The Early Christian Church Author:J. G. Davies For both the general reader and church history student, The Early Christian Church is a competent summation of the first five centuries of Christian history. This concise text is acclaimed for its clarity of expression, balance of judgment, and carefulness of arrangement. — Following a brief chapter on the origins of Christiani... more »ty, including a thumbnail sketch of Jewish history, is a survey of the pagan and New Testament sources of Christianity, and a reconstruction of the message and ministry of Jesus. Each chapter is divided into: a) background, b) sources, c) expansion and development, d) beliefs, e) worship, and f) social life/ethics.« less