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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