A Patristic Greek Reader

by Rodney A. Whitacre

The heart of this book is a selection of Greek texts from early Christian writers, accompanied by notes so that a person with one year of Greek can read the texts. Basic translations of the texts are also provided so that readers can check their work. A list of words used 50+ times in the New Testament and the principal parts of several verbs is included.

The Greek selections represent a variety of styles and levels of difficulty. The notes also vary, with very extensive notes provided in some cases. Passages that have played a major role in the history of Christian thought are included, as well as passages that contribute to matters of spirituality and pastoral care. Several passages are of more purely historical interest. The author includes an introduction to the writings of the early church to help orient readers to the writings of the Fathers in general and also give the rationale for the particular selections included in the book. Each selection also has a brief introduction discussing its historical setting and content. A brief bibliography is included for the particular selections included and for the Greek reference works cited. However, the book would also be of interest to those studying the Classics and could be used by anyone as a brief introduction to some samples of early Christian thought. This may be the only book available that provides such translation notes for selections from the Greek fathers.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Language, Church History, History

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Rodney A. Whitacre (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of biblical studies at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. He is the author of A Patristic Greek Reader and John in the IVP New Testament Commentary.

Reviews

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The majority of extant pre-modern Greek literature was actually written after the first century AD, a fact obscured by the two departments in which Greek is normally taught. Classics departments spend most of their time on the third century BC or earlier. Seminaries rarely get out of the New Testament. Whitacre's reader offers both a chance to expand their horizons.

The selections are well-chosen, adequately introduced, and heavily annotated with vocabulary and grammar notes aimed at intermediate readers. The back of the book contains translations of the pieces, allowing the reader to check her work.

I have used this book both personally and in small Greek class sections. I highly recommend it.

[Vic]

[Practiced Did 7-10 mainly]

Great resource; I’m not at this level yet though - back to the NT!

[DúviAurvandil Ericsson e Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful selection of readings — some quite challenging so you can see just how long a Greek sentence can be, some quite poetic so you can see how beautiful it is, and all reassuringly orthodox so you can justify spending time learning Greek to read the Fathers!

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Challenging, but very useful. Basically a training-wheels version for reading the fathers.