In recently reading through Robert Louis Wilken’s The Spirit of Early Christian Thought, I noted some “firsts” that he points out.
First Christian writer to use literature as an instrument of peaceful labor within the church itself, not simply as a tool to combat heresies.
Clement (c. 150-c. 215).
First extended theological essay.
Irenaeus, Against Heresies (c. 202).
First Christian scholar to deal directly with the question of how Christians are to interpret the Old Testament.
Origen (184/185-253/254).
First life of a Christian saint.
Passion and Life of Cyprian, by Pontius (mid 200s).
First Christian poet.
Prudentius (348-c. 413).
First treatise on Christian ethics.
The Tutor, by Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-c. 215).
First treatise in the history of the church on a specific virtue.
On Patience, by Tertullian of Carthage (c. 160-c. 225).
First thinker in Western culture to defend freedom of religion on religious grounds.
Lactantius (c. 240-c. 320).
First treatise to deal in depth with the relation of Christianity to social and political life.
Augustine, The City of God (414-426).
First Christian to discuss Muhammad in his writings and to cite passages from the Qur’an.
John of Damascus (676-749).