Divine Institutes (Divinae Institutiones): This is Lactantius' main theological work, written around 305-310 AD. It is a systematic defense and explanation of the Christian faith, divided into seven books. Lactantius presents Christian teachings on various topics such as the existence of God, the nature of Christ, the soul's immortality, and the final judgment.
Epitome of the Divine Institutes (Epitome Divinarum Institutionum): This is an abbreviated version of the Divine Institutes, believed to have been written later in Lactantius' life. It summarizes the main points of the larger work and is useful for those wanting a concise overview of Lactantius' theology.
On the Death of Persecutors (De Mortibus Persecutorum): This work is a historical account of the deaths and misfortunes of Roman emperors and other persecutors of Christians from Nero to Diocletian. It is a polemical work intended to demonstrate that those who persecuted Christians faced divine punishment.
On the Anger of God (De Ira Dei): In this treatise, Lactantius discusses the concept of God's anger and argues against pagan beliefs about divine wrath. He explains that God is not prone to anger in the human sense but rather acts with justice and compassion.
On the Workmanship of God (De Opificio Dei): This work focuses on the beauty and order of the natural world, presenting it as evidence of God's creative power and wisdom. Lactantius combines philosophical reasoning with biblical interpretations to develop his arguments.
Symposium (Symposium): The Symposium is a philosophical dialogue in which Lactantius discusses a range of topics, including God's nature, providence, human virtue, and the immortality of the soul. The work is inspired by Plato's Symposium but presents Christian perspectives on these philosophical questions.
Lactantius' writings demonstrate a deep understanding of classical philosophy, literature, and theology. He effectively used his rhetorical skills and philosophical knowledge to defend and explain the Christian faith, contributing to the development of early Christian thought. His works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and theologians today.