Description
Book SynopsisIn these firsthand accounts of the early church, the spirit of Pentecost burns with prophetic force through the fog enveloping the modern church. A clear and vibrant faith lives on in these writings, providing a guide for Christians today. Its stark simplicity and revolutionary fervor will stun those lulled by conventional Christianity.
The Early Christians is a topically arranged collection of primary sources. It includes extra-biblical sayings of Jesus and excerpts from Origen, Tertullian, Polycarp, Clement of Alexandria, Justin, Irenaeus, Hermas, Ignatius, and others. Equally revealing material from pagan contemporaries critics, detractors, and persecutors is included as well.
Trade ReviewThis welcome anthology of writings from the first two centuries of Christendom is full and practical – and fervent. --
America MagazineIf you hold, like Arnold does, that Christianity is no longer Christianity if it departs too radically from its beginnings, you must read this book. --
Roland H. Bainton, Professor Emeritus, Yale University
This selection will not only help readers understand early Christianity intellectually; it will also challenge them to live more fully, abundantly, and even radically. --
Justo L. Gonzalez, Emory University
A compelling, fascinating, and direct account of one of the most important periods in the history of modern man. --
James Luther, Adams Harvard Divinity School
Table of ContentsPreface The Witness of the Early Church by Eberhard Arnold ii The State, Society and Martyrs Pliny Polycarp Justin Letter from Vienne and Lyons Acts of Martyrs Early Apologies Notes iii Self-Portraits and Portrayals Justin, Dialogue with Trypho, First Apology Aristides, Apology Origen, Against Celsus Hippolytus, The Apostolic Tradition Letter to Diognetus Tertullian, Apology Notes iv Creed, Confession and Scripture Apostolic Confession Rule of Faith Irenaeus, Against Heresies Athenagoras, A Plea Regarding Christians Late Athenagoras, On the Resurrection of the Dead Justin, First Apology, Dialogue with Trypho Muratorian Canon Notes v Sayings of Jesus and the Apostles Extra-Biblical Sayings of Jesus The Didache First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians Ignatius, Letters to the Ephesians, Romans, Smyrnaeans, and Polycarp Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians Letter of Barnabas Notes vi Meetings, Worship and Church Practices Baptism The Lord’s Supper or Love Meal Distribution of Goods Leadership and Gifts Prayers and Hymns Notes vii Proclamation and the Prophetic Spirit Acts of Andrew Justin, Dialogue with Trypho Second Letter of Clement The Shepherd of Hermas Sibylline Oracles Montanus Notes Postscript Selected Bibliography Index of Names and Selected Topics
