Based on Pope Benedict XVI's weekly teaching on the relationship between Christ and the Church, this book tells the drama of Jesus' first disciples - his Apostles and their associates - and how they spread Jesus' message throughout the ancient world. Far from distorting the truth about Jesus of Nazareth, insists Pope Benedict, the early disciples remained faithful to it, even at the cost of their lives. Beginning with the Twelve as the foundation of Jesus' re-establishment of the Holy People of God, Pope Benedict examines the story of the early followers of Christ. He draws on Scripture and early tradition to consider such important figures as Peter, Andrew, James and John, and even Judas Iscariot. Benedict moves beyond the original Twelve to discuss Paul of Tarsus, the persecutor of Christianity who became one of Jesus' greatest disciples. Also considered are Stephen, the first Christian martyr, Barnabas, Timothy, Titus, the wife and husband "team" of Priscilla and Aquila, and such key women figures as Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Phoebe. Jesus, the Apostles and the Early Church is a fascinating journey back to the origins of Christianity. It reveals how Jesus' earliest disciples faithfully conveyed the truth about the "Jesus of history" and how they laid the foundations for the Church, through whom people today can know the same Jesus.

Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. It describes how the 12 apostles, formerly Jesus's disciples, spread the message of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean against a background of persecution. With an introduction by P.D. James

Originally confined to a small circle of believers centered in Jerusalem, Christianity's stunning transformation into the world's most popular faith is one of history's greatest, most miraculous stories. In Jesus Is Risen, #1 national bestselling author David Limbaugh provides a riveting account of the birth of Christianity. Using the Book of Acts and six New Testament epistles as his guide, Limbaugh takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the sorrow and suffering, as well as the joys and triumphs, of the apostles and other key figures as Christianity bursts through the borders of Judea following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Limbaugh particularly focuses on the crucial role that the Apostle Paul played in these historic events. Facing incredible adversities, from arrests to shipwrecks to violent mobs and murder plots, Paul overcomes countless obstacles as he travels far and wide to spread the Gospel. In Jesus Is Risen you will discover: • How the apostles themselves disproved modern arguments that early Christians did not believe in Jesus’ divinity. • The true story behind the first conversion to Christianity by a Gentile. • The many underhanded ways Christianity’s opponents tried in vain to stifle the Church in its infancy. • Paul’s most effective techniques and arguments for bringing converts to Christ. Throughout these pages, Limbaugh’s passion for the Bible is unmistakable and infectious. Replete with deep insights into the actions, arguments, and challenges of the world’s first Christian communities, Jesus Is Risen is a faith-affirming book for Christians at all stages of their faith walk.

Enjoy having a quick overview of the entire Book of Acts at your fingertips with this Bible study pamphlet! Featuring quick-reference charts, simple summaries, and timelines, you’ll see key information at a glance as you dive into the inspiring stories of the early church and its key leaders (Peter and Paul)! Experience the peace that comes from knowing that God equips, empowers, and encourages us to fulfill His plan and calling for our lives! Enjoy these key features: Easy-to-Understand. Get a solid overview on the entire book of Acts (Features outlines, summaries, key themes, key leaders, key insights, and more)! Packed with Visuals. Features a full-color map and a timeline of major events, including the receiving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the stoning of Stephen, and the Apostle Paul’s conversion. Simple & Quick. Enjoy having quick-reference charts covering key passages, key speeches by Peter, Paul’s 3 missionary journeys, and more! Relevant. Find out the 5 keys to cultivating a godly community, 9 basic beliefs of the Gospel, 12 identifying traits of Jesus Christ, and the 3 defining attributes of the Holy Spirit. *Easily fits inside most Bible covers—Adds depth to any New Testament study! Perfect for personal use, small group studies, and to use as a quick-reference. Charts, Tables and Helpful Visual Tools to Convey Information At a Glance— An outline of the entire book of Acts Time line of major events in the book of Acts Map showing the spread of Christianity during the first century Charts showing loads of information at a glance, covering: Each of Peter’s main speeches Peter and Paul’ ministries and actions Each of Paul’s missionary journeys, including where he went, who he was traveling with, his route, and more Book of Acts Provides Background Information Covering— Answers to Common Questions: Who wrote Acts? When was the book of Acts written? For whom was the Acts of the Apostles written? The Foundation and History of the Early Church, Including Key events: Jesus’ ascension to heaven The receiving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost The stoning of Stephen, and more Key early church leaders: apostle Paul, Peter, Stephen, Barnabas, Silas, and more Key mission movements of the early church to: Jerusalem, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, Asia Minor, Judea, Samaria, Joppa, Caesarea, Phoencia, Cyprus, Antioch, Greece, Lebanon, and more Key beliefs: the 9 basic components of the Gospel, the 5 essential characteristics of God, 12 identifying traits of Jesus Christ, and the 3 defining attributes of the Holy Spirit Key practices of the early church: worship, sharing possessions with others, fellowship, and baptism 14 panels, fits inside most Bibles, 8.5 x 5.5 inches, unfolds to 38 inches long. From the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to the first martyr through to the foundation of the early church, this Book of Acts Bible Study Pamphlet is packed with inspiring stories and essential principles we all should learn as Christians.

Winner of a 2020 Catholic Press Association book award (first place, best new religious book series). The first three centuries of the Christian faith were a period of missionary zeal, deep thought, and tribulation. In The Early Church (33–313): St. Peter, the Apostles, and Martyrs, Catholic historian and biblical expert James Papandrea dispels what he calls common “mythconceptions” about the early years of Christianity. Tracking the challenges of heresy and persecution throughout the period, Papandrea shines a spotlight on the earliest saints and explores the growth and development of the new Church. The first Apostles spread the message of Jesus Christ and were willing to suffer and die for their faith. The next generations of believers followed their example, producing inspiring martyrs including Polycarp, Justin, Perpetua, and Sebastian, and great thinkers such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Eusebius. In The Early Church (33–313), author and historian James Papandrea presents a clear account of the Church’s first three centuries and provides evidence to refute fourteen commonly held beliefs about the Catholic Church. You will learn: No money or power was attached to being a bishop or priest in the early Church. Christian holidays were not adaptations of pagan celebrations. Christians have never believed in an eternal life for souls without bodies. The doctrine of the Trinity was not forced upon the Church by Constantine, but rather was a belief from the beginning of Christianity. With clear explanation and inspiring stories, Papandrea sorts through what we do and don’t know about the early Church and enables Catholics and fellow Christians to make sense of the Church’s beginnings.

In this “compulsively readable exploration of the tangled world of Christian origins” (Publishers Weekly), religious historian James Tabor illuminates the earliest years of Jesus’ teachings before Paul shaped them into the religion we know today. This fascinating examination of the earliest years of Christianity reveals how the man we call St. Paul shaped Christianity as we know it today. Historians know almost nothing about the two decades following the crucifixion of Jesus, when his followers regrouped and began to spread his message. During this time Paul joined the movement and began to preach to the gentiles. Using the oldest Christian documents that we have—the letters of Paul—as well as other early Chris­tian sources, historian and scholar James Tabor reconstructs the origins of Christianity. Tabor shows how Paul separated himself from Peter and James to introduce his own version of Christianity, which would continue to develop independently of the message that Jesus, James, and Peter preached. Paul and Jesus illuminates the fascinating period of history when Christianity was born out of Judaism.

The study of God's Holy Word is a privilege! The opportunity to read deeply and connect our souls with His own heart is a necessary practice, a discipline, an essential that Christians of every age and experience should enjoy. It should also be nourishing to the spirit, informative, uplifting - and certainly never a drudgery or obligation. ""I never thought of the Apostle Paul being interviewed on a late-night talk show, but yeah, I can see that! Thanks for the refreshing look at the Bible."" Book Five in ""The Bible According to Jeanne"" Series

I believe. These two words are among the most explosive words any human can utter. The Apostles' Creed has shaped and guided Christian faith for almost two thousand years. Shared by Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions, it is perhaps the most compelling statement of Christian doctrine the world has ever known. But do we know what it really means—and how it applies to us today? In The Apostles' Creed, renowned theologian and pastor R. Albert Mohler Jr. works line-by-line and phrase-by-phrase through each section of the Creed, revealing the rich truths it contains, including: the profound mystery of the Trinity the miracle of the Incarnation the world-shaking truth of the resurrection the hope of Christ's return the theological heritage contained in this ancient statement The Apostles’ Creed is an often-overlooked treasure that contains the power to shape us for vibrant and steadfast living today, equipping believers to live faithfully in a post-Christian culture.