What is a Father of the faith?
Church Fathers, a miniature from Svyatoslav's Miscellany (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.” ( 1 John 2:13 ) Often this widely used term refers to ancestors—both as family lineage (our fathers) or as significant contributors from the past ( founding fathers , church fathers )—and occasionally to someone responsible for inventing or starting something important (father of modern medicine , father of our country). Sometimes it is used as a title of respect for a leader, a scholar, or a seasoned elder who has gained recognition for wisdom from long experience. John emphasizes that latter sense in our text, referring to mature Christians who have been involved “from the beginning”—possibly referring directly to those like himself who have firsthand knowledge of the events of Christ ’s ministry. Such men would have “known him” (twice emphasized, 1 John 2:13 and 2:14) and should provide valuable str