Cyprian of Carthage (c. 210–258 AD) was a bishop and early Christian writer who played an important role in developing Christian thought on the nature of the Church and the role of bishops.
Born to a wealthy pagan family in North Africa, Cyprian converted to Christianity around 246 AD and was elected bishop of Carthage just two years later. During the Decian persecution, he went into hiding but continued to lead his community through letters.
His writings address church unity, the validity of sacraments, and the process by which humans may become like God. He taught that Christ became what man is so that man may also become what Christ is—a clear articulation of the deification theme. Cyprian was martyred during the Valerian persecution in 258 AD.