Examines the role played by the Old Testament in the formation of early Christian thinking.

How and why did the early church grow in the first four hundred years despite disincentives, harassment, and occasional persecution? In this unique historical s

This volume introduces the early Christian ideas of history and history writing and shows their value for developing Christian communities of the patristic era.

Frend's masterful survey, here presented with a new Preface and updated bibliographies, traces the historical and theological development of the Christian churc