Early Christians: Life in the First Years of the Church (An Illustrated Documentary)

John Drane follows up his studies of Jesus and Paul in previous books by examining the New Testament letters and the book of Acts. And in characteristic style, he asks searching questions. Did Jesus' teaching conflict with the traditions of Judaism and the Old Testament? How did a dynamic figure like Paul fit into the structure of the early church? How were differences between Jewish and Gentile church members resolved? Why did the church become institutionalized? Who wrote the New Testament letters? How did the first Christians handle opposition to their faith? This book is both faithful to New Testament evidence and fully aware of modern scholarship. It is thorough, reliable and readable. Separate articles, in small type, deal with more technical issues. The clear presentation of the book makes it suitable for both the individual reader and for use in schools and colleges.