Marcion

Marcion is singled out as the worst of heretics by Irenaeus, mainly through the way that he chooses to multilate the Scriptures.

Adoptionist Christology

One of the interesting things that can be gauged from the overview of heresies is how the adoptionist Christologies that Irenaeus had to deal with (e..g. the Ebionites) were the fruit of a negative understanding of material, bodily existence. As such it was considered unacceptable that the Christ had become truly incarnate, and especially unacceptable that the same Christ had suffered and died. Hence, some explanation, in which Jesus is reduced to being the son of Joseph and Mary and the "Spirit" of Christ abandoned him when he went to the cross had to be developed.

Unless of course one claims like one of these groups that it was actually Simon Cyrene who died on the cross, and Jesus took on the corporeal form of Simon in the mean time and laughed at those who believed that it was him on the cross.

Somethings remain the same

As heresy after heresy is listed, I felt the following comment by Irenaeus had some contemporary parallel:

"These men, even as the Gentiles, have been sent forth by Satan to bring dishonour upon the Church, so that, in one way or another, men hearing the things which they speak, and imagining that we all are such as they, may turn away their ears from the preaching of the truth; or, again, seeing the things they practise, may speak evil of us all"

Or even the following:
"Many offshoots of numerous heresies have already been formed from those heretics we have described. This arises from the fact that numbers of them — indeed, we may say all — desire themselves to be teachers, and to break off from the particular heresy in which they have been involved. "

Against Marconites ctd...

Irenaeus continues his critique of the Marconites summarizing two key themes:
(1) Their belief that the creator of the world is not the "invisible father"
(2) Their complex schemes of redemption which centre around the concept of salvation through knowledge from ignorance towards perfection.

Against this Irenaeus sets the "rule of truth" which affirms God as the creator.

Marconites

To take craziness to frontiers it has never reached before, seems to have been the motto of the followers of Marcus. Irenaeus describes him as a gnostic magician, who used his tricks to seduce and take advantage of rich women, single or married. Marcus' follows the Valentinus system, adding in a greater concern with numerology, especially Gematria.

In his rebuke of Marcus, it is important to note that Irenaeus does not refute his prophecy by claiming that the gift of prophecy had ceased, rather he refers to it as a fraud or demon-inspired.

Drawing Distinctions

In chapters 10-12 Irenaeus explores, with a bit of sarcasm, the distinctions between different "Gnostic" systems. We also have the following understanding of God:
"He, as soon as He thinks, also performs what He has willed; and as soon as He wills, also thinks that which He has willed; then thinking when He wills, and then willing when He thinks, since He is all thought, [all will, all mind, all light,] all eye, all ear, the one entire fountain of all good things."

Irenaeus' Refutation

Irenaeus is relatively brief in his refutation of his opponents. Basically:

(1) He questions their hermeneutic, applying it to Homer to show what ridiculous results could be reached.
(2) He also refers to the apostolic tradition, the faith he claims is common to all churches of his time in all languages.
(3) In Irenaeus, although he does not use this terminology, we see a distinction made between the faith, which is considered unique, and its formulations, which may vary according to the skills and the approach of different theologians.

Brain in a Knot

Trying to disentagle myself from the aenoic confusion of the Valentians. Some key points:

(i) Note how they divide humanity into three groups: spiritual, material and animal, only the first group will be saved, to marry the angels in heaven.
(ii) Their christology is adoptionist and they deny that the heavenly saviour shared in the sufferings of the human Christ.
(iii) Their hermeneutics involves bringing in ideas from outside of scripture, chopping scripture about and re-interpreting it in an esoteric manner. Once again, this reminds me of the methodology of many fundamentalist groups on the fringe of conservative evangelicalism.

Valentinus' ideas

Having encountered sectarian and esoterically fundamentalist groups, I must admit I saw traces of their approach in the outline of Valentinus' complex, and bizarre ideas. To get a grasp of these ideas, of 30 different Aeons with multiple names and intersecting offspring one needs to be a Sudoku lover on Red Bull and caffeine pills. Some comments, however:

(1) The very incomprehensibility of the system seems to be part of its mystique, attracting people as a revelation of heavenly, esoteric mysteries.
(2) A key theme is that "material substance had its beginning from ignorance and grief, and fear and bewilderment." This has implications for soteriology, christology, and ethics.

Soteriology: Salvation comes from knowledge of the "spiritual nature." They further hold that the consummation of all things will take place when all that is spiritual has been formed and perfected by Gnosis (knowledge); and by this they mean spiritual men who have attained to the perfect knowledge of God, and been initiated into these mysteries by Achamoth."

Christology: Jesus, who is somehow related to one of 2 Christs and somewhere fits into the whole system, did not assume a material nature, only a spiritual nature.

Ethics: For the "spiritual man" what one does with the material body is of no use.

(3) Hermeneutics: Valentinus' gang's hermeneutics is of "Bible Code" methodology, seeking secret symbols and numerical codes in Scripture.
(note --for the really enthusiastic--Achamoth is mother of the demiurge, she is also known Ogdoad, Sophia; Terra, Jerusalem, Holy Spirit, and, with a masculine reference, Lord, she herself is not an Aeon, but daughter of Sophia an Aeon who in turn was the youngest of 12 aeons coming from Anthopos and Ecclesia, and who fell due to an attack of passion...told you it was bizarre!)

Irenaeus: Against Heresies Book 1

Arguably the most complicated to spell of church fathers, is also one who is becoming increasingly popular. Could be an interesting ride.

In his preface he expresses concern over "blasphemous and impious opinions respecting the Demiurge" which he links to "disciples of Ptolemaeus" coming from Valentinus.

What is of interest is that Irenaeus seeks to study his opponents in their primary sources and seek personal interaction with them. He has studied enough of their material to recognise the plausibility of their system, as well as its dangers.

Resurrection Fragments

Fragmentary response to a fragmentary document.

(1) Justin adopts what can be called a christological hermeneutic. Christ is the Word, proceeding from the Father who is the truth. Hence, Jesus needs no proof to back him up, for he is the proof by which all else is judged.

(2) In many ways Justin sings from the emerging/missional choir. He denies that there is any "secular" sphere "because to God nothing is secular, not even the world itself, for it is His workmanship;" and hence he feels free to employ philosophical arguments. On the same line, he emphasises the goodness of the body as God's creation. Nonetheless, there is some of the anti-sexual ascetism of later Christian tradition in his claim that some refuse to marry, (and Jesus was born of a virgin) to abolish "lawless desire". This seems to be a reference to marriage not for the sake of having children and suggest that maybe not all the blame can be laid upon Augustine after all.

(3) Justin points to the futility of arguments between trichotomists and dichotomists, for at times he is able to speak of humans as "Body and Soul" and at other times as "body, soul and spirit."

(4) The arguments against the resurrection that Justin faced seem to be similar to ones we see today (i) it is impossible (ii) it is undesirable (iii) Jesus' resurrection was spiritual.

Justin and the Sole Government of God

This short tract typifies Justin's love-hate relationship with his Greek heritage. On the one hand, he attacks Greek idolatry, but on the other hand this attack is mediated through Greek poets.

Again there is an interesting theological point to ponder. How much truth is there to his suggestion that it is in the poetry of other religions that we may yet find the truth concerning the One God still present, albeit in an oblique form?

Justin and Greek culture ctd...

The rest of Justin's address carries on his love-hate relationship with Greek culture. Whilst on the one hand he can be quite disparaging, even to state that most if not all the philosophers are suffering in Hades and of no use, on the other hand he tries to find links between that culture and the Bible.

Hence Plato is said to have learned from Moses. Why is this not clearer in Plato's writings? At times, Justin suggests it is because Plato misinterpreted Moses, at others because he was afraid of suffering the same fate as Socrates.

Finally, Justin ends with a very enigmatic statement that the ancient Sybil prophesied the coming of Christ.

Link on Justin and OT

A more detailed look, by Brandon Watson, at how Justin uses a specific OT passage can be found here

Hortatory Address to the Greeks

Chapters 1-18 are a rather strange bunch. Justin begins by demolishing Greek religion, poetry and philosophy (not even the great Plato and Aristotle escape) by pointing to its internal contradictions and ridiculous features, yet in the end, still appeals to the same tradition to support the notion of monotheism.

Justin also engages in a rather weak argument concerning the antiquity of Moses. He obviously believes in the Septuagint legend, and places great value on it.

On a theological level it is interesting to note that Justin describes the inspiration of scripture as the Holy Spirit using the Biblical authors as a musician would use an instrument. I wonder whether he would allow the shape and nature of the instrument to effect the music played, i.e. move away from a dictation-theory of inspiration?

Discourse to the Greeks

After the long marathon of "Dialogue with Trypho" the fast sprint of "Discourse to the Greeks" in which Justin savages his Greek heritage, especially the immorality present in much of the mythology.

Concluding the "dialogue"

Justin concludes by going over many familiar points to establish that Church>Israel. One new argument is a typology by which Leah becomes Israel and Rachel the Church.

After some of the heat generated in the dialogue it was touching to see the cordial, even friendly tone on which it concluded.

Christology

In chapters 126-129 Justin rehashes familiar ground, claiming that appearances of God in the OT refer to the Son rather than the Father who is ineffable.

Clues of his christology lie in his insistence that whilst Father and Son are numerically distinct, they share in the same essence such as two flames coming from the same fire [in this case the Father being the original fire/flame]

Israel?

In chapters 122-125 Justin seeks to argue that the church is the true Israel, as Christ is the true Israel. In a rather bizarre line of argument he claims that Israel is originally a name belonging to Christ, which he granted to Jacob.

Justin repeats himself

As I read through chapters 103-121 of the dialogue (rather a generous term as Trypho does not get much of a say!) I must admit to sharing in Trypho's comment:

“You do well; and though you repeat the same things at considerable length, be assured that I and my companions listen with pleasure.”

Most of these chapters are devoted to reading references to Christ and Christians in the OT. Although I sympathise with Justin on this point, I am not so content with those passages where he seeks to establish this from what seems to be an "objective" point of view; but more at ease when he admits that "Would you suppose, sirs, that we could ever have understood these matters in the Scriptures, if we had not received grace to discern by the will of Him whose pleasure it was?"reminding us of the vital role of the Holy Spirit in any genuinely Christian hermeneutic.

In the midst of some of his more aggressive rhetoric against Jews, it is a relief to read him say
" Yet we do not hate you or those who, by your means, have conceived such prejudices against us; but we pray that even now all of you may repent and obtain mercy from God, the compassionate and long-suffering Father of all."

Justin on the cross

In chapters 89-102 we see Justin dealing with another of Trypho's insightful objections. As a Jew, Trypho objects to the fact that Jesus was the Messiah, if, as someone who was crucified he was cursed.

Justin answers by (1) pointing to OT passages which he sees pointing towards the cross (2) claiming that the curse Jesus had on the cross referred to him being cursed by those who crucified him.

Considering current debates, it is interesting to see Justin's views on the atonement:

(1) Christ's death was on account of human sin.
(2) Jesus took upon himself the curse of humanity.
(3) This was according to the will of the Father.
(4) Christ's death is seen as the destruction of Satan, and evil angels and humans, but life for the righteous.

Another interesting nugget is the way in which Justin seeks to tie the virgin birth to the atonement:

" and that He became man by the Virgin, in order that the disobedience which proceeded from the serpent might receive its destruction in the same manner in which it derived its origin. For Eve, who was a virgin and undefiled, having conceived the word of the serpent, brought forth disobedience and death. But the Virgin Mary received faith and joy, when the angel Gabriel announced the good tidings to her "

Another good question from Trypho

In chapter 87 Trypho asks another of his good questions. Basically he wants to know how Justin can claim that Christ is pre-existent and at the same time apply Isaiah 11:1 to him, if this verse suggests that the root of Jesse has yet to receive "the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and piety: and the spirit of the fear of the Lord shall fill Him".

For once, Justin gives a straight (not short chs 87-89!) answer and avoids patronizing Trypho. For Justin this means not that Christ needed these gifts; but rather that they find their fulfilment in him. Rather more controversially he argues in chapter 89 that the descent of the Spirit on Christ when he was baptised was not for his sake, but for the sake of the faith of humans.

Two significant theological points to make are:

(i) Justin sees the "charismatic" spiritual gifts as still being in operation, and women being recipients of such gifts alongside men.
(ii) Justin understands both angels and humans as having free will, and that they receive blessing or punishment according to how they exercise this free will.

Justin and Prophecy

In chapters 83-86 Justin continues to interpret the OT Christologically to justify the Christian faith. Whilst I sympathise with his approach, it is rather disconcerting to observe that he seems unaware that this is what he is doing. Hence, not all the arguments that he uses to defend the objectivity of his position (e.g. the superiority of the LXX over the Hebrew text of the OT) are convincing.

Justin's Eschatology

Justin's eschatology can be summarized in the following words from Chapter 80

"But I and others, who are right-minded Christians on all points, are assured that there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a thousand years in Jerusalem, which will then be built, adorned, and enlarged, [as] the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah and others declare."

As regards debates on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the following from Chapter 82 is of note:

"For the prophetical gifts remain with us, even to the present time."

Justin on the Virgin Birth

Chapters 67-78 provide us with a lengthy rather tedious discussion on the virgin birth. Trypho objects to this teaching claiming
(1) There are parallels in Greek mythology.
(2) The prophecy from Isaiah refers to a young woman and was fulfilled in Hezekiah.

Justin answers (1) with his concept of demonic imitation of Christian teaching
(2) He begins with a very unconvincing claim that the Jews distorted the LXX. He has a stronger argument in affirming that it is hard to see the prophecy fully fulfilled in Hezekiah, leading him to search for a Christological referent.

Discussing Old Testament Monotheism

In chapters 55-66 Justin continues to engage the remarkable patient Trypho, seeking to defend from the OT the divinity of Christ.

Justin builds upon certain Old Testament passages which point to a dynamic monotheism, especially those where the Angel of the Lord is referred to as God/Lord, and the passages in Proverbs where the Wisdom of God is hypostasised. He sees these as references to Christ, although he is not prepared to admit that one needs the New Testament to make such a conclusion.

However, the Christology that Justin develops is not without its own problems. His christology is subordinationist, and is worryingly concerned with insisting that the Son is "numerically distinct" from the Father. One can see how this could be pushed in an Arian direction to affirm that the Son does not share in the divine essence.

Blood?

In the midst of his describing Messianic prophecies, Justin makes what seems to be a strange Christological comment in chapter 54

"Christ derives blood not from the seed of man, but from the power of God"

using this to claim that

"Christ is not man of men, begotten in the ordinary course of humanity.”

Messiah

Chapters 47-52 see Justin debating Trypho on the Messiahship of Jesus. On the whole, Justin is more convincing when he seeks to claim that John the Baptist came in the Spirit of Elijah, less convincing when he tries to read a reference to two comings of Christ in Jacob's blessing of Judah in Genesis.

Another line of argument I do not know what to make of is the claim that Jesus' messiahship is supported by the fact that after John the Baptist no new prophet emerged amongst the people of Israel.

Can one keep the law

Chapters 46-47 deal with Justin's answer to Trypho's next question, concerning whether a Christian can keep the Mosaic law and still be saved. Justin's answer is that they could, but they shouldn't. In this he claims to be more moderate than many other Christians who cast off completely those who seek to keep the law.

Justin also views apostasy as a real possibility. That is, for Justin it is possible for someone who believed in Christ to reject him and thus no longer be saved.

Trypho inquires

Whatever one may think of Trypho, it is difficult to deny that he is able to ask good questions. His next question is what happens to those who died before Christ came.

Justin's answer is that they are saved according to their righteousness, but through Christ, who destroyed the power of the devil and of death.

Salvation and Jesus

In chapters 43-44 Justin is quite clear that Jesus is the only means of salvation for Jews and Gentiles, for Jesus is the end of the OT law bringing "everlasting law", "everlasting covenant" and "spiritual circumcision."

However, he is on exegetically weak ground when he seeks to argue for the reading "virgin" in Isaiah 9 against the "young woman" of his Jewish opponents.

Justin and Typology

In chapters 40-42 Justin engages in typological exegesis, reading the New Testament into the Old. In my "salad days when I was green in judgement" when I was more enamoured with the Historical-Critical Method I would have rubbished such an approach. However, these days I acknowledge that at least Justin makes the offering of fine flour which was offered by the lepers be of relevance to his contemporaries by linking it to the Eucharist.

Justin and Hermeneutics ctd...

In chapters 36-39 the dialogue takes an interesting turn. Justin justifies the Christian faith, especially the adoration of Jesus, by interpreting the Old Testament Christologically. Naturally, for Trypho, this is blasphemy, and he worries that Justin may, to quote the first dog to visit this blog, be "barking mad."

The role of heresy

For Justin, the existence of heresy, in a funny sort of way, confirms the truth of the Gospel, as the coming of heretics was predicted by Jesus and the New Testament. (Ch 35)

Hermeneutical controversies

In chapters 32-34 we see Trypho and Justin exchanging hermeneutical arguments.

Trypho quite understandably objects to Justin's use of scripture, and especially to his equating of Jesus with the Messiah when from the Jewish perspective Jesus was a failure.

Justin responds by interpreting Isaiah 53 christologically, and reiterating two comings of Christ, one in humility, another in glory. He also argues at length why Old Testament Psalms [which he believes were dictated to David by the Holy Spirit] should be interpreted christologically.

Justin's power evangelism?

Chapters 30-31 raised my eyebrows concerning Justin's apologetic use of spiritual warfare. An argument for the Christian faith is the power of the name of Jesus in the casting out of demons. Justin then quotes from the book of Daniel to emphasise that Jesus' power will be even greater at his second coming.

A good question

In chapters 26-29 Justin has to face a good question from Trypho concerning his rather selective use of the Old Testament. Trypho is particularly annoyed at the way in which Justin seems to overlook those passages which do not support Justin's perspective.

Justin's reply is to repeat his argument that the law was given due to the hardness of the heart of the Jews. His hermeneutics can be summarized in the following quote:

"They are contained in your scriptures, or rather not yours, but ours. For we believe them but you... do not catch the spirit that is in them."

Law and Hard Hearts

In chapters 14-25 Justin continues with his barrage on law-keeping. His main arguments are:

(1) The Jews err by not realising the spiritual meaning that the law pointed to.
(2) Prior to Moses there was no law, nonetheless there were still many considered righteous before God.
(3) Justin also explores considerably the concept of the law being given due to the hardness of the hearts of the Jews. Hence, the law is not presented as being essential to God's will, but more of an emergency measure to avoid more sinning and idolatry. To back up his argument Justin makes use of the OT prophetic rhetoric against Israel. However, the tone takes an unfortunate direction when it moves from being a Jewish critique of fellow countrymen, to being appropriated by an "outsider", a Christian.
(4) A more bizarre argument is developed concerning circumcision, which for Justin was established by God to set the Jews aside as the ones who crucified Jesus (therefore, Justin has to ignore the role played by the "uncircumcised" Romans, an unfortunately too common move in Christian theology).

Jesus the New Law

Briefly:
Chapters 10-13 introduce the division between Trypho and Justin. For Trypho, Christians are in error for not keeping the law. For Justin, Jews are in error for not recognising the new law, the new covenant, Jesus and seeks to quote the OT to prove his point.

Dialogue with Trypho

As this is a very extensive document my blogging on it will resemble Match of the Day, focusing really on the bits that struck me as interesting.

In chapters 1-9 Justin narrates how he meets Trypho, a Jew, and tells him the story of his conversion. Some key points:

(1) The old man who witnessed to Justin emphasises that the prophets did not need to use demonstration as they were witnesses, of events but especially the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
(2) Justin's conversion is described in terms of a fire being kindled. Echoes of Wesley and other charismatic conversions?
(3) So far the portrayal of Trypho is positive. He refuses to scorn Justin as those with him did, rather he chooses to engage in intellectual debate. He criticises Christians for ignoring OT law and for setting up a false Christ, as he believes the true Christ needs to be anointed by Elijah.

Christians and death

Before concluding his apology, Justin gives some indication of how he moved from being a Platonist to being a Christian. For him, a significant factor was the faithfulness of Christians when faced with death, which points to them as people committed to the truth.

Justin did not so much reject platonism, as see this philosophy having but part of the "spermatic word" revealed fully in Christ.

More clues regarding Justin's Christology: Christ is worshipped and loved "next to God" and through his sufferings brought healing.

Justin and Socrates

In chapter 10 Justin once again comments on Socrates as an example of a pagan philosopher who apprehended part of the Word. In fact, for Justin, all wisdom outside of Christianity comes when people are able to know the Word in a partial manner.

In terms of his Christology, Justin affirms that Christ became "the whole rational being, both body, and reason, and soul"

Justin on free will

In chapter 7, after claiming that the destruction of the whole world is delayed due to the "seed of the Christians", Justin goes on to affirm his belief in human free will. In fact, it is only due to the fact that "each man by free choice acts rightly or sins" that God can be said to be just in punishing evil with eternal punishment.

Both chapter 7 and 8 see Justin develop also his "seed of the Logos" concept. Not only is Socrates honoured through this principle, but others from the Stoic school such as Heraclitus. However, before we push Justin into a pomo pluralist direction, in chapter 9 he points to Jesus as the "right Reason" who proved that not all opinions nor all doctrines are good.

Names of God and Christ

Chapter 6 has many theological points:

(1) God, the Father, has no name, only apellations as there is no one superior to him to name him.
(2) The Word/Son named as Christ to refer to his anointing, named as Jesus to refer to his status as saviour and man.
(3) Christ came for the sake of believing men and for the destruction of demons. Christus Victor!
(4) John Wimber you have a friend! Justin points to the significance of Christian exorcists healing numberless demoniacs, even in Rome itself.

Justin and the Watcher Tradition

After pointing out in chapter 4 that Christians do not kill themselves because they do not wish to block God's purposes, Justin explains the origin of evil and persecution of Christians in the world.

In a nutshell, Justin refers to the watcher tradition (Genesis 6 via 1 Enoch) in which fallen angels have intercourse with women, their offspring being demons. These demons are the source of evil and of paganism. Particularly surprising is Justin's claim that the names given to pagan gods by "poets and mythologists" are the very names the fallen angels chose for themselves and their offspring.

Spiritual warfare was the subject of my MA dissertation, and the Watcher tradition was one of the more entertaining stories to explore. Although the bulk of the tradition is fantasy, and lacks Biblical support, one should not discard this awareness of non-human evil to readily.

The Second Apology of Justin: Persecution

In chapters 1-3 Justin reminds us of the context of his teaching: persecution. It is particularly poignant to read that: "I expect to be plotted against and fixed to the stake". This, sadly, is the background that church members and students I live with who come from Pakistan and Myanmar live with on an everyday basis. If, at times Justin's words about paganism come across harsh, it is important to remember that these are the people who are endangering their lives (just as many Pakistani Christians find it harder to be "moderate" about Islam).

The weekly worship of Christians

Chapters 67-68 draw the apology to a close. In chapter 67 Justin describes the worship of the Christians. Some points:

(1) Help for the poor and those in need is given a central position.
(2) Strong role for the Eucharist and prayer.
(3) Great emphasis is on teaching, including the "memoirs of the apostles."
(4) The main service is on Sunday.

Couldn't help reflecting that so many of the more positive concerns of the Emerging church and missional churches are encapsulated here.

Justin on the Eucharist

After one of his rants on deceiving demons in chapter 64, in chapters 65-66 Justin describes the Christian eucharist. Some points:

(1) Justin does seem to see some relationship between works and salvation.
(2) The wine is mixed with water.
(3) Justin points again to receiving this teaching from the apostles.

One major question is what does Justin believe happens to the bread and the wine? What does he mean when he says "not as common bread and common drink do we receive these"? Although transubstantiation or consubstantiation fit this passage well, it is also possible, though less likely that he saw identifying the body and blood of Christ in the elements as an act of faith.

Justin's Christology

Chapters 62-63 although us to see a bit more of Justin's Christology. For Justin it was Christ who spoke to Moses from the burning bush, and he also takes OT references to the Angel of the Lord to be references to Christ. The logic for this seems to come from Justin's close identification of Christ with the "Word of God".

Also, some questions I was having previously are being clarified as Christ is clearly referred to as "being the first-begotten Word of God, is even God." Nonetheless, the status of nameless/ineffable God is reserved by Justin for the Father.

Justin on Baptism

Chapter 61 introduces Justin's teaching on Christian baptism. Some key features:

(1) Baptism of those who are persuaded and believe
(2) Baptism associated with regeneration
(3) Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
(4) Claim that this tradition is handed down from the apostles.

Plato and Moses

Justin in chapter 59-60 seeks to develop the historically inaccurate argument that Plato read and was influenced by Moses. Although wrong, this argument is nonetheless interesting as it balances out the negative attitude to paganism expressed in the previous chapters.

Justin and the demons

In chapters 54-58 we have Justin present his rather interesting take on spiritual warfare. For Justin similarities between paganism and Christianity come because demons have sought to cause confusion and launch what could best be described as a pre-emptive strike. Demons are also behind the persecution of the church, and also for raising heretics such as Marcion.

In between, Justin claims that demons have failed to replicate the cross, the structure of which God has placed in many areas of creation.

The logic of prophecy

In chapter 51-52 Justin argues that because prophecies concerning the first coming of Christ proved to be true, we can trust in prophecies concerning the second coming. His vision of hell is grim, not only do the condemned suffer eternal punishment, they also receive eternal sensibility.

Prophecy also provides a rational grounding for the Christian faith, Justin argues in chapter 53. The fulfilment of prophecy is what allows one to overcome the scandal of the claims made about the person of Jesus.

Prophecy ctd...

Chapters 46-50 continue Justin's theme of Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled in Christ. Of particular significance is the claim that the Word was in the world before the birth of Jesus so that every race in the world can be seen as partakers of the Word. Another enigmatic claim, as regards Justin's christology, is his reference to an "ineffable origin" of Christ.

Free Will and Determinism

Chapters 44-45 lead Justin to deal with the issue of free will, possibly because his stress on prophecy might lead to determinism.

Justin rejects determinism, as he sees it eroding moral accountability. For Justin, humans choose freely, and denies that God's knowledge of the future is linked to his decreeing what will happen. Rather God knows what will happen, but only decrees that virtue will be rewarded with recompense and vice with punishment. His vision on predestination is also made clear, as Justin claims that the return of Christ is delayed until those who are foreknown to be virtuous and good have their number complete.

Significantly, Justin ties this in with Plato's teaching, whilst making the claim that Plato was inspired by Moses in this sense. Although historically inaccurate, there may be a sense in which this is spiritually acceptable. If there is a seed of truth in all men, than it is not mistaken to follow Justin and say that this comes from the same Spirit that inspired Moses.

Prophecy continued

In chapters 40-42 Justin continues the same theme, indicating how David prophesised concerning Jesus. He also seeks to retort to a possible objection, that David spoke about many things as if they had already happened. For Justin, this is due to the prophetic certainty that these things would take place.

Justin on the Bible

Chapters 36-39 provide us with more insight on Justin's perspective regarding scripture. He sees the Spirit inspiring different prophetic utterances, some through the Son/Word, some through the Father and some through direct predictions from the Spirit.

The prophesised Christ

Justin continues his apology in chapters 30-35 by quoting Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ. On the whole he covers the same ground that the NT covers, whilst providing 1-2 examples of his own.

Still much to unpack regarding Justin's Christology. Jesus is described as being the "first power" after God the Father and whilst taking human flesh the blood was not of human seed but of divine power. In narrating the virgin birth Justin takes great care to point out there is no link with pagan myths of intercourse between gods and humans, although his statement that the Spirit and the power of God in the OT are the Word, the first-born of God made me raise my eyebrows.

Children, family and soteriology

In chapters 27 and 29 Justin condemns the practice of exposing children, which from the context I deduce to be the custom of abandoning children to be picked up by others. He sees marriage as centred on having and caring for children, and celibacy the only option for those who are not married.

In chapter 28 we get some insights into Justin's understanding of salvation. Eternal damnation is reserved for the devil and those who follow him. Yet God delays from carrying out this punishment, due to his concern for all those that he foreknows will be saved. Humans are created "rational and contemplative", with the power to choose the truth and know right, and thus there is no excuse before God.

The irrationality of persecution

In Chapters 24-26 Justin emphasises the irrationality of persecution of Christians, in the light of the beliefs which are tolerated in the Roman Empire. Justin is particularly scathing of the immorality of many pagan gods.

Justin also refers to "magicians" who are tolerated. He refers to Simon, probably the same one from Acts, and also to a disciple of his Menander. Here we also have a reference to Marcion, who is described as denying that God created the universe for there "is a God greater than the creator."

Justin and paganism

Chapters 20-23 are fascinating in that we see Justin seek to argue for the plausibility of Christian faith, and hence for the arbitrary nature of persecution, by indicating parallels with pagan religion and pagan philosophy. At times, the parallels one rather close for comfort, as when he relates the sonship of Christ to the sons of God in pagan literature. Later, however, he will claim that this is due to demons distorting Christian doctrine in advance.

Justin's christology appears ambiguous at the moment. Does he believe in the eternity of the Son? On one occasion he refers to Christ as "first-born", on another as "first begotten".

Justin on the resurrection

Rather appropriate theme considering the claims of titanic proportions being made elsewhere...

Ch. 18-19
Justin clearly defends the resurrection of the body, and sees the wicked as being condemned to hell. What is interesting is the way he tries to establish links with pagan philosophy, and even religion to strengthen his position. Although this is anachronistic, his arguments in chapter 19 reminded me of statements by one of my teachers Rob Cook, [quoting K. Ward if I am not mistaken], of the resurrection being not a breaking of the "laws" of nature, but the operation of a higher law.

Justin quotes Jesus

Chapters 13-17

Justin sets the persecution faced by Christians in the context of spiritual warfare, it is due to the influence of demons that the Roman authorities oppose them, although they do no evil.

Justin then quotes Jesus extensively (apparently from his memory of the Gospels) to indicate the quality of the Christian faith. His main emphasis is on holiness, for he wishes to persuade his readers that Christians are no threat, in fact, although they only worship God and not Caesar in all else they are law-abiding.

Some interesting points:

1. Justin rejects double marriage.
2. Justin claims that there are many men and women who although now are old have led moral and pure lives.
3. Justin affirms that those who do not live holy lives are not genuine Christians. In fact, "not those who make profession, but those who do the works, will be saved."

Justin Christian worship and mini creed

Chapter 13 is another theological gem. Here Justin sets Christian worship and the rejection of sacrifices and other forms of religious ritual in the context of God desiring prayers and the good use of the creation that he has established.

Here we also have a proto-trinitarian mini-creed where Christ is worshipped as the son of God and the prophetic Spirit is referred to. The nature of Justin's belief is still unclear here as he refers to Christ as "second to the eternal and unchangeable God".

Justin on government, salvation and Trinity

Chapter 12 is full of interesting theological themes.

(1) Justin emphasises that the authorities should be content with Christians as they are allies in promoting peace. But this is no free cheque for politicians, for Justin also claims that the power of rulers who esteem opinion over truth is that of robbers in a desert.

(2) The emphasis in this chapter is strongly on the link between good works and salvation. Eternal punishment comes to those who do evil, eternal salvation to those who do good.

(3) Here we have language of the son being begotten of the Father.

Justin, the Kingdom and Death

In chapter 10 Justin emphasises that Christians are not looking for a human kingdom, an important point to make when one faces potential persecution. Nonetheless, persecution does not intimidate Christians after all :

"death is a debt which must at all events be paid."

Idols and serving God

In chapter 9 Justin follows the traditional OT polemic against idol worship, adding that there is demonic inspiration behind such worship.

In contrast, the true God, who cannot be represented in any form, and has no personal name, is to be worshipped through the imitation of his "excellences", especially "temperance...justice...philanthropy."

Justin on faith in God

According to Justin, Christians do not deny their faith in God, even though this could save their lives because they would rather die than choose to live a lie. Although Justin does not go as far as to teach salvation through works in chapter 8 he does declare that "pure and eternal life" will come to those who have proved to God that they have followed him.

In contrast, eternal punishment will come to those who are wicked, their spirits being re-united with their bodies. Justin draws a comparison to a similar teaching in Plato, although the philosopher restricted the punishment to a thousand years.

Responding to the charge of atheism

Christians are being condemned for "atheism", as evildoers, which Justin considers injust as they are being condemned on account of the name "Christian" as opposed to any evidence against them.

Justin accepts that Christians are atheists concerning the pagan gods, which he links to demons. Nonetheless, they believe in "the most true God, the Father of righteousness..." and in trinitarian language he refers also to the Son who proceeds from the Father and the "prophetic Spirit."

Justin justifies Christian rejection of the pagan gods by claiming that the same rejection of these demons can be seen in the great philosopher Socrates. In fact, the "logos" at work in Socrates is the same that "took shape, and became a man and was called Jesus Christ;". No wonder that Justin is such a mine (field?) for christology and the debate concerning Christianity and other religions.

Justin Martyr

Moving now onto the writings of Justin Martyr, starting with his first apology.

One of the significant statements of the introduction to this apology, addressed to the Emperor and his son, is Justin's suggestion of the ideal relationship between ruler and ruled:

subjects render an unexceptional account of their life and doctrine...rulers should give their decision in obedience, not to violence and tyranny, but to piety and philosophy.

This suggests some form of allegience to Plato's concept of the philosopher-king.

Walter Wink anyone?

According to Papias:

"To some of them [angels] he gave dominion over the arrangement of the world, and he commissioned them to exercise their dominion well. ...but it happened that their arrangement came to nothing."

Papias and eschatology

Papias believed in a future millenium when Christ would rule over the earth after the resurrection from the dead. Papias also believed in a grading of eternal life: heaven, paradise, the city according to our merits.

Papias, apostolic tradition and traditions

Papias is quoted by other authors as a very early witness to the concept of the apostolic tradition. He seems also to have been responsible for developing "traditions" concerning the family of Jesus.

De-fragmenting Papias

Reading through the fragments of Papias preserved in other authors. Pity that his five books seem to have gone AWOL.

Papias is a name which crops up quite regularly in Biblical studies with his theories on the composition of NT books, especially Mark and Matthew. Is the story in the Gospel of the Hebrews of the woman caught in a multitude of sins the mysterious passage of the woman's gospel now [kind of] in the Gospel of John? Is his reference to a presbyter called John significant for the composition of Revelation?

Scripture and Hermeneutics in the Epistle of Barnabas

In EB there is a strong use of the OT as Scripture. However, the author is very often cavalier in his handling of the text, if not blatantly mistaken, committing errors in quoting certain passages. Some NT passages are alluded to, whilst there are also references to apochryphal texts such as Enoch and IV Esdras.

The hermeneutical method is definitely allegorical, seeking to find christological applications in just about every nook and cranny of the OT. At times it becomes even esoteric, as when the author seeks to find significance in the numbers of men circumcised by Abraham, affirming that his readers are the first to have this secret revealed to them. The author claims that understanding the spiritual meaning comes from having one's ears and heart circumcised, and at times this even leads him to disdain the literal meaning, as when he claims that the Jews misunderstood the food laws because "they received them according to fleshly desire, as if he had merely spoken of literal meats."

Epistle of Barnabas

Next in my reading of ancient sources is the Epistle of Barnabas.

One of the striking features of this epistle is the way that it uses the Old Testament to try and deconstruct the claims of Judaism. THus, the OT rather than a source of Judaism, is seen to confront it. This can be seen in the way the author of EB deals with the OT themes of Law/covenant; land, Sabbath and temple.

Law/ Covenant

In a very debatable manner, the author claims that because Moses destroyed the tablets of the law in the episode of the golden calf, the covenant was never really established with the Israelites, hence the true covenant is that which was established in Christ. No explanation is offered for the fact that the OT narrates a subsequent re-giving of the law.

Land

The land flowing in milk and honey is not the land of Canaan, rather it refers to Christians growing in faith ruling over the earth.

Sabbath

In what seemed a rather bizarre form of argument, the author claims that the genuine sabbath refers to the eighth day, when Jesus was raised from the dead.

Temple

The true temple is the Spiritual temple of our hearts.

Ignatius' Christology

An idea of Ignatius' Christology can be gleaned from the following quote coming from the Epistle to Polycarp:

Look for Him who is above all time, eternal and invisible, yet who became visible for our sakes; impalpable and impassible, yet who became passible on our account; and who in every kind of way suffered for our sakes.

Ignatius to Polycarp

In his epistle to Polycarp, Ignatius provides a lengthy list of exhortations to Polycarp concerning Christian leadership. Great emphasis is placed upon the need for the bishop preserving unity, especially by showing love and patience towards the more awkward disciples.

Once again we see in Ignatius a tension concerning how false teachers are to be dealt with. Whilst their heresy is not to be tolerated, they are to be resisted in a loving way, as the bishop himself becomes the one who is wounded and hurt for Christ's sake.

Why is docetism wrong?

For Ignatius docetism is wrong for the following reasons:

(1) The docetics deny that Christ genuinely had a human body.
(2) The docetics deny the suffering, the passion and the resurrection of Christ. As we have seen before, this is particularly a sore point for Ignatius as he saw his own suffering as being linked to the suffering of Christ. Also, the heretics in this way exclude themselves from the salvation Christ achieved.
(3) Docetics deny the Eucharist, as they deny Christ had a real body.
(4) Docetics deny prayer--although Ignatius does not explain this.
(5) Docetics do not care for the widows, the orphans and others who are in need.

There is tension in Ignatius' attitude towards the heretics. On the one hand, he instructs his readers not to associate with them so as not to be contaminated by their teaching. Yet they are to pray for the docetics that they may be saved. In fact, Ignatius refuses to name the heretical teachers, expressing a hope that they might still repent.

Ignatius' Epistle to the Smyrnaeans

As one reads through these epistles by Ignatius, common themes start to emerge. Once again in this letter we have emphasis on the authority of the bishop and the need for submission to him. In fact, it is considered wrong to celebrate the Eucharist without the bishop, or at least someone authorised by him.

However, in this letter the authority of the bishop is set in the context of conflict over the docetic heresy. As I have suggested earlier, prior to a NT canon it is the authority of the bishop which guarantees continuity within the apostolic tradition, hence the need to avoid heretic celebrations of the Eucharist.

Ignatius, Judaism and the Old Testament

Whilst the author of the Epistle to Diognetus was very negative about Judaism and the Old Testament, Ignatius can say some complimentary about the Old Covenant, whilst at the same time condemning those who try to teach Christians to keep the Jewish law. As EP Sanders said about Paul, for Igantius the problem with Judaism is that it was not Christianity. Jesus not only fulfills the Old Covenant, but also transcends it.

The following quote outlines Ignatius' position:

He is the door of the Father, by which enter in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the prophets, and the apostles and the church... the gospel possesses something transcendent...the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ignatius: Epistle to the Phiadelphians

In this epistle we once more have the common theme in Ignatius of church unity and the authority of the bishop. For Ignatius, "If any man follows him that makes a schism of the Church, he shall not inherit the kingdom of God"

Whilst Ignatius does not expect any schismatics to be reading this epistle, there apparently was enough of a problem in the Philadelphian church for some to suspect that his plea for unity and submission to the bishop had come at the latter's request. Hence, he is at great pains to emphasise that it came from the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Why is Ignatius determined to die?

One reason seems to be that Ignatius saw his martyrdom as a sacrifice being offered to God, one that is in someway linked to the death of Christ on the cross. Therefore, he is able to refer to "be sacrificed to God whilst the altar is still being prepared". Hence, for his readers to intervene in his favour would actually deny him the opportunity to offer this sacrifice.

Another reason is that for Ignatius this was the final test that he had to face. His whole life had been spent facing challenges to his Christian faith, and martyrdom was the final one. In this way he is able to say "Then shall I truly be a disciple of Christ, when the world shall not see so much as my body." Again, he did not want his readers to deny him the chance to pass this final test and complete his life's mission.

A final explanation would be sociological. It is likely that as a persecuted and oppressed Christian Ignatius had less of a stake in his society and the life that he led, and hence the prospect of death was less frightening.

All these raise the major question. Is my disturbance at reading Ignatius' letter a sign of problems in his Christianity, or my one?

Or maybe a bit of both...

Ignatius writes to the Romans

This is, by Ignatius' own admission, a "brief" letter. What is striking in this letter, more than his clear reference to Jesus as God in the introduction, is his determination to face martyrdom. In fact, his main concern in this letter is to persuade his readers not to try to intervene to save his life, which I found disturbing, to say the least.

Docetism

Chapters 9-11 attack the specific heresy that Ignatius is concerned with: Docetism, the belief that Christ was not really human and did not really suffer, but only appeared to. Ignatius attacks this heresy with a passionate defense of the humanity of Christ, who "did eat and drink".

There is a pastoral reason for the vehemence of Ignatius' argument, even referring to the heretics as the "offshoot of Satan." Ignatius is suffering for the gospel, on the way to face martyrdom. He makes sense of this suffering by seeing it as a participation in the suffering and the passion of Christ. Yet, if Christ was not truly human, and his suffering not real, this makes a mockery of Ignatius' own suffering and faithfulness.

The letter concludes with the customary concern with love and unity.

Warning against heresy

In chapters 6-8 Ignatius warns his readers against heresy. Here we have a clue for why Ignatius is so concerned that his readers submit themselves to their bishop. The reason is that it is through their bishop that they have access to the teachings handed down by the apostles.

One has to remember that this is prior both to the formulation of the creeds and the finalization of the NT canon. If Ignatius had been writing at a later date, I wonder whether the creeds and the NT canon may have taken over some of the authority that he invests in the bishop?

Ignatius and humility

I have been known to say that the worse thing that can happen to a Christian leader is to believe that they are who people say they are. Well, in chapter 4 Ignatius says the same thing but in a much better way, emphasising that it is through meekness that one can bring the devil to nothing.

Chapter 5, Ignatius points out, maybe to demonstrate that he is not an apostle like Paul, that he will not teach his readers profound mysteries because he is not able to understand heavenly things, being in these subjects a "learner."

Ignatius: Epistle to the Trallians

Moving further along with my reading of Ignatius. This epistle begins with the now well known theme of submission to the bishop of the church, now extended to include the presbyters and the deacons. What is significant is Ignatius' claim that without such order there can be no church.

Ignatius takes on heresy

In chapters 7 to 11 we see Ignatius express his concern with heresy. Not that he believes that his readers are engaging in heresy, but as a forewarning to hold on to the birth, the passion and the resurrection of Christ.

The heresy Ignatius is concerned with is Judaizing. Not that he is anti-Jewish [at least not in the shorter version] but he simply believes that Christianity fulfils the OT hope so that true Judaism embraces Christianity [a concept missing from the longer version which is definitely anti-Jewish]

The final chapters repeat the appeal for unity of the rest of the letter but it is interesting to notice a proto-trinitarian formula of Father, Son, Spirit appearing, as up to now Ignatius has seemed to concentrate mainly on the Father and the Son.

Spirituality and church order for Ignatius

In chapter 5 Ignatius outlines the traditional biblical theme of a way of death and a way of life. What is significant is the spirituality of the way of life. It is having the character of the Father impressed on us by the Son, as we learn to die in the Son's passion.

Chapters 6 and 7 continue with the issue of church order and the authority of the bishop. What is significant is the way that the unity of the church under a bishop is grounded in the relationship of Christ with the Father. Just as the Son did not do anything without the Father, so those in the church should not do anything without the bishop.

The youthful bishop

In chapters 3 and 4 church leaders are urged to show respect towards their bishop, despite his young age. Submission to the bishop is equivalent to submission to Christ.

This statement is interesting in the light of the contrast between emerging and pentecostal churches. Whilst emerging churches stress a decentralization of leadership, "successful" pentecostal churches are often based around one leader who exercises a strong authority.

Ignatius' Epistle to the Magnesians

My next step in my perusal of ancient sources is Ignatius' Epistle to the Magnesians. He begins in the first two chapters with a standard salutation, although it is interesting to note that he expresses the hope of being able to "enjoy God", once he is able to overcome the attacks of the devil.

Ignatius' concluding theology...

Ignatius ends his letter with another rant at false teachers, who will end up in everlasting fire, (chapter 17) and their false doctrine which is described as a false odour (chapter 18). In comparison to this we have Jesus Christ, who is presented as the knowledge of God.

As is suitable for such an admirer of Paul, Ignatius then proceeds to glory in the cross of Christ, which is a source of salvation and eternal life. His brief summary of the life of Jesus ends with the enigmatic statement that Jesus, through his passion, purified the waters of his baptism.

Chapter 20 then lists 3 mysteries which Ignatius believes were hidden from Satan but now revealed: the virginity of Mary, her son, and the cross of Christ.

Ignatius exhorts

In chapter 10 Ignatius exhorts his readers to pray for all men, especially those who hate them. For those with interest in spiritual warfare it is worth pointing out that he sees this as an important step in breaking the work of the evil one.

Whilst in chapter 11 he exhorts towards fear of God in the light of living in the last days, in chapter 12 Ignatius, seeing himself as someone condemned, praises the Ephesians and expresses his admiration for Paul.

Chapter 13 returns to the theme of spiritual warfare, with an emphasis on peace, unity and worship in the church being means whereby "the powers of Satan are destroyed." Chapter 14 takes the theme of unity further, emphasising the importance of faith and love for "no man making a profession of faith sinneth, nor does he who possesses love hate anyone."

Chapter 16 stresses the value of silence, and the importance of teachers acting and not just speaking.

Warning on false teachers

In chapters 7-9 Ignatius proceeds to warn his readers of the danger of false teachers. In fact, Ignatius praises the church in Ephesus for its strength in matters of doctrine, and for the way it has already not suffered false teachers. Ignatius actually goes as far as to say that he feels himself to be inferior to the church in Ephesus.

There is little indication, yet, of what the nature of the false teaching Ignatius is concerned with is. However, through his stress on the human and the divine natures of Christ one senses that his concern is Christological.

Unity under a bishop

In chapters 3-6 we see Ignatius stressing the unity of the church. What is significant is that he links the unity of the church under the leadership of its bishop to the union of the church with Jesus and the union of Jesus with the Father. Thus to break the unity of the church becomes a serious offence, for one is in essence breaking oneself away from the unity that the church has with Jesus.

Ignatius: Epistle to the Ephesians

In the first letter I am reading, Ignatius begins by praising the Ephesians for their sympathy towards Ignatius as he faces martyrdom. Special praise is reserved for the bishop, Onesimus, and for a deacon, Burrhus.

What is interesting is the way in which Ig. sees his imminent death as in someway being linked to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Ignatius of Antioch

This is my next stop in exploring ancient sources. Not wishing to be embroilled in too much Historical critical research I have, rather arbitrarily, resolved to concentrate on the seven letters which are considered authentic in their shorter versions.

Clement of Rome: Epistle to the Church in Corinth: Final Comments

Read over my posts concerning Clement's epistle. It is not hard to tell why it never became one of the classic ancient texts, as in effect it offers nothing new in comparison to Paul's writings. Nonetheless certain features stand out:

(1) The author's considerable ability in weaving the Old Testament into the text of his epistle.
(2) The status of Paul's writings as Scripture.
(3) Some very insightful advice on leadership and church life.

However, I am uncertain as to how effective such a letter would have been in the context of the problems it seeks to deal with. The general tone is one of siding with the deposed leaders, without really taking into consideration the reasons Clement's opponents might have had for their actions.

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

So glad I eschewed historical-critical analysis of these ancient sources and was thus able to enjoy this very readable story, which seems to be narrating a historical fact with some legendary embellishments--certainly in the way that obvious links between Polycarp and Christ are established.

Particularly memorable is the report of the dialogue between Polycarp and the proconsul:
“Swear by the fortune of Cæsar; repent, and say, Away with the Atheists.” But Polycarp, gazing with a stern countenance on all the multitude of the wicked heathen then in the stadium, and waving his hand towards them, while with groans he looked up to heaven, said, “Away with the Atheists. Referring the words to the heathen, and not to the Christians, as was desired. Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, “Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ;” Polycarp declared, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?”

Equally worthwhile pointing out are

1) Possibly worried by unintended consequences of the story, the author takes great pains, referring to an apostate called Quintus to dissuade his readers from offering themselves up for martyrdom.

2) Although the author claims only to worship Jesus, a certain veneration of Polycarp is evident, including relics of what are claimed to be his bones.

3) For those interested in APEPT team leadership, Polycarp is described as an "apostolic and prophetic teacher"