The Emergence of the Church: Context, Growth, Leadership Worship

The title "The Emergence of the Church: Context, Growth, Leadership & Worship" well explains this book. It discusses the church as understood by Jesus, its growth from the death of Christ to the death of the apostles, and how it functioned (leadership, worship and certain doctrinal issues). It is introductory in scope, but hardly superficial. Particularly helpful is the integration of Paul's writings within the framework of Acts and the discussion of the growth of Christianity in the key cities of the Roman Empire. A few points are debatable: Patzia accepts many (or most) critical views on the dating and authorship of NT books, rejects infant baptism, and supports gender egalitarianism in ministry roles. And did Paul really teach a "law-free Gospel"?

Many books on theology are just too hard to read, however Authur Patzia brings a brilliant, well-organized, simplicity to understanding the history of the early church. This book is well written and makes getting to the truth a lot easier.