Full Description
William Varner provides a completely up-to-date introduction to the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. These 1st-2nd Century texts are foundational for the early Christian movement, and the interpretation of the New Testament in the earliest days of what was to later become known as Christianity. Beyond introducing the individual writers Varner also presents and situates their writings, with each chapter offering an introduction followed by key texts. Varner translates these works afresh, and situates them in their original contexts. The introductory materials help readers to interpret these various writings and outline the most important scholarly debates around them, whilst also giving readers access to the texts themselves. The book concludes with a chapter that shows how the Apostolic Fathers are relevant in the 21st century, drawing together threads of reception history and modern Christian theology.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. The Didache
3. Shepherd of Hermas
4. First Clement
5. Second Clement
6. Ignatius
7. Polycarp
8. Martyrdom of Polycarp
9. Letter of Barnabas
10. Letter to Diognetus
11. Fragments of Papias
12. The Apostolic Fathers in the Twenty First Century
Index
