A New Eusebius: Documents Illustrating the History of the Church to Ad 337

A New Eusebius: Documents Illustrating the History of the Church to AD 337 provides a comprehensive collection of historical documents that illustrate the development of Christianity from its very beginnings to the end of the third century. The documents, expertly selected and annotated by two eminent scholars of church history, W. H. C. Frend and J. Stevenson, cover a wide range of topics, including the lives of saints, the development of doctrine, ecclesiastical organization, and the relationship between the church and the state.

The book begins with a chronological survey of major events and figures in church history, starting with the apostolic period and concluding in AD 337, when the Emperor Constantine established Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. This survey provides important context for the documents that follow, which are arranged thematically and grouped into chapters that correspond to specific periods in church history.

Among the many documents included in the book are the letters of Ignatius of Antioch, an early bishop and martyr who advocated for a hierarchical structure of church governance; the writings of Irenaeus, a theologian who defended orthodox Christian doctrine against heretical teachings; and the correspondence of Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, who grappled with issues of authority and discipline within the church.

In addition to these well-known figures, the book also includes lesser-known documents that shed light on the daily life of early Christians, such as hymns, prayers, and accounts of miracles. These documents reveal the diversity of early Christianity and the ways in which different communities interpreted and practiced the faith.

Overall, A New Eusebius is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of Christianity. The documents it contains offer a window into the beliefs, practices, and struggles of early Christians, and provide a foundation for understanding the development of the church over the centuries. The book is a testament to the enduring power of primary sources in illuminating the past, and a reminder of the richness and complexity of Christian history.