The Apostolic Fathers [Hardcover]

Who were the Apostolic Fathers? What did they care about? Why did they write what they wrote? The Apostolic Fathers: 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 Kenneth Berding is Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is the author of Polycarp and Paul: An Analysis of Their Literary and Theological Relationship in Light of Polycarp's Use of Biblical and Extra-Biblical Liteló