Christianity in the First and Second Centuries: Essential Readings (Patristic Essentials)

Publisher:

Fontes Press

, 2022

Overview

In the first and second centuries, the early church flourished in literary activity. A variety of writings collectively named the Apostolic Fathers give us insight into the early church’s diverse life, developing theology, and biblical interpretation. Another group of writers known as the apologists defended the faith against outsiders and defended the church’s rights from infringements by the Roman empire. Editor Kevin Douglas Hill has curated essential readings from these earliest writings of the church outside the New Testament. Readers will encounter the concerns and perspectives of early Christians in their own words as they wrote in service of the early church. With an authoritative and accessible introduction by Paul Foster, short entries providing context for each major text, fully revised translations in contemporary English, and appendices with readings on the early church’s Greco-Roman context, this reader will serve students of the Bible, church history, and theology.

Key Features

• Provides essential readings from these earliest writings of the church outside the New Testament
• Features introductions providing context for each major text

Contents

• Series Preface
• Introduction, by Paul Foster
• The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
• The Second Epistle of Clement
• The Letters of Ignatius
• To the Ephesians
• To the Magnesians
• To the Trallians
• To the Romans
• To the Philadelphians
• To the Smyrnaeans
• To Polycarp
• The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians
• The Martyrdom of Polycarp
• Didache
• The Epistle of Barnabas
• The Shepherd of Hermas
• The Epistle to Diognetus
• The Apology of Quadratus
• The Fragments of Papias
• The Apology of Aristides
• Justin Martyr: The First Apology
• Justin Martyr: The Second Apology
• Justin Martyr: The Dialogue with Trypho
• Tatian the Syrian: Address to the Greeks
• Athenagoras of Athens: Embassy for the Christians
• Theophilus of Antioch: Apology to Autolycus
• Appendix 1: Select Readings on Greco-Roman Religion and the Imperial Cult
• Appendix 2: Select Readings on Persecution and the Early Church
• Further Reading
• Translations Used in this Volume
• Scripture Index

Product Details

• Title: Christianity in the First and Second Centuries: Essential Readings
• Series: Patristic Essentials
• Publisher: Fontes Press
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Pages: 333
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Resource ID: LLS:CHRSTNTYFRRDNGS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-22T18:38:23Z