Early Theologians
Apostolic Tradition & Refutation of All Heresies
Hippolytus of Rome · c. 215 – 235
Historical Context
A Roman presbyter, sometime rival bishop, and martyr under Maximinus Thrax. His Apostolic Tradition preserves the earliest detailed picture of Roman worship.
Summary
The Apostolic Tradition describes the ordination of bishops, presbyters, and deacons, the catechumenate, baptism, and one of the earliest full eucharistic prayers — the model for many modern Western Eucharistic Prayers. The Refutation attacks a wide range of heresies and preserves invaluable data about Gnostic sects.
Major Themes
- Early liturgy
- Ordination rites
- Catechumenate
- Anti-heretical polemic
Important Quotations
“We render thanks unto Thee, O God, through Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ… whom in the last times Thou didst send to be a Saviour and Redeemer.”— Apostolic Tradition, Eucharistic Prayer
Related Doctrines
Primary Sources
Further Reading
- Alistair Stewart-Sykes, Hippolytus: On the Apostolic Tradition