# Sophia Scriptura

> A free reference library for studying the Bible by what its authors meant: early church writings in Greek and Latin with fresh English translations, exact edition references, and ready-made citations.

Sophia Scriptura is produced by Claude, an AI model made by Anthropic, under the direction of an anonymous editor. Every translation is a Claude translation made from the original Greek or Latin, and every original text names the edition it was taken from, with volume and page or column (e.g. "Lake, LCL 24:272"; Migne as "PG 5:868a"). Uncertain dates, places, and attributions are marked as uncertain.

## Sections

- [Early church writings](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/): Writings of the early church in the original Greek and Latin, with Claude translations, edition references, and SBL citations.
- [About](https://sophiascriptura.com/about/): how the site is made, sources, license, and how to cite it.

## How pages are organized

- Each citable passage has one permanent URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/<work-id>/<chapter>/<section>/ (e.g. https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-polycarp/5/2/).
- Each work has a Markdown version of the whole text at its work URL plus "index.md" (e.g. /fathers/justin-dialogue/index.md), and all its citations in "cite.bib" (BibTeX) and "cite.ris" (RIS).
- Passage pages carry schema.org JSON-LD with the original text, translation, translator, and citation.

## For AI agents and scripts

- The search page (/search/) needs JavaScript. Without it, use these static URLs:
  - Whole work as Markdown (original, translation, notes, references): https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/<work-id>/index.md
  - Every citation of a Bible book, in verse order: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/books/<book>/ (e.g. https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/books/matthew/)
  - Scripture index as JSON: https://sophiascriptura.com/data/idx/scripture/<USFM book code>.json (e.g. MAT.json); one row per citation: r = reference (Protestant numbering), s = passage id, t = quotation/allusion/echo, c = confidence
  - All passages with metadata: https://sophiascriptura.com/data/idx/catalog.json
- Coverage: https://sophiascriptura.com/data/ lists every published work, whether it is complete, and its edition. An empty search means "not found in the published works", not "not in the early church".
- Each text is the printed text of one edition; manuscript variants are not reproduced. Passages with a textual problem are flagged ("Textual problem in this passage" on the page; tx = true in the catalog) and discussed in the notes.
- Attribution: works whose authorship is disputed, pseudonymous, or wrongly ascribed say so on every passage page.
- Translations are by Claude. To check a reading independently, compare the original text, and the older public-domain English translation linked from each work page (Ante-Nicene Fathers at CCEL).

## Works

- [Didache](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/didache/) (Did.), ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100); 101 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/didache/index.md
- [1 Clement](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/1-clement/) (1 Clem.), ca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100); 400 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/1-clement/index.md
- [Epistle of Barnabas](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/barnabas/) (Barn.), ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130); 194 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/barnabas/index.md
- [Shepherd of Hermas: Mandates](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/) (Herm. Mand.), ca. 100–150; 166 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 25; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/index.md
- [Shepherd of Hermas: Similitudes](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/) (Herm. Sim.), ca. 100–150; 406 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 25; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/index.md
- [Shepherd of Hermas: Visions](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/) (Herm. Vis.), ca. 100–150; 155 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 25; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/index.md
- [2 Clement](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/) (2 Clem.), ca. 100–150; 118 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/index.md
- [To Polycarp](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-polycarp/) (Ign. Pol.), ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135); 22 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-polycarp/index.md
- [To the Ephesians](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/) (Ign. Eph.), ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135); 48 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-ephesians/index.md
- [To the Magnesians](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/) (Ign. Magn.), ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135); 26 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-magnesians/index.md
- [To the Philadelphians](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-philadelphians/) (Ign. Phld.), ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135); 24 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-philadelphians/index.md
- [To the Romans](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-romans/) (Ign. Rom.), ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135); 29 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-romans/index.md
- [To the Smyrnaeans](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/) (Ign. Smyrn.), ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135); 29 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-smyrnaeans/index.md
- [To the Trallians](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/) (Ign. Trall.), ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135); 30 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-trallians/index.md
- [To the Philippians](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/pol-philippians/) (Pol. Phil.), ca. 110–135; 38 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 24; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/pol-philippians/index.md
- [To Diognetus](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/diognetus/) (Diogn.), ca. 150–200 (disputed); 100 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 25; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/diognetus/index.md
- [First Apology](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/justin-1-apology/) (1 Apol.), ca. 150–155; 68 passages; Greek text: Rauschen, FlorPatr 2; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/justin-1-apology/index.md
- [Second Apology](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/justin-2-apology/) (2 Apol.), ca. 150–160; 15 passages; Greek text: Rauschen, FlorPatr 2; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/justin-2-apology/index.md
- [Dialogue with Trypho](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/justin-dialogue/) (Dial.), ca. 155–160; 752 passages; Greek text: Archambault; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/justin-dialogue/index.md
- [Martyrdom of Polycarp](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/mart-pol/) (Mart. Pol.), ca. 156–160; 54 passages; Greek text: Lake, LCL 25; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/mart-pol/index.md
- [Oration to the Greeks](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tatian-oration/) (Or. Graec.), ca. 165–172; 42 passages; Greek text: Otto, CorpApol 6; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tatian-oration/index.md
- [To Autolycus](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/theophilus-autolycus/) (Autol.), ca. 180–185; 82 passages; Greek text: Otto, CorpApol 8; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/theophilus-autolycus/index.md
- [A Plea for the Christians](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/athenagoras-legatio/) (Leg.), ca. 176–180; 38 passages; Greek text: Otto, CorpApol 7; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/athenagoras-legatio/index.md
- [On the Resurrection of the Dead](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/athenagoras-resurrection/) (Res.), ca. 177–180 (if by Athenagoras); 25 passages; Greek text: Otto, CorpApol 7; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/athenagoras-resurrection/index.md
- [Exhortation to the Greeks](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-protrepticus/) (Protr.), ca. 190–200; 124 passages; Greek text: Stählin, GCS 12; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-protrepticus/index.md
- [The Instructor](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-paedagogus/) (Paed.), ca. 190–200; 335 passages; Greek text: Stählin, GCS 12; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-paedagogus/index.md
- [Excerpts from Theodotus](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-excerpta/) (Exc.), ca. 200; 249 passages; Greek text: Stählin, GCS 17; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-excerpta/index.md
- [Prophetic Extracts](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-eclogae/) (Ecl.), ca. 200; 166 passages; Greek text: Stählin, GCS 17; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-eclogae/index.md
- [Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-quis-dives/) (Quis div.), ca. 190–210; 242 passages; Greek text: Stählin, GCS 17; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-quis-dives/index.md
- [Miscellanies](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-stromata/) (Strom.), ca. 198–203; 1065 passages; Greek text: Stählin, GCS 15, 17; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/clement-stromata/index.md
- [On Idolatry](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-idololatria/) (Idol.), ca. 196–211; 24 passages; Latin text: CSEL 20; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-idololatria/index.md
- [Octavius](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/minucius-octavius/) (Oct.), ca. 197–250; 304 passages; Latin text: CSEL 2; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/minucius-octavius/index.md
- [On the Shows](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-spectaculis/) (Spect.), ca. 197–202; 30 passages; Latin text: CSEL 20; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-spectaculis/index.md
- [The Testimony of the Soul](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-testimonio/) (Test.), ca. 197–198; 6 passages; Latin text: CSEL 20; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-testimonio/index.md
- [To the Martyrs](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-martyras/) (Mart.), ca. 197; 6 passages; Latin text: Oehler 1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-martyras/index.md
- [To the Nations](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-nationes/) (Nat.), 197; 37 passages; Latin text: Oehler 1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-nationes/index.md
- [On Baptism](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-baptismo/) (Bapt.), ca. 198–206; 20 passages; Latin text: CSEL 20; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-baptismo/index.md
- [On Patience](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-patientia/) (Pat.), ca. 198–206; 16 passages; Latin text: CSEL 47; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-patientia/index.md
- [On Prayer](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-oratione/) (Or.), ca. 198–206; 29 passages; Latin text: CSEL 20; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-oratione/index.md
- [On Repentance](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-paenitentia/) (Paen.), ca. 198–206; 12 passages; Latin text: Oehler 1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-paenitentia/index.md
- [Prescription against Heretics](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-praescriptione/) (Praescr.), ca. 203; 44 passages; Latin text: Oehler 2; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-praescriptione/index.md
- [Against Marcion](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-marcionem/) (Marc.), 207/208 (third edition, completed later); 146 passages; Latin text: CSEL 47; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-marcionem/index.md
- [Against Praxeas](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-praxean/) (Prax.), ca. 213 or later; 31 passages; Latin text: CSEL 47; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-praxean/index.md
- [To Scapula](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-scapulam/) (Scap.), 212; 5 passages; Latin text: Oehler 1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/tertullian-scapulam/index.md
- [Refutation of All Heresies](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/hippolytus-refutatio/) (Haer.), ca. 222–235; 1418 passages; Greek text: Duncker–Schneidewin; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/hippolytus-refutatio/index.md
- [On Prayer](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/origen-oratione/) (Or.), ca. 233–234; 157 passages; Greek text: Koetschau, GCS 3; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/origen-oratione/index.md
- [Exhortation to Martyrdom](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/origen-exhortatio/) (Mart.), 235; 51 passages; Greek text: Koetschau, GCS 2; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/origen-exhortatio/index.md
- [On the Trinity](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/novatian-trinitate/) (Trin.), ca. 240–250; 31 passages; Latin text: PL 3; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/novatian-trinitate/index.md
- [Against Celsus](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/origen-celsum/) (Cels.), ca. 248; 628 passages; Greek text: Koetschau, GCS 2–3; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/origen-celsum/index.md
- [To Donatus](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-donatum/) (Don.), ca. 246; 16 passages; Latin text: CSEL 3.1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-donatum/index.md
- [On the Lord's Prayer](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-dominica-oratione/) (Dom. or.), ca. 252; 36 passages; Latin text: CSEL 3.1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-dominica-oratione/index.md
- [On the Lapsed](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-lapsis/) (Laps.), 251; 36 passages; Latin text: CSEL 3.1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-lapsis/index.md
- [On the Unity of the Catholic Church](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-unitate/) (Unit. eccl.), 251; 27 passages; Latin text: CSEL 3.1; Markdown: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-unitate/index.md

## How to cite

Every reference follows The SBL Handbook of Style, 2nd ed. Use the footnote shown on each passage page (BibTeX and RIS are linked there too), for example:
Ign. Pol. 5.2 (PG 5:724a–724b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/ign-polycarp/5/2/).

## Data and license

- Site content (translations, notes, data): public domain (CC0 1.0, https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). Free to use for any purpose; no attribution required.
- Original texts: public domain or openly licensed editions, as noted per work. The Greek of the Apostolic Fathers is Kirsopp Lake’s Loeb edition (1912–1913, public domain), in the digital transcription of the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Scripture shown with verse searches: the Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- Machine-readable data: https://sophiascriptura.com/data/ (downloads, formats, and coverage); https://sophiascriptura.com/data/idx/text/<work-id>.json holds each work's original text and translation by passage; https://sophiascriptura.com/data/idx/manifest.json lists every index file.

## Contact

- Corrections: sophiascriptura.com@gmail.com