The relationship of faith and works in the soteriologies of the Apostolic Fathers
The Apostolic Fathers have been widely interpreted as espousing a soteriology that deviates from the New Testament's message of salvation and reconciliation through the grace of God. While this understanding has been widespread, there have been other readers of the Apostolic Fathers who saw them in a different, and less negative, light. The present work has attempted to address the difference in these two interpretations. Chapters one through three address preliminary considerations: the identy and background of the Apostolic Fathers, the history of their interpretation, and some hermeneutical issues for patristic study. Chapters four through six examine Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, the <i>Didache, The Epistle of Barnabas</i>, and <i>The Shepherd of Hermas</i>, in turn. In each case the chapter begins with an examination of the background and purpose for writing, then their understanding of salvation - its basis, its appropriation, and the role of works in the Christian life - is considered. In every case, except <i>The Shepherd of Hermas</i>, we find that the death of Christ is the basis of salvation, appropriation is by faith, and in varying degrees repentance, and works are performed as a response to salvation.
Guth, Charles J.
Apostolic Fathers ; Salvation
The relationship of faith and works in the soteriologies of the Apostolic Fathers. The Apostolic Fathers have been widely interpreted as espousing a soteriology that deviates from the New Testament's message of salvation and reconciliation through the grace of God. While this understanding has been widespread, there have been other readers of the Apostolic Fathers who saw them in a different, and less negative, light. The present work has attempted to address the difference in these two interpretations. Chapters one through three address preliminary considerations: the identy and background of the Apostolic Fathers, the history of their interpretation, and some hermeneutical issues for patristic study. Chapters four through six examine Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, the <i>Didache, The Epistle of Barnabas</i>, and <i>The Shepherd of Hermas</i>, in turn. In each case the chapter begins with an examination of the background and purpose for writing, then their understanding of salvation - its basis, its appropriation, and the role of works in the Christian life - is considered. In every case, except <i>The Shepherd of Hermas</i>, we find that the death of Christ is the basis of salvation, appropriation is by faith, and in varying degrees repentance, and works are performed as a response to salvation.
relationship faith work soteriology apostolic fathers apostolic fathers widely interpret espouse soteriology deviate new_testament message salvation reconciliation grace god widespread reader apostolic fathers saw different less negative light present_work attempt_address difference_two interpretation address preliminary consideration background apostolic fathers history interpretation hermeneutical issue patristic study examine clement epistle turn case begin_examination background purpose writing salvation basis appropriation role work christian_life consider every case except death christ basis salvation appropriation faith vary_degree repentance work perform response salvation