A church history of the first three centuries only emerged late, actually with Eusebius of Caesarea (died 339). However, the New Testament writings as well as the Apostolic Fathers, the Apologists, etc., do not look back to illuminate the church's past, but rather to make the present understandable. Against this background - of course including relevant non-Christian sources - this volume describes the beginnings and spread, as well as the life and teachings of early Christianity. "As a study book, the presentation is (...) unreservedly recommended, indeed for this period in its scope (...) the best of its kind." (Klaus Schatz).