Ancient Christianities

The First Five Hundred Years

By: Paula Fredriksen

Narrated by: Rachel Perry

How, over the course of five centuries, one particular god and one particular Christianity came to dominate late Roman imperial politics and piety

The ancient Mediterranean teemed with gods. For centuries, a practical religious pluralism prevailed. How, then, did one particular god come to dominate the politics and piety of the late Roman Empire? In Ancient Christianities, Paula Fredriksen traces the evolution of early Christianity—or rather, of early Christianities—through five centuries of Empire, mapping its pathways from the hills of Judea to the halls of Rome and Constantinople.

The New Testament, as we know it, represents only a small selection of the many gospels, letters, acts of apostles, and revelations that circulated before the establishment of the imperial church. It tells how the gospel passed from Jesus, to the apostles, thence to Paul. But by using our peripheral vision, by looking to noncanonical and paracanonical texts, by availing ourselves of information derived from papyri, inscriptions, and archaeology, we can see a different, richer, much less linear story emerging. Fredriksen brings together these many sources to reconstruct the lively interactions of pagans, Jews, and Christians, tracing the conversions of Christianity from an energetic form of Jewish messianism to an arm of the late Roman state.

©2024 Paula Fredriksen (P)2025 Highbridge Audio

insights will abound.

A new insight into the real power of the written word. So much more than what many of us have heard. It will require a re-reading of scripture, which come alive as opposed to just the printed page.

Ancient Christianity

Very thoughtful narrative and excellent historical view of the Mediterranean Christian growth. Very well told by the narrator

Among the best

I’ve listened to over a hundred audiobooks between last year and now, and this one has some of the most useful bits of information. Dozens of bookmarks were made for me to check later.

Recommend

A fantastic listen. Great information. Well spoken. So helpful in getting a better picture of early Christianity

History

Amazing book more information than I can consume in one read. Narrated wonderfully and very easy listening.