The Manners of the Christians (Chapter 5 of the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus)

Summary

This excerpt from 'The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus' describes how Christians are not distinguished by nationality, language, or customs but by their unique way of life. Though they live in various countries, they behave as temporary residents, fulfilling their duties as citizens but viewing heaven as their true home. They endure persecution, poverty, and dishonor yet remain full of love, righteousness, and joy. They follow earthly laws but exceed them through their moral conduct, and despite being hated and misunderstood, they continue to live virtuously, reflecting their faith in profound ways.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Christians are not distinguished by their country, language, or customs.
• 🏙️ They live in various cities but do not inhabit any with a specific uniqueness.
• 🗣️ Christians do not use a special form of speech or live a life marked by peculiar habits.
• 📜 Their way of life is not devised by human philosophy or speculation.
• 🌎 They live among Greek and barbarian cities, following the customs of the locals in ordinary conduct.
• 💍 Christians marry and have children but do not destroy their offspring.
• 🍽️ They share a common table but maintain chastity and do not share a common bed.
• 🌱 Although they live in the flesh, they do not live according to the desires of the flesh.
• ⚖️ They obey earthly laws but often exceed them through their virtuous lives.
• ❤️ Christians love everyone, even though they are often persecuted and hated for no clear reason.

Q & A

What distinguishes Christians from other people, according to the text?

Christians are not distinguished by country, language, or customs, but by their unique way of life and conduct.

How do Christians relate to the places where they live?

Christians live in their own countries as sojourners. They share in all things with others but endure all things as if foreigners.

What is the Christians' attitude towards marriage and family life?

Christians marry and beget children like others, but unlike others, they do not destroy their offspring.

How do Christians approach material possessions and wealth?

Christians may be poor, yet they make many rich and abound in all things despite their lack.

What does the text say about Christians' obedience to laws?

Christians obey the prescribed laws of the land but surpass these laws through the righteousness of their lives.

How do Christians respond to persecution and suffering?

Christians are persecuted, yet they love all men. When they are punished, they rejoice as if brought to new life.

What is the paradox regarding how Christians are treated by others?

Christians are reviled, insulted, and punished as evildoers, but they respond by blessing, honoring, and doing good.

Why are Christians hated by others, according to the text?

Though Christians are hated by Jews and Greeks alike, those who hate them are unable to provide a reason for their hatred.

How do Christians view their citizenship?

Christians view themselves as citizens of heaven, though they pass their days on earth and live within earthly societies.

What is the Christians' approach to communal living and personal integrity?

Christians have a common table but not a common bed, meaning they share meals but maintain personal integrity and purity in relationships.