Overview
Personal narratives are powerful instruments for teaching, both for conveying information and for forming character. The martyrdom accounts preserved in the literature of early Christianity are especially intense and dramatic. However, these narratives are not readily available and are often written in intimidating prose, making them largely inaccessible for the average reader. This introductory text brings together key early Christian martyrdom stories in a single volume, offering new, easy-to-read translations and expert commentary. An introduction and explanatory notes accompany each translation. The book not only provides a vivid window into the world of early Christianity but also offers spiritual encouragement and inspiration for Christian life today.
Endorsements
"Reflections on Christian martyrdom often either exaggerate or debunk. Bryan Litfin's book on early Christian martyrs is different. It will satisfy not only academics looking for careful documentation but also readers in general, who should appreciate it for encouraging edification as well as solid scholarship."
Mark A. Noll, author of Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity
"This anthology of the most reliable early Christian martyr stories ought to be required reading for all disciples of Christ. It puts today's Christian 'witnesses' in touch with our ancient spiritual role models, inspiring us to greater acts of faithfulness and courage. Litfin's historical introductions offer just what we need to understand and apply these stories in the twenty-first century--when many more disciples of Christ are suffering persecution than ever before in the history of the world."
Douglas A. Sweeney, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"Professor Litfin, author of an authoritative introduction to the theology of the early Christians, now provides us with a guide to some of their lives--and deaths. Their witness was inspired by their faith in Christ's glorious resurrection and their hope for the coming fullness of his kingdom. Do we too have this freedom, this faith, hope, and love? Inspired by this marvelous book about the friends of Jesus, let us commit ourselves anew to dying with Jesus, so as to live. Only in him will we find the unity and communion that we seek."
Matthew Levering, Perry Family Foundation Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
"Litfin has the gift of communicating to a wide audience with informed scholarship. Here he provides fresh new translations of a number of key martyr stories and treatises from church fathers and adds introductions and footnotes to make even clearer the messages of these early Christian writings. Read Litfin's contemporary presentations of ancient stories and learn important principles for today: how to be a faithful witness in our world with patience, how to focus on the exclusivity of Christ, how to have confidence in our eternal hope, and how to have unity with Christians in every place and every time."
Rex D. Butler, professor of church history and patristics, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
"In Early Christian Martyr Stories, Dr. Litfin provides an essential collection of martyrdom accounts freshly translated into lively and lucid English. Along with the primary texts, Litfin includes insightful introductions and notes that reflect the learning of a reliable patristics scholar. Besides blessing us with a wealth of primary source documents, Litfin also provides a responsible (and readable!) martyrological status quaestionis. Sensitive to exaggerated claims among uninformed believers as well as cynical suspicion by modern skeptics, Litfin steers a balanced course. Neither naïve nor incredulous, Litfin's new collection of the great martyr stories is a timely retelling of timeless tales with power to both inform the faithful and transform their faith."
Michael J. Svigel, department chair and associate professor of theological studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
"From the Smyrnaean stadium to African arenas, the reader is led on a dramatic tour. Ever conversant with contemporary scholarship, the masterful guide of this pilgrimage engages carefully selected highlights from a wide swath of literary genres. Whether of Peter or Polycarp or Perpetua, the vivid translations make the martyr materials come alive for a new generation of readers."
Paul Hartog, professor, Faith Baptist Seminary
Author
Bryan M. Litfin
Bryan Litfin is the author of The Conqueror and Every Knee Shall Bow, as well as several works of nonfiction, including Wisdom from the Ancients, Early Christian Martyr Stories, After Acts, and Getting to Know the Church Fathers. A former professor of theology at the Moody Bible Institute, Litfin earned his PhD in religious studies from the University of Virginia and his ThM in historical theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Bryan is professor of theology in the Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University. He and his wife have two adult children and live in Lynchburg, Virginia. Learn more at www.bryanlitfin.com.