A Systematic Theology of the Early Church

by Dustin Smith, J. Fletcher (Editor), Scott Deane (Editor)

In A Systematic Theology of the Early Church, Dustin R. Smith offers a groundbreaking exploration of the foundational beliefs that defined first-century Christianity, rooted solely in the Old and New Testaments. Unlike traditional systematic theologies that blend scripture with post-biblical ecumenical creeds and denominational confessions, this work focuses exclusively on the authentic doctrines of the Early Church. With precision and clarity, Smith examines eight core theological pillars—theology, anthropology, hamartiology, christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology—revealing the Early Church’s vibrant understanding of the only true God, humanity, sin, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and the kingdom of God. Written to be accessible to a wide range of readers and believers, this volume offers the opportunity to rediscover the beliefs of the early Christians, inspiring a biblically grounded spirituality marked by faithfulness to Jesus Christ and his apostles.Dustin R. Smith, Ph.D, is a New Testament scholar at Spartanburg Methodist College. He is the author or editor of nine books, including Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John, The Son of Three Views of the Identity of Jesus, and Paradoxical Conquering in the Apocalypse of John. He has served on the editorial boards of A Journal from the Radical Reformation and the Journal of Biblical Unitarianism. Dustin Smith is the weekly host of The Biblical Unitarian Podcast.

552 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dustin Smith explains the first century theology of the early church in his thoroughly researched and well documented work. Written in an easy to understand style for every layperson, Smith presents a clear and coherent exegesis of the early church. The major doctrines of Christianity truly can be clearly understood without relying on the empty rationale of mystery and blind acceptance. To quote from the author’s preface, “truth has nothing to fear from inquiry.” Thoroughly documented with chapter and verse, this book will be an invaluable resource in your study of scripture.

[Andrew Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Dustin Smith’s Systematic Theology is a brilliantly articulated and refreshingly authentic journey back to the earliest church, submerged in the historical and biblical environment that shaped the faith before later creeds and traditions took root. Each chapter is deeply rooted in Scripture, and heavily supported academically, yet remarkably easy to read.

With an application section at the end of each portion, Smith bridges the gap between ancient belief and present-day discipleship, helping readers see not only what the earliest church believed, but how those beliefs can meaningfully shape the way we live right now.