Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Early Christian Quotes about Community

Ignatius, c. A.D. 110
Labor together with one another. Strive in company together. Run together; suffer together; sleep together; awake together, as the stewards, assessors, and servants of God. (Letter to Polycarp 6)

Letter to Diognetus, A.D. 80 - 200
[Christians] have a common table, but not a common bed. (ch. 5)

Justin Martyr, c. A.D. 150
We who formerly delighted in fornication now embrace chastity alone. ... We who valued above all things the acquisition of wealth and possessions now bring what we have into a common stock and share with every one in need. We who hated and destroyed one another and would not live with men of a different tribe because of their different customs now, since the coming of Christ, share the same fire with them. (First Apology 14)

Tertullian, c. A.D. 210
It is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to label us. "See," they say, "How they love one another!" For themselves are animated by mutual hatred. "How they are ready even to die for one another!" For they themselves will sooner put to death. ... the family possessions, which generally destroy brotherhood among you, create fraternal bonds among us. One in mind and soul, we do not hesitate to share our earthly goods with one another. All things are common among us but our wives. (Apology, ch. 39)


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