Christian Orthodoxy in the Second Century

by Michael Jin Choi, Donald Fairbairn (Foreword by)

Overview

What happened to the early church after the apostles had died out in the first century? Many who had opposed the apostles soon increased in number, and these charismatic personalities like Marcion and Valentinus now had the huge following to start their own ""churches"" and ""schools"" in many parts of the ancient world. This book aims to offer primary source interaction with Irenaeus, the most significant thinker in the second century, who sensed a call to equip the church with sound doctrine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798385237036
Publisher:	Resource Publications (CA)
Publication date:	12/30/2024
Pages:	132
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Michael Jin Choi is Professor of Systematic Theology at Torch Trinity Graduate University, Seoul, Korea. He has previously taught at Gateway Seminary in California, and at ETF, Leuven, Belgium.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“In this clear, short booklet, Choi presents the way in which Irenaeus contrasts the message of Jesus and his apostles with the corruptions that emerged in the earliest post-apostolic period. Choi’s book is more than relevant today. Just as it was then, God’s salvation plan proves to be more logical and beautiful than contemporary human thinking.”

—Gie Vleugels, professor emeritus of New Testament and early Christianity, ETF, Leuven, and author of The Odes of Solomon: Syriac Text and English Translation with Text Critical and Explanatory Notes



“The second century is a critical period for understanding orthodox Christian doctrine—and its competitors. Some historical theologians, however, view the second century as relatively unimportant for understanding Christian doctrine. Others portray the second century as a mishmash of competing ‘Christian’ groups, none of which have the right to lay claim to the true faith passed down by the apostles. Into this contentious space, Michael Choi writes thoughtfully and carefully, analyzing relevant sections in Justin Martyr, the Epistula Apostolorum, and particularly the writings of Irenaeus to highlight the nature of orthodoxy in the second century. I am happy to recommend this helpful work.”

—Kenneth Berding, professor of New Testament and early Christianity, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and author of Polycarp and Paul



“Christian Orthodoxy in the Second Century laboriously shows what really happened during that pivotal moment in Church history. Irenaeus and Justin meticulously articulated the biblical faith against new teachings that deviated from the gospel. I highly recommend this book, all the more so because of constant attempts by contemporary theologians to derail the orthodox faith of some.”

—Ryun Chang, professor of theology, Kairos Pacific University, and author of Theologizing in the Radical Middle

Editorial Reviews

In this clear, short booklet, Choi presents the way in which Irenaeus contrasts the message of Jesus and his apostles with the corruptions that emerged in the earliest post-apostolic period. Choi’s book is more than relevant today. Just as it was then, God’s salvation plan proves to be more logical and beautiful than contemporary human thinking.”

—Gie Vleugels, professor emeritus of New Testament and early Christianity, ETF, Leuven, and author of The Odes of Solomon: Syriac Text and English Translation with Text Critical and Explanatory Notes



“The second century is a critical period for understanding orthodox Christian doctrine—and its competitors. Some historical theologians, however, view the second century as relatively unimportant for understanding Christian doctrine. Others portray the second century as a mishmash of competing ‘Christian’ groups, none of which have the right to lay claim to the true faith passed down by the apostles. Into this contentious space, Michael Choi writes thoughtfully and carefully, analyzing relevant sections in Justin Martyr, the Epistula Apostolorum, and particularly the writings of Irenaeus to highlight the nature of orthodoxy in the second century. I am happy to recommend this helpful work.”

—Kenneth Berding, professor of New Testament and early Christianity, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and author of Polycarp and Paul



“Christian Orthodoxy in the Second Century laboriously shows what really happened during that pivotal moment in Church history. Irenaeus and Justin meticulously articulated the biblical faith against new teachings that deviated from the gospel. I highly recommend this book, all the more so because of constant attempts by contemporary theologians to derail the orthodox faith of some.”

—Ryun Chang, professor of theology, Kairos Pacific University, and author of Theologizing in the Radical Middle

From the Publisher