Apostolic Fathers
An Introduction and Translation
Apostolic Fathers
An Introduction and Translation
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Hardback
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Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 9780567708182
Number of Pages: 264
Published: 23/03/2023
Width: 16.9 cm
Height: 24.4 cm
William Varner provides a completely up-to-date introduction to the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. These 1st-2nd Century texts are foundational for the early Christian movement, and the interpretation of the New Testament in the earliest days of what was to later become known as Christianity. Beyond introducing the individual writers Varner also presents and situates their writings, with each chapter offering an introduction followed by key texts. Varner translates these works afresh, and situates them in their original contexts. The introductory materials help readers to interpret these various writings and outline the most important scholarly debates around them, whilst also giving readers access to the texts themselves. The book concludes with a chapter that shows how the Apostolic Fathers are relevant in the 21st century, drawing together threads of reception history and modern Christian theology.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. The Didache
3. Shepherd of Hermas
4. First Clement
5. Second Clement
6. Ignatius
7. Polycarp
8. Martyrdom of Polycarp
9. Letter of Barnabas
10. Letter to Diognetus
11. Fragments of Papias
12. The Apostolic Fathers in the Twenty First Century
Index
As I read William Varner's translation of and introduction to these ancient works, I thought of the Lord's question to Ezekiel, 'Shall these bones live?' These old texts, sometimes overlooked by ancient and modern writers, deserve to be brought to life for modern readers. I am thankful that my own effort to do so years ago inspired Dr. Varner to give them new life in this volume. Yes, these bones can live for today's readers! * SIMON TUGWELL O.P., Blackfriars, Oxford, UK * I am delighted to endorse and recommend the materials that Varner has provided within these pages as evidence of careful consideration of an important body of ancient Christian writings that have too often been ignored both by biblical scholarship and students of patristic literature alike. A new flavor of scholarship is to be discovered here by those who give time to the literature and its careful introduction. I invite you to drink deeply and enjoy! * From the foreword by CLAYTON N. JEFFORD, Saint Meinrad Seminary, USA *
