Patristics
For by no others have we known the method of our salvation, than those by whom the Gospel came to us: which was both in the first place preached by them,* and afterwards by the will of God handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. For it never can be right to say, that they preached before they had perfect knowledge; as some venture to say, boasting themselves to be correctors of the Apostles.* For after that our Lord rose from the dead, and they were clad with the power of the Holy Ghost coming on them from on high, were filled with all things, and had perfect knowledge; they went out into the ends of the earth, bearing the good tidings of the blessings we have from God, and announcing to men heavenly peace. Now these, all and each of them alike having the Gospel of God,—Matthew for his part published also a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own language, whilst Peter and Paul were at Rome, preaching, and laying the foundation of the Church. And after their departure, Mark, Peter’s disciple and interpreter, did himself also publish unto us in writing the things which were preached by Peter. And Luke too, the attendant of Paul, set down in a book the Gospel preached by him. Afterwards John the disciple of the Lord, who also leaned on His Breast,—he again put forth his gospel, while he abode in Ephesus in Asia.
Whosoever will candidly consider each particular, will recognise the greatness of the gifts which were given by him. For from him13 have sprung the priests and all the Levites who minister at the altar of God. From him also [was descended] our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. From him [arose] kings, princes, and rulers of the race of Judah. Nor are his other tribes in small glory, inasmuch as God had promised, “Thy seed shall be as the stars of heaven.”15 All these, therefore, were highly honoured, and made great, not for their own sake, or for their own works, or for the righteousness which they wrought, but through the operation of His will. And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.