Abstract: The Epistle to Diognetus contains extensive allusions and echoes to the Pauline Epistles, John, and 1 John. This article analyzes the letter's creative combination of Pauline and Johannine terminology and theology into a cohesive expression of Christianity, focusing on the linguistic and thematic parallels between Diogn . 6–10, the Pauline Epistles, and the Johannine literature to show how this second-century protreptic apology understands earlier texts and uses them to delineate the Christian faith and ethics. It enhances the study of intertextuality among the early church fathers and inspires new questions concerning their reception and interpretation of Diogn .
John D. Doss (Tue,) studied this question.