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.

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