This welcome anthology of writings from the first two centuries of Christendom is full and practical – and fervent.

Preface The Witness of the Early Church by Eberhard Arnold ii The State, Society and Martyrs Pliny Polycarp Justin Letter from Vienne and Lyons Acts of Martyrs Early Apologies Notes iii Self-Portraits and Portrayals Justin, Dialogue with Trypho, First Apology Aristides, Apology Origen, Against Celsus Hippolytus, The Apostolic Tradition Letter to Diognetus Tertullian, Apology Notes iv Creed, Confession and Scripture Apostolic Confession Rule of Faith Irenaeus, Against Heresies Athenagoras, A Plea Regarding Christians Late Athenagoras, On the Resurrection of the Dead Justin, First Apology, Dialogue with Trypho Muratorian Canon Notes v Sayings of Jesus and the Apostles Extra-Biblical Sayings of Jesus The Didache First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians Ignatius, Letters to the Ephesians, Romans, Smyrnaeans, and Polycarp Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians Letter of Barnabas Notes vi Meetings, Worship and Church Practices Baptism The Lord’s Supper or Love Meal Distribution of Goods Leadership and Gifts Prayers and Hymns Notes vii Proclamation and the Prophetic Spirit Acts of Andrew Justin, Dialogue with Trypho Second Letter of Clement The Shepherd of Hermas Sibylline Oracles Montanus Notes Postscript Selected Bibliography Index of Names and Selected Topics