Apostolic Fathers
The Apostolic Fathers are the 1st century Church Fathers who were directly taught by the Apostles.
The three most prominent are Clement the Bishop of Rome, Ignatius the Bishop of Antioch and Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, though there are others.
Figures
| Name | Location | Taught by | Key writing(s) | Martyred |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clement of Rome | Rome | The Apostles Peter and Paul | The Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
The Second Epistle of Clement (ascribed) |
Drowned in the Black Sea
c.100 |
| Ignatius of Antioch | Antioch | The Apostle John | The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp |
Thrown to the lions by Emperor Trajan in Rome
c.100-140 |
| Polycarp of Smyrna | Smyrna | The Apostle John | The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians | Burnt and then stabbed to death in Smyrna
c.155 |
| Papias of Hierapolis | Hierapolis | The Apostle John | Exposition of the Oracles of the Lord (lost) | N/A |
| Quadratus of Athens | Athens | The Apostles | The Apology of Quadratus (lost) | Details unknown
c.129 |
| Hermas the Freedman | Rome | The Apostle Paul | The Shepherd of Hermas | N/A |