Guided path

Unity and leadership in the early church

How early Christians thought about order, bishops and keeping the church together. About 84 minutes of reading in total.

1. Ignatius to the EphesiansAbout AD 110 (traditional) · 14-minute read Medium

   Ignatius on staying united with the bishop, presbyters and deacons.

   Look for: In chapter 19, notice the unusual description of a star announcing Christ's birth.

2. Ignatius to the SmyrnaeansAbout AD 110 (traditional) · 9-minute read Medium

   Ignatius on the church gathered around the bishop, and on Christ's real suffering.

   Look for: Note how Ignatius links belief in Christ's real body with how Christians care for the poor and share the Eucharist.

3. First Epistle of Clement to the CorinthiansAbout AD 96 (traditional; debated) · 61-minute read Medium

   Rome writes to Corinth about removing leaders; read chapters 40 to 44 first.

   Look for: Chapters 40 to 44 are the most discussed: they set out how Clement thinks church order and leadership should work.

Other paths: Meet the first Christians, Faith under fire, Read it in order.