How Much Did Early Christians Refer to the Old Testament? – February 2012 version

It is agreed that early Christians accepted the Old Testament, but it is interesting to compare the documented references of the Old Testament to the New. This chart showed who referred to which Old Testament passages and when. The apocrypha and pseudepigrapha are listed in a separate chart.

Rows: red = persecution of Christians, lime green = heresy, light green = schism, Pale blue = Bible manuscripts, pink = strange teacher, brown = Christians persecuting others

W = Books and quotes mentioned by name or by writer       G = Quoted as God or Lord says or God’s Word   I = Implied (i.e. minor vs. 12)           blank = not researched yet     X = rejected    - no reference found

S = Referred to as scripture, law, or prophet said                 g = Mentions Kings with no allusion or reference   E =not scripture but good to read      Q = quotes 1 or more verses  ˝  = quote of ˝ verse     A = Allusion

Christian writer, heretic, or Bible manuscript

Pages

Date A.D.

OT

Law

Gn

Ex

Lv

Nm

Dt

Josh

Jdg

Ru

1Sam

2Sam

1 Ki

2 Ki

1Chr

2Chr

Ezr

Neh

Esth

Job

Ps

Pr

Ec

SofS

Isa

Jer

Lam

Eze

Dan

12

Hos

Joel

Am

Ob

Jon

Mic

Nah

Hab

Zeph

Hag

Zech

Mal

Writer

Rahlfs 957 manuscript (Dt 25:1-3, Greek)

<1

200-100 B.C.

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Rahlfs 957(Dt 25:1-3, Greek)

Rahlfs 848 ms. (Dt 31:28-30; 32:1-7, Greek)

<1

100-1 B.C.

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Rahlfs 848 (Dt 31:28-30; 32:1-7, Greek)

Rahlfs 814 ms. (Gen 14:12-15, Greek Sept.)

<1

150-200 A.D.

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Rahlfs 814 (Gen 14:12-15, Greek Septuagint)

Dead Sea Scrolls manuscripts

before 68

-

-

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

-

-

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Dead Sea Scrolls

Dead Sea Scrolls of Genesis 1Q1, 2Q1, 4Q1, 4Q2, 4Q3, 4Q4, 4Q5, 4Q6, 4Q7, 4Q8a, 4Q8b, 4Q8c, 4Q9, 4Q10, 4Q11, 4Q12, 6Q1, 8Q1

before 68

-

-

Q

Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Philo the Alexandrian Jew

many

20 B.C. to 50

-

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Philo the Alexandrian Jew

Nero and Domitian persecute Christians

50 & 95/96

Est 500K Christians. Christians were labeled atheists and killed for refusing to worship the emperor and pagan idols.

Nero and Domitian persecutions

Clement of Rome (wrote 1 Clement)

16 Ľ

96-/98

-

-

S

G

-

Q

Q

Q

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

W

W

W

G

-

-

Q

-

-

G

A

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

S

-

-

-

˝

Clement of Rome (wrote 1 Clement)

Ignatius disciple of John (short version)

13

c.100-117

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

G

-

-

Ľ

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Ignatius disciple of John (short version)

Trajan persecutes Christians

 

107-117

Answered Pliny the Younger’s letter. Christians are not to be sought after, but only killed if found.

Trajan persecutes Christians

Didache (=Teaching of 12 Apostles)

4 ľ

before 125

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Didache (=Teaching of 12 Apostles)

Apology of Aristides (Greek version)

4

125or138-161

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Apology of Aristides (Greek version)

Quadratus of Athens fragment

1/8

126

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Quadratus of Athens fragment

Letter to Diognetus (=Mathetes to Diognetus)

5 Ľ

130-150

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

Letter to Diognetus (=Mathetes to Diognetus)

Hadrian persecutes Christians

 

118 & 134

Hadrian loved Greek culture, and persecuted both Jews and Christians. The Jewish Bar Cochba revolt happened under him.

Hadrian persecutes Christians

Letter of Barnabas

12 ˝

100-150

-

-

G

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

G

G

-

G

S

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

S

-

G

-

Letter of Barnabas

2 Clement (anonymous writer)

5 ľ

c.150

-

-

S

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

S

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2 Clement (anonymous writer)

Polycarp, John’s disciple, to the Philippians

3 ˝

100-155

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Polycarp, John’s disciple, to the Philippians

Papias of Hierapolis, disciple of John

2

130-150

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Papias of Hierapolis, John’s disciple

“Presbyters” (Papias?)

˝

-150

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

“Presbyters” (Papias?)

Bar Cochba persecutes Christians

 

135

Christians persecuted in Israel because Christians would not join Bar Cochba’s revolt.

Bar Cochba persecutes Christians

Total Apostolic Fathers to 150 A.D.

62

-150

0

2

3

3

1

2

2

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

2

2

0

0

4

1

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

2

Total Apostolic Fathers, to 150 A.D.

Justin Martyr, philosopher, apologist

137

c.138-165

I

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

-

A

Q

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

W

W

-

-

W

W

-

W

W

W

W

S

W

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

W

W

Justin of Neocaesarea, apologist

Shepherd of Hermas

46 ˝

c.160

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

Shepherd of Hermas

Evarestus’ Martyrdom of Polycarp

5

c.169

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Evarestus’ Martyrdom of Polycarp

Gnostic heresies become widespread

c.170-

Gnostics all believed the Creator, the God of the Old Testament, was evil or foolish. Rejecting the Old Testament, they made their own scriptures, mixing Greek paganism with Christianity.

Gnostic heresies widespread

Tatian, pupil of Justin, later Encratite

18+86

Died 172

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

˝

-

-

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

Tatian, pupil of Justin, later Encratite

Dionysius of Corinth (against Marcion)

1/3

170

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dionysius of Corinth

Persecution of Marcus Aurelius

 

162/166-180

Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher. Persecution, mainly in Gaul, ended with his death.

Persecution of Marcus Aurelius

Christians of Vienna and Lugdunum

6 ˝

177

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Christians of Vienna and Lugdunum

Athenagoras (apologist)

33 ˝

177

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

S

-

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Athenagoras (apologist)

Claudius Apollinaris of Hierapolis

˝

177, 160-180

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Claudius Apollinaris of Hierapolis

Hegesippus (chronicler)

2 ˝

170-180

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Hegesippus (chronicler)

Melito/Meleto of Sardis (Quartodec.)

11

170-180

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

X

X

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

Melito/Meleto of Sardis (Quartodec.)

Rhodon (against Marcion & Apelles)

˝

180

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Rhodon (against Marcion & Apelles)

Theophilus of Antioch (to Autolycus)

32

168-181/188

-

-

W

G

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

W

W

-

-

W

W

-

W

-

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

W

W

Theophilus of Antioch (to Autolycus)

Ebionites (O.T. Mt, observe Law, Father, Son) Clementina, Protoevangelium

265 ˝

- 188 -

-

W

Q

W

˝

W

W

S

A

-

-

-

A

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

S

A

A

-

S

S

W

A

A

-

S

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Ebionites (O.T. Mt, observe Law, Father, Son)

Irenaeus of Lyons, Polycarp’s disciple

262

182-188

W

W

W

W

˝

W

W

W

S

-

Q

Q

Q

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

W

-

A

W

W

Ľ 

W

W

W

W

S

S

-

W

Q

-

W

-

-

W

W

Irenaeus of Lyons, Polycarp’s disciple

Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs

ľ

180-202

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs

Maximus of Jerusalem

5

185-196

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Maximus of Jerusalem

Polycrates of Ephesus (Quartodec.)

˝

196

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Polycrates of Ephesus (Quartodec.)

Caius and the Muratorian Canon

3

190-217

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Caius and the Muratorian Canon

Sabellian heresy (Praxeas, Noetus, Callistus)

200-257-

Sabellians believed the Father, Son, & Spirit were one person. This view allows that the Father suffered & died on the cross, hence they were also called Patripassians for “passion of the Father”.

Sabellian heresy (Praxeas, Noetus)

Persecution of Septimus Severus

202

Est. 2M Christians. Although a Christian helped him through a severe illness, he did not repeal existing laws against Christians.

Persecution of Septimus Severus

Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas

7

c.201/205

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

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-

-

-

-

-

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-

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-

-

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-

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-

-

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-

-

-

Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas

Romans kill first known martyrs in Britain

209

Alban, Julius, and Aaron were formerly thought killed in 304/5 A.D.

Romans kill 1st known martyrs in Britain

Serapion of Antioch (against Marcion)

1/3

200-210

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Serapion of Antioch (against Marcion)

Minucius Felix (The Octavius)

25

210

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Minucius Felix (The Octavius)

Apollonius of Ephesus (against Montanists)

1

c.210

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Apollonius of Ephesus (against Montanists)

Clement of Alexandria

424

193-217/220

W

-

W

Q

W

S

W

W

W

-

W

Q

W

Q

-

-

-

-

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

Q

W

W

S

W

W

Clement of Alexandria

Tertullian (joined Montanist Church)

736

198-220

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

A

A

W

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

Q

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

W

W

-

A

W

W

Tertullian (joined Montanist church)

Tertullian’s 5 Books Against Marcion

194

207/8

W

W

W

G

G

G

W

A

-

-

W

A

A

A

-

-

-

-

-

A

W

-

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

-

W

W

W

-

W

W

W

W

-

-

W

W

Tertullian’s 5 Books Against Marcion

Theodotus the probable Montanist

7 ľ

ca.240

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

˝

-

-

Ľ

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Theodotus the probable Montanist

Bardaisan/Bardesan of Syria

11 ˝

-224/232

-

W

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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Bardaisan/Bardesan of Syria

Asterius Urbanus (against Montanists)

2 ľ

c.232

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Asterius Urbanus (against Montanists)

Elchasaite Ebionites (said Jesus God’s Son)

2 Ľ

-236-

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Elchasaite Ebionites (said Jesus God’s Son)

Hippolytus, pupil of Irenaeus (undisputed)

218

222-235/6

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Hippolytus, pupil of Irenaeus (undisputed)

Maximin Thrax persecutes Christians

235-238

First empire-wide persecution, but only of clergy. Persecution stopped when his soldiers assassinated him.

Maximin Thrax persecutes Christians

Instructions of Commodianus

16

c.240

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Instructions of Commodianus

Julius Africanus (undisputed writings)

9

232-245

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Julius Africanus (undisputed writings)

Alexander of Cappadocia (Clem. A’.s pupil)

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233-251

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Alexander of Cappadocia (Clem. A’.s pupil)

Origen (heterodox teacher)

622

225-254

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Origen (heterodox teacher)

Severe persecution by Decius and Gallus

250-251 - 253

First Christian schism. Were Christians who did sacrifice but repented doomed forever (Novatian’s view), or allowed back into church after a long repentance (Orthodox view).

Severe persecution by Decius and Gallus

Novatian (his schism lasted over 200 years)

38 ˝

250/254-257

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Novatian (his schism lasted over 200 years)

Anonymous Treatise Against Novatian

6 ˝

254-256

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Anonymous Treatise Against Novatian

Anonymous Treatise on Rebaptism

11

c.250-258

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Anonymous Treatise on Rebaptism

Cyprian of Carthage (against Novatian)

250+ľ

c.246-258

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Cyprian of Carthage (against Novatian)

Roman church leaders (ltr 2,29,30)

1+4 ľ

250-251

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Roman church leaders (ltr 2,29,30)

Caldonius to Cyprian (letter 18)

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250-251

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Caldonius to Cyprian (letter 18)

Celerinus to Lucian (letter 20)

1 Ľ

250-251

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Celerinus to Lucian (letter 20)

Lucian to Celerinus (letter 21)

ľ

250-251

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Lucian to Celerinus (letter 21)

Moyses, et al. to Cyprian (letter 25)

2 ˝

250

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Moyses, et al. to Cyprian (letter 25)

Cornelius to Cyprian (letters 45,47)

1 Ľ

c.246-256

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Cornelius to Cyprian (letters 45,47)

Maximus, et al. to Cyprian (ltr 49)

Ľ

c.246-256

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Maximus, et al. to Cyprian (ltr 49)

Firmilian of Caesarea to Cyprian (74)

7 Ľ

256

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Firmilian of Caesarea to Cyprian (74)

Nemesianus, et al. to Cyprian (77)

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254-257

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Nemesianus, et al. to Cyprian (77)

Lucius and the brethren to Cyprian (78)

˝

254-257

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Lucius and the brethren to Cyprian (78)

Felix & the rest of the martyrs to Cyprian (79)

Ľ

254-257

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Felix & the rest of the martyrs to Cyprian (79)

Seventh Council of Carthage (85 bishops)

7 Ľ

258

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Seventh Council of Carthage (85 bishops)

Pontius’ The Life and Passion of Cyprian

7 ˝

After 258

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Pontius’ The Life and Passion of Cyprian

Valerian persecutes Christians

 

257-260

2nd most severe persecution. Tolerant at first, but then Macrianus influenced him. Stopped when Persian Shapur I captured him.

Valerian persecutes Christians

Theognostus of Alexandria  (Origenist)

˝

260

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Theognostus of Alexandria (Origenist)

Gregory Thaumaturgus (undisputed works)

28 ˝

240-265

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Gregory Thaumaturgus (undisput. works)

Dionysius of Alexandria (Origenist)

39 ˝

246-265

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Dionysius of Alexandria (Origenist)

Dionysius of Rome (Against the Sabellians)

1

259-269

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Dionysius of Rome (Against the Sabellians)

Malchion Against Paul of Samosata

2 ˝

270

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Malchion Against Paul of Samosata

Aurelian Persecution

 

270

At first tolerant, Aurelian died soon after he decided to persecute Christians.

Aurelian Persecution

Pierius of Alexandria (fragment)

˝

275

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Pierius of Alexandria (fragment)

Archelaus Disputation with Manes

52 ľ

262-278

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Archelaus Disputation with Manes

Anatolius of Alexandria (mathematician)

7 ˝

270-280

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Anatolius of Alexandria (mathematician)

Theonas of Alexandria (Letter to Lucianus)

3

282-300

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Theonas of Alexandria (bishop for 18 years)

Adamantius Dialog on the True Faith in God

c.63

c.300

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Adamantius Dialog on the True Faith in God

Marcionite Megethius disputing Adamantius

c.2

c.300

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Marcionite Megethius disputing Adamantius

Marcionite Marcus disputing Adamantius

c.2

c.300

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Marcionite Marcus disputing Adamantius

Bardasene Marinus disputing Adamantius

c.2

c.300

W

 

W

 

 

 

 

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Bardasene Marinus disputing Adamantius

Valentinian Doserius disputing Adamantius

c.2

c.300

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W

 

 

 

 

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Valentinian Doserius disputing Adamantius

Alexander of Lycopolis Of the Manichaeans

12

301

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Alexander of Lycopolis (ex-Manichaean)

Arnobius Against the Heathen  (undisputed)

126 ˝

297-303

-

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Arnobius Against the Heathen  (undisputed)

Victorinus of Petau, Austria (OT commentator)

18 ˝

martyred 304

W

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-

Victorinus of Petau, Austria (OT commentator)

King Tiridates III of Armenia

 

>287-300

At first persecuted Christians, then became one through Gregory the Illuminator

 

Most severe persecution by Diocletian

284, 303-305

Est. 5M Christians. Most severe Roman persecution of all. Leveled churches, destroyed scriptures. Killed many Christians for not sacrificing.

Most severe persecution was by Diocletian

Council of Elvira (21 undisputed canons)

c.1

306/307

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Council of Elvira (21 undisputed canons)

Phileas of Thmuis/Tmai, Egyptian Delta

2 ˝

beheaded 307

-

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Phileas of Thmuis/Tmai, Egyptian Delta

Pamphilus disciple of Pierius (Origenist)

2 ľ

martyred 309

-

-

-

-

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Pamphilus disciple of Pierius (Origenist)

Peter of Alexandria (undisputed)

8 ˝

306,285-311

-

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Q

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Peter of Alexandria (against Origen & Meletius)

Methodius (against Origen)

86 ˝

260-312

W

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A

Methodius (against Origen)

Council of Ancyra (about 12 bishops)

3 1/3

314

-

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Council of Ancyra (about 12 bishops)

Council of Neocaesarea (Basil and others)

1 1/3

c.315

-

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Council of Neocaesarea (Basil and others)

Theophilus’ Martyrdom of Habib the Deacon

5 ˝

events c.315

-

-

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-

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Martyrdom of Habib the Deacon by Theophilus

Athanasius Against the Heathen & Incarnation

56

318

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˝

-

-

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-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

Athanasius Against the Heathen & Incarnation

Licinius persecutes Christians in the east

315-323

At least one of Licinius’ motives was hatred of Constantine. Licinius fought and was defeated by Constantine a few times from 314 to 324 A.D.

Licinius persecutes Christians in the east

Alexander of Alexandria -Origenist, undisputed

12

313-326

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W

G

-

-

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G

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S

Alexander of Alexandria (Origenist, undisputed)

Lactantius, tutor of Constantine’s son

305 ˝

c.303-c.325

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-

˝

 

A

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Lactantius, tutor of Constantine’s son

Poem on the Passion of the Lord

1

315-325/330

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

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-

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Poem on the Passion of the Lord

Christian writer totals: all symbols except P’s

4178˝

Before 325

22

20

30

21

13

19

20

12

8

1

14

10

15

10

4

5

1

2-1

3-1

14

26

23

12

9

29

23

6

19

17

9

14

11

10

0

7

14

5

10

5

4

16

14

Christian writer totals: all symbols except P’s

Arian heresy spreads, starting in Alexandria

 

c.318

Arians believed that Jesus was God, but not the same substance as the Father, and there was a time when Jesus was not.

Arial heresy spreads, starting in Alexandria

Constantine legalizes Christianity

 

324

Non-violently closed pagan temples so that his subjects would attend churches instead

Constantine legalizes Christianity

Council of Nicea condemns Arianism

3

325

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

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-

-

-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Nicea condemns Arianism

Juvencus (wrote a commentary: The Gospels)

 

329

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juvencus (wrote a commentary: The Gospels)

In Persia, Shapur II persecutes Christians

 

325-381

Persecution started once Christianity became the official Roman religion. Smaller countries became Christian and allied themselves with Rome.

Persian Shapur II persecutes Christians

Eusebius of Caesarea (leader at Nicea)

c.404

318-339/340

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Eusebius of Caesarea (present at Nicea)

Synod of Antioch in Encaeniis (97 bishops)

3 ˝

341

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

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-

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-

-

Synod of Antioch in Encaeniis

Mild Arian Creed of Antioch

1

c.341-344

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

-

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-

-

-

-

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-

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-

-

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-

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-

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Mild Arian Creed of Antioch

Council of Sardica

5

343/344

-

-

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-

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-

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-

Council of Sardica

Aphrahat the Syrian Select Demonstrations

67 Ľ

337-345

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S

Q

-

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S

Aphrahat the Syrian Select Demonstrations

The Macrostich Creed

2

344/345

-

-

-

-

-

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-

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The Macrostich Creed

A Poem on the Passion of the Lord

1

c.350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Poem on the Passion of the Lord

Vaticanus manuscript [B] in Greek

325-350

-

-

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W

W

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W

Vaticanus manuscript (B)

Sinaiticus manuscript [Aleph] in Greek

340-350

-

-

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

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W

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-

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Sinaiticus manuscript

1st Council of Sirmium (Greek creed)

1 ˝

351

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

-

-

-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

-

1st Council of Sirmium (Greek creed)

Synod of Seleucia in Isauria

1/5

357/358

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

-

-

-

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-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Synod of Seleucia in Isauria

Arian Roman Emperor Constantius

 

337-353-361

Orthodox bishops were banished, and Athanasius had to go into hiding.

Arian Roman Emperor Constantius

Arian Creed of Nica in Thrace

˝

356-361

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Arian Creed of Nica (in Theodoret’s History)

Arian Candidus’ Two Letters to Marius

c.4

359-362

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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W

-

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-

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-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Arian Candidus’ Two Letters to Marius

Marius’s Reply to Candidus

c.8

359-362

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Marius’s Reply to Candidus

Christians killed in Alexandria and Gaza

 

361-363

Emperor Julian the Apostate reigns for 18 months and shows some toleration, yet permits pagans to persecute Christians.

Christians killed in Alexandria and Gaza

Hilary of Poitiers (taught Martin of Tours)

230

355-367/368

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W

W

W

-

-

W

-

-

-

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W

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W

W

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W

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W

-

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-

-

-

-

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G

Hilary of Poitiers (taught Martin of Tours)

Anonymous Synopsis Scripturae Sacrae

 

350-370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anonymous Synopsis Scripturae Sacrae

Arian Roman Valens kills Christians in east

 

370

Valens is finally killed in battle by the Goths, who had converted to Arianism, but never gained his favor

Arian Roman Valens kills Christians in east

Athanasius of Alexandria (leader at Nicea)

455 ˝

367, 325-373

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Athanasius of Alexandria (leader at Nicea)

Athanaric persecutes Orthodox Visigoths

 

369-376

Athanaric first persecuted all Orthodox Christians and Arians, but after converting to Arianism persecuted only Orthodox Christians.

Athanaric persecutes Orthodox Visigoths

Ephraim/Ephrem, Syrian hymn-writer (partial)

162

350-378

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Ephraem, Syrian hymn-writer, commentator

Basil of Cappadocia (Origenist) (partial)

326

357-378/379

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S

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˝

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˝

A

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Basil of Cappadocia (unafraid of Arian Emperor)

Synod of Laodicea (in Phrygia)

4 ˝

343-381

W

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-

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-

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Synod of Laodicea (in Phrygia)

Council of Gangra (vs. Eustastius of Sabaste)

1 1/3

345-381

-

-

-

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Council of Gangra (vs. Eustastius of Sabaste)

First Council of Constantinople -150 bishops

3 ľ

381-382

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

-

-

-

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-

-

-

-

-

First Council of Constantinople -150 bishops

Eunomius of Cyzicus -extreme Arian

c.8

c.360-c.383

-

W

-

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-

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-

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-

-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Eunomius of Cyzicus -extreme Arian

Cyril of Jerusalem (cross over Jerusalem)

154

c.349-386

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W

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G

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W

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-

W

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S

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Cyril of Jerusalem (fed poor from church funds)

Ambrose of Milan (Against Arianism)

446 Ľ

370-390

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

Q

Q

W

W

-

-

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-

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S

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Q

W

Q

Q

-

-

-

W

A

Ambrose of Milan (Against Arianism)

The Donatist Tyconius

 

After 390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Donatist Tyconius

Gregory of Nazianzen (leader at Constantinople)

275

330-391

W

W

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A

A

A

A

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W

-

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A

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-

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-

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Gregory of Nazianzen (leader at Constantinople)

Pacian of Barcelona

c.23

342-379/392

-

-

-

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-

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A

Q

-

Q

A

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-

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-

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-

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Pacian of Barcelona

Amphilochius Iambi ad Seleucum

 

-394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amphilochius Iambi ad Seleucum

Council of Constantinople under Nectarius

1

394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council of Constantinople under Nectarius

Gregory of Nyssa (Origenist)

495

c.356-397

W

W

W

W

W

G

W

A

A

-

˝

A

A

A

-

-

-

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-

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-

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-

A

-

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Q

-

-

W

-

Gregory of Nyssa (Origenist)

Didymus the Blind (Origenist)

 

398 A.D.

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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-

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W

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-

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-

-

-

W

W

-

W

-

W

-

Didymus the Blind (Origenist)

Luciferian schism (Lucifer of Cagliari, Sardinia)

 

361-c.399

Orthodox beliefs, except would never accept back repentant Arian/Semi-Arian clergy

Luciferian schism (Lucifer of Cagliari, Sardinia)

Firmicus Maternus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firmicus Maternus

Syriac Book of Steps (Liber Graduum)

c.189

350-400

W

W

 

 

S

S

 

-

-

-

 

-

 

 

-

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-

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A

-

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-

A

Syriac Book of Steps (Liber Graduum)

Rufinus, translator in trouble

469

374-406

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W

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W

W

W

W

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W

-

A

-

A

-

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-

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W

W

W

W

-

-

W

-

-

-

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-

-

-

W

W

Q

Rufinus, translator in trouble

Rufinus’ Commentary on the Apostles’ Creed

21

374-406

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

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W

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-

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I

I

Rufinus’ Commentary on the Apostles’ Creed

Jerome (pupil of Gregory Nazianzen) (partial)

~500

373-420

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

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W

W

I

W

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I

W

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