Full Text Options
For students who want to go deeper, there are 3 primary alternatives for how you can read the Apostolic Fathers in full. Click the toggle button below to see the pro’s and con’s for each, so you can find the best option for you.
- Free Online
- Penguin Classics
- Critical Edition
The Early Church Fathers
The Early Church Fathers is a 38 volume series divided chronologically intro 3 sections: the Ante-Nicene, Nicene, and Post-Nicene Fathers. Although it was produced in the late 1800’s, it is still the most comprehensive set of patristic translations that exists today, and many lesser known writings cannot be found in English elsewhere. Since it’s organized chronologically, you can predictably find all of the Apostolic Fathers in volume 1. Read online.
Pros
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Free online
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Cheap audiobook edition
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Includes additional writings
Cons
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Wooden translation
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Sounds archaic today
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Print version has 2 column layout
Pro's
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Free online
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Cheap audiobook edition
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Includes additional writings
Con's
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Wooden translation
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Sounds archaic today
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Print version has 2 column layout
Early Christian Writings
Like many important historical texts, the Apostolic Fathers have their own Penguin edition designed to bring the classics to a wide reading audience. They aim to do so by providing small, cheap paperback volumes written in solid prose, with unobtrusive introductions and endnotes for those interested in learning more. The most recent Penguin translation of the Apostolic Fathers by Staniforth & Louth sits squarely in that tradition. See Amazon listing.
Pros
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Small, inexpensive paperback
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Classic literary translation style
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Focused endnotes
Cons
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Page slightly cramped
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Biblical allusions unnoted
Pro's
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Cheap, small paperback
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Classic literary translation style
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Focused endnotes
Con's
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Page slightly cramped
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Biblical allusions unnoted
Pro's
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Cheap, small paperback
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Classic literary translation style
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Focused endnotes
Con's
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Page slightly cramped
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Biblical allusions unnoted
The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts & English Translations
This Baker Academic critical edition of the Apostolic Fathers has the Greek text and English translation set on facing pages, so you can compare what you’re reading to the original language. Between that, a sizeable introduction with critical apparatus, and voluminous footnotes on every page, a strong majority of the book’s content consists of additional material for those who want to dive deeper. It has been updated several times, and is on its third edition as of 2007. See Amazon listing.
Pros
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Greek text and critical apparatus
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Notes all biblical allusions
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Clean, crisp layout and typeface
Cons
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More expensive
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Additional tools not relevant for all
