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THE HISTORY OF SOME EARLY APOSTLES
(cont.)

What is an Apostle? | The History of Some Early Apostles |
The Role of An Apostle | Implementing An Apostolic Model |
Why Apostles Are Necessary

(continued) written by Andrew Corbett

LEADING FIGURES

NAME	LIVED	CHURCH	ACHIEVEMENT
Ignatius	? - 108?	Antioch	Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch, according to Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History 3:62:2). He wrote several influential letters to various churches in which he refutes Judaism, and extols the virtues of martyrdom. Ignatius was probably the first to stress monepiscopacy or the role of the Monarchical bishop over local bishops, presbyters, and deacons. [10]
Polycarp	c.70-155	Smyrna	Polycarp was a disciple of the apostle John. He was the Bishop of Smyrna. He wrote a letter to the Philippian church citing frequently from the Old Testament, and New Testament, especially from the writings of Paul. He was keen to encourage them in their walk with Christ, rather than leadership structure and church government (polity). [11]
Irenaeus	c.130 - c.200	Lyons	Irenaeus led the developing Church in its rebuttal of Gnosticism (a syncretistic religious movement which drew on Judaism, Greek philosophy, Pagan religions, and Christianity) by writing several significant works, of which the main one was Against Heresies. He also sought to bring unity among the churches, especially the church of Rome, in the west, and the church of Ephesus, in the east, over the increasingly divisive issue of the date of Easter. Irenaeus gives us one of the earliest acknowledgments of the New Testament Canon. From this authoritative source, he was able to show the Gnostics that their so-called apostolic teaching was inconsistent with genuine apostolic teaching as found in the New Testament.
Tertullian	c.150-c.212	Carthage	Tertullian was a part of the church at Carthage (Tunis). He held no office in the church as such. But his contribution to the early leadership of the church is in the area of apologetics. He was trained as a lawyer, and these skills were exploited as he refuted the Gnostics. His writings were done in Latin. He later adopted several of the key Montanist doctrines, especially holiness. [12]
Origen	c.185-254	Caesarea	Origen was born in Alexandria. He displayed a gifted intellect and spiritual sensitivity. He was appointed by Bishop Demetrius of Alexandria to lead the New Converts’ (catechumens’) school. He soon realised that he needed further training to counter growing heresies, so he studied under Ammonius Saccas (the father of Neo-Platonism). In 230 he was ordained to the priesthood by the Bishops of Caesarea and Jerusalem. This caused a rift between himself and Demetrius resulting in his forced settling in Caesarea. Origen’s leadership of the third century church was extremely influential. He wrote prolifically. His writings advocated the study of Scriptures to improve the soul (mysticism), and the exercise of bodily discipline (asceticism). He was the first to write a systematic theology Peri Archon  (First Principles). While Origen is accused of promoting some aberrations from sound doctrine, such as: the pre-existence of the human soul, the subordination of the Son to the Father, and the eventual redemption of even the devil, this accusation rests on only fragmentary manuscripts of his works, with most of the reported 6,000 works being unavailable to us. [13]
Cyprian	c.200-258	Carthage	Cyprian was made the bishop of Carthage in 248. In 250, Emperor Decius began an empire-wide persecution of Christians. Everyone was required to sacrifice to pagan Roman idols and receive a certificate proving that they had done so (Libellus). Cyprian went into hiding and pastored the church by letter writing. The persecution stopped in 251. Cyprian then forged close links with the Bishop of Rome and soon found himself a prominent leader in the Church. He taught a theology of the Church that was influenced by his equating of Old Testament Israel, with the New Testament Church. Thus, the Bishop took the place of the High Priest, and the Eucharist took the place the sacrifices. [14]

ATHANASIUS

While this period of State influence was marked by bishops of dubious motives and spirituality, there were some leaders who stood out as godly, and spiritual. During the Arian controversy, which was the occasion for the Council of Nicaea, it was the input of Athanasius (c. 296-373) that led the Church to maintain orthodoxy. About 220 bishops attended this Council meeting. The Bishop of Rome, Silvester, sent two representatives on his behalf to Nicaea. [15]

Athanasius was ordained a deacon in 319. He served as a secretary to the bishop of Alexandria during the Council of Nicaea (325). In 328 he became the bishop of Alexandria, and remained so for 46 years. Much of his episcopate was occupied with defending the verdict against Arianism. Constantine ordered him to admit Arians to communion, but Athanasius refused, and was consequently banished to Trier. He returned to his office in 337 when Constantine died, but was only able to remain for two years due to increased Arian opposition. For the remainder of his life he lived in Rome, the deserts of Egypt, and finally Alexandria.

Most great leaders of the Church throughout history, have also been great writers. This was the case with Athanasius. Most of his writings battle against the error of Arianism. He wrote treatises, commentaries, sermons and letters. His influence on the Council of Nicaea was unparalleled. As a 29 year old bishop’s secretary, his clarity of argument and debating skills virtually swayed the entire Council, 218 out of 220 bishops, despite the Emperor’s wish that Arianism be accommodated.

Continued...

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[10] Woodbridge, 1988:38

[11] Cairns, 1982:75

[12] Woodbridge, 1988:50-54

[13] Woodbridge, 1988:56-58

[14] Woodbridge, 1988:60-62

[15] Chadwick, 1993:130