Account

Concerning these Following Letters of the Ancients.

And Indeed, First

Epistle to the Laodiceans.

Among these, first and foremost here is an Epistle to the Laodiceans, which was already known to the ancient Church Fathers, both Greek and Latin; and for that reason at least, it may be counted among the ancient letters The "Epistle to the Laodiceans" is a text mentioned in the Bible in Colossians 4:16, but the version discussed here is generally considered apocryphal—meaning its authorship and status as scripture are debated.. The following specifically mention it by name: Theodoret A 5th-century influential theologian and bishop from Antioch. in his commentary on the Epistle to the Colossians, chapter 4, verse 16 (Volume III, page 363); Jerome The scholar best known for translating the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. in his famous Catalog of Church Writers, chapter 15 (Volume I, page 172); Philastrius in his work On Heresies, heresy 88; Gregory the Great Pope Gregory I, a major figure in medieval Christianity who wrote extensively on morality. in his Commentary on Job, Book 35, chapter 15 (Volume II of his Works, page 1103); and others besides. Likewise, the Second Council of Nicaea mentions it in Act VI, Part 5; and some, moreover, consider it to be edifying—among others, Haymo of Halberstadt A 9th-century monk and scholar known for his biblical commentaries. writes in his Commentary on Colossians 4:16 that "it has some usefulness" original Latin: "aliquid utilitatis habet".

2. Particularly, however, the late The original German "seel." (selig) is a respectful term for a deceased person, similar to "blessed." and well-known Stephanus Praetorius, a Lutheran Evangelical|In this context, 'Evangelical' refers specifically to the Lutheran tradition in Germany. preacher in Salzwedel, praised this letter so highly that he