Epistle to Diognetus

English-language translations of
Epistle to Diognetus (2nd century)
by Mathetes

The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus is probably the earliest example of Christian apologetics, writings defending Christianity from its accusers. The Greek writer and recipient are not otherwise known, but the language and other textual evidence dates the work to the late 2nd century; some assume an even earlier date and count it among the Apostolic Fathers. "Mathetes" is not a proper name; it simply means "a disciple."

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English-language translations of Epistle to Diognetus include:

The temporal condition and the principles of Christians from the Epistle to Diognetus from Tracts for the Times, 1834
Epistle to Diognetus translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, 1867
Epistle to Diognetus translated by Joseph Barber Lightfoot, from Apostolic Fathers, 1891

Works about this text edit

Introductory Note to the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus by Arthur Cleveland Coxe, from the Ante-Nicene Fathers
"Diognetus, Epistle to," in Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century, (ed.) by Henry Wace and William C. Piercy, London: John Murray (1911)
"Epistle to Diognetus," in Catholic Encyclopedia, (ed.) by Charles G. Herbermann and others, New York: The Encyclopaedia Press (1913)

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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