Formation and Struggles: The Birth of the Church Ad 33-200

Veselin Kesich

This study of the formation of the Church begins with the earliest Christian community in Jerusalem, led by Jesus' disciples, and ends with the expansion of Christianity into various regions of the Roman Empire. Tracing the growing pains of the Church from its birth through its separation from Judaism to its struggle against Gnostic and pagan influences, the author demonstrates how early Christians deepened their loyalty to the apostolic tradition by wrestling with internal and external challenges. The volume concludes with teachings of the Church Father Irenaeus of Lyons, who presents an image of a Church shaped by ministry, canon, creed, and openness to the world.

Dr Veselin Kesich is a professor of New Testament emeritus, St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary.

203 pages
Paperback
Published 2007
size: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.60"
ISBN: 978-0-88141-319-9