Apostolic Fathers, The: Greek Texts and English Translations [Paperback]

Michael W. Holmes (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801022258 | ISBN-13: 978-0801022258 | Publication Date: December 1, 1999 | Edition: Rev Sub

This revision of the 1992 Greek-English edition features updated introductions, bibliographies, and textual witnesses. Essential for the serious student of early Christianity.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael W. Holmes (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical studies and early Christianity at Bethel College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic; Rev Sub edition (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801022258
• ISBN-13: 978-0801022258
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,081,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best edition of the Apostolic Fathers..., February 18, 2001

By 

David Bennett (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apostolic Fathers, The: Greek Texts and English Translations (Paperback)

Michael Holmes has updated the brilliant J.B. Lightfoot/J.R. Harmer translation of the Apostolic Fathers for the 21st century scholar and interested reader. The works which are included are: 1 Clement, II Clement (correctly labeled here as "An Ancient Christian Sermon"), the Letters of Ignatius (the seven genuine letters in the so-called middle recension), the Shepherd of Hermas, the Letter of Polycarp, the Martyrdom of Polycarp, the Didache, The Epistle to Diognetus, The Epistle of Barnabas, and the numerous fragments of Papias. The critical Greek text is of course also included (with textual variants) in this edition, and so is the Latin when the text only survives as such.

For each book there are helpful footnotes, textual variants, introductory material, and a bibliography. There is a subject/author index, a scripture and non-canonical literature quotation section, and a few maps for those who wish to know, for instance, where exactly Ignatius' letter to the Trallians would have been read. Michael Holmes has also updated the translation and Greek texts based on recent findings and textual discoveries.

Overall, "The Apostolic Fathers" is a fine resource for the Patristic scholar. However the works are also useful for the non-scholar who wants to read about the infant, developing, and persecuted Church. As the title suggests, these writers lived close to the Apostolic Age; some (Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp) even probably knew an apostle or two. Their writings, theology, and ethics are important clues into developing Christian Orthodoxy. The affordable one-volume price, the modern translation, and updated Greek text render this book superior to the other translations of the Apostolic Fathers available, including Staniforth's, Lake's, and volume one of the Ante-Nicene Fathers (however the other editions certainly still have great value; the ANF set has the longer recension of Ignatius' letters, which the Holmes edition lacks). If you wish to begin a study of Christianity and Christian history, after reading the New Testament, start with these texts.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding In Every Respect!, April 5, 2000

By 

J.M. Hebert (Western USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apostolic Fathers, The: Greek Texts and English Translations (Paperback)

If you have a serious interest in early church literature, this book must be part of your library. Holmes builds nicely on his earlier work in the field and, at the same time, makes an invaluable contribution to the church by making such accurate translations of these ancient documents available to us today. Well done!

24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Format!, March 28, 2000

By 

Reid Hankins (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apostolic Fathers, The: Greek Texts and English Translations (Paperback)

I love the format/layout! The greek text is full page on the left side, and the english translation is full page on the bottom, including references in the footnotes, pointing you to scripture reference! Very handy and easy to work with!