The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus
A concise apology on Christian life, worship, and the revelation of the Word.
12 sections17 paragraphs
Read full textEarly Christian Apology
Mathetes to Diognetus
2nd century - Greek-speaking Church
Shared Catholic/Orthodoxcatholicorthodoxapologeticschristian-lifeincarnationmission
The anonymous author traditionally called Mathetes writes to explain Christian worship, conduct, and hope. The work is especially prized for its concise apologetic portrait of Christians as the soul within the world.
Start Here
How to read Mathetes to Diognetus
The Letter to Diognetus is one of the most beautiful early explanations of Christian identity, mission, and the incarnation.
Suggested Reading Order
- 1The Epistle of Mathetes to DiognetusStart here for the best entry point.
Key Doctrines And Themes
Christian distinctiveness
Believers live in ordinary society while belonging finally to God.
Incarnation
God saves by revealing himself and giving his Son.
Mission
The Church serves the world by being faithfully different within it.
Tradition Lens
Catholic
Strong for Christian witness in society and incarnational theology.
Orthodox
Strong for the mystery of divine condescension and life in the world.
Protestant
Strong for apologetics, grace, and Christian vocation.
Scripture And Terms
Scripture connections
John 1John 172 Corinthians 5Philippians 31 Peter 2
Apologetic
A reasoned explanation or defense of the faith.
Sojourner
One who lives in a place while belonging ultimately elsewhere.
2nd century