Advice from the Apostolic Fathers on Christian Social Engagement in a Hostile World

The Apostolic Fathers have provided unique insights regarding life in the early church not available to us through other ancient sources. They give us a glimpse into the thinking and practices of the first Christians who aimed to follow the teachings of Jesus.

In this light, they would add to our knowledge on questions such as: (1) Where did the early church draw the line related to obedience to the emperor? (2) How did they engage social issues as an avenue to living out their faith? (3) How did they integrate their faith and work?

If we look at New Testament texts such as 1 Timothy or Titus, we find instructions for Christian living in a world that appears increasingly hostile to the Christian community. But how were they lived out? Did Christians move toward society or retreat from it? How did their faith inform their actions? Fresh research in the Apostolic Fathers may reveal answers.

In this paper, we explore this fresh research in three sections: (1) A summary of teachings on Christian social engagement from 1 Timothy and Titus, (2) exposition the contribution of the Apostolic Fathers to the scholarly conversation, and (3) a summary of possible conclusions.