2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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EPISTLE TO DIOGNETUS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Matthew 5:1-12
John 6:66-69
“…Lord, to whom shall we go?
thou hast the words of eternal life.”
EPISTLE TO DIOGNETUS
The “Epistle to Diognetus” is one of the most beautiful and important writings of early Christianity, though its author remains unknown. The writer identified himself only as “Mathetes” (Greek for “disciple”), claiming to be a student of the Apostles. Written in the second or third century AD, it stands as one of the earliest Christian apologies, defending the doctrines of the faith with clarity and elegance.
The identity of the recipient, Diognetus, is likewise uncertain. Addressed as “His Excellency,” he might be a man of rank, possibly Tiberius Claudius Diogenes, procurator of Alexandria, or perhaps the archon Diognetus, son of Apollonius. Whoever he was, the letter sought to explain the distinctiveness of the Christian life.
Scholars such as J.B. Lightfoot have described the “Epistle to Diognetus” as “the noblest of early Christian writings.” Beyond its literary beauty, it offers a profound glimpse into how the New Testament was understood in the earliest centuries. The author vividly contrasted Christians with non-Christians, describing their resilience and grace under persecution:
“They are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour they are glorified; they are spoken ill of and yet are justified; they are reviled but bless; they are insulted and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evildoers; when punished, they rejoice as if raised from the dead.”
This testimony magnifies a timeless truth: the lifestyle Jesus called His followers to live has not changed. Persecution has accompanied the church since Christ walked the earth and will continue until He returns (Matt 5:10–12). Yet the “Epistle to Diognetus” reminds us that there is no greater life than one lived for Jesus. As the hymn writer declared: “Take the world but give me Jesus…”
THOUGHT: Am I truly living for Jesus, reflecting His life in mine even amid trials?
PRAYER: Father, grant me a heart wholly devoted to Christ. Teach me to follow Him according to the Scriptures, to endure dishonour with joy, and to live a life that glorifies Thee alone.