Back to Timeline
c. 155 – 325 AD
Hippolytus of Rome
c. 170 – 235 AD
Rome, Italy
Overview
A rigorist theologian who briefly became an "Anti-Pope" because he felt the Church was too lenient on sinners.
Did You Know?
His Apostolic Tradition contains the oldest known text of ordination prayers used for bishops.
Historical Note
Saint*He was technically an Anti-Pope. He thought the real Pope (Callistus) was too forgiving of adultery and murder, so he started his own schismatic church.
Status: Saint (with asterisk). Before he died, he was arrested by Rome and sent to the mines of Sardinia alongside the real Pope (Pontian). They reconciled in the mines and died as martyrs together.
Major Writings
Read Hippolytus of Rome’s Commentary
See what Hippolytus of Rome wrote about Scripture. Open any book in the Bible reader and switch to the Commentary tab to find their insights.
Open Bible ReaderHistorical Context
The Ante-Nicene Fathers
The "Apologists" and early theologians living under persecution before the Council of Nicaea.
7 Church Fathers in this era
View All Fathers
Part of The Ante-Nicene Fathers