Thinkers And Theologians Series

Papias of Hierapolis (c. 60–130 AD) was an early Christian bishop, theologian, and writer. He served as the bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia (modern-day Pamukkale, Turkey) and is considered one of the Apostolic Fathers. According to Irenaeus of Lyons, Papias was a hearer of the Apostle John and a companion of Polycarp, making him a significant link to the apostolic era.

Papias is best known for his work Expositions of the Sayings of the Lord, written in five books, which has survived only in fragments preserved by later authors like Eusebius and Irenaeus. His writings focused on interpreting the sayings of Jesus and providing insights into oral traditions passed down by the apostles and their followers. Although Papias’s complete work is lost, his fragments are invaluable for understanding early Christian thought and traditions.

Papias’s View

Papias’s theology is deeply rooted in the oral traditions of the apostles and their immediate disciples. His views emphasize the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the importance of apostolic teaching. Key elements of his thought include:

1. Reliance on Apostolic Tradition:

Papias preferred oral accounts from those who directly knew the apostles over written texts. He famously stated, “I did not think that information from books would profit me as much as information from a living and surviving voice.”

2. Focus on the Teachings of Jesus:

Papias sought to compile and interpret the sayings of Jesus, relying on apostolic sources. He is noted for his early accounts of the Gospel writers, providing insights into the origins of the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

3. Millennialism:

Papias held a premillennial view, believing in a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. This view reflects a hope for the ultimate restoration and fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

4. Historical and Theological Interest:

Papias’s writings reveal his interest in both historical details and theological interpretations of Jesus’ teachings. He preserved early Christian traditions about the apostles and their disciples.

Contributions to Christianity

Papias’s role as a preserver of apostolic tradition and interpreter of the teachings of Jesus makes him a crucial figure in early Christianity. His contributions include:

1. Insights into the Origins of the Gospels:

Papias provided some of the earliest recorded accounts of the authorship of the Gospels. He described Mark as Peter’s interpreter, writing down what he heard from Peter, and claimed that Matthew compiled the sayings of Jesus in Hebrew or Aramaic. These accounts remain foundational for understanding the historical development of the New Testament.

2. Preservation of Oral Tradition:

Papias emphasized the value of oral tradition, recording details from those who had direct contact with the apostles. His commitment to preserving apostolic teaching highlights the importance of eyewitness testimony in early Christianity.

3. Defense of Apostolic Authority:

By relying on the accounts of those who knew the apostles, Papias underscored the authority of the apostolic witness. His work bridged the gap between the apostolic and post-apostolic eras, ensuring the continuity of Christian teaching.

4. Premillennial Theology:

Papias’s millennialist beliefs reflect early Christian eschatological hope. While his views on the millennium were later challenged by some theologians, they influenced early Christian discussions on eschatology.

5. Testimony to the Early Church:

The fragments of Papias’s work provide a window into the beliefs, practices, and challenges of the early Church. His writings affirm the centrality of Jesus’ teachings and the apostles’ role in transmitting them.

Papias of Hierapolis stands as a pivotal figure in early Christianity, preserving the teachings of the apostles and shedding light on the origins of the New Testament. His commitment to oral tradition and apostolic authority exemplifies the importance of historical testimony in the development of Christian theology. Though much of his work is lost, the surviving fragments offer valuable insights into the faith and practices of the early Church. Papias’s life and writings continue to inspire a deeper appreciation for the foundational role of the apostolic witness in Christian history.