The Apostolic Tradition Of Hippolytus

Hippolytus was an important church leader in the Roman church in the last years of the second century and early years of the third century. In the following passage, his famous Apostolic Tradition is reconstructed and translated. According to most scholars, this text describes the baptismal practice of the Roman church around the second century. It also is the foundation for later liturgical innovations and reforms. The Text XVI 1. Those who come forward for the first time to hear the word shall first be brought to the teachers at the house before all the people [of God] come in. 2. And let them be examined as to the reason why they have come forward to the faith. And those who bring them shall bear witness for them whether they were able to hear. 3. Let their life and manner of living be enquired into, whether he is a slave or free. [Sections 424 consist of regulations determining the conditions under which men or women might be admitted to instruction, according to the manne…