Roots of Faith: Exploring the Early Church and Apostolic Tradition
Dive deep into the origins of the Catholic Church through a visual guide tracing the spiritual lineage from the Apostles to the early Church Fathers. Discover authentic writings, foundational teachings, and the enduring witness of saints and theologians who preserved and proclaimed the Faith. Each figure includes links to original texts and summaries of their theological contributions.
The Apostolic Foundation (c. 30–100 AD) - The direct disciples of Jesus Christ who established the early Church.
These apostolic writings are foundational to the life and faith of the Catholic Church because they are inspired by the Holy Spirit and convey the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ through His chosen Apostles. As the earliest expressions of Christian doctrine, these texts not only form the core of Sacred Scripture but also lay the groundwork for the Church’s understanding of salvation, the sacraments, the nature of Christ, and the structure of the Christian community. Written in the first century, they preserve the living voice of the Apostles, provide moral and theological guidance, and serve as the ultimate source of truth in the Church's ongoing mission. They are the bedrock upon which all subsequent Church teachings and traditions are built.
1. St. Peter - (d. c. 64–68 AD): Leader of the early Church in Rome. Two epistles attributed to him in the New Testament (1 Peter and 2 Peter)
1 Peter
2 Peter
2. St. John the Apostle (d. c. 100 AD): Evangelist and traditionally considered the author of several New Testament works. Gospel of John, three Epistles (1, 2, and 3 John), and Revelation.
Gospel of John
1 John
2 John
3 John
Revelation (Apocalypse)
3. St. Paul (d. c. 64–67 AD): Apostle to the Gentiles, prolific contributor to the New Testament. Multiple epistles, including Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and others.
Epistle to the Romans
First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians)
Second Epistle to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians)
Epistle to the Galatians
Epistle to the Ephesians
Epistle to the Philippians
Epistle to the Colossians
First Epistle to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians)
Second Epistle to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians)
First Epistle to Timothy (1 Timothy)
Second Epistle to Timothy (2 Timothy)
Epistle to Titus
Epistle to Philemon
Apostolic Fathers (70–150 AD) –The writings of the Apostolic Fathers are vitally important because they serve as a living bridge between the Apostles themselves and the later Church Fathers, preserving and transmitting the earliest traditions of the Catholic faith. These men—such as St. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Polycarp—were either direct disciples of the Apostles or taught by those who knew them. Their letters and teachings provide invaluable insight into the beliefs, structure, liturgy, and moral teachings of the first- and second-century Church. They affirm key doctrines such as the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the authority of bishops, and the importance of unity and apostolic succession, giving us a clear picture of the early Church in continuity with Christ’s original mission.
Apostolic Fathers
St. Clement of Rome (d. c. 99 AD): Believed to have been ordained by St. Peter; served as Bishop of Rome. Notable Writing: First Epistle to the Corinthians (c. 96 AD) – Addresses issues of Church order and authority.
First Epistle to the Corinthians (c. 96 AD)
St. Ignatius of Antioch (d. c. 110 AD): Disciple of St. John; Bishop of Antioch. Notable Writings: Seven epistles written en route to his martyrdom in Rome, discussing ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops.
Epistles (c. 107 AD)
St. Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69–155 AD) Disciple of St. John; Bishop of Smyrna. Notable Writing: Epistle to the Philippians – Encourages faithfulness and addresses issues of righteousness.
Epistle to the Philippians
The Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) (c. 50–120 AD) An early Christian treatise containing instructions for Christian communities. Content: Ethical teachings, instructions on baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist.
The Church Fathers (c. 150–400 AD)
This period marks the golden age of early Christian theology, where the foundational truths of the faith were clarified, defended, and handed on by brilliant bishops, martyrs, and theologians. The Church Fathers were the successors to the Apostolic Fathers, standing firm against heresies, interpreting Scripture, and developing doctrines on the Trinity, the Incarnation, grace, and the sacraments. Their writings reflect a deep reverence for apostolic tradition and a fierce love for Christ and His Church.
First Apology (c. 155–157 AD):
A defense of Christianity addressed to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, explaining Christian practices and refuting misconceptions.
Against Heresies (c. 180 AD):
A comprehensive refutation of Gnostic heresies and a presentation of orthodox Christian doctrine.
On First Principles (c. 220 AD):
The first systematic exposition of Christian theology, discussing topics like the Trinity, creation, and free will.
On the Incarnation (c. 318 AD):
A treatise on the divine nature of Christ and His role in human salvation.
Confessions (c. 397–400 AD):
An autobiographical work reflecting on Augustine's sinful youth and conversion to Christianity.
The Latin Vulgate Bible (c. 382–405 AD):
A Latin translation of the Bible, which became the Catholic Church's officially promulgated Latin version.