Early Church Teaching

The Didache: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles - A Modern Translation of One of Christianity's Earliest Church Manuals Discover how the first Christians actually lived, worshipped, and organized their communities. The Didache, also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is one of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament, dating from 50-120 AD. Written when some apostles may still have been alive, this document from the Apostolic Fathers provides a direct window into daily Christian life during the apostolic era. But most editions present this ancient text with ...

The Early Church – From Jerusalem to the Nations is a captivating exploration of the remarkable journey of the first Christians as they spread the gospel from a small gathering in Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire. Rooted in the Book of Acts, this book delves into the key events, powerful transformations, and bold witness of the apostles and early believers, who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, carried the message of salvation across cultural and geographic boundaries. Through this insightful and compelling narrative, you’ll discover: - How the Holy Spirit guided and ...

Ignatius of Antioch for Beginners is your doorway into the world of one of Christianity’s most powerful early voices—a man whose courage shaped the Church, whose letters still stir the soul, and whose message of unity and devotion feels more urgent now than ever. Readers searching for clarity, inspiration, and a grounded introduction to early Christian wisdom will find themselves drawn instantly into Ignatius’s story. From the moment he begins his final journey toward Rome, Ignatius speaks with a rare blend of tenderness and steel. His words reveal a leader who understood the weight ...

In addition to my 49 years of teaching theology at the graduate level at The Cincinnati Bible Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University), I have spent even more years than that as a preacher and teacher in local churches. I have taught hundreds and hundreds of Bible lessons, mostly for adult Bible classes. Some of my lesson series have been topical; some have been based on Bible books. Here, for the first time, I have decided to present one of the latter series in written form for public consumption. This book of lessons is not intended to be a scholarly commentary on the text of First ...

Was Paul truly against the Law—or have we misunderstood his words for nearly two millennia? In Not Against the Law: The Apostle Paul in His Own Words, author Michael Antonio Jeter takes readers on a powerful journey into the heart of Paul’s teachings—through the lens of Scripture, history, and Hebraic context. This groundbreaking book dismantles centuries of doctrinal confusion and reveals the apostle’s unwavering commitment to Torah, covenant, and the teachings of the Messiah. Drawing directly from Paul's epistles and supported by historical and biblical references, Jeter ...

FAIRACRES PUBLICATIONS 139 The Discourses of Abba Isaiah of Scetis, a classic text of fifth-century desert literature, are grounded in Scripture and the teaching of the earliest Christian monks. The authors of this book present Abba Isaiah as one of the first of the Desert Fathers to examine the relationship between abba and disciple, the monastery and the outside world. Rev. Dr John Chryssavgis is Professor of Theology at Holy Cross School of Theology, where he is the inaugural Director of the Huffington Ecumenical Institute. His numerous publications focus on the early church and the ...

THE DIDACHE: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles is a pivotal early Christian document that offers a glimpse into the life, practices, and beliefs of the first Christian communities. This comprehensive book serves as a bridge between the Apostolic Age and the developing Christian Church of the second century, providing profound insights into the ethical, doctrinal, and liturgical norms of early Christianity. Through meticulous analysis and commentary, the book explores the Didache's guidance on living a virtuous life, instructions on baptism, prayer, fasting, and the Eucharist, as well as ...

This book, "Critique of Protestantism," is a meticulous and engaging treatise on Catholic apologetics that delves deeply into the central beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith and its relationship to early Christianity, while critically examining the fundamental divergences with Protestantism. Throughout its pages, the author, a devout and scholarly Catholic, unfolds a thorough and thoughtful analysis, supported by extensive research that includes both Sacred Scripture and writings of the Church Fathers and Early Church. The reader is guided through discussions on justification by ...

Who was Joseph of Nazareth? Exploring the Life, Faith, and Legacy of Jesus’ Earthly Father Step into the untold story of one of history’s most enigmatic figures—Joseph of Nazareth. Often overshadowed by the miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ birth, Joseph’s role as earthly father, devoted husband, and unwavering servant of God is both profound and inspiring. In this compelling exploration, you’ll uncover the quiet strength, steadfast faith, and remarkable courage that shaped the formative years of Jesus Christ. What You’ll Discover Inside: Joseph’s Journey: From his ...

Unlock the Blueprint of Ancient Christianity—With Teaching Attributed to the Apostles Themselves Step inside the worship, theology, and church life of the early Christians with one of the most important and overlooked texts of ancient Christianity. Draws from the Didache, Didascalia Apostolorum, and other early church teaching Reveals how bishops, deacons, and congregations lived and worshiped Includes early Christian prayers, liturgies, fasting rules, and household codes Newly translated into clear, modern English—with the help of AI Ideal for readers of church history, theology, and ...

FAIRACRES PUBLICATIONS 095 These stories and sayings of the Desert Fathers, in a translation by Columba Stewart, give insights into a tradition where words have a resonance beyond their surface meaning. They are intended to lead the reader further along the way of Christ. Columba Stewart provides an introduction to each section to help us understand the world of the early monks.

The Epistle of James stands as one of the most practical and penetrating books of the New Testament: a call to a living, mature faith expressed through love, humility, and steadfastness. In this patristic commentary, shaped by the richness of the Coptic Orthodox tradition and the wisdom of the early Church Fathers, readers encounter James not merely as a letter but as a spiritual guide for authentic Christian life. This volume reveals the depth of James’s teaching on: Faith proven through works of mercy and righteousness Endurance in trials and joy in testing The power of speech, humility...

Before Christian Life Was Systematized, It Had to Be Lived The practical and devotional writings of Tertullian, modernized for today’s reader and focused on prayer, discipline, suffering, and daily Christian conduct. • Christian devotion under pressure: repentance, baptism, and prayer in a hostile world • Martyrdom and endurance: faith tested in prison, suffering, and death • Moral discipline and public identity: dress, modesty, chastity, and daily witness • Marriage and self-control: rigor, fidelity, and the ordering of the Christian household This volume gathers Tertullian’s ...

Who would have thought that from its humble beginnings as a small group of followers of a Jewish man called Jesus that Christianity would become, less than 2,000 years later, the most widespread religion on Earth? Christianity’s birth and development is a vast, complex story filled with setbacks and contradictions but also with triumphs.

Truth has infinite patience. It can quietly wait for centuries looking for the right opportunity to reveal itself. More than two thousand years in the making, this is the revolutionary book we have been waiting for - one that can remove the shroud of misunderstanding hanging over the magnificent lives of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, to reveal, for the first time, their true human story. Here are some of the most important questions Avi addresses in this book: Who was Jesus and what was his actual message? Who was Mary Magdalene, and why is she one of the most despised and vilified women in the...

Third Edition, 2025, Recipient of the 2017 Illumination GOLD Medal in Education. Finalist in 2017 Foreword Performing Arts. Sample verse, Psalm Hymn 5 with tune: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, by Ira F. Stanphill 1950 Lord, consider my expression, and the pathos of my cry; Pay attention to the passion, Hear the noise of life awry. I will bring my tears to You, Lord; You’re my King and You’re my God. In the dawn, You’ll hear my pleading; Hear my case composed in sighs. I will watch with expectation, You are not a god who lies. Putting all distortion from You, Leaves no cruelty in Your ...