Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)
c. 50–120 AD
One of the oldest surviving Christian documents outside the New Testament. A practical manual covering ethics ("Two Ways"), baptism, prayer, fasting, and the Eucharist.
Early Christian Writings (Non-Canonical)
Writings from the earliest centuries of Christianity that were widely read, respected, and sometimes treated as near-Scripture — but ultimately not included in the New Testament canon. These are not heretical or Gnostic; they are orthodox Christian texts that shaped the early church.
19 texts in this category
1 Clement
c. 96 AD
A letter from the church in Rome to the church in Corinth, addressing internal conflicts and calling for unity and humility. Attributed to Clement of Rome.
2 Clement
c. 140–160 AD
Not actually by Clement. The oldest surviving Christian sermon, urging repentance, holiness, and preparation for judgment.
Letters of Ignatius of Antioch
c. 108–117 AD
Seven letters written by Ignatius while being taken to Rome for execution. Passionate, intense writings about church unity, the Eucharist, and his eagerness for martyrdom.
Letter of Polycarp
c. 110–140 AD
A letter from Polycarp (disciple of the Apostle John) to the Philippians, encouraging faithfulness and sound doctrine.
Martyrdom of Polycarp
c. 155–160 AD
The earliest surviving account of a Christian martyrdom outside the New Testament. Describes Polycarp's arrest, trial, and death by fire at age 86.
Epistle of Barnabas
c. 70–132 AD
An allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament arguing that Christians — not Jews — are the true heirs of God's covenant. Not actually by the biblical Barnabas.
Shepherd of Hermas
c. 100–160 AD
A lengthy visionary text featuring an angel in the form of a shepherd. Covers repentance, moral living, and the nature of the church through parables and visions.
Apocalypse of Peter
c. 100–150 AD
A vivid tour of heaven and hell given to Peter by Jesus. Graphically describes the punishments of the wicked and the rewards of the righteous.
Acts of Paul
c. 160 AD
Includes the famous "Acts of Paul and Thecla," where a woman named Thecla converts under Paul's preaching and becomes a missionary herself.
Acts of Peter
c. 150–200 AD
Contains Peter's miracles in Rome, his confrontation with Simon Magus, and the famous "Quo Vadis" scene where Peter meets the risen Christ on the road.
Acts of John
c. 150–200 AD
Miracles and travels of the Apostle John. Contains a hymn of Christ and unusual theological material. Some sections show Gnostic influence.
Protoevangelium of James
c. 145–200 AD
An infancy gospel telling the story of Mary's birth, childhood, and the nativity of Jesus with expanded detail. Source of many traditions about Mary.
Infancy Gospel of Thomas
c. 2nd century AD
Stories of Jesus as a child performing miracles — some playful, some startling (bringing clay birds to life, cursing a child who bumps him). Very different from the canonical Gospels' tone.
Gospel of Peter
c. 2nd century AD
A fragmentary passion narrative featuring a speaking cross, a giant Jesus emerging from the tomb, and guards witnessing the resurrection.
Gospel of the Hebrews
c. 2nd century AD
Known only from fragments quoted by church fathers. Used by Jewish-Christian communities. Contains unique traditions about Jesus and his brother James.
Gospel of the Ebionites
c. 2nd century AD
Fragments quoted by Epiphanius. A harmony of the Synoptic Gospels used by the Ebionites, who viewed Jesus as a human prophet rather than divine.
Gospel of the Nazarenes
c. 2nd century AD
An Aramaic or Hebrew gospel used by Jewish Christians called the Nazarenes. Known from patristic quotations. Similar to Matthew but with unique additions.
Odes of Solomon
c. 1st–2nd century AD
Forty-two beautiful hymns of praise and mystical devotion. Some of the earliest Christian hymns outside the New Testament. Joyful, intimate, and deeply spiritual.