291 The Patristic Period | Papias of Hieropolis: Lost Writings, Living Voice

When you think about what you believe as a Christian… where did those beliefs come from? For many, the trail leads back to the apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus, and church leaders like Papias of Hierapolis. Papias was connected to the Apostle John, knew Polycarp, and helped preserve early Christian teaching during the generation after the apostles. Though most of his writings have been lost, what remains gives us valuable insight into the origins of the Gospels, the importance of eyewitness testimony, and the early church’s commitment to passing down the truth about Jesus. This episode explores Papias’ life, writings, and lasting influence on Christian theology. **Chapters:** **00:00 Introduction to Papias of Hierapolis** Papias of Hierapolis was one of the earliest church fathers in the Patristic Period and a significant link between the Apostolic Era and the generation that followed. **02:00 Papias and His Connection to the Apostle John** Irenaeus described Papias as a hearer of the Apostle John, and Papias was also known as a companion of Polycarp. **03:15 Why Papias Matters** Papias was deeply concerned with preserving what the apostles actually taught about Jesus and passing that truth along faithfully. **04:30 The Lost Writings of Papias** Papias wrote a five-volume work called *The Exposition of the Sayings of the Lord*, but only fragments remain through later writers like Eusebius and Irenaeus. **05:30 Papias and the Origins of the Gospels** The surviving fragments of Papias give early insight into the origins of the Gospels, including Mark’s connection to Peter’s teaching and Matthew’s original composition. **08:10 Apostolic Tradition and Eyewitness Testimony** Papias placed strong value on the oral testimony of those who knew the apostles, emphasizing the reliability of eyewitnesses in preserving the truth about Jesus. **11:40 Papias’ Focus on Jesus’ Teachings** Papias sought to compile and interpret the sayings of Jesus while relying on apostolic sources, helping later Christians understand the early transmission of Christ’s teaching. **13:00 Papias’ Theology and Lasting Influence** Papias taught a premillennial view of Christ’s return and preserved early Christian traditions that continue to shape how believers understand the apostles, the Gospels, and early church theology. *“Papias gives us a solid historical testimony for the formation of our Christian theology. His story reminds us that the early church wasn't built on rumors or legends that developed some centuries after Jesus ascended into heaven.”*  – Pastor Jeff Cranston **Sources**:  - **Background on Papias of Hierapoli:**  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papias\_of\_Hierapolis 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!