The Epistles of Clement, Mathetes, Polycarp, and Ignatius

The Epistles of Clement, Matheses, Polycarp, and Ignatius are included among the Apostolic Fathers. The authors were personally acquainted with the Apostles. Clement, Bishop of Rome was a disciple of Saint Peter. Ignatius was the second successor of St. Peter in the See of Antioch. An accepted tradition declares him a disciple of St. John. Polycarp was "instructed by Apostles", according to Irenaeus and had been a disciple of St. John nearly twenty years. These Epistles were written in the late first and early second century and provide great insight into early Christian thought.