The anonymous Epistle to Diognetus is an early Christian writing that may be classified as an apology or defense of the faith. In it, we see how early Christians defended the faith in the face of opposition. Of particular benefit to us is the epistle's articulation of the doctrine of the vicarious atonement of Christ. This lesson discusses these things and also explores the New Testament's teaching on the atonement, as well as other extra-Biblical Christian statements articulating this doctrine.