In context

Introduction to the book

Mary, the Mother of Jesus (flourished first century). Quoted in the Gospel of Luke.

The Apostle Peter (died ca. 64). Quoted in the Gospel of Matthew.

The Apostle Paul (died ca. 67), in his first letter to the Corinthians.

John the Evangelist (flourished first century), in his Gospel.

Ignatius of Antioch (died ca. 107), in his letter to the Romans.

Unknown author (second century)in the Letter to Diognetus.

Polycarp of Smyrna (ca. 69–ca. 155). Quoted in a letter from the church of Smyrna.

Justin Martyr (ca. 100–ca. 165), in his First Apology.

Vibia Perpetua (ca. 180–ca. 202), in Acts of the Martyrs.

Cyprian of Carthage (died 258), from On the Unity of the Church.

Constantine (ca. 280–337). Quoted in the Ecclesiastical History of Eusebius.

Athanasius (ca. 296–373), from On the Incarnation.

Basil the Great (ca. 330–379), in a sermon.

John Chrysostom (ca. 345–407), from On the Priesthood.

Augustine of Hippo (354–430), in Confessions.

Jerome Heironymus (ca. 342–420), in a letter to Rusticus.

Boethius (ca. 470–524), in The Consolation of Philosophy.

Benedict of Nursia (ca. 480–ca. 550 ), in his Benedictine Rule.

Gregory the Great (ca. 540–604), in his official correspondence.

Sixth Ecumenical Council (681), in its Definition of Faith.

Pirmin (flourished eighth century), in the Writings of Abbot Pirminius.

The Venerable Bede (ca. 672–735), in Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

Theodulf of Orléans (ca. 760–821), in “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.

Russian Ambassadors (987), in a report to Prince Vladimir of Kiev.

Anselm (1033–1109), in Proslogion.

Franks at Clermont (1095). Shouted in response to Pope Urban II.

Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), from In Praise of the New Knighthood.

Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), in “Canticle of the Sun.”

Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1224–1274), in conversation with Brother Reginald.

Boniface VIII (ca. 1235–1303), in Unam Sanctam.

Julian of Norwich (ca. 1342–ca. 1416), in her Showings.

John Wycliffe (ca. 1324–1384), from On the Truth of the Holy Scripture.

Jan Hus (ca. 1369–1415), in a letter to Christian of Prachatice

Thomas á Kempis (ca. 1380–1471), in The Imitation of Christ.

Philipp Melanchthon (1497–1560), at the Leipzig Debate.