Who are the first disciples of Jesus? How is Peter, as well as perhaps James, introduced to Jesus? What convinces Nathanael that Jesus is the Son of God?
THE TRAINING OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES: The Beginning
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: The Mission in Palestine and Preparation for the Mission to the Gentiles
The mother church of Christendom, after so glorious a beginning, grew mightily, both inwardly and outwardly, and at first found great favor with the people, (Acts 2:47), for the purity of its walk, and the glow of its first love and benevolence, which reached even to a community of goods.
The Birth of the Christian Church
Next to the incarnation, death and resurrection of the Son of God, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church is the most momentous fact in history.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: Ignatius of Antioch – Early Christian Writings
Ignatius of Antioch died [c.35-50 – c. 98-117 AD] also known as Ignatius Theophorus was an early Christian writer and bishop of Antioch. While en route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom, Ignatius wrote a series of letters.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: The Shepherd of Hermas – Early Christian Writer
The Shepherd of Hermas is part of that collection of writings that since the 19th century has been termed “The Apostolic Fathers,” the first generation of Christian leaders writing after the end of the apostolic age and the completion of the New Testament (NT) canonical documents. These writings are a vital part of our understanding regarding the development of Christianity.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: Papias of Hierapolis – Enjoyed the Lord’s Sayings
Papias was a Greek Apostolic Father, Bishop of Hierapolis, and author who lived c. 60 – c. 135 AD. He wrote the Exposition of the Sayings of the Lord in five books.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: Polycarp of Smyrna – Martyred for His Faith
Polycarp was a Christian bishop of Smyrna. According to the Martyrdom of Polycarp, he died a martyr, bound and burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to consume his body.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: Theophilus of Antioch – Valuable Testimony
Theophilus was Patriarch of Antioch from 169 until 182. He succeeded Eros c. 169 AD and was succeeded by Maximus I c. 183 AD. His death probably occurred about 182. He is included among the dozen or so Christian apologists of his day.
Clement of Alexandria – Christian Theologian
Titus Flavius Clemens, also known as Clement of Alexandria (Greek: Κλήμης ὁ Ἀλεξανδρεύς; c. 150 – c. 215 AD), was a Christian theologian and philosopher who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria.
IRENAEUS of Lyons – Against Heresies
Like most early Christian writers, information about Irenaeus’s life is scarce and inexact. Most information about him either comes from what little can be gleaned from his writing, and from church tradition.