History of the Early Church

The Christian Church, even amidst the vicissitudes of its external life, its advances and persecutions, successes and apostasies, victories and defeats, has always had within its bosom witnesses of Christ marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit. The influence of the Irenaeuses, Tertullians, Cyprians, Clements, and Origens has always been evident and crucial in solidifying the foundations of the faith. Therefore, studying and knowing its history well is essential. Delving into the beginnings and knowing exactly where we come from is not an option, it is a necessity. And not just for pastors and leaders, but for all believers.

Backhouse & Taylor's History of the Early Church has the merit of relying entirely on the best of original sources and the most outstanding scholarship. It applies the intuitive method to the study of early Christian times, comparing the historical account with the texts of the great writers of the era, known as the Church Fathers. It uncovers the secrets of the catacombs where the first believers carved the indelible mark of their faith, transcribes valuable documents, and shows the daily life of the first Christian communities, in all their simplicity, from the Apostolic Age to their merger with the State in the time of Constantine.

Expanded and updated by Alfonso Ropero, with the latest archaeological findings, improved in its legal basis for persecutions, enriched with an extensive bibliography, and published complete in a single volume, the History of the Early Church is currently the best study text available for anyone interested in understanding and analyzing the development of the Church in its beginnings.