Admittedly however, the Apostolic Fathers do in some instances assign a rather significant place to baptism as a medium of forgiveness of sin. Martyrdom and celibacy are also thought to have special sin-atoning power. On the whole the Apostolic Fathers picture a church still throbbing with missionary zeal, a church in which individual responsibility is still everywhere recognized, and a church in which hierarchal organization is at a minimum. The Apostolic Fathers should be used with caution, however.