112. Why is it important to study the Early Church Fathers' writings when studying the Scriptures and deriving doctrines from it?

Here are a few points which makes up the case:

The Church Fathers provide a direct link to the earliest generations of Christianity—some were disciples of the Apostles themselves (e.g., Polycarp was a disciple of John). Their writings help us understand how early Christians interpreted Scripture and practiced the faith.

It gives us insight into how Christianity was understood before later theological disputes and denominational divisions.

The Fathers were instrumental in formulating and defending the core doctrines of Christianity (e.g., Trinity, Incarnation, original sin). They helped articulate orthodox beliefs, especially during times of heresy and doctrinal confusion.

Example: Athanasius defended the full divinity of Christ against Arianism, shaping the doctrine affirmed in the Nicene Creed.

Studying the Early Church Fathers' writings would help me understand how certain doctrines were understood and upheld unanimously by the church.

By studying their writings, I can gain insight into how the early Church understood and preserved sound doctrine. Personally, I’d rather trust the theological convictions of the early Church’s martyrs and spiritual giants than those of people who lived over a 1500-1800 years apart and reinterpreted Scripture to suit their own ideas.

Approaching this study requires humility and objectivity. Some early practices or beliefs may differ from what’s common today, but if they reflect the Church’s original witness, I must be willing to accept them—even if they're uncomfortable.

They provide some of the earliest biblical commentaries, showing how Scripture was read in the first few centuries. They also clarify ambiguous or difficult passages using theological reasoning that remains influential.

Example: Augustine and Origen gave extensive exegesis on Genesis and the Gospels, blending theological insight with scriptural interpretation.

Today, biblical interpretation is all over the place—people try to merge Genesis with evolution, and there are endless takes on doctrines like justification or eschatology. In a world with countless interpretations of a single verse, who should we trust? A modern individual’s private reading, or the collective understanding of the early Church? Their unity on many issues helps anchor our understanding of the Scriptures.

I believe the Holy Spirit guides us, but when I hit difficult or unclear passages—especially non-essentials—I consult the early Fathers for their take because it's the same Spirit that filled them and helped them interpret Scriptures; that helps me today. Holy Spirit revealing Scriptures as I meditate on it whilst also helping me confirm the interpretation in light of the early church is indeed the best possible combination in your study. Isn't it so cool?

The early Church Fathers played a significant role in recognizing and affirming the canon of Scripture. Their quotations and lists help confirm which books were considered authoritative early on.

Example: Irenaeus, by quoting from all four Gospels and calling them authoritative, supports the idea that they were already widely accepted in the 2nd century.

This raises the question: Should the biblical canon include 66, 73, 76, or even 86 books? That’s something I plan to write on later.

Studying the Fathers helps us understand the theological battles the early Church faced, such as Gnosticism, Arianism, and Pelagianism. Their responses offer clarity on what the early Church considered true doctrine.

Example: Tertullian and Irenaeus wrote extensively to refute Gnostic interpretations of Christianity.

There are no new heresies today. It's just old heresies reincarnating under new names. You can defend the Gospel against false doctrines today, if you know how the early church fathers held the line back in the day.

They provide a window into how early Christians worshipped, baptized, and celebrated the Eucharist, which is crucial for understanding Christian practice and ecclesiology.

Example: The Didache (1st–2nd century) outlines early Christian rituals, prayers, and moral teachings.

Studying a range of Fathers shows both diversity of thought and unity on essentials. It helps distinguish core Christian doctrine from cultural or regional theological opinions.

While not infallible, the consensus among the Fathers on key doctrines is a powerful witness to apostolic tradition.

Were ALL church fathers in agreement with the regards to EVERYTHING? No. But they were all united in the essentials. They had differences amongst them on the non-essentials of faith.

Same with the church today. All denominations are united on the essentials of faith but divided on the non essentials.

A compromise in the essentials is a heresy.

But when a dispute over a non-essential issue arises, it's best to check what the MAJORITY of the early church fathers believed; which indeed is the best way to find a conclusive solution for the non-essential issue.

Example: Perpetual Virginity of Mary is a non-essential doctrine. It wouldn't damn you to hell if you reject it. Some churches say Mary was perpetually virgin whilst some others say she had other children. A honest student of the Bible will look up to the early church for the answer.

You might be surprised to learn that nearly all the early Church Fathers consistently affirmed that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life and had no other children. So, on what grounds can someone today confidently claim otherwise? Personally, I choose to align myself with what the early Church believed, even on non-essential matters—regardless of who says what.

It’s interesting how some are quick to quote Church Fathers like Athanasius when defending essential doctrines like the Trinity, yet they ignore his views when it comes to something like the perpetual virginity of Mary. Isn’t that a bit inconsistent—a kind of double standard?

(This also exposes a flaw in the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, but that’s a discussion for another time)

To conclude, referring to the Early Church Fathers is vital when studying Scripture and forming doctrine—whether essential or non-essential. Their witness, theology, and lived faith serve as a foundational guide for Christians seeking truth today.