A Short History of the Early Church
Overview
Boer offers a reliable introduction to the history of the early church, providing background on the world into which the church was born, as he surveys the life of the church from the ministry of Jesus to AD 600. He examines the effects of persecution and heresy on the church and explains the role of several key church leaders. The author elucidates the church’s ongoing struggle to formulate proper doctrines of the Trinity and of Christ. Each chapter is clearly outlined and concludes with several discussion questions, making it an excellent study guide for church groups.
Top Highlights
“In the course of this expansion, Palestine came under the control of the empire in 63 B.C. and became a province in the empire in A.D. 6.” (Page 2)
“Until 27 B.C. all Rome’s territories were administered by a form of government known as a republic.” (Page 2)
“The governing body of the Jews in Palestine was the Sanhedrin. Literally, the word ‘Sanhedrin’ means to ‘sit together.’” (Pages 5–6)
“Before the Jewish exile in 586 B.C., the center of Jewish worship was the temple in Jerusalem. After the exile, the center of Jewish worship was the synagogue found in every local community of Jews.” (Page 5)
“At the birth of Jesus, Rome was about seven hundred and fifty years old. It had been founded as a small village on the banks of the Tiber River in western Italy.” (Page 1)
Praise for the Print Edition
Provides a lucid and concise account of the peoples, places, institutions, events, and ideas that made a difference in the development of the Christian faith from the first through the seventh century.
—New Testament Abstracts
An excellent account of the early centuries of the church. . . . All the information the average Christian needs on the persecutions, heresies, and great councils.
—Restoration Review
Product Details
- Title: A Short History of the Early Church
- Author: Harry Boer
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Publication Date: 1976
- Pages: 198
