Apostolic Fathers

Called 'brother of the Lord' in the New Testament (Galatians 1:19; Mark 6:3) — Catholic and Orthodox tradition reads this as kinsman or step-brother through Joseph's prior marriage; most Protestants read it as a literal sibling. Either way, leader of the Jerusalem church for some thirty years. Presided at the Apostolic Council (Acts 15); martyred c. 62 by stoning under high priest Ananus per Josephus and Hegesippus.

Physician and companion of Paul, traditional author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. Identified by Irenaeus as 'a follower of Paul'.

Companion of Paul and Barnabas, then 'interpreter' of Peter at Rome (per Papias). Traditional author of the Gospel of Mark and founder of the church of Alexandria.

Bishop of Rome late in the 1st century. Author of 1 Clement to the Corinthian church c. AD 96 — the earliest surviving Christian document outside the New Testament.