Early Christians Speak: Faith and Life in the First Three Centuries

by Everett Ferguson

These studies in early church history cover various aspects of the church life of early Christians. They focus on the second century. During that period there was much in the practice and teaching of the church that corresponds to what is found in the New Testament, and during that time many new features developed which were to be characteristic of the later history of the church. Some later material which bears on the second century or which serves to complete the account of a development is brought into these studies. Some New Testament texts bearing on the topic are listed at the beginning of each chapter. There is, thus, a stress on historical continuity. We are talking about the same community of people, the same church, as existed in the New Testament. We are tracing out some features of its historical development through the second century. - From the Introduction

Genres: Church History, History, Theology, Christianity

258 pages, Unknown Binding

First published June 28, 1981

Reviews

[Jacob Hudgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful as an introduction to early Christian writings. Ferguson’s analysis of the developments in Christian teaching and belief is the real treasure. His comments are brief but very insightful, bringing context and awareness of the broader picture to the reader.

[Luke Merrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ferguson analyses the early christian church theology and practices. I was especially interested in the rudimentary forms of baptism, prayer and the Eucharist.

However, I suspect a bias towards the restoration movement in the topics that were covered and perhaps by omission of additional sources.

The book structure is easy to follow; siting Church fathers, historians and ancient authors and following up with a contemporary interpretation/discussion.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are curious about what the early Christians might have been like and how they practiced their faith, this book may be a good one to start with. The author, Everett Ferguson, provides small chunks of writing from early Christians dating 100-300AD. Each chapter represents a different theme: baptism, Christian assemblies, early services, love feast (potluck), early prayers (my fave), early hymns, Lord's Supper, women in the early church, organization of the early church, discipline, Christian living, acts of mercy. 18 topics in all. After the author provides a handful of early Christian quotes, he discusses what it might mean in those times. I really liked the author's discussions, definitely helped give me a clearer picture. Though the book is a bit academic, I was able to follow along just fine. The only place I got stuck is the chapter on the Lord's Supper. The quotes were clear enough, but the discussion confused me. I figure because the Lord's Supper is a beautiful mystery, it can confound us when we try to understand it rationally. At first I came away confused after reading the women in the early church chapter. Some early Christians wrote of men and women being equal spiritually, but then other writers were appalled to hear women baptizing new Christians. I found that so helpful to understand, that even today, we are presented with everyone's opinion on how to practice our Christian faith, and some of the people giving those opinions have cemented their opinions into very firm dogma. Not so with the Early Christians, they were more fluid. They had the Scriptures, Paul's letters, they practiced agape (love), they had their faith, they had the Holy Spirit, they had a handful of elders to help guide them, and that was it. No dogma. That came later, after 300AD. Very helpful book to get that understanding. You can purchase this book at Christian Book online for a reasonable price.

[Brian King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic collection by Ferguson that is arranged topically without commentary. So, you get to literally read what early Christians wrote about many important topics. This book and its predecessor (which is hard to find, but worth getting used if you can) are great resources.

[gfguildjr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good referance.

[gfguildjr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good referance.

[Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stupendous collection of 2nd century voices organized by topic. A gem to have on the library shelf.