Historical Theology · Patristic Database
The Christian
Belief Map
What the first five centuries believed — and who still believes it today.
How to read the tradition strip
Identical
Convergent
Partial
Divergent
Opposed
Unknown
Apostolic Era · AD 30–100
1 record
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 90
Didache
The Didache permits bishops and deacons to fulfil the liturgical role of prophets in the Church
Ante-Nicene · AD 100–200
2 records
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 195
Clement of Alexandria
Clement of Alexandria argues married life is honourable before God and celibacy is not required for salvation
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 195
Clement of Alexandria
A bishop is to be married no more than once — the Pauline qualification limits prior marriages, not celibacy
Ante-Nicene · AD 200–300
4 records
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 200
Tertullian
Women did not hold the office of bishop, priest, or deacon in the early Church
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 230
Didascalia Apostolorum
The Didascalia Apostolorum teaches that widows must not baptise or teach men — only care for women
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 249
Cyprian of Carthage
Consecrated virginity is praised as the higher part, but not imposed — it is offered as an inducement to glory, not a yoke of necessity
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 250
Cyprian of Carthage
The ordained priesthood is a distinct office with sacrificial powers
Nicene Era · AD 300–400
1 record
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 390
John Chrysostom
Chrysostom teaches that the bishop must be prepared to give an account for every soul in his flock
Post-Nicene · AD 400–500
2 records
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 400
Augustine of Hippo
Ordination, like baptism, cannot be repeated — both are sacraments given once
PRIESTHOOD
c. AD 595
Gregory the Great
Simony — purchasing holy orders or church office — is a grave sin
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