Did the Early Church believe in the immaculate conception?
Pope Leo I (c. 400 - 10 November 461)
when by the condition of birth, there is one cause of perishing for all. And so among the sons of men, the Lord Jesus alone was born innocent, since he alone was conceived without the pollution of carnal concupiscence.
Fifth sermon on the Nativity (Sermon 25), Chapter 5.
Basil of Caesarea 330- January 1 or 2, 379
Simeon therefore prophesies about Mary herself, that when standing by the cross, and beholding what is being done, and hearing the voices, after the witness of Gabriel, after her secret knowledge of the divine conception, after the great exhibition of miracles, she shall feel about her soul a mighty tempest. The Lord was bound to taste of death for every man-to become a propitiation for the world and to justify all men by His own blood. Even you yourself, who hast been taught from on high the things concerning the Lord, shall be reached by some doubt. This is the sword. "That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." He indicates that after the offense at the Cross of Christ a certain swift healing shall come from the Lord to the disciples and to Mary herself, confirming their heart in faith in Him. In the same way we saw Peter, after he had been offended, holding more firmly to his faith in Christ" (Basil, Letter 260.9
John Chrysostom 347 - 14 September 407
And this He said, not as being ashamed of His mother, nor denying her that bare Him; for if He had been ashamed of her, He would not have passed through that womb; but as declaring that she has no advantage from this, unless she do all that is required to be done. For in fact that which she had essayed to do, was of superfluous vanity; in that she wanted to show the people that she has power and authority over her Son, imagining not as yet anything great concerning Him; whence also her unseasonable approach" (Homilies in Matthew, Homily 44.3).
Hilary of Poitiers (; c. 310 - c. 367)
if this virgin, made capable of conceiving God, will encounter the severity of this judgment, who will dare to escape?" (Tractatus in Ps. 118).
Tertullian 155 AD - c. 220 AD
did not Christ, while preaching and manifesting God, fulfilling the law and the prophets, and scattering the darkness of the long preceding age, justly employ this same form of words, in order to strike the unbelief of those who stood outside, or to shake off the importunity of those who would call Him away from His work? If, however, He had meant to deny His own nativity, He would have found place, time, and means for expressing Himself very differently, and not in words which might be uttered by one who had both a mother and brothers. When denying one's parents in indignation, one does not deny their existence, but censures their faults.
Origen 185-254
What ought we to think? That while the apostles were scandalized, the Mother of the Lord was immune from scandal? If she had experienced scandal during the Lord's Passion, Jesus did not die for her sins. But if all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but are justified by his grace and redeemed," then Mary too was scandalized by this moment. This is what Simeon is prophesying about.... Your soul will be pierced by the sword of unbelief and will be wounded by the sword point of doubt" (Homilies on Luke, 17.6-7).
