How Much Did Early Christians Refer to the Old Testament? – Mar.

2020 version
It is agreed that early Christians accepted the Old Testament, but it is interesting to compare the documented references of the Old Testament to the New. This chart showed who referred to which Old Testament
passages and when. The apocrypha and pseudepigrapha are listed in a separate chart.
Rows: red = persecution of Christians, Green = heresy, Orange = schism, Pale blue = Bible manuscripts, pink = strange teacher, brown = Christians persecuting others
W = Books and quotes mentioned by name or by writer G = Quoted as God or Lord says or God’s Word I = Implied (i.e. minor vs. 12) blank = not researched yet X = rejected - no reference found
S = Referred to as scripture, law, or prophet said g = Mentions Kings with no allusion or reference E =not scripture but good to read Q = quotes 1 or more verses ½ = quote of ½ verse A = Allusion
Christian writer, heretic, or Bible Pages Date A.D. O La Gn Ex Lv Nm Dt Josh Jdg Ru 1Sa 2Sa 1 2 1Ch 2Ch Ezr Ne Esth Job Ps Pr Ec Sof Isa Je Lam Ez Da 12 Ho Joe
manuscript T w m m Ki Ki r r h S r e n s l
Rahlfs 957 manuscript (Dt 25:1-3, Greek) <1 200-100 B.C. - - - - - - Q - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rahlfs 848 ms. (Dt 31:28-30; 32:1-7, Greek) <1 100-1 B.C. - - - - - - Q - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rahlfs 814 ms. (Gen 14:12-15, Greek Sept.) <1 150-200 A.D. - - Q - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dead Sea Scrolls manuscripts before 68 - - Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q - - Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Dead Sea Scrolls of Genesis 1Q1, 2Q1, 4Q1, 4Q2, 4Q3, before 68 - - Q Q
4Q4, 4Q5, 4Q6, 4Q7, 4Q8a, 4Q8b, 4Q8c, 4Q9, 4Q10,
4Q11, 4Q12, 6Q1, 8Q1
Philo the Alexandrian Jew many 20 B.C. to 50 - W W W - - - - Q - A - - - - - - - - Q - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nero and Domitian persecute Christians 50 & 95/96 Est 500K Christians. Christians were labeled atheists and killed for refusing to worship the emperor and pagan idols.
Clement of Rome (wrote 1 Clement) 16 ¼ 96-98 - - S G - Q Q Q - - - - A - - - - - W W W G - - Q - - G A - - -
Papias of Hierapolis, disciple of John 2 95-110 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Presbyters” (Papias?) ½ 95-117 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ignatius disciple of John (short version) 13 c.100-117 - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - G - - ¼ - - - - - - -
Trajan persecutes Christians 107-117 Answered Pliny the Younger’s letter. Christians are not to be sought after, but only killed if found.
Didache (=Teaching of 12 Apostles) 4¾ c.60-120 - - - Q - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Apology of Aristides (Greek version) 4 125or138-161 - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Quadratus of Athens fragment 1/8 126 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Epistle of Barnabas 12 ½ c.70-130 - - G W W W W - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - G G - G S - - -
Hadrian persecutes Christians 118 & 134 Hadrian loved Greek culture, and persecuted both Jews and Christians. The Jewish Bar Cochba revolt happened under him.
Bar Cochba persecutes Christians 135 Christians persecuted in Israel because Christians would not join Bar Cochba’s revolt.
2 Clement (anonymous writer) 5¾ 120-140 - - S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W S - W - - - -
Polycarp, John’s disciple, to the Philippians 3½ 100-155 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Q - - - - - - -
Epistle to Diognetus (Mathetes to Diognetus) 5¼ c.130-200 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total Apostolic Fathers to 155 A.D. 67.5 -155 0 2 3 3 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 4 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
Shepherd of Hermas 46 ½ c.115-155 - - - - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - A - - - - - -
Justin Martyr, philosopher, apologist 137 c.138-165 I W W W W W W W - - A Q W - - - - - - W W W - - W W - W W W W S
Evarestus’ Martyrdom of Polycarp 5 c.169 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Marcion of Pontus, pupil of Cerdo/Cerdon. defore170- Gnostics all believed the Creator, the God of the Old Testament, was evil or foolish. Rejecting the Old Testament, they made their own scriptures, mixing Greek
Apelles & Prepon from Marcion

Menander then Satorninos/ Saturnilus c.150-4th Cerdo & Menander from Simon in Acts. Encratite gnostics came from Saturnilus.
(ascetic Gnostics)
Dionysius of Corinth (against Marcion) 1/3 170 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tatian, pupil of Justin, later Encratite 18+86 c.172 - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ½ - - - W W - - - - - -
Basilides & his pupil Isidorus, 2.5 132-135-4th - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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changed from Menander's teaching
Sethian Gnostics (libertine) 20 ?-4th cen. - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hermetic Gnostics (no mention of 6 ?-4th cen. - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Christ)
Valentinians including Heracleon, 23+12 c.150-4th - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Colorbasus, Marcus, & Ptolemy
Other gnostics: Cainites, 37 c.150-4th - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Carpocrates, Docetics, Peretae, century
Cerinthus, Dositheus, Monoimus,
Hermogenes, Marcillinians,
Melchisedecians, Nicolaus, Ophites,
Secundus/Epiphanes
Athenagoras (apologist) 33 ½ 177 - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - S - - W W - - - - - -
Christians of Vienna and Lugdunum 6½ 177 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - - -
Persecution of Marcus Aurelius 162/166-180 Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher. Persecution, mainly in Gaul, ended with his death.
Claudius Apollinaris of Hierapolis ½ 160-177/180 - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Melito/Meleto of Sardis (Quartodec.) 11 170-177/180 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W - X* X W W W W W W W X* W W W - -
Hegesippus (chronicler) 2½ 170-180 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W W - - - - - -
Rhodon (against Marcion & Apelles) ½ 180 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Theophilus of Antioch (to Autolycus) 32 168-181/188 - - W G - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Q W W - - W W - W W - W W
Ebionites (O.T. Mt, observe Law, 265 ½ - 188 - - W Q W ½ W W S A - - - A - - A - - - - S A A - S S W A A - S -
Father, Son) Clementina, Protoevangelium
Irenaeus of Lyons, Polycarp’s disciple 284 ¾ 182-188 W W W W ½ W W W S - W Q Q A - - - - - - W W - A W W ¼ W W W W S
Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs ¾ 180-202 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Maximus of Jerusalem 5 185-196 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Polycrates of Ephesus (Quartodec.) ½ 196 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Caius and the Muratorian Canon 3 190-217 W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - - - - - - - - -
Sabellian heresy (Praxeas, Noetus, Callistus) 200-257- Sabellians believed the Father, Son, & Spirit were one person. This view allows that the Father suffered & died on the cross, hence they were also called Patrip
Persecution of Septimus Severus 202 Est. 2M Christians. Although a Christian helped him through a severe illness, he did not repeal existing laws against Christians.
Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas 7 c.201/205 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Romans kill first known martyrs in Britain 209 Alban, Julius, and Aaron were formerly thought killed in 304/5 A.D.

Serapion of Antioch (against 1/3 200-210 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Marcion)
Minucius Felix (The Octavius) 25 210 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Apollonius of Ephesus (against 1 c.210 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Montanists)
Clement of Alexandria 424 193-217/220 W - W Q W S W W W - W - W Q - - - - W W W W W - W W W W W W W W
Tertullian (joined Montanist Church) 736 198-220 W W W W W W W W W - S A W Q - - - - - - W W W W W W ½ W W W W W
Tertullian’s 5 Books Against Marcion 194 207/208 W W W G G G W A - - W W A A - - - - - A W - W W W W - W W - W W
Bardaisan/Bardesan of Syria 11 ½ -224/232 - W A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Asterius Urbanus (against 2¾ c.232 W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Montanists)
Elchasaite Ebionites (said Jesus 2¼ -236- I W I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
God’s Son)
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Justin's Book of Baruch-Moses, 2.5 188-236 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Heracles, Christ
Naaseni Gnostics & their Gospel of 3+6 188-236 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thomas
Hippolytus, pupil of Irenaeus 218 222-235/6 W W W W W W W Q - - W - Q A A W - - - W W W W W W W - W W - Q -
(undisputed)
Maximin Thrax persecutes Christians 235-238 First empire-wide persecution, but only of clergy. Persecution stopped when his soldiers assassinated him.

Theodotus the probable Montanist 7¾ ca.240 - - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Q ½ - - ¼ - - - - - W -

Instructions of Commodianus 16 c.240 W W A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - W - - - - - - -
Julius Africanus (undisputed 9 232-245 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
writings)
Heraclas of Alexandria 1st to be called pope 232-240 No Roman bishop called a pope until the Council of Arles I in 314 A.D., Next was 347 A.D.. Siricius c.384-399 was the first Roman bishop to call himself a pope

"Revised Valentinian" Tripartite 11 200-250 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tractate
Alexander of Cappadocia (Clem. A’.s ¾ 233-251 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
pupil)
Origen (heterodox teacher) 742 225-254 W W W W W W W W W - W I W W W I A - W W W W W W W W W W W W W Q
Severe persecution by Decius and Gallus 250-251 - First Christian schism. Were Christians who did sacrifice but repented doomed forever (Novatian’s view), or allowed back into church after a long repentance (O
253
Novatian (his schism lasted over 200 38 ½ 250/254-257 W W W W - - W - - - - - - - - ½ - - - - W - - - W - - A - - W W
years)
Treatise Against Novatian 6½ 254-256 - W W Q - W W - - - A - - - - - - - - - W - - - W W - W W - - Q
Treatise on Rebaptism 11 c.250-258 W W - - - W - - W - - - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cyprian of Carthage (against 250+ c.246-258 W - W W W W W W W - W W W W - W - Q - W W W W W W W - W W W W W
Novatian) ¾
Roman church leaders (ltr 2,29,30) 1+4 ¾ 250-251 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ½ - - - -
Caldonius to Cyprian (letter 18) ¾ 250-251 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Celerinus to Lucian (letter 20) 1¼ 250-251 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lucian to Celerinus (letter 21) ¾ 250-251 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Moyses, et al. to Cyprian (letter 25) 2½ 250 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cornelius to Cyprian (letters 45,47) 1¼ c.246-256 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Maximus, et al. to Cyprian (ltr 49) ¼ c.246-256 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Firmilian of Caesarea to Cyprian (74) 7 ¼ 256 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W Q S - Q Q - - W W - - -
Nemesianus, et al. to Cyprian (77) ¾ 254-257 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lucius and the brethren to Cyprian ½ 254-257 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(78)
Felix & the rest of the martyrs to ¼ 254-257 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cyprian (79)
Seventh Council of Carthage (85 7¼ 258 - - ½ - - - - - - - - - ½ - - - - - - - - W - - - - - - - - - -
bishops)
Pontius’ The Life and Passion of 7½ After 258 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - - W - - - - - - -
Cyprian
Valerian persecutes Christians 257-260 2nd most severe persecution. Tolerant at first, but then Macrianus influenced him. Stopped when Persian Shapur I captured him.
3
Theognostus of Alexandria ½ 260 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(Origenist)
Gregory Thaumaturgus (undisputed 28 ½ 240-265 - - S W - - W A - - S - - - - - - - - A - - W - - - - - - - - -
works)
Dionysius of Alexandria (Origenist) 39 ½ 246-265 - - Q A - - Q - - - - - A - - - - - - S W Q Q - W - - A - - - -
Dionysius of Rome (Against the 1 259-269 W - - - - - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - A S - - - - - - - - - -
Sabellians)
Malchion Against Paul of Samosata 2½ 270 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Aurelian Persecution 270 At first tolerant, Aurelian died soon after he decided to persecute Christians.
Paul of Samosata, deposed bishop 260-272 Greedy, Adoptionist Monarchian. i.e. the Logos sentered into Jesus at baptism.
of Antioch
Pierius of Alexandria (fragment) ½ 275 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Anatolius of Alexandria 7½ 270-280 W W - W W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(mathematician)
Theonas of Alexandria (Letter to 3 282-300 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lucianus)
King Tiridates III of Armenia >287-300 At first persecuted Christians, then became one through Gregory the Illuminator
Adamantius Dialog on the True Faith 42 c.300 W W W W S S S - - - A - A A - - - - - - W S - - W W - - W - W -
in God
Marcionite Megethius disputing c.2 c.300 - X Q - S - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - W Q - - - - - W W - - -
Adamantius
Marcionite Marcus disputing c.2 c.300 - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - W - - - - -
Adamantius
Bardasene Marinus disputing c.2 c.300 W W - - - - - - - - - - - - - S - - - W - - - - - -
Adamantius
Valentinian Doserius disputing c.2 c.300 - W W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adamantius
Alexander of Lycopolis Of the 12 301 W - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Manichaeans
Arnobius Against the Heathen 126 ½ 297-303 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(undisputed)
Victorinus of Petau, Austria (OT 18 ½ martyred W W W W W A Q - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - - W W - A W W - -
commentator) 304
Most severe persecution by Diocletian 284, 303- Est. 5M Christians. Most severe Roman persecution of all. Leveled churches, destroyed scriptures. Killed many Christians for not sacrificing.
305
Council of Elvira (21 undisputed c.1 306/307 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
canons)
Phileas of Thmuis/Tmai, Egyptian 2½ beheaded - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Delta 307
Pamphilus disciple of Pierius 2¾ martyred - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(Origenist) 309
Peter of Alexandria (undisputed) 8½ 306,285-311 - - Q - - - - - - - A - - - - - - - - - - A - - S A - - - - - -

Hesychius 1 Martyred - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[Egypt],Pachomius,Phileas,Theodor m11

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us
Donatus Magnus (Donatists) in 311-411- Refused to accept those who had ever surrendered their scriptures to authorities
North Africa 533
Methodius (against Origen) 79 ½ 260-311/12 W W W W W W W - W - - - S A - - - - - W W S A W W W W W - - - W
Council of Ancyra (about 12 bishops) 3 1/3 314 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Council of Arles I, France. All 0.33 Aug. 314
celebrate Easter on the same day.
Ex-communicated Donatists. First
mention of a pope in Rome.
Council of Neocaesarea (Basil and 1 1/3 c.315 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
others)
Theophilus’ Martyrdom of Habib the 5½ events - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - S - - - - - -
Deacon c.315
Athanasius Against the Heathen & 56 318 - W W - - W W - - - - - - - - - - - - - S - Q - S S - - W - ½ -
Incarnation
Licinius tyrannizes Christians east Rom. 315-323 Persecution because of politics, due to Christian support of his foe, Constantine.
Empire
Lactantius, tutor of Constantine’s 305.5 c.303-c.325 W - ½ A - W W W - - W W W A Q - - Q - - W W - - W W - A W W W -
son
Alexander of Alexandria -Origenist, 11.5 313-326 W W G - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W G - - - - - - - - - -
undisputed
Christian writer totals: all symbols 4301. up to 325 21 19 29 21 13 18 19 12 6 1 12 7 15 10 4 5 1 2-1 3-1 14 25 22 12 9 29 23 4 19 17 9 14 11
except P’s 25
Arian heresy spreads, starting in c.318 Arians believed that Jesus was God, but not the same substance as the Father, and there was a time when Jesus was not.
Alexandria
Constantine makes Christianity the official Fall-Winter Non-violently closed pagan temples so that his subjects would attend churches instead. Except that he executed the priests at Apollos' temple in Dydima in Asi
religion 324 Christians.
Council of Nicea (about 318 bishops 3 May-June - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
present) condemns Arianism 325
Juvencus (wrote a commentary: The 329 - - - - - - - - - -
Gospels)
Persian king Shapur II persecutes 315,325-381 Persian Christian double-taxed after Constantine became a Christian. Violent persecution after 325. In Mesopotamia alone 1,150 Christian killed.
Christians
Persian Shapur II attack Christian Lakhmid 325 In retaliation for prior raids into Persia, 60,000 soldiers kill everyone in al-Hera.
Arabs
Eustathius of Antioch (against 3½ 323-337
Origen)
Eusebius of Caesarea (leader at c.404 318-339/340 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W I I
Nicea)
Synod of Antioch in Encaeniis (97 3½ 341 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
bishops)
Mild Arian Creed of Antioch 1 c.341-344 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Council of Sardica 5 343/344 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Aphrahat/Aphraates the Syrian 67 ¼ 337-345 - W A A S G W A A A A A A A - A - - W W W W Q - W W W W W - W S
Select Demonstrations

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The Macrostich Creed 2 344/345 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Formicus Maternus On the Error of 348
Profane Religions
A Poem on the Passion of the Lord 1 c.350 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Vaticanus manuscript [B] in Greek 325-350 - - W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Sinaiticus manuscript [Aleph] in Greek 340-350 - - W - W - - - - - - - - - W - W W W - W W W W W W W - - - - -
Amon 4th century
Cyrillones, Syriac poet Six Hymns 4th century
Faustus of Milevis/Milevum 4th century
(Manichaean)
Hegemonius Acts of Archelaus 52 ¾ 4th century W W W A - W W - - - ¼ - - - - - - - - - A Q - - - - - - - - - -
Philo of Carpasia 4th century
1st Council of Sirmium (Greek 1½ 351 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
creed)
Julius 1, bishop of Rome 352
Ammonas (a founder of 340-348/53
monasticism)
Theodore of Heraclea 355
Council of Arminium, Nicene/Arian ½ 355 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
compromise
Synod of Seleucia in Isauria 1/5 357/358 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Eusebius of Emesa c.359
Potamius of Lisbon, Portugal c.350-360
Jews forbidden to set foot in Jerusalem 325-361 Constantine forbids Jews to be in Jerusalem. Julian later rescinds this law.

Arian Roman Emperor Constantius 337-353- Orthodox bishops were banished, and Athanasius had to go into hiding.
361
Arian Creed of Nica in Thrace ½ 356-361 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Serapion of Thmuis 362

Life of Antony (possibly by 356-362 - - - - - Q - - - - - A - - - - - - - W S W W - A - - W W - - -
Athanasius)
Arian Candidus’ Two Letters to c.4 359-362 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - - - - - - - -
Marius
Marius’s Reply to Candidus c.8 359-362 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nemesius of Emesa late 4th
century
Christians killed in Alexandria and Gaza 361-363 Emperor Julian the Apostate reigns for 18 months and shows some toleration, yet permits pagans to persecute Christians.

Arian Acacius of Caesarea (liked 366 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Eusebius of Caesarea, against Cyril
of Jerusalem)
Prohaeresius 367
Hilary of Poitiers (taught Martin of 230 355-367/368 W W W W - - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - W W - - W W - W W - W -
Tours)
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Theodore of Tabennesi died 368
Synopsis Scripturae Sacrae 350-370 W - W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W E W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Arian Roman Valens kills Christians in 370 Valens is finally killed in battle by the Goths, who had converted to Arianism, but never gained his favor
east
Eusebius of Vercelli d.370/371
Athanasius of Alexandria (partial) 424 367, 325- W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W E W W W W W W W W W W W I I
373
Marcellus of Ancyra (Mt, etc.) c.374
Optatus of Milevis (converted by 364-375
Augustine)
Athanaric persecutes Orthodox Visigoths 369-376 Athanaric first persecuted all Orthodox Christians and Arians, but after converting to Arianism persecuted only Orthodox Christians.

Titus of Bostra before 378

Ephraim/Ephrem, Syrian hymn-writer 162 350-378 I W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W - - - W W W Q - W W W W W - W W
(partial)
Felix II replaces banished Roman bishop 354-365 Liberius banished by Constantius II for refusing to condemn Athanasius.
Liberius
Fighting: Damasus I vs. Ursinus as Roman 366-378 Emperor sends in troops to stop the fighting. 137 of Ursinus' followers killed.
bishop
Macedonius, Pneumatomachian 342-379 Expelled and tortured Novatianist and Orthodox Christians in Greece and the Balkans. Digs up the corpse of Constantine I.
bishop of Constantinople
Macrina, younger sister of c.327-379
Basil/Greg. Nyssa
Basil of Cappadocia (Origenist) 326 357-378/379 W W G S W S S W - - S - A A - - - - - W W W W ½ W W A W W - A S
(partial)
Zeno of Verona (Jn, etc.) 362-380
Sapor II persecutes Christians in Persia 380 Heliodorus, Dosa, Ia, and 8K-9K others killed
Apostolic Constitutions (based on c.380
the Didache)
Orsiesius/Orsisius of Tabenna c.380
Faustinus of Rome, Luciferian, On ca.380
the Trinity
Filastrius Against All Heresies Ca.380
Synod of Laodicea (in Phrygia) 4½ 343-381 W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - - - - - - - - -
Council of Gangra (vs. Eustastius of 1 1/3 345-381 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sabaste)
Meletius of Antioch (taught Diodore) 381
1st Council of Constantinople -150 3¾ 381-382 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
bishops
Council of Rome under Damasus I
Eunomius of Cyzicus -extreme Arian c.8 c.360-c.383 - W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - S S - - - - - - - - - -
Bachiarius Libellis de Fide ca.383
Ambrosiaster c.384
Jacob of Nisibis 305-385
Gregory of Elvira, Spain 359-385
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Macedonian and Priscillian heresies c.383, 385 Macedonian denied H.S. a being. Priscillian denied Jesus God, killed 385 A.D.
Cyril of Jerusalem (cross over 154 c.349-386 W W W W W W W W W - W I W I - W - Q - W W G W W W W W W W W W W
Jerusalem)
Ambrose of Milan (Against Arianism) 446 ¼ 370-390 W W W W W W W W W W Q Q W W - - W - W W W W W W W W W W W - W S
The Donatist Tyconius After 390
Gregory of Nazianzen (leader at 275 330-391 W W A A A A A W W - W A A A - A - - - W W W W A W W W W W - W W
Constantinople)
Pacian of Barcelona c.23 342-379/392 - - - W - - W A Q - Q A - - - - A - W W W - - W W W - W W - - W
Amphilochius Iambi ad Seleucum -394 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W - W W W W W W W W W W W W
Council of Constantinople under 1 394
Nectarius
Gregory of Nyssa (Origenist) 495 c.356-397 W W W W W G W A A - ½ A A A - - - - - W W W W W W W W W W - A W
Didymus the Blind (Origenist) 398 A.D. W W W W W - W - - - - - - - - - - - - W W W - W W W W W - W W W
Luciferian schism (Lucifer of Cagliari, 361-c.399 Orthodox beliefs, except would never accept back repentant Arian/Semi-Arian clergy
Sardinia)
Firmicus Maternus Q
Syriac Book of Steps (Liber c.189 350-400 W W S S S - - - W - - - - - - W W - - W W S - - W A
Graduum)
Rufinus, translator in trouble 469 374-406 W W W W W W W W W - A - A - - - - - - W W - W W W W W W W - - W
Rufinus’ Commentary on the 21 374-406 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W - W W W I I
Apostles’ Creed
Macedonian and Priscillian c.383, 385 Macedonians denied person of the Holy Spirit. Priscillian denied divinity of Christ & was executed in 385 A.D.. Christians protested, but Augustine approved. In
Heresies
Damasus I of Rome (against Nica 2 c.386-389 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Creed)
Council of Constantinople, under 1 394 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nectarius
Manichaean Faustus of Milevis 383-400 W W
Epiphanius of Salamis (wrote on 80 360-403 W W I I I I I W W W I I I I I I I I W W W W W W W W W W W W I I
heresies)
Gaudentius of Brescia After 406
John Chrysostom (partial) ~3000 -407 W W W W S G W W A - Q G S Q - W Q Q W W W W W Q W W - W W W W
Chromatius 407
Asterius of Amasea c.410
Niceta of Remesianus c.63 366-c.415 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Orosius/Hosius of Braga c.20 414-418 - - A A A A - - - - A A A - A - - - - W W - - - W - S - W - - -
Council of Carthage (218 bishops) 39 393-419 - - W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W - W W W I I
Sulpicius/Sulpitius Severus (pupil of 116 ½ 363-420 - W W W W - - A W - W W W - W - W W W - W - - - W W - W W - - -
Martin)
Jerome (pupil of Gregory Nazianzen) ~500 373-420 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W I W W I W W
(partial)
Sozomen’s Ecclesiastical History 89 370/380-425 - W A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - - - - - -
Theodore of Mopsuestia (Pelagian c.94 392-423/429 W W G Q G A A - - - W - Q Q - A - - - W/X W - A W/X W W X W - - W W
heretic)
Augustine of Hippo (pupil of ~4500 388- W W W W W ¼ W W G - A W A A W A - - W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
8
Ambrose) 8/28/430
Synesius of Ptolemais (Cyrene) 397-430
John Cassian (Semi-Pelagian) 422 ½ 419-430 W W W W S S W W W - I I W W - W - - A W W W W W W W Q W W - W W
Nilus c.430
Marcus of Eremita After 430
Council of Ephesus vs. Nestorians 20 Jun-Sep - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(200 bish.) 431
Vincent of Lerins 26 c.434 W W A A - - W - - - G g g g - - - - - - W W Q - - - - - - - - -
Isidore of Pelusium (2,000 extant c.435
letters)
Acacius of Melitene c.438
Socrates’ Ecclesiastical History 178 ~400-439 W W W A - A - - - A - - ½ - - - - - - W - W - Q - - - - - - -
Peter Chrysologus of Ravenna, Italy 179 c.443-c.450 W W W W S
(vol.3 only)
Cyril of Alexandria 444
Persians fight Armenians and 449 Armenians and Georgians revolt after Yazdirg II tries to impose Zoroastrianism.
Georgians
Freer Gospels ms. 300-450 - - - - - - W W - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - - - - - - - - -
(Washingtonensis) [W]
Ephraemi Rescriptus manuscript [C] 375 or400- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - W W W - - - - - - - -
450
Nestorius’ Bazaar of Heracleides c.128 451/452 - - ½ S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Quodvultdeus c.453
Julian of Eclanum c.454
Theodoret of Cyrus (bishop & 320 423-458 W W G W W G S ¼ A - W - ½ - - - - - - W W W - W W W Q W W - S ½
historian)
Many Christians killed in Persia, 420-460 Christian bishop Abdas burned a Zoroastrian temple. Persian Emperor demanded he rebuild it with his own money and he refused. So the Persian Emperor bu
Armenia
Patrick of Ireland (English 15 420-461 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
missionary to Irish)
Prosper of Aquitaine (foe of Cassian) c.12 426-465 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - S S - - - - - - - - - -
–partial
Pope Leo I of Rome (turned back 204 440-461 W W G W G Q W - - - A - A - - - A - - W W W A - A A - - - - W W
Attila)
Alexandrinus (A) (Mt 25:7-Rev with gaps) c.450 - - W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Council of Chalcedon vs. 18 451 W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W - - - - - - -
Monophysites
Oecumenius of Isauria 5th century
Sharahb’il Yakuf kills Ethiopian c.472 Christian missionary Azqir among those killed.
Christians
Varimadum 445/480
What has been called the 1 447/484 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Athanasian Creed
Vigilius 484
Arians persecute Christians in 484 Arian Visigoth Hunneric persecutes Orthodox Christians in Tipasa, Algeria.
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Algeria
Gennadius/Jerome Lives of 40 480-495 W W W W W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W W - W W W W - W W - W -
Illustrious Men
Jacob of Serug/Sarug (partial) 9 519-521 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - -
Arians persecute Christians in 499-523 Arian Visigoth King Thrasimund persecutes Orthodox in Carthage and North Africa until his death.
North Africa
Dhu Nuwas persecutes Christians 523-524 Jewish Yemeni king Yusuf As’ar Dhu Nuwas persecuted Christians in Yemen and Najran because the Byzantines were persecuting Jews.
in Yemen
Benedict of Nursia Rule of St. ca.480-540
Benedict
Caesarius of Arles 469/470-542
Council of Constantinople II (c.153 13 553 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W W - - - - - - - W -
present) condemns Nestorius,
Origen & admirers
M. Aurelius Cassiodorus -560
Gildas c.570
Byzantines persecute Egyptian 527-568, Copts are Monophysites. Monophysites taught Jesus’ humanity and divinity are combined in one nature like a teaspoon of tea in the ocean.
Copts 572
Evagrius Scholasticus, church 593
historian
Gregory of Rome, Doctor of the 239 ½ 590-605 W W G W W W W Q - Q G Q Q Q - Q - - - W W W W Q W W S W A S W
Church (partial) A.D.
Venantius’ Poem on Easter 1½ Lived 530- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
609
John of Damascus 100½ 706-749 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W - W W W W I
Judaism c.400 B.C.- W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Waldenses, Scholastics, Mystics, - c.1000-1526 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Wycliffe, Medieval Catholic and
Orthodox churches
Ulrich Zwingli, Swiss Reformer 1454-1531 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Martin Luther (founder of 1483-1546 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Lutheranism)
Mormonism (Latter Day Saints) Salt 1830- W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Lake
Jehovah’s Witnesses (Watchtower) W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Liberal Protestant, Episcopalian 19th century P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Rev. Moon’s Divine Principle W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
(Unification Church)
Hussites, Conservative Protestant, - c.1000- W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Coptic
churches
Christian writer, heretic, or Bible pages Date A.D. O La Gn Ex Lv Nm Dt Josh Jdg Ru 1Sa 2Sa 1K 2K 1Ch 2Ch Ezr Ne Esth Job Ps Pr Ec Sof Isa Je Lam Ez Da 12 Ho Joe
manuscript T w m m i i r r h S r e n s l
www.Biblequery.org/Bible/BibleCanon/EarlyChristianOTGrid.html. References at www.Biblequery.org/Bible/bibleCanon/EarlyChristianOTGridReferences.html

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X* means the Lamentations was not mentioned, but was sometimes included with Jeremiah.
Nehemiah was not mentioned was sometimes included with Esther.

Note that the Ebionites undoubtedly accepted all of the Old Testament, but the chart above
only reflects the references to Old Testament books in the writings we have.

So how accurate does the previous chart reflect what each writer believed was scripture? We
can do two validation tests.

First, we can compare one of Tertullian’s works, Five Books Against Marcion (194 pages)
with the rest of his preserved works (741) pages. Counting an allusion as 15%, a quote as
25%, a reference to the apostles, etc. as 50% and a reference to Christ, God, Savior 75%, Five
Books Against Marcion only picked up 6 books, verses 21.9 books in the rest of Tertullian.

Second, we can compare Rufinus’ 469 pages, with a 21-page commentary where he spells out
clearly what He believes Scripture is (identical to the Protestant and Jews Old Testament
today with apocryphal books being merely “ecclesiastical”). The 469 pages only picked up
19.55 books out of 39 we know for certain that he accepted. Curiously, his list did not include
Lamentations, though he quoted from “the Lamentations of Jeremiah”. So in his list he
apparently included Lamentations with Jeremiah.

The second example shows that we will be more accurate to count any allusion or higher as
showing they accepted the book as scripture. If we recomputed the numbers, we get:

Work original Ratio new Ratio

method method
Tertullian’s Five Books 6 6
against Marcion
Rest of Tertullian 21.9 27% 25 24%
Rufinus’ Works 19.55 22
Rufinus Listing for us 39 50% 39 56%
the Old Test. Canon

So while the preceding chart is accurately for showing some of what they accepted as
scripture, it underestimates all the Old Testament books they accepted as scripture.
by Steven M. Morrison, PhD.

11