William Varner – författare

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.

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.

In 1873, a copy of the long lost Didache was discovered in a library in Constantinople. Since its publication a decade later, this little book has attracted a large amount of scholarly attention due to the light its sheds on the beliefs and practices of the early Christians. Dr. William Varner has written this volume to familiarize readers with these past and present scholarly discussions. Dr. Varner offers his own analytical translation of the Didache and sets forth some fresh ideas about the book's original purpose and its relationship to the New Testament. He also suggests how the message of this first Christian handbook can inform the church today. This is an accessible introduction, not only to an ancient Christian text, but also to how the earliest Christians responded to the challenge of their new lives.