Ignatius Polycarp Papias Clement? (jan 1, 105 – dec 31, 109)

Description:

Timeframe of the “Apostolic Fathers”: Clement of Rome, Ignatius (bishop of Antioch), Polycarp (bishop of Smyrna), and Papias (bishop of Hierapolis).

Clement of Rome is the purported author of an epistle written to a Jesus club in Corinth, after the club had rebelled against their presbyters. The work is anonymous; the first solid reference to its author comes from Irenaeus around 170 CE. The date of the epistle is notoriously hard to nail down, with suggestions ranging from 80 CE to as late as 140 CE. The traditional dates for the Roman bishopric of Clement I are 88-99 CE, but the letter itself gives the impression of lateness in seeming to describe a the passing of the second ecclesiastical generation, and in its emphasis on the vested authority (and proper succession) of bishops and deacons. Additionally of note, the Shepherd of Hermas (composed c. 100-160 CE) makes mention of a Clement in Rome who is a sort of foreign correspondent to Jesus clubs in other cities; it's worth asking the question whether this was in fact the author of 1 Clement. With so many unknowns, we can provisionally situate the author of 1 Clement with the other "Apostolic Fathers", in about the middle of the proposed date range.

Ignatius is arrested (charge unknown) and transported to Rome. While in Smyrna, he writes to nearby Jesus clubs who’ve sent people to see him (Ephesus, Tralles, and Magnesia), as well as to the club(s) at Rome. In his letter to a Jesus club at Ephesus, Ignatius extols their storied, Pauline reputation; this club must have either stayed loyal to Paul or reverted to claiming him. There is no mention of the apostle John ever having stayed in Ephesus (in contrast with what later tradition would claim).
Sails “suddenly” from Troas to Neapolis. While in Neapolis, Ignatius writes to Smyrna, Philadelphia, and Polycarp. Martyred in Rome?

Polycarp writes to Philippi soon after Ignatius is martyred, inquiring after any information as to what became of him. First hazy mention of the tradition that Paul and all of the apostles were martyred.

Papias attempts to gather what solid information he can about the sayings of the Lord and his closest disciples, ends up netting legendary and bizarre content. Writes a five-volume exposition on Jesus’ sayings (non-extant). Earliest mention of a tradition that Mark (Peter’s interpreter) and the apostle Matthew had produced written accounts of Jesus’ words and deeds.

---

Added to timeline:

Date: