The Apostolic Fathers, Vol. 1: I Clement, II Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Didache (Loeb Classical Library) [Hardcover]

Bart D. Ehrman (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0674996070 | ISBN-13: 978-0674996076

The writings of the Apostolic Fathers give a rich and diverse picture of Christian life and thought in the period immediately after New Testament times. Some of them were accorded almost Scriptural authority in the early Church. This new Loeb edition of these essential texts reflects current idiom and the latest scholarship.

Here are the Letters of Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, among the most famous documents of early Christianity; these letters, addressing core theological questions, were written to a half dozen different congregations while Ignatius was en route to Rome as a prisoner, condemned to die in the wild-beast arena. Also in this collection is a letter to the Philippian church by Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna and friend of Ignatius, as well as an account of Polycarp's martyrdom. There are several kinds of texts in the Apostolic Fathers collection, representing different religious outlooks. The manual called the Didache sets forth precepts for religious instruction, worship, and ministry. The Epistle of Barnabas searches the Old Testament, the Jewish Bible, for testimony in support of Christianity and against Judaism. Probably the most widely read in the early Christian centuries was The Shepherd of Hermas, a book of revelations that develops a doctrine of repentance.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ehrman's new Loeb Library edition of The Apostolic Fathers (a title unknown before the 17th century) presents a scholarly edition, with a lively translation, of Christian writings that circulated before the Biblical canon was established.
--Tom D'Evelyn (Christian Science Monitor 20031223)

Bart Ehrman's new text and translation of the Apostolic Fathers in the Loeb series is an excellent example of solid scholarship presented in an accessible and engaging manner…Ehrman's general introduction contains a helpful bibliography, and is complemented by lively and accessible introductions to each individual text…This is a fine introduction to some important texts, and a worthy successor to the edition of Kirsopp Lake that it now supersedes.
--Andrew Gregory (Themelios 20041001)

The Apostolic Fathers is a greatly needed and valuable contribution to the field of early Christian literature. The outlined contemporary discussions will enhance one's understanding not only of the texts but of the current methodology and views regarding the reading of the works. The two volumes are highly recommended for graduate students and scholars.
--Despina Prassas (New England Classical Journal )

About the Author

Bart D. Ehrman is Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Loeb Classical Library (December 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674996070
• ISBN-13: 978-0674996076
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.9 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Ancient & Classical Literature > Greek

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A contemporary rendition of a set of Christian classics August 12, 2006

By William Pinches

Amazon Verified Purchase

How did the New Testament come to be formed? What books were left out? What did some of those books say? These are some of the questions on the minds of many curious people today. Too often, local congregations ignore these questions, to the detriment of the church. But these questions about Christian origins are very, very real in the hearts and minds of many people today.

Now, from one of the most significant writers about Christian origins today comes a completely new edition of the Apostolic Fathers -- the letters of Clement, the letters of Ignatius, the letter of Polycarp, the Martyrdom of Polycarp, the Didache, the Epistle of Barnabas, the fragments of Papias and Quadratus, the Epistle to Diognetus, and the Shepherd of Hermas. These were early Christian writings that are generally attributed to church leaders of the late first and early second centuries CE (and, in most cases, are probably authentic). Clement, for example, was an early leader in Rome (circa 96 CE); Ignatius wrote a number of letters to churches in various cities (circa 110 CE), sort of following in the footsteps of Paul.

This two-volume set replaces the classic edition of the Apostolic Fathers in the Loeb Classical Library edited by Kirsopp Lake nearly a century ago. As with all books in the Loeb Classical Library, the original (in this case, Greek) text is presented on the left-hand pages, and an English translation is presented on the right. The text is extremely readable, and the introductions to each of the books are clear, succinct, and to the point.

Some of these books almost made it into the New Testament! The epistles of Clement are found in some early New Testament manuscripts and were widely read in the early churches.... The Shepherd of Hermas may have been the most widely read book by early Christians. Several of these books were probably written before some of books in the New Testament. In an age in which people are asking questions about the origins of Christianity and the authority of the scriptures, it is crucial that we have at least a basic understanding of our early history. In my mind, a decent familiarity with the Apostolic Fathers -- as well as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library -- is essential.

This two-volume set is extremely valuable. Ehrman's critical textual work, his contemporary translations, and his up-to-date introductions are a welcome addition to current literature. The trained scholar will delight in having a new critical edition of the Greek text . . . but an ordinary lay reader could also profit tremendously from reading some of these early Christian writings that were not deemed to be sufficiently close to the first generation of apostles to make the cut into the New Testament. Read more ›

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Misunderstandings about the Loeb Series April 25, 2012

By Nichael

I think there is some misunderstand about what this book, and its sibling volume, contain and what they represent.

For example, some of the reviews mention the skimpy nature of the commentary, and that half content of the book --i.e. it contains both English and Greek text-- is unnecessary and not of use to most readers and similar misgivings.

It is possible that Amazon has not done a good job of explaining the purpose of volumes in Loeb Library but, briefly, the Loeb Library publishes scholarly editions of classical --Greek and Latin-- texts, with a parallel translation into English which is supported by a decent set of textual notes (i.e. indicating variants in the existing manuscript-history). While most books in the series include a brief introductory, there is nothing on the scale of a complete commentary.

In short, these are _not_ intended to be detailed commentaries or "readers" editions. Rather, they are intended for readers (mainly scholars) who require a solid version of the original text.

This is probably too late for folks who have bought these volumes while wanting something else. But as a word to future buyers, if you are looking for a excellent, inexpensive (at least compared to a full-blown textual-edition), compact (approx pocket-sized) well-bound edition which have been prepared by a world-class scholar, you would hard-pressed to do better than the Loeb Library. (Of course, if you are in their target audience, I probably don't need to tell you that. ;-) )

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Content (with reservations) April 23, 2012

By F. Gwin

Amazon Verified Purchase

First off, I believe it is best to state that I loved this book. Reading through the books of the Apostolic fathers is always fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. That being said, I have some complaints.

When I first found out that Ehrman was the translator I was hesitant to buy this book, primarily because I have read his books in the past, and whereas I have enjoyed his translations (Lost Scriptures) I have not enjoyed his other books (Misquoting Jesus). This is mainly because he uses circular logic and doesn't state all the facts (see here for refutation of Ehrman). I went into this book knowing that Ehrman believes that followers of Marcion or Gnostics could have become the dominant Christians in the first few centuries, so I was expecting to find the introductions in this book littered with far out sayings. But thankfully this was not the case. The introductions were short, sweet, and to the point, and they gave lots of information on the books which included the time of writing, author and recipients, and other small interesting details (However, the lack of commentary leads me to believe that Ehrman has no interest in understanding the spiritual value of these book, but rather just the historical value they hold).

The text itself is very easy to read, and it has helpful footnotes to show you what parts of the Bible the Apostolic fathers are quoting in their writings. On the left page of the book you find the greek text, on the right page of the book you find the english text.... I cannot read koine greek (yet), but when I can I will certainly be making a second trip to this book to explore it's left side as opposed to only the right (ha ha - political joke).

But the question of the hour is this: Will I be buying Volume II? Yes I will.

If I have convinced you to buy this book, but have reservations about Ehrman, here is the translation by Kirsopp Lake.

EDIT: I also found this other translation by Michael Holmes. Read more ›