Epistle to Diognetus

The so-called Diognetbrief (Greek Πρὸς Διόγνητον Ἐπιστολή ) is an early Christian apologetic writing and probably not a real letter. Author and date are unclear. Similarities exist both at very early writings (around 120 AD: Kerygma Petri, Aristides ) how much later (around 210 AD Hippolytus of Rome, Clement of Alexandria ).

The author calls himself " mathetes " which is not a proper name, but indicates his status as a student. The Diognetus, who was the teacher of Marcus Aurelius is virtually certain not meant. An identification with Claudius Diogenes, procurator of Alexandria at the turn of the 3rd century, is also unlikely.

The letter is preserved in three manuscripts, the third, lost in 1870, but already in 1592 printed for the first time, was preserved in a codex of the 13th century, which contained writings that were attributed to Justin Martyr. The first two are probably copies of this third version, as they also do not provide two lines, which were destroyed in the third manuscript version. The tenth chapter breaks, the last two chapters are often regarded as later additions, as phrases such as " this word, which was from the beginning ... " for this time are typical.

The formalities of an ancient letter missing. The structure may be illustrated as follows:

• Introduction: Various issues of Diognetus: Which trust God Christians and why they believe, either to Jews or to Greeks? What's this for an intimate love ( charity )? Why is the Christian faith occurred before?
• Chap. 2-4: The pagan gods ( images) are Stoffliches work of man; Although the Jews believe in the right God, but worship him wrong.
• Chap. 5-6: The Christians tower over the world as the soul of the body.
• Chap. 7-8: Over the almighty and good God of the Christians.
• Chap. 9-10: the son only justification given, but already the Father created and ordered the universe
• Chap. 11-12: probably spurious additions