16 - Christianity in the Apostolic Age by George Purves

This volume, A History of Christianity in the Apostolic Age, aims to provide a strictly historical account of early Christianity. It includes brief overviews of the New Testament books while defending their classification as apostolic literature. These texts are not only our primary sources for understanding the history but also serve as a lens through which we can illustrate that history effectively. The author acknowledges that discussing such a vital theme often leads to positions that may be contentious among different schools of thought. Nevertheless, these positions are drawn from thorough and impartial investigation. The findings uphold the traditional view of apostolic Christianity, which seems to emerge naturally from unbiased inquiry. As the criticism of the New Testament has evolved, many scholars have returned to accept the traditional dates of the texts origins, reinforcing the notion that the rise of apostolic Christianity can only be understood through the supernatural events and forces the texts describe. Acknowledging the supernatural, along with understanding the historical development of faith in Jesus as the Messiah, is essential for any historian who wishes to faithfully represent the original essence of apostolic Christianity. (From the Preface)