Yes, the early church fathers did mention Jesus as God. Numerous writings from the first three centuries explicitly refer to Jesus using divine titles and attributes. Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, referred to Jesus as “our Lord and God Jesus Christ” in his Letter to the Philippians. Ignatius of Antioch, another early bishop and disciple of John, wrote that “our God, Jesus Christ, was conceived by Mary according to God’s plan” and described Jesus as “God in man” and “the only physician” who is both flesh and spirit. He also stated, “I glorify Jesus Christ, the God who made you so wise”.
Justin Martyr, a second-century apologist, affirmed that Jesus is “the first-begotten Word of God, is even God” and identified the divine figure who appeared to the patriarchs as the Son of God, who is both Lord and God. Irenaeus of Lyons, who studied under Polycarp, declared that Jesus is “the holy Lord, the Wonderful, the Counselor, the Beautiful in appearance, and the Mighty God” and emphasized that He is “very man, and that He was very God”. Melito of Sardis described Jesus as “God put to death” and affirmed His role as the Creator of heaven and earth. Clement of Alexandria referred to Christ as “the Author of all blessings to us” and “truly most manifest Deity”. Tertullian stated that Christ is “Spirit of Spirit, and God of God” and affirmed that He is “the second in manner of existence—in position, not in nature”.
These statements, drawn from multiple early church fathers before the Council of Nicaea, demonstrate a consistent belief in the deity of Christ, with Jesus being recognized as God in essence and nature, though often distinguished in person or position from the Father.
† Polycarp (AD 69-155) “our Lord and God Jesus Christ”
• Source: Polycarp Pol. Phil 12.2 Holmes, AF, 295
† Ignatius of Antioch (AD 50-117) “the Eternal, the invisible, who for our sake became visible”; “our God, Jesus the Christ
• Source: Ignatius Letter to Polycarp, 3.2. Holmes, AF, 265; Letter to the Ephesians, 18.2
† Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 130-202) “Christ… together with the Father, is the God of the living”
• Source: Irenaeus Against Heresies, 4.5.2
† Justin Martyr (AD 100-165) “The Father of the universe has a Son. Who is also, being the first begotten Word of God, is even God”
• Source: Justin Martyr First Apology, 63, ANF, 1:184
† Tatian (AD 110-172) “God was born in the form of man”
• Source: Tatian Address to the Greeks, 21. ANF, 11:74
† Melito of Sardis (died 180) “He that fixed the heavens was fixed with nails”; “God put to death!”
• Source: Melito 5
† Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215) “He alone being both God and man”
• Source: Exhortation to the Heathen, 1)
† Tertullian (AD 150-225) “Christ is Spirit of Spirit, and God of God”
• Source: Apology, 21
† Origen (AD 185-254) “while made a man remained the God which He was”
• Source: Origen De Principiis, Preface, 4
