with the resurrection?
Eighth day · 9 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
How should a woman stand when she prays?
Prayer posture · 9 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
What did the early Christians believe about speaking in tongues?
Speaking in tongues · 9 passages · 8 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Speaking in Tongues
Did the early Christians pray to Jesus as well as to the Father?
Prayer · 8 passages · 7 writers · 10 quotes
What did the early church teach about anointing the sick with oil (James 5:14–15)?
Anointing the sick · 8 passages · 7 writers · 9 quotes
What is a holy kiss, and what did the early Christians teach about it?
Holy kiss · 8 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: The Holy Kiss in Early Christianity
Is there evidence that Christians in the first and second centuries prayed to God?
Prayer · 7 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What is a holy kiss?
The holy kiss · 7 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
What is the holy kiss in the Bible, and how did early Christians practice it?
Holy kiss · 7 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Also in our full study: The Holy Kiss in Early Christianity
Why did the healed man carry his bed on the Sabbath (John 5:11)?
Sabbath · 6 passages · 2 writers · 13 quotes
What does Elijah's prayer for no rain teach us about prayer (James 5:17–18)?
Prayer · 5 passages · 4 writers · 8 quotes
Angels, Satan & creation
Good and fallen angels, Satan and evil spirits, creation, the firmament and the stars.
Our full belief studies on this: Angels · What Early Christians Taught About Satan · Firmament and the Shape of the World in Early Christianity
16 studies
Will Christians rule with Christ, and how do saints differ from angels in heaven?
Saints and angels · 14 passages · 8 writers · 16 quotes
Does God send evil spirits to trouble people, as with Saul and Ahab?
Evil spirits · 12 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
How did early Christians read the Book of Enoch's story of the fallen angels?
Fallen angels · 12 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
Is it right to rebuke the devil, and how is a rebuke different from an accusation?
Spiritual warfare · 12 passages · 8 writers · 12 quotes
Where does the Bible mention seraphim, and what did early Christians say they do?
Angels · 12 passages · 5 writers · 14 quotes
Can Christians today rebuke Satan and cast out demons as Jesus and the apostles did?
Exorcism · 11 passages · 8 writers · 14 quotes
Is Satan called an angel of light, and what do the words angel and light mean?
Satan · 10 passages · 6 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early church teach about the shape of the earth and the sun, moon and stars?
Creation · 10 passages · 9 writers · 14 quotes
Did the early Christians believe stars are angels?
Angels · 9 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Does Genesis 2 say man was made before the animals, unlike Genesis 1?
Creation · 9 passages · 8 writers · 11 quotes
Are all angels of light evil, or does the Bible speak of good angels of light?
Angels · 8 passages · 7 writers · 12 quotes
Are angels stars, and are stars angels?
Angels · 7 passages · 4 writers · 8 quotes
Do the bounds God set on the waters mean an ice wall around the earth (Job 26:10)?
Creation · 7 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What did the early Christians say the firmament is made of?
The firmament · 7 passages · 7 writers · 9 quotes
Who gave the stars their names, according to the Bible and the early church?
Stars and creation · 6 passages · 6 writers · 8 quotes
How does Jude link the fallen angels with Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 1:6–7)?
Fallen angels · 5 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
Head covering, hair & dress
Head coverings, beards, braided and long hair, jewelry and wedding rings.
15 studies
What did the early church teach about head coverings and headship?
Head covering · 9 passages · 3 writers · 12 quotes
What did the early church teach about women covering their heads?
Head covering · 9 passages · 3 writers · 13 quotes
What did the early church think Paul meant about head coverings (1 Corinthians 11:1–16)?
Head covering · 9 passages · 5 writers · 14 quotes
What did the early church teach about head coverings (1 Corinthians 11:1–16)?
Head covering · 7 passages · 3 writers · 10 quotes
At what age did girls in the early church begin wearing a head covering?
Head covering · 5 passages · 2 writers · 8 quotes
What do the Bible and the early Christians say about wedding rings?
Jewelry · 8 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
What does a wedding ring symbolize in the Bible?
Rings and marriage · 8 passages · 4 writers · 9 quotes
What does the Bible say about wedding rings?
Wedding rings · 8 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
Did the early Christians teach that men must wear a beard?
Beards · 7 passages · 4 writers · 8 quotes
Also in our full study: Beards
Did the early Christians think women may braid their hair (1 Peter 3:3–4)?
Braided hair · 7 passages · 5 writers · 12 quotes
Did the early church forbid women from trimming their hair at all?
Hair · 7 passages · 3 writers · 8 quotes
What did the early Christians think about men wearing beards?
Beards · 7 passages · 5 writers · 11 quotes
What did the early church teach about braided hair?
Braided hair · 7 passages · 4 writers · 12 quotes
Also in our full study: Did Early Christians Allow Braided Hair?
What did the early church teach about men wearing beards?
Beards · 7 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
Also in our full study: Beards
Did the early church let Christian women braid their hair?
Braided hair · 6 passages · 3 writers · 10 quotes
End times, heaven & hell
The last days, the beast and 666, the Second Coming, heaven and hell.
Our full belief studies on this: 666 and the Beast · Hell
13 studies
What did early Christians teach about the 6,000 years, 666, and Daniel's kingdoms?
End times · 10 passages · 5 writers · 14 quotes
What is the mark of the beast?
Mark of the beast · 10 passages · 5 writers · 13 quotes
Also in our full study: The Mark of the Beast
Who are the two men who never died, and how will they return in the last days?
Enoch and Elijah · 9 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
How did early Christians explain the beast, the ten horns and the living creatures in Revelation?
Revelation · 8 passages · 3 writers · 13 quotes
Did early Christians believe the world would last 6,000 years?
End times · 7 passages · 6 writers · 10 quotes
What did early Christians say about the sun, moon and stars in the end times?
End times · 7 passages · 6 writers · 12 quotes
How can hell be both fire and outer darkness?
Hell · 6 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
Asked 2 times; each ask became its own study.
Study 2 · 4 passages · 3 writers · 7 quotes
What did early Christians mean by the "book of the living"?
Book of life · 6 passages · 5 writers · 10 quotes
What did early Christians teach about 666 and the mark of the beast?
The beast · 6 passages · 3 writers · 12 quotes
What did the early church teach about the many mansions in John 14:2–3?
Heaven · 6 passages · 6 writers · 7 quotes
What does "one taken and the other left" mean (Luke 17:35)?
Second coming · 6 passages · 4 writers · 10 quotes
What does "the moon shall alter her order" mean (1 Enoch 80:4)?
End times · 6 passages · 5 writers · 9 quotes
Newer questions
Questions on topics we have not sorted into a subject yet.
Our full belief study on this: Public Baths
1 study
What did the early church teach about hot baths and rich sauces?
Baths and food · 11 passages · 6 writers · 16 quotes