Apostolic Fathers/Ante Nicene Fathers

The Apostolic Fathers were early Christians who either knew the Apostles personally or were closely connected to them. They're a smaller group within the wider group called the Ante-Nicene Fathers, who lived before the Council of Nicaea in AD 325.

The Apostolic Fathers were in the immediate and closely succeeding couple of generations following the Apostles, whose writings were from about from 80-180 AD. They lived in the first and second centuries after Christ. The Apostles were the original 11 of the 12 Disciples (learners, students) of Jesus plus Matthias who replaced Judas when he betrayed Jesus. They became the Apostles (sent out ones, missionaries) roughly upon Jesus’ death and resurrection.