Book Review: Reading the Apostolic Fathers by Clayton Jefford
Publisher: Baker Academic
Reading Level: Moderate-High
Pages: 224
The saying goes that those who do not know their history are destined to repeat it. On this basis, emphasis and focus has properly been focused on the early church fathers and church history. The wealth of information, thought and historical insight can be intimidating to a student or laymen. In his work Reading the Apostolic Fathers: A Student’s Introduction (henceforth Apostolic Fathers), Clayton Jefford provides a valuable guide to some of the early father’s texts.
The Communication
Given that Apostolic Fathers was written for students and academic study, the level of efficiency in its communication should not be surprising. Each chapter covers a specific document of the early church (the exception being chapter 3 which covers the entirety of Ignatius’s letters). In the introduction Jefford explains to the reader the highly organized structure of each chapter (xii-xiv). Not only can the subject matter be addressed by page number, but also by a uniformed numbering system consistent throughout each chapter.
The language of Apostolic Fathers is not overly complicated. However, some of the presupposed history and familiarity may set readers back. The texts are not provided in the Apostolic Fathers though each chapter concludes with a synopsis of the letter(s) in modern language. Each text is addressed with efficient and precise examples of textual criticism. Those unfamiliar with this approach may be taken back by the certainty, or sometimes lack thereof, of the author, dating, and history a particular text.
The Content
Apostolic Fathers is unique in consideration of its content. Being entirely about the early church texts, it might surprise some that these texts are purposefully not included. This is not an oversight but a valuable decision given the variety of translations and texts debated. Despite not containing the text themselves, the standout chapters excel because of the impressive nature of the original texts. These excellent chapters included the Letter of Barnabas (chapter 1), Martyrdom of Polycarp (chapter 5), and 1 Clement (chapter 7). At the same time, chapters that are unable to dig into the text because of quantity (the many letters of Ignatius in chapter 3) or quality of text (Fragments of Papias in chapter 4) fall short of anything more than a brief overview.
Dispersed throughout Apostolic Fathers are gems of information about the early church and its theology. One is quick to realize that despite inspired book circulating, the church remained a theological maturing entity that did not grow homogenously or in completely agreement with the eventual New Testament canon. These early documents are profitable insights into this growth of the church and its theology. It is insightful to see the carry over of numerology into Christian hermeneutics (14-15), examples of “low Christology” (34), an early affirmation of the apostle John as the author of Revelation (69), and the unique non-millennial eschatology of Clement (114).
The Conclusion
Apostolic Fathers is an outstanding resource for those interested in studying the early church fathers and their important documents. Despite being little more than an introduction, the outlines and evaluation of important imagery facilitate great progress for personal study.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
