I read the New Testament at an intermediate level and I've managed to get through most of the Apostolic Fathers by using Holmes' book. As I'm reading I'll compare my understanding of the Greek text with his English translation, while looking up any unknown words in the BDAG (most of them seem to be there). I've begun a color coding system where I'll highlight an unfamiliar Greek word, along with its English translation, with one color, then choose another color for the next word, and so on. It helps me break down, not just the meanings of the words themselves, but also the overall structure of any sentence or passage (obviously the Greek sentence structure is often very different from the way it's translated into English). My two favorite works right now would be 1 Clement and the Didache.
Fantastic video! I feel a deep personal tie to the Apostolic Fathers, which significantly influenced my decision to become a part of the Orthodox Church. Simply going through Ignatius's writings was revelatory. Clearly, the faith, customs, and experiences of this first-century Christian were quite different from my own during my time as a Baptist. Initially, I explored their works online, but I've since acquired the Greek-English version translated by Michael Holmes. In any case, wonderful video. I had already noted the Glossahouse reader on my wishlist, and this video has inspired me to prioritize getting it.
Interesting this popped up today. I started reading the English version that’s included with logos a couple weeks ago so I’m definitely interested in this.
I do not know Greek. But I do read the english translations. and enjoy the ACCS commentaries that have me search the original writings of the Apostolic Fathers. I am a bit old to try to learn another language. But Feel those books translated into English are a good start to help me grow in faith.
No, you are not too old to learn Greek if you really want to do so! I am well into my 70s and have made good progress in learning Koine Greek and reading some of the Apostolic Fathers, thanks to Biblical Mastery Academy which I wholeheartedly recommend.
@@allanbrown564 Yet I know I do not have a gift of languages. Barely handle English at times. But For those who do not have the gift Reading the Early Church Fathers is a good thing to do in English. When I do not want to wait to read Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew languages to read the source docs. I do not trust many of the translators today. But Do have a higher trust of translations in the 1800's and early 1900's Those before the time of Political Correctness.
When will the Premium Language Membership, where I can study both, be available. The website allows one to sign up for Greek or Hebrew, but not both. Thank you.
Thanks for your question! We offer the Premium Languages Membership as an upgrade. Feel free to join one or the other and message the team and they can help you upgrade.
Should be clear that Whitacre is only extracts and goes way beyond the Apostolic Fathers who are only a subset of the whole corpus of Early Christian Writings. Find it really frustrating when people conflate the two. And don't let's forget the Early Church mothers, Perpetua, Proba, Egeria etc
Its is totally presumptous to call any man, post 12 apostles such! Jesus chose Just 12! In the revelation of the 'new Jerusalem' John saw the "Twelve foudations & in them the names of the TWELVE apostles of the lamb" ( rev 21:14) True Clement in 94AD claimed that there was some sort of 'succession' but these were the mere words of a man! Only Jesus Christ actually appointed 'apostles'. True , 'bishops' were appointed, but they are NOT the same as 'apostles'! ( Paul took Timothy & Barnabas with him, they were just called 'fellow workers'! In fact both Jesus & his apostles wanrned against men "arising" and "Liking the first place among them" ( See Acts 20:28-30 3 John 9 )
Such men were 'self appointed'. Only God & Jesus had the authority to appoint a man as an 'apostle' ( Even Paul's missionary companions, Barnabas & Timothy were not called 'apostles'! ) Being an overseer/elder was a MULTIPLE office in the earliest congregations ( See Phil 1:1 & Tit 1:5,7) Only as apostacy crept in did "men arise" seeking power & position resulting in a SINGLE 'bishop ( just an 'overseer') rather than a group or body in each congregation! Next a 'bishop' assumed power over a whole district! All wrong! none of this was true Christianity! "One is your teacher and all you are brothers" said Jesus "Let the greatest be the smallest" Amen!
They aren't fathers. They are men that lived generations after Jesus. There is only one Father. Those are the great great grandsons of the apostles. Don't call them fathers, specially as many of them passed on apocrypha and had their anti-biblical "philosophies" from time to time. We already have Jesus, the apostles, the prophets and one Father, hallowed be his name.
I read the New Testament at an intermediate level and I've managed to get through most of the Apostolic Fathers by using Holmes' book. As I'm reading I'll compare my understanding of the Greek text with his English translation, while looking up any unknown words in the BDAG (most of them seem to be there). I've begun a color coding system where I'll highlight an unfamiliar Greek word, along with its English translation, with one color, then choose another color for the next word, and so on. It helps me break down, not just the meanings of the words themselves, but also the overall structure of any sentence or passage (obviously the Greek sentence structure is often very different from the way it's translated into English).
My two favorite works right now would be 1 Clement and the Didache.
Thank you for sharing I bought Holmes's book as well. I might use your system. God blessed !
Fantastic video! I feel a deep personal tie to the Apostolic Fathers, which significantly influenced my decision to become a part of the Orthodox Church. Simply going through Ignatius's writings was revelatory. Clearly, the faith, customs, and experiences of this first-century Christian were quite different from my own during my time as a Baptist. Initially, I explored their works online, but I've since acquired the Greek-English version translated by Michael Holmes. In any case, wonderful video. I had already noted the Glossahouse reader on my wishlist, and this video has inspired me to prioritize getting it.
Polycarp was one of my favorites. But i have not finished all.of them.
Interesting this popped up today. I started reading the English version that’s included with logos a couple weeks ago so I’m definitely interested in this.
I do not know Greek. But I do read the english translations. and enjoy the ACCS commentaries that have me search the original writings of the Apostolic Fathers. I am a bit old to try to learn another language. But Feel those books translated into English are a good start to help me grow in faith.
No, you are not too old to learn Greek if you really want to do so! I am well into my 70s and have made good progress in learning Koine Greek and reading some of the Apostolic Fathers, thanks to Biblical Mastery Academy which I wholeheartedly recommend.
@@allanbrown564 Yet I know I do not have a gift of languages. Barely handle English at times. But For those who do not have the gift Reading the Early Church Fathers is a good thing to do in English. When I do not want to wait to read Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew languages to read the source docs. I do not trust many of the translators today. But Do have a higher trust of translations in the 1800's and early 1900's Those before the time of Political Correctness.
When will the Premium Language Membership, where I can study both, be available. The website allows one to sign up for Greek or Hebrew, but not both. Thank you.
Thanks for your question! We offer the Premium Languages Membership as an upgrade. Feel free to join one or the other and message the team and they can help you upgrade.
@@bma Thank you for the reply. I will do that. Shalom.
You been working out?
Should be clear that Whitacre is only extracts and goes way beyond the Apostolic Fathers who are only a subset of the whole corpus of Early Christian Writings. Find it really frustrating when people conflate the two. And don't let's forget the Early Church mothers, Perpetua, Proba, Egeria etc
Thanks Judith! That's fair. I also left out McClean since he doesn't cover as much of the Apostolic Fathers and goes well beyond in his texts.
Its is totally presumptous to call any man, post 12 apostles such! Jesus chose Just 12! In the revelation of the 'new Jerusalem' John saw the "Twelve foudations & in them the names of the TWELVE apostles of the lamb" ( rev 21:14) True Clement in 94AD claimed that there was some sort of 'succession' but these were the mere words of a man! Only Jesus Christ actually appointed 'apostles'. True , 'bishops' were appointed, but they are NOT the same as 'apostles'! ( Paul took Timothy & Barnabas with him, they were just called 'fellow workers'! In fact both Jesus & his apostles wanrned against men "arising" and "Liking the first place among them" ( See Acts 20:28-30 3 John 9 )
Such men were 'self appointed'. Only God & Jesus had the authority to appoint a man as an 'apostle' ( Even Paul's missionary companions, Barnabas & Timothy were not called 'apostles'! ) Being an overseer/elder was a MULTIPLE office in the earliest congregations ( See Phil 1:1 & Tit 1:5,7) Only as apostacy crept in did "men arise" seeking power & position resulting in a SINGLE 'bishop ( just an 'overseer') rather than a group or body in each congregation! Next a 'bishop' assumed power over a whole district! All wrong! none of this was true Christianity! "One is your teacher and all you are brothers" said Jesus "Let the greatest be the smallest" Amen!
They aren't fathers. They are men that lived generations after Jesus. There is only one Father.
Those are the great great grandsons of the apostles. Don't call them fathers, specially as many of them passed on apocrypha and had their anti-biblical "philosophies" from time to time. We already have Jesus, the apostles, the prophets and one Father, hallowed be his name.
And why should we listen to you? What is your authority?
@@robertsirico3670 Maybe I know more about your "fathers" (although mine is in the sky) than you might wonder.
@@robertsirico3670 spare me of your victimism and accusations.
@@robertsirico3670 I won't fall in temptation to give a proper response to your victimism and accusations.
Requiescat in pace.