The Complete Works of Origen

Origen lived from about 185 - 254 AD. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt to a Christian family. His father was martyred for being a Christian when Origen was quite young, and it left a deep impact on him. Origen decided to dedicate himself fully to ascetical struggles and the study of the Bible.


He became associated with the Catechetical School of Alexandria, where St. Clement of Alexandria had taught before him. He quickly rose to become the head of the school. There he wrote many works on the Christian faith and was widely thought to be the most brilliant mind of his time. However his works generated controversy, most especially after his death. Some of teachings were condemned and most of his enormous output of writings (6,000 by some estimates) were destroyed.


In this selection of works we include the following books and letters:


1. De Principiis

2. Africanus to Origen

3. Origen to Africanus

4. Origen to Gregory

5. Against Celsus

6. Letter of Origen to Gregory

7. Commentary on the Gospel of John

8. Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew


These writings have been catalogued in an organized fashion to make it easy to reference. In addition all the texts have been cross-linked to the King James Bible, which is included as an appendix.