An Examination of the Teachings of Ephraim the Syrian and Aphrahat the Persian Sage and their implications for Christian Discipleship in Africa

This study is an examination of the teachings of two prominent Christian writers of Syrian Christianity: Ephraim the Syrian, and Aphrahat the Persian. It examines the cultural and religious background that informs their thought. It is a literary study that draws on extant writings of both theologians and identifies concepts that are key to understanding the Syrian Christian vision of discipleship and the Christian life and provides some implications of that vision that yield valuable insights into models of discipleship and formation that can strengthen African Christians on the journey to Christlikeness. Keywords: Aphrahat the Persian, Ephraim the Syrian, Christian Discipleship, African Christianity, the Church.