Paul intends in Colossians to impress his readers with a majestic view of the person and work of Jesus. The depth of Christology may be difficult to process, but pondering Christ should always produce an attitude of wonder and worship. Leo I played an integral role in finally solidifying the orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation.

Spiritual amnesia is a danger to faith in every generation. The psalmist complained, “They forgot what He had done, and the wonders He had shown them” (Psalm 78:11). Fortunately, this Church father, Eusebius of Caesarea, recognized the importance of remembering the history of God’s mighty acts in the lives of His Church. We are in his debt, even today.

The finest preacher of the ancient church, John of Antioch proclaimed the gospel with a pastor’s heart and elevated the literal exposition of the Word of God above the dominant allegorical school in the fourth century. God’s veiled wisdom is revealed in sound preaching.

Politician turned bishop, this unlikely Church father played a significant role in defending orthodoxy, demonstrating the Church’s influence in the public square, and shaping worship in the fourth century. His story has particular relevance to our current age when the secular culture needs the engagement of the Church more than ever.

In the second half of the fourth century, a trio of Church fathers (known as the Cappadocian Fathers) had a profound influence upon Christian theology as they grappled with a way to speak of the Trinity that neither minimized the unity of the Godhead nor fell into the error of tri-theism, or three gods. Their contributions are codified in the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381).

One of the least likable of the Church Fathers, Jerome nevertheless had an influence which dominated the Western Church for a thousand years. Always torn between comfort of wealth and demands of holiness, he spent years of soul struggle in ascetic isolation. His legacy, however, is God’s Word set forth in the language of the people.

A disciple of John through Polycarp of Smyrna, Irenaeus was a theologian of great intellect who dealt a final death blow to the Gnostic challenge to Christian orthodoxy. His arguments against false teachers devastated the opposition and preserved “the faith handed down to the saints.”

Born of Greek parents in Palestine, Justin was a searcher for truth. He explored the instruction of the Stoics, Aristotle, Pythagoras, and Plato. Unsatisfied still, he was introduced to the Hebrew prophets and his philosophy for life. He was an educated defender of the faith among the elite class of Roman society contesting the charges made against Christians by Jews and Romans alike. He demonstrated a changed life even unto death.

The second Bishop of Antioch, disciple of John the Beloved, and friend of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Ignatius was a fiery leader who fought aggressively against the Docetic heresy and promoted a single elder model for the churches. Martyred as an atheist c. AD 115, he left significant letters to a dear friend and six churches. His theological contribution is still recognized and quoted extensively today. 

An elder in the first-century church in Rome, Clement possibly knew both Peter and Paul personally. His writings stress that one of the essential components of biblical Christianity is humility. He spoke of the mutual harmony experienced in a church with cooperative members joined to caring pastoral leadership, both without pride and a grasping for power.