Apostolic Fathers: Volume II. Epistle of Barnabas. Papias and Quadratus. Epistle to Diognetus. The Shepherd of Hermas (Loeb Classical Library No. 25N)

How did the New Testament come to be formed? What books were left out? What did some of those books say? These are some of the questions on the minds of many curious people today. Too often, local congregations ignore these questions, to the detriment of the church. But these questions about Christian origins are very, very real in the hearts and minds of many people today.Now, from one of the most significant writers about Christian origins today comes a completely new edition of the Apostolic Fathers -- the letters of Clement, the letters of Ignatius, the letter of Polycarp, the Martyrdom of Polycarp, the Didache, the Epistle of Barnabas, the fragments of Papias and Quadratus, the Epistle to Diognetus, and the Shepherd of Hermas. These were early Christian writings that are generally attributed to church leaders of the late first and early second centuries CE (and, in most cases, are probably authentic). Clement, for example, was an early leader in Rome (circa 96 CE); Ignatius wrote a number of letters to churches in various cities (circa 110 CE), sort of following in the footsteps of Paul.This two-volume set replaces the classic edition of the Apostolic Fathers in the Loeb Classical Library edited by Kirsopp Lake nearly a century ago. As with all books in the Loeb Classical Library, the original (in this case, Greek) text is presented on the left-hand pages, and an English translation is presented on the right. The text is extremely readable, and the introductions to each of the books are clear, succinct, and to the point.Some of these books almost made it into the New Testament! The epistles of Clement are found in some early New Testament manuscripts and were widely read in the early churches. The Shepherd of Hermas may have been the most widely read book by early Christians. Several of these books were probably written before some of books in the New Testament. In an age in which people are asking questions about the origins of Christianity and the authority of the scriptures, it is crucial that we have at least a basic understanding of our early history. In my mind, a decent familiarity with the Apostolic Fathers -- as well as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library -- is essential.This two-volume set is extremely valuable. Ehrman's critical textual work, his contemporary translations, and his up-to-date introductions are a welcome addition to current literature. The trained scholar will delight in having a new critical edition of the Greek text . . . but an ordinary lay reader could also profit tremendously from reading some of these early Christian writings that were not deemed to be sufficiently close to the first generation of apostles to make the cut into the New Testament.

Hey evangelicals get off your butts,(or sit down on your butts) and read the fathers of the church you're supposed to be a part of. Great stuff!

Want to know about the Catholic Church read the Fathers, this is only one of the many. Great book.

Good Quality

One of the earliest books in Christianity, The Shepherd of Hermas was probably written around 140AD, and avidly read for the first few hundred years. Likely its failure to become one of the recognized books of the Canon (Bible) had something to do with its fall-off in popularity. Today, while an Apocryphal book from the age of Apostolic Fathers, it seems arcane, and somewhat desultory. Nevertheless, one can see this book as a vision, a dream, or even an attempt to describe elements of purgatory. Both Latin and Greek copies, at least in part have been found, there are also parts missing which make reading it a bit of a challenge. At times it has been somewhat repetitive and tedious to read.I read the edition and translation from the Greek by Bart D. Ehrman: "The Apostolic Fathers Vol. II" from the Loeb Classical Library. The original author was claimed by some to be the brother of Pope Pius I. It is interesting to have a view into what the Council Fathers were looking at when deciding what to add to the Canon, and what not to add. The probings by our minds, between the dark and the daylight, are not so different a few thousand years later. How is God going to judge me and my sins? What must I do to prepare? What is within my ability and what is not? And where do I fit in His Kingdom?

Beautifully translated, a joy to read

Very informative and should be read by those who seek deeper understanding

The fist volume had a more literal translation then the second.If first Clement and Didache are in your reading list, Shepard of Hermas will fit there too!

excellent reading... insightful and full of wisdom

Excellent