Early Church

In The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1, Justo L. González, author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought, presents a narrative history of Christianity from the early church to the dawn of the Protestant reformation. From Jesus' faithful apostles to the early reformist John Wycliffe, González skillfully traces core theological issues and developments within the various traditions of the church, including major events outside of Europe, such as the Spanish and Portuguese conquest of the New World.

This classic text gives a broad overview of the early Christian church, how it was formed, and how it dealt with the Roman empire, which was at first hostile to Christianity, and then under Constantine the Great how it came to embrace the new faith. The author, George Hodges, also examines the many heresies that beset the church from within, and the various figures that would defend the correct definition of the faith.

EXPERIENCE THE EARLY CHURCH. Forced from her home after the stoning of Stephen and persecution of believers in Jerusalem, Libi and her family now live in the city of Antioch. Days pass quickly in a community where the oppressed are in great need, and Libi finds every opportunity to serve alongside other believers despite growing obstacles and a lack of resources. All of this leaves little time to think about what she has lost, or the growing desire in her heart for what she does not have. Cassius lives his life in the shadows after witnessing the impossible and deserting the Roman Army as a...

While many histories of Christian worship exist, this project undertakes a task both more focused and more urgent. Rather than survey the whole history of the Christian church, it focuses on the formative period between the first and fifth centuries CE, when so many of the understandings and patterns of Christian worship came to be. And rather than include such developments as the monastic hours of prayer and the history of ordination, the authors deal primarily with those aspects of worship that recur on a weekly or regular basis: preaching, Eucharist, and baptism. 

Every generation has an uncanny tendency to view themselves as more enlightened than those that have gone before. The Church certainly has made mistakes all through history - and yet, no insights which we possess would be possible without the efforts, and even some of the mistakes, of our ancestors. The first volume of 2,000 Years of Christ's Power covers the period from the 1st Century AD to the start of the Middle Ages.

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 ...

In A Systematic Theology of the Early Church, Dustin R. Smith offers a groundbreaking exploration of the foundational beliefs that defined first-century Christianity, rooted solely in the Old and New Testaments. Unlike traditional systematic theologies that blend scripture with post-biblical ecumenical creeds and denominational confessions, this work focuses exclusively on the authentic doctrines of the Early Church. With precision and clarity, Smith examines eight core theological pillars—theology, anthropology, hamartiology, christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and ...

Newly revised and edited The Apostolic Fathers in Modern English Experience the earliest Christian writings, clearly translated for today. This edition presents the complete collection traditionally known as the Apostolic Fathers in fresh, readable modern English, paired with concise, thematic essays at the end of the book that frame the world, worship, and witness of the early church. If you’ve tried public-domain or Victorian renderings and bounced off the archaic phrasing, this volume is built to be faithful, direct, and readable, without dumbing anything down. What’s Included (...

Dr. James Papandrea introduces you to all the major theologians, philosophers, and martyrs of the early Christian church and explains the theological principles that guided the Church from the New Testament era through the apologists, and, ultimately, to the development of the major doctrines. He uniquely situates the teachings of the early Church Fathers against the social and cultural context of the Roman Empire and its relationship to the Church.

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey with "AFTER ACTS: PAUL'S FOURTH MISSIONARY JOURNEY" Discover the untold stories of faith and adventure Are you ready to explore an intriguing narrative that uncovers the lost chapters of history, faith, and human perseverance? AFTER ACTS: PAUL'S FOURTH MISSIONARY JOURNEY invites readers to delve into a fascinating reimagining of biblical texts and historical landscapes while remaining faithful to the scriptures and gospel message. This compelling book is more than just a story, it's a vivid exploration of what might have been. Based on the Bible's World ...

Jesus once said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Several questions should spring into our minds: How did Jesus build His Church and how is He doing so currently? Who did Jesus use to build His Church and who is He using today? When have major events occurred that have helped build the Church? What have been some of the mistakes (or even downright evils) along the way? The amazing thing about church history is that Christians are able to draw from the riches of the past to better understand the present and future. This brief ebook is a survey of several great Christians from ...

Introduce your middle and high school students to the bold believers who helped shape the foundation of the Christian faith. Early Church Fathers, part of the inspiring Legends of Faith series by homeschool author Marilyn Boyer, brings Christian history to life through captivating stories of real men who stood firm for Christ in the face of persecution, heresy, and cultural opposition.

Women were there. For centuries, discussions of early Christianity have focused on male leaders in the church. But there is ample evidence right in the New Testament that women were actively involved in ministry, at the frontier of the gospel mission, and as respected leaders. Nijay Gupta calls us to bring these women out of the shadows by shining light on their many inspiring contributions to the planting, growth, and health of the first Christian churches.

Based on Pope Benedict XVI's weekly teaching on the relationship between Christ and the Church, this book tells the drama of Jesus' first disciples—his Apostles and their associates—and how they spread Jesus' message throughout the ancient world. Far from distorting the truth about Jesus of Nazareth, insists Pope Benedict, the early disciples remained faithful to it, even at the cost of their lives.

Shortly after the birthing pangs of Christianity's birth subsided it faced a threat to its ideals and existence as we know it today. This threat was an internal one forged in the fires of desire to meld Greek philosophy with Christian teachings. The heat of the debates, books written, and sermons preached resulted in the first, but not well known, schism of the church. In this eight treatise in the Theological Threads series learn how Plato's ideas fractured the early church and how those ideas still threaten to pervert the understanding of Christians today.

It is time to get your whole bible back! If you want to know what God is saying - go read all the verses in your bible that are NOT underlined. Author Russell Walden expounds the gospel of Luke with prophetic insight and revelatory understanding. In church culture today it is more common to hear topical messages than an expositional study of the Bible. In 1 Tim. 4:13, however, Paul exhorts young Timothy to "give attention to reading." Revelatory reading and verse by verse exposition of scripture is very much needed in Christianity today. In this volume, Russell brings a dynamic, ...

In a world drowning in noise, the wisdom of a 4th-century desert monk offers a lifeline to clarity, peace, and purpose. Evagrius of Pontus for Beginners is your guide to the profound teachings of one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers, presented in a way that’s accessible, transformative, and utterly relevant for modern life. Unlock the secrets of apatheia—a state of inner calm that frees you from the tyranny of distractions and passions. Master the eight evil thoughts that threaten your peace and learn practical strategies to overcome them with grace and resilience. ...

THE CLASH OF HEAVEN AND EARTH HAS IGNITED. AND THE ANCIENT WORLD WILL BURN. In the sweltering summer of the first century, the Apostle Paul marches into the dark, pagan stronghold of Ephesus. He does not hide in the shadows. Renting the public Hall of Tyrannus, he launches a relentless, daily assault on the minds and spirits of Asia. As raw, divine power manifests through healings and the public burning of occult scrolls, the very foundations of the city’s economy begin to crack. Watching his wealth evaporate, Demetrius the silversmith rallies the trade guilds, transforming their economic...

One of the greatest Christian thinkers you've probably never heard of also happens to be one of the most beautiful. Long before theology was written as dense academic prose, Ephrem the Syrian taught the Christian faith through unforgettable hymns, vivid symbols, and breathtaking poetry. Known throughout history as the "Harp of the Holy Spirit," he transformed Scripture into songs of wonder, making profound truths accessible to ordinary believers while shaping Christian worship for centuries. If you've ever wanted to understand the roots of early Christianity, discover the beauty of Syriac ...