Epistles
249–258
| Name and Summary | Pages |
|---|---|
This epistle emphasizes the transformative power of baptism and divine grace, urging believers to reject worldly sins and values by cultivating a spiritual life rooted in faith, prayer, and purity. | 17 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and faithful leadership among the clergy during times of threat and persecution. | 4 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of faith and virtue by commending the memory of a departed bishop and urging others to imitate his steadfastness. | 2 |
This epistle urges the clergy to maintain unity, order, and compassion in the absence of Cyprian, especially toward prisoners and the poor. | 2 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of humility and faithful perseverance among church leaders and confessors during times of persecution and hardship. | 4 |
This epistle encourages confessors and believers to maintain discipline, persevere in their faith, and live virtuous lives that reflect their confession of Christ. | 5 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of diligent, united prayer and repentance among believers to seek God's mercy and divine aid during times of crisis and affliction. | 8 |
This epistle encourages martyrs and confessors to persevere in their faith and suffering, highlighting their steadfastness as a divine contest that leads to heavenly rewards. | 6 |
This epistle condemns certain presbyters who hastily and rashly granted peace to the lapsed without proper oversight or the approval of the bishop, thereby risking the integrity of the Church and the honor of the martyrs. | 4 |
This epistle condemns the premature reconciliation and granting of peace to the lapsers without proper repentance, confession, and ecclesiastical order. | 4 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of patience, moderation, and proper discipline in restoring the lapsed to the church after persecution. | 3 |
This epistle emphasizes that those who have lapsed in faith should be carefully supervised and encouraged to seek reconciliation through penitence. | 2 |
This epistle emphasizes that true peace within the Church can only be achieved through genuine penitence and adherence to the commandments, rather than hastily seeking reconciliation. | 2 |
This epistle recounts Cyprian's reasons and actions during a time of church disturbance, emphasizing that his withdrawal was aimed at preserving peace rather than neglecting his duties. | 3 |
This epistle encourages confessors and martyrs to remain steadfast in their faith amid persecution, emphasizing that their enduring suffering and perseverance bring spiritual rewards and eternal glory. | 4 |
This epistle communicates a declaration of peace granted to confessors who have shown repentance for their sins, as approved by Cyprian and the confessors themselves. | 1 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and proper judgment within the church, particularly regarding the reconciliation of confessors and their return to peace. | 2 |
This epistle discusses the issue of granting peace to Christians who had previously lapsed and then sought reconciliation after enduring persecution. | 1 |
This epistle emphasizes that true repentance and confession of Christ should lead to the reconciliation and forgiveness of those who have lapsed, restoring them to a state of grace. | 2 |
This epistle expresses a plea for unity, forgiveness, and compassion among Christians, especially concerning those who have lapsed or fallen away from the faith. | 4 |
This epistle is a compassionate response from Lucian to Celerinus, expressing gratitude for his kindness and updating him on the ongoing persecutions and martyrdoms of early Christians. | 3 |
This epistle discusses the issues arising from the misconduct of certain confessors, particularly Lucian, who issued false certificates claiming peace from martyrs and confessors, thereby undermining church discipline. | 4 |
This epistle explains the reasons behind the appointment of Saturus as reader and Optatus as sub-deacon, due to urgent necessity and limited clergy presence. | 2 |
This epistle is a congratulatory message from Cyprian to fellow confessors, praising their unwavering faith and discipline in the face of persecution. | 3 |
This epistle offers encouragement and hope to fellow Christians facing persecution and martyrdom, emphasizing that true martyrdom is a divine blessing and a testament of faith. | 8 |
This epistle condemns those who wrongly claim to represent the Church and undermine its authority by asserting that the lapsed are already restored to fellowship without proper repentance. | 3 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of maintaining discipline and spiritual integrity within the church by refusing communion with those who have lapsed into sin and persisted in their errors. | 3 |
This epistle addresses the concerns of Cyprian regarding the arrogant demands of the lapsed who refuse to repent after persecution. | 1 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of maintaining strict discipline regarding the readmission of the lapsed into the Church, urging patience, humility, and adherence to Gospel principles. | 5 |
This epistle argues for the importance of maintaining strict discipline and fidelity to the Gospel, especially during times of persecution, to preserve the integrity and honor of the Church. | 9 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of sharing and transparently communicating the correspondence between Cyprian, the Roman clergy, and others involved in the church, including imprisoned confessors. | 1 |
This epistle emphasizes the divine approval and commendation of Aurelius, a young man who has demonstrated exceptional virtue and faith through his courageous confessions and trials. | 3 |
This epistle praises Celerinus for his steadfastness in faith and his exemplary participation in the Christian community, especially highlighting his courage amidst persecution and his divine-conferred recognition through ordination. | 5 |
This epistle describes the ordination of Numidicus as a presbyter in the Carthaginian church, highlighting his exemplary faith and martyrdom. | 2 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor, widows, sick, and strangers within the church community. | 1 |
This epistle urges the clergy to show compassion and care for the confessors and martyrs of the faith, both living and dead, and to commemorate their sacrifice annually. | 3 |
This epistle condemns Felicissimus and his followers for mutiny, sedition, and serious misconduct within the church, including attempts to divide the congregation and commit acts of adultery. | 3 |
This epistle describes the enforcement of excommunication and the rejection of certain individuals from the Christian community by Caldonius, Herculanus, and their colleagues. | 1 |
This epistle warns the faithful to avoid the schismatic faction of Felicissimus and the five presbyters associated with him, highlighting their role in stirring sedition and undermining church discipline. | 8 |
This epistle condemns the unlawful ordination of Novatian as a bishop and rebuffs the attempts of Novatian’s messengers to influence the church in Carthage. | 2 |
This epistle discusses Cyprian's cautious confirmation of Cornelius’s ordination, emphasizing the importance of verifying such matters through proper letters and testimonies from colleagues. | 5 |
This epistle urges Cornelius to write to confessors who have fallen away from the Church due to the influence of Novatian and Novatus, encouraging their return to unity. | 1 |
This epistle urges the Roman confessors to return to unity and to abandon their division caused by the factions of Novatian and Novatus. | 2 |
This epistle assures Cornelius that the communications from Polycarp at Adrumetum to the Roman Church were made in accordance with proper procedures and understanding, despite apparent disagreements over letter exchanges. | 3 |
This epistle describes the joyful return of confessors who had previously been deceived into schism and heresy back into the unity of the Church. | 4 |
This epistle celebrates the joyful return of confessors from schism back to the Catholic Church, emphasizing the spiritual benefit and unity their repentance brings. | 2 |
This epistle concerns the faction of Novatian and the misconduct of its leaders. | 1 |
This epistle addresses the conflict within the Church caused by Novatus and his followers, highlighting their corruption, schisms, and criminal conduct. | 5 |
This epistle recounts the return of Maximus and other confessors to full communion with the church after a period of schism. | 1 |
This epistle celebrates the reconciliation of confessors who had previously separated from the Church, emphasizing their return to unity and peace. | 3 |
This epistle affirms the importance of maintaining unity and discipline within the Church while offering compassion and hope for repentance to the lapsing faithful. | 25 |
This epistle addresses whether those who had previously endured Torture and had repented for three years should be readmitted to church communion. | 3 |
This epistle communicates that, in response to an impending and more severe persecution, the Church has decided to grant peace and spiritual readiness to those who have previously lapsed but now sincerely repent and are prepared for battle. | 7 |
This epistle urges perseverance and courage for church leaders in the face of heretics and threats, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness in ecclesiastical discipline and divine authority. | 26 |
This epistle encourages believers to prepare themselves for martyrdom by steadfastly remaining faithful amidst the persecution and suffering predicted by Christ and the apostles. | 12 |
This epistle commends Cornelius and his community for their courageous and unified confession of Christ amidst persecution and exile, emphasizing the importance of steadfast faith and mutual love. | 5 |
This epistle congratulates Lucius on his return from exile and emphasizes that deferred martyrdom does not lessen the honor of confessing Christ. | 4 |
This epistle affirms that infants should be baptized immediately after birth, emphasizing God's mercy and the spiritual equality of all souls regardless of age. | 5 |
This epistle urges the Numidian bishops to act swiftly and generously in redeeming fellow Christians who have been taken captive by barbarians, emphasizing the spiritual and communal importance of from their suffering. | 4 |
This epistle condemns actors involved in immoral practices as teachers within the church community and prohibits their participation in communion if they persist in such conduct. | 2 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of maintaining discipline and chastity within the church, particularly regarding virgins who have been found in inappropriate situations despite their vows. | 6 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of adhering to the original practice of offering wine mixed with water in the Lord's Supper, as commanded and exemplified by Jesus Christ, and condemns the use of water alone. | 16 |
This epistle warns the congregation of Assurae not to restore their former bishop, Fortunatianus, who had lapsed into sin and sacrilege, to his episcopal office. | 5 |
This epistle advises Bishop Rogatianus to correct and humble a proud deacon who has insulted him, emphasizing the importance of respecting priestly authority as divinely instituted. | 4 |
This epistle condemns Victor's decision to appoint a cleric, Geminius Faustinus, as his guardian in his will, contrary to church regulations. | 3 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of maintaining church unity by addressing the schismatic actions of Marcianus of Arles, who aligned himself with Novatian and separated from the Catholic Church. | 6 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of adhering to divine purity and proper ecclesiastical protocols when selecting and ordaining priests, especially highlighting the danger of accepting those contaminated by idolatry and sin. | 9 |
This epistle defends Cyprian of Carthage against accusations from Florentius Pupianus, emphasizing the importance of trusting divine judgment and the divine ordination of bishops. | 9 |
This epistle emphasizes that baptism administered outside the true Church by heretics is invalid and cannot confer genuine grace or forgiveness of sins. | 5 |
This epistle addresses the question of whether those baptized by heretics should be re-baptized upon joining the Catholic Church. | 4 |
This epistle discusses the decision made by Cyprian and his colleagues regarding the proper procedure for re-integrating those who return from heresy into the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of baptism and maintaining church purity. | 4 |
This epistle defends the Catholic Church's stance that only those baptized within the Church hold valid remission of sins and warns against recognizing heretical baptisms. | 21 |
This epistle emphasizes the importance of adhering to divine tradition and the canonical practice of baptism as established by Christ and the apostles. | 12 |
This epistle asserts the essential unity and purity of the Christian baptism and warns against heretical practices that distort the sacrament’s true meaning. | 22 |
This epistle addresses the proper understanding and practice of baptism within the Christian Church, emphasizing the unity, authority, and legitimacy of the Church’s sacraments. | 17 |
This epistle encourages and commends the martyrs suffering in the mines for their steadfast faith, emphasizing their spiritual honors and divine rewards. | 7 |
This epistle is a heartfelt response from fellow bishops expressing their gratitude and admiration for Cyprian’s leadership, encouragement, and spiritual support during times of persecution. | 3 |
This epistle emphasizes the unity and mutual support of Christian martyrs, highlighting the importance of perseverance and shared faith in the face of persecution. | 2 |
This epistle is a grateful response from the Martyrs at Sigua, acknowledging and thanking Cyprian for his prayers, support, and the assistance he provided to them during their suffering. | 1 |
This epistle offers comfort and encouragement to confessors and martyrs imprisoned for their faith, urging them to remain steadfast and view their suffering as a path to eternal glory. | 5 |
This epistle recounts the severe persecution faced by Christians under Emperor Valerian, documenting the martyrdom of Bishop Xistus and others in Rome, and urging Successus to inform fellow bishops to bolster their congregations' faith. | 2 |
This epistle describes Cyprian's decision to withdraw temporarily from public view to ensure he can confess Christ and undergo martyrdom within Carthage, where he presides over the church, rather than in Utica. | 2 |