Early Church Fathers on Hell


Clement of Rome (c.35-99 AD)

But when they see how those who have sinned and who have denied Jesus by their words or by their deeds are punished with terrible torture in unquenchable fire …

Clement of Alexandria (c.150-215 AD)

All souls are immortal, even those of the wicked. Yet, it would be better for them if they were not deathless. For they are punished with the endless vengeance of quenchless fire. Since they do not die, it is impossible for them to have an end put to their misery.

Tertullian (c.155-220 AD)

…and the wicked to the doom of fire at once without ending and without break…

… but the profane, and all who are not true worshippers of God, in like manner shall be consigned to the punishment of everlasting fire…

Hippolytus of Rome (c.170-235AD)

… while to the lovers of evil shall be given eternal punishment. The unquenchable and unending fire awaits these latter, and a certain fiery worm which does not die and which does not waste the body but continually bursts forth from the body with unceasing pain

Cyprian of Carthage (c.210-258 AD)

An ever-burning Gehenna and the punishment of being devoured by living flames will consume the condemned; nor will there be any way in which the tormented can ever have respite or be at an end. Souls along with their bodies will be preserved for suffering in unlimited agonies…

Cyril of Jerusalem (c.313-386 AD)

… but if a man is a sinner, he shall receive an eternal body, fitted to endure the penalties of sins, that he may burn eternally in fire, nor ever be consumed…