What is the book known as Apostolic Constitutions?

Answer  
  

The *Apostolic Constitutions* is an early Christian instruction manual for worship, doctrine, and practice. It claims an illustrious constellation of authors—all twelve [apostles](twelve-apostles-disciples-12.html) (Matthias replacing Judas), James, and Paul—and tradition claims the work was compiled and edited by [Clement of Rome](Clement-of-Rome.html). However, the *Apostolic Constitutions* is [pseudepigraphal](pseudepigrapha.html), written, compiled, and redacted by an anonymous author or authors, likely in the fourth century AD.  
  

It is unclear how much the editor of the *Apostolic Constitutions* wrote himself and how much he borrowed from previous Christian writings, though large swaths of the *Constitutions* seem to be drawn from earlier sources. Many modern scholars believe that the fourth\-century editor had [Arian](arianism.html) sympathies. The Council of Trullo in AD 692 invalidated most of the *Constitutions* due to the perceived heretical influence, reducing the work’s impact on the church.  
  

The *Apostolic Constitutions* is divided into eight books. Books 1—6 seem to be drawn from an earlier work called the *Didascalia*, which itself was a manual on Christian practice. They issue guidance on a wide variety of moral and ecclesiastical issues. Part of Book 7 offers spiritual and moral guidance patterned after the [*Didache*](didache.html), and the rest is based on Jewish prayer and liturgy. The first part of Book 8 appears to be derived from works by [Hippolytus](Hippolytus-of-Rome.html) (or works ascribed to Hippolytus). The second part of Book 8 contains the controversial *Apostolic Canons*, which may be an independent work integrated by the editor. These *Canons* lay down specific rules for Christian conduct and church organization. Some of the *Canons* were approved by the Council of Trullo for broad ecclesiastical use.  
  

As a part of the pseudepigrapha, the *Apostolic Constitutions* is not canonical or authoritative. By misleading the reader as to the nature of its authorship, the *Apostolic Constitutions* invalidates its own spiritual authority. Its hints of Arianism are also a problem. However, since much of the material was derived from earlier, non\-heretical sources, there still may be spiritual insight to be gleaned from the *Constitutions*. Additionally, the *Apostolic Constitutions* is of enormous historical value, as it represents some branches of Christian theology and ecclesiology in the third and fourth centuries. Ultimately, the *Apostolic Constitutions* should be read with the same healthy discernment as any other man\-made work.  
  

