This powerful anthology brings together 20 foundational Christian texts from the Apostolic and Church Fathers, offering readers an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of first- and second-century Christianity. Included are Clement of Rome’s First Letter to the Corinthians and Romans, emphasizing church unity and apostolic tradition. The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians and the Martyrdom of Polycarp preserve the faith and courage of one of John’s direct disciples. The ancient manual The Didache outlines early Christian ethics, baptism, fasting, and Eucharistic practices. Central to this collection are 13 writings attributed to Ignatius of Antioch, including his epistles to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Romans, Polycarp, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans, Trallians, Hero, the Virgin Mary, and two epistles to St. John, as well as the Martyrdom of Ignatius. Also included is the rare Epistle of Maria the Proselyte to Ignatius. The volume concludes with Justin Martyr’s First and Second Apologies, bold defenses of Christianity addressed to Roman authorities, and The Shepherd of Hermas, a visionary guide rich with parables, commandments, and revelations on repentance, moral purity, and church discipline.
This single-volume resource is essential for readers interested in early Church history, Christian apologetics, and the theological and spiritual foundations laid by those closest to the apostles. Whether you are a student of theology, a historian of Christianity, or a seeker of original Christian voices, these 22 works provide a deeply enriching encounter with the faith of the earliest believers.
