The Apostolic Fathers were Christian theologians who lived in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, who are believed to have personally known some of the Twelve Apostles, or to have been significantly influenced by them. They played a significant role in shaping its intellectual and doctrinal foundations. The period during which they were active is referred to as the Patristic Era, approximately spanning from the late 1st century to the mid-8th century. This era saw particular development during the 4th and 5th centuries, a time when Christianity was establishing itself as the state religion of the Roman Empire.
All or most of these works were originally written in Greek. Older English translations of these works can be found online in the Ante-Nicene Fathers series on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library website. The Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, commonly referred to as the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers (NPNF), is a collection of published volumes comprising English translations of early Christian texts. The compilation was issued over the period from 1886 to 1900.
Although The Apostolic Fathers texts were widely circulated in early Christianity, they were not incorporated into the canonical canon of the New Testament. Many of these writings originate from the same historical period and geographical region as other early Christian documents that subsequently became part of the New Testament canon.
Additionally, the publication of the Didache in Constantinople in 1883 has resulted in the inclusion of a new figure. Of particular significance are the first three bishops from the first century.
St. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Polycarp of Smyrna, each of whom is well-documented to have maintained close personal relationships with the Apostles.