Product Description

Much of our knowledge of the first three centuries of Christianity comes from Eusebius, the first great historian of the Christian faith. This full-color edition is a standard reference work on the early church. (20040603)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #113774 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-28
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 416 pages

Review
A masterful translation. (Forum Letter 20040603)

A pleasant and accessible introduction to this important resource for church history. (Atlanta Constitution-Journal 20040603)

A publication with enduring value. (Response 20040603)

A very high quality translation of a very important work. (Christian Library Journal 20040603)

Eminently enjoyable. (Restoration Quarterly 20040603)

Eusebius, as the first church historian, gave us a priceless treasure. . . . Now Dr. Paul Maier in his new translation and commentary brings this resource in its most accessible and convenient form to modern readers. (Ken Curtis Christian History Institute 20040603)

Far and away the best [translation] on the market. (Northwest Baptist Witness 20040603)

Maier has done something for ordinary Christian pastors and lay people. He's brought the earliest years of the church back to life. (Michael L. Sherer Metro Lutheran News 20040603)

There is no book more important to understanding the early church than Eusebius's Church History . And there is no edition more readable and engaging than this one. (Mark Galli Editor Christian History Magazine )

Well-translated, carefully-introduced edition of ancient texts are the lifeblood of real history. . . . Kregel's publication of a new translation of Eusebius's Church History by Paul L. Maier is, therefore, an important event. (Mark A. Noll McManis Professor of Christian Thought Wheaton College )

While there are numerous editions of The Church History, none compares with this one. (Biblical Worldview 20040603)

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

About the Author
Paul L. Maier is the Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He received his Ph.D. summa cum laude from the University of Basel, the first American ever to do so. Frequently interviewed for national radio, television, and newspapers, Maier is the author of numerous articles and books, both fiction and nonfiction, with several million books in print in sixteen languages. His publications include the award-winning translation, Josephus: The Essential Works.

Customer Reviews

a gifted few
Be one of the few to read the Church History by Eusebius. Paul L. Maier has done a very good job with his translation and commentary. I am only a simple man who is a poor reader, but if I have read this book there is no excuse why all of our church leaders can do the same. Yet I have talked to no one who has read the church history. Before Paul Maier, it was hard to read and understand, but now we can. There is no way to judge these words that Eusebius wrote, he was a believer and wrote what he preceived to be true. What we can do is read about others who he wrote about. The main one in my preception would be Josephus who gives the history of the Jews. Onced you understand the history of the Jews and the history of the church, then you may make your judgements. In my opinion Josephus and Eusebius are the first on the lists.
Like other histoians, Esuebius knows nothing about Jesus that is outside the Bible. Jesus a Greek name for Savior, and no parent names their son Savior, yet the history of Christianity is built on a Savior with no Human name. Unlike Jesus who doesn't appear in history James the Brother of the Lord is talked about alot, both by Josephus, and other historians who Eusebius quotes. This is worth reading. Be one of the few or the first in your group of friends or ones who call themselves theologians and you will amaze them with your new knowledge.

Early Insight
Eusebius wrote from the 3rd century of things available to those of his time, some of which later became otherwise unavilable to us, and of the views and knowledge of early church members. Eusebius erred in some statements, but his statements that erred also reveal the mindset of some of the early church. This stimulating and informative work fills in gaps of information not otherwise available to thinkers on historical and spiritual matters.

One of the most important books that a Christian can own
Eusebius of Caesarea (c.263-c.339) is remembered to day as the father of Church history, as his history is the oldest one that has survived to today. (Actually, Hegesippus (c.110-c.180) wrote an earlier chronicle of his time, but all that has survived is the eight passages quoted by Eusebius.) Now, Eusebius was not a great historian, and his work has been correctly criticized for a number of issues, most notably the rambling style that makes his work dull and lifeless for the modern reader.

But, that said, what makes Eusebius's book so exciting is that he was alive and writing back in the very earliest days of the Church. Indeed, combining this book with the works of Josephus (37-100), from whom Eusebius quotes extensively, gives you a great look into the early years post-Christ.

So, while I admit that this book is rather slow and somewhat heavy to read, I do think that it is one of the most important books that a Christian can own. I very highly recommend this book!