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MELITO OF SARDIS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7
Matthew 19:1-12

Matthew 4:3-4

 

“…Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth

out of the mouth of God.”

 

MELITO OF SARDIS
 
Melito of Sardis, another Apostolic Father, might have been the immediate successor of the “angel” of the church of Sardis, to whom Christ addressed His words in the Book of Revelation. It is likely that Melito knew Polycarp and Irenaeus, and was introduced as “the Philosopher” and known as “the Eunuch.” His celibacy was not monastic withdrawal, but a deliberate choice to serve the Lord with undivided devotion.
 
Melito was especially skilled in the literature of the Old Testament and became one of the most prolific Christian writers of his time. Born Jewish, he lived in a time when Christianity retained a strong Jewish imprint. He is revered for his diligence in establishing the canon of the Old Testament, ensuring that the Scriptures were recognised and preserved for the church.
 
His writings expounded on the incarnation and passion of Christ, while also defending Christianity against paganism, Judaism, and heresies. Influenced by both his Jewish heritage and Stoic background, Melito argued that the Christian Passover should coincide with the Jewish Passover, seeing the Old Covenant fulfilled in Christ. His views also shaped early discussions about the date of Easter.
 
Melito’s life and work remind us that Christianity is deeply rooted in the Scriptures of both covenants. The Old Testament conceals the New, and the New Testament reveals the Old. Together, they form the inspired and preserved Word of God. No believer can rightly prefer one over the other, for both testify of Christ. As Jesus declared: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4; cf. Deut 8:3).
 
THOUGHT: Do I truly believe the whole Bible, both Old and New Testaments, as the inspired Word of God?
PRAYER: Father, give me a deep love for Thy Word in its entirety. Let me treasure both the promises of the Old Testament and the fulfilment in the New. May I meditate on all of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, that I may know Thy will and walk faithfully in it.

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