The Apostolic Fathers: A Narrative Introduction

by Kenneth Berding

Who were the Apostolic Fathers? What did they care about? Why did they write what they wrote? The Apostolic A Narrative Introduction is the most engaging introduction to Apostolic Fathers you will ever read. Imagine what it would be like to ask Polycarp about the documents that were composed during his lifetime. You don't have to imagine any longer. Situated during the final week of Polycarp's life, these fictional dialogues will introduce you to the earliest Christian documents after the time of the apostles. You will come to know Clement, Ignatius, Hermas, Papias, and others. Freshly translated excerpts from the writings themselves are included after each chapter. 
"Berding's experience of living in Smyrna, the home of Polycarp, serves him well as he brings to life its famous bishop. The stories of the church leaders who once sat at the feet of apostles are little known unfortunately. Hopefully Berding's volume will rectify that. All Christians will enjoy this creative retelling of the stories of Polycarp and the other apostolic fathers as well as the readable translations of their writings."--Mark Wilson, Founder/Director, Asia Minor Research Center"Berding's historical novelization brings characters to life, putting flesh and bones on a skeletal framework of early Christianity. Through a creativity rooted in competent scholarship, he draws readers into the socio-historical world of the Apostolic Fathers. His narrative introduction is both enjoyable and informative, both imaginative and insightful. The fictional storyline is a spoonful of sugar, but the pedagogical nourishment is substantial." --Paul Hartog, Professor of Christian Thought, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary

154 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2017

Reviews

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who have little understanding of--and want to become familiar with--what is known about the lives and writings of Christian leaders who followed the original Apostles, this book is a very good place to start. The author weaves a narrative around the last days of Polycarp, rooted in competent scholarship, that introduces the modern reader to Polycarp, Clement, Ignatius of Antioch, Papias, Hermas, Diognetus and the Didache. The historical and literary notes section in the back gives very helpful insight into the historical parts of the fictional narrative.

[David Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a fascinating way to introduce the writings of the apostolic fathers to a beginner. Essentially, it fictionalizes the final week of the life of Polycarp of Smyrna in the 2nd c. and allows him to tell the story of writers such as Clement,The Shepherd of Hermas,Papias and others. It engages in some speculation concerning some historical events that are in question. The last third of the book is a series of endnotes that refer the reader to the documents themselves.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, short introduction to the collection of the Apostolic Fathers and their content.