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History of the Christian Church
History of the Christian Church: Apostolic Christianity, A.D. 1-100
Volume I ONLY. It deals with Apostolic Christianity - A.D. 1-100. This is a reprint of the original 1910 edition.
871 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1858
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About the author
Philip Schaff
1,633 books66 followersPhilip Schaff was educated at the gymnasium of Stuttgart, and at the universities of Tübingen, Halle and Berlin, where he was successively influenced by Baur and Schmid, by Tholuck and Julius Müller, by David Strauss and, above all, Neander. At Berlin, in 1841, he took the degree of B.D., and passed examinations for a professorship. He then traveled through Italy and Sicily as tutor to Baron Krischer. In 1842 he was Privatdozent in the University of Berlin, where he lectured on exegesis and church history. In 1843 he was called to become professor of church history and Biblical literature in the German Reformed Theological Seminary of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, then the only seminary of that church in America.
On his journey he stayed in England and met Edward Pusey and other Tractarians. His inaugural address on The Principle of Protestantism, delivered in German at Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and published in German with an English version by John Williamson Nevin was a pioneer work in English in the field of symbolics (that is, the authoritative ecclesiastical formulations of religious doctrines in creeds or confessions). This address and the "Mercersburg Theology" which he taught seemed too pro-Catholic to some, and he was charged with heresy. But, at the synod at York in 1845, he was unanimously acquitted.
Schaff's broad views strongly influenced the German Reformed Church, through his teaching at Mercersburg, through his championship of English in German Reformed churches and schools in America, through his hymnal (1859), through his labours as chairman of the committee which prepared a new liturgy, and by his edition (1863) of the Heidelberg Catechism. His History of the Apostolic Church (in German, 1851; in English, 1853) and his History of the Christian Church (7 vols., 1858-1890), opened a new period in American study of ecclesiastical history.
In 1854, he visited Europe, representing the American German churches at the ecclesiastical diet at Frankfort and at the Swiss pastoral conference at Basel. He lectured in Germany on America, and received the degree of D.D. from Berlin.
In consequence of the ravages of the American Civil War the theological seminary at Mercersburg was closed for a while and so in 1863 Dr. Schaff became secretary of the Sabbath Committee (which fought the “continental Sunday”) in New York City, and held the position till 1870. In 1865 he founded the first German Sunday School in Stuttgart. In 1862-1867 he lectured on church history at Andover.
Schaff was a member of the Leipzig Historical Society, the Netherland Historical Society, and other historical and literary societies in Europe and America. He was one of the founders, and honorary secretary, of the American branch of the Evangelical Alliance, and was sent to Europe in 1869, 1872, and 1873 to arrange for the general conference of the Alliance, which, after two postponements on account of the Franco-Prussian War, was held in New York in October 1873. Schaff was also, in 1871, one of the Alliance delegates to the emperor of Russia to plead for the religious liberty of his subjects in the Baltic provinces.
He became a professor at Union Theological Seminary, New York City in 1870 holding first the chair of theological encyclopedia and Christian symbolism till 1873, of Hebrew and the cognate languages till 1874, of sacred literature till 1887, and finally of church history, till his death. He also served as president of the committee that translated the American Standard Version of the Bible, though he died before it was published in 1901.
His History of the Christian Church resembled Neander's work, though less biographical, and was pictorial rather than philosophical. He also wrote biographies, catechisms and hymnals for children, manuals of religious verse, lectures and essays on Dante, etc. He translated Johann Jakob Herzog's Real-Encyklopädie für protestantische Theologie und Kirche into English.
On his journey he stayed in England and met Edward Pusey and other Tractarians. His inaugural address on The Principle of Protestantism, delivered in German at Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and published in German with an English version by John Williamson Nevin was a pioneer work in English in the field of symbolics (that is, the authoritative ecclesiastical formulations of religious doctrines in creeds or confessions). This address and the "Mercersburg Theology" which he taught seemed too pro-Catholic to some, and he was charged with heresy. But, at the synod at York in 1845, he was unanimously acquitted.
Schaff's broad views strongly influenced the German Reformed Church, through his teaching at Mercersburg, through his championship of English in German Reformed churches and schools in America, through his hymnal (1859), through his labours as chairman of the committee which prepared a new liturgy, and by his edition (1863) of the Heidelberg Catechism. His History of the Apostolic Church (in German, 1851; in English, 1853) and his History of the Christian Church (7 vols., 1858-1890), opened a new period in American study of ecclesiastical history.
In 1854, he visited Europe, representing the American German churches at the ecclesiastical diet at Frankfort and at the Swiss pastoral conference at Basel. He lectured in Germany on America, and received the degree of D.D. from Berlin.
In consequence of the ravages of the American Civil War the theological seminary at Mercersburg was closed for a while and so in 1863 Dr. Schaff became secretary of the Sabbath Committee (which fought the “continental Sunday”) in New York City, and held the position till 1870. In 1865 he founded the first German Sunday School in Stuttgart. In 1862-1867 he lectured on church history at Andover.
Schaff was a member of the Leipzig Historical Society, the Netherland Historical Society, and other historical and literary societies in Europe and America. He was one of the founders, and honorary secretary, of the American branch of the Evangelical Alliance, and was sent to Europe in 1869, 1872, and 1873 to arrange for the general conference of the Alliance, which, after two postponements on account of the Franco-Prussian War, was held in New York in October 1873. Schaff was also, in 1871, one of the Alliance delegates to the emperor of Russia to plead for the religious liberty of his subjects in the Baltic provinces.
He became a professor at Union Theological Seminary, New York City in 1870 holding first the chair of theological encyclopedia and Christian symbolism till 1873, of Hebrew and the cognate languages till 1874, of sacred literature till 1887, and finally of church history, till his death. He also served as president of the committee that translated the American Standard Version of the Bible, though he died before it was published in 1901.
His History of the Christian Church resembled Neander's work, though less biographical, and was pictorial rather than philosophical. He also wrote biographies, catechisms and hymnals for children, manuals of religious verse, lectures and essays on Dante, etc. He translated Johann Jakob Herzog's Real-Encyklopädie für protestantische Theologie und Kirche into English.
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December 28, 2024Schaff, Philip. Apostolic Christianity A.D. 1-100. History of the Christian Church vol 1. Hendrickson Publishing.
I came to a realization halfway through reading this book: this is not so much a volume on early church history but a superb New Testament introduction. It has all the hallmarks of 19th century scholarship: optimism in American progress, warm spirituality, and opinionated conclusions. Because of that, it can never replace modern New Testament introductions, yet because of that it can never make for boring reading.
After introductory remarks concerning sources and method, Schaff surveys the apostolic period, beginning from most general (e.g., preparation for Christianity) to specific (actual analyses of New Testament books). He also covers Christian life and worship.
Schaff’s remarks on the New Testament books, while always interesting, are not the main focus of his review. Rather, we will focus on incidents that reveal his contemporary intellectual battles: e.g., the infallibility of the pope and liberal scholarship.
Peter and Rome
Schaff mounts a fairly impressive case for why Peter could not have been the first pope. By themselves, none of these points are conclusive. Taken together, they form a substantial problem for Petrine supremacy.
It is unlikely Peter would have been bishop of Rome for twenty five years. He would have been largely absent from Syria and Palestine, which seems odd for the “apostle to the Hebrews” (261).
Paul completely ignores him in his letter to Rome. This does not mean Peter was absent from Rome. It simply implies that Paul was just as important, if not more so.
On the other hand, tradition has Peter at Rome. While it is only tradition, it is an old tradition and not easily dismissed. Taken with points (1) and (2), we may assume that Peter was simply a bishop: one among others, largely eclipsed by Paul.
19th Century Liberalism
For the most part, Protestant liberalism is to be feared and hated. Nonetheless, not all “liberals” (or better, critical scholars) are equally wrong. Some simply are interested in truth, not unbelief. To be sure, 19th century liberalism is not the most pressing issue for the church today, but the names are worth knowing. On the most extreme end we find D. F. Strauss and F.C. Baur, arguing, obviously absurdly, that parts of the New Testament were not written until the mid second century. Even if there is not much to recommend for Baur, one must acknowledge the legitimacy of historical inquiry. We are not gnostics. Time, space, and history are real.
In the ranks of the godly, pride of place goes to August Neander, whose work’s edifying character “naturally grows out of his conception of church history, viewed as a continuous revelation of Christ’s presence and power in humanity” (41).
An organic view of history
Schaff was not a Hegelian. Those who often raise that charge are generally clueless of what Hegel taught. Nonetheless, to be fair, it is easy to see why some would think he was a Hegelian. He spoke of an organic view of history. That in itself is not remarkable. Jesus compared himself to a vine, positing some organic relation between himself and his disciples, yet no one calls Jesus the first Hegel. Schaff, though, does seem to take the analogy a step further. Because the church is a body, it is organic. Because it is organic, so runs the sorites, it grows through a process (507).
Is this a problem? It clearly avoids the more obvious difficulties in Hegel, namely that of pantheism. Schaff is thus cleared of that charge. Is he correct? Here we must be more hesitant. Bold arguments from organic metaphors are dangerous. Not necessarily wrong, but one must urge caution. It is probably true there is a process to history (some form of predestination demands as much). Only a nihilist of Macbeth’s caliber would deny such a view. One gets in trouble, however, when one adopts a God’s-eye view of history and identifies key organic moments. To be fair, Schaff remains relatively free of that consequence.
Conclusion
Reading Schaff is like coming home to an old friend. He is warm and courageous, eschewing what would today be modern academic niceties. Even when he is wrong, he is refreshingly wrong.
I came to a realization halfway through reading this book: this is not so much a volume on early church history but a superb New Testament introduction. It has all the hallmarks of 19th century scholarship: optimism in American progress, warm spirituality, and opinionated conclusions. Because of that, it can never replace modern New Testament introductions, yet because of that it can never make for boring reading.
After introductory remarks concerning sources and method, Schaff surveys the apostolic period, beginning from most general (e.g., preparation for Christianity) to specific (actual analyses of New Testament books). He also covers Christian life and worship.
Schaff’s remarks on the New Testament books, while always interesting, are not the main focus of his review. Rather, we will focus on incidents that reveal his contemporary intellectual battles: e.g., the infallibility of the pope and liberal scholarship.
Peter and Rome
Schaff mounts a fairly impressive case for why Peter could not have been the first pope. By themselves, none of these points are conclusive. Taken together, they form a substantial problem for Petrine supremacy.
It is unlikely Peter would have been bishop of Rome for twenty five years. He would have been largely absent from Syria and Palestine, which seems odd for the “apostle to the Hebrews” (261).
Paul completely ignores him in his letter to Rome. This does not mean Peter was absent from Rome. It simply implies that Paul was just as important, if not more so.
On the other hand, tradition has Peter at Rome. While it is only tradition, it is an old tradition and not easily dismissed. Taken with points (1) and (2), we may assume that Peter was simply a bishop: one among others, largely eclipsed by Paul.
19th Century Liberalism
For the most part, Protestant liberalism is to be feared and hated. Nonetheless, not all “liberals” (or better, critical scholars) are equally wrong. Some simply are interested in truth, not unbelief. To be sure, 19th century liberalism is not the most pressing issue for the church today, but the names are worth knowing. On the most extreme end we find D. F. Strauss and F.C. Baur, arguing, obviously absurdly, that parts of the New Testament were not written until the mid second century. Even if there is not much to recommend for Baur, one must acknowledge the legitimacy of historical inquiry. We are not gnostics. Time, space, and history are real.
In the ranks of the godly, pride of place goes to August Neander, whose work’s edifying character “naturally grows out of his conception of church history, viewed as a continuous revelation of Christ’s presence and power in humanity” (41).
An organic view of history
Schaff was not a Hegelian. Those who often raise that charge are generally clueless of what Hegel taught. Nonetheless, to be fair, it is easy to see why some would think he was a Hegelian. He spoke of an organic view of history. That in itself is not remarkable. Jesus compared himself to a vine, positing some organic relation between himself and his disciples, yet no one calls Jesus the first Hegel. Schaff, though, does seem to take the analogy a step further. Because the church is a body, it is organic. Because it is organic, so runs the sorites, it grows through a process (507).
Is this a problem? It clearly avoids the more obvious difficulties in Hegel, namely that of pantheism. Schaff is thus cleared of that charge. Is he correct? Here we must be more hesitant. Bold arguments from organic metaphors are dangerous. Not necessarily wrong, but one must urge caution. It is probably true there is a process to history (some form of predestination demands as much). Only a nihilist of Macbeth’s caliber would deny such a view. One gets in trouble, however, when one adopts a God’s-eye view of history and identifies key organic moments. To be fair, Schaff remains relatively free of that consequence.
Conclusion
Reading Schaff is like coming home to an old friend. He is warm and courageous, eschewing what would today be modern academic niceties. Even when he is wrong, he is refreshingly wrong.
October 6, 2021
Absolutely fantastic. Whilst not ardently Reformed, the Hx of the Christian Church, Vol. 1, is of great importance. Schaff advocates the truthfulness and Divine inspiration of the Bible, affirms reconciliation with God is through the Penal Substitutionary Atonement of Christ. The use of 'poetic' prose is most welcome and lends itself to being cited as an encouragement to Christian faith and hope in God. The citations provided are also quite valuable for the student. I heartily recommend this book.
February 8, 2019
Excellent
July 23, 2024
THE FIRST OF EIGHT VOLUMES OF SCHAFF'S MASTERWORK
Philip Schaff (1819-1893) was a Swiss-born, German-educated Protestant theologian and Church historian, who was a professor at Union Theological Seminary. His 8-volume History is a classic; this first volume was originally published in 1858, and last revised in 1890. The next volume in the series is 'History Of The Christian Church Volume II: ante-Nicene Christianity, A.D. 100-325.'
After outlining Christian persecutions of other Christians throughout history, he concludes, "More Christian blood has been shed by Christians than by heathens and Mohammedans." (Pg. 8)
Of the famous purported reference to Jesus by Josephus, Schaff concludes, "(it) was skillfully enlarged or altered by a Christian hand, and thereby deprived of its historical value." (Pg. 94) Schaff opines that Jesus was "the only teacher in Israel who saw through the hypocritical mask to the rotten heart. None of the great rabbis... attempted or even conceived of a reformation..." (Pg. 156) He concludes, "The resurrection of Christ... is either the greatest miracle or the greatest delusion which history records." (Pg. 173)
He concedes the presence of the apostle Peter at Rome as "an historical fact"; but he rejects the "colossal fabric of the papacy" (Pg. 261) and the "Romish fiction of papal supremacy and infallibility" (Pg. 358). He admits, however, that "The precise origin of the church of Rome is involved in impenetrable mystery." (Pg. 366) He suggests that "Paul is the pioneer of Christian theology." (Pg. 526)
He asserts that "The Gospel of John is the most original, the most important, the most influential book in all literature" (Pg. 688), and argues, "If we surrender the fourth Gospel, what shall we gain in its place? Fiction for fact, stone for bread, a Gnostic dream for the most glorious truth." (Pg. 722)
Although there are certainly more recent histories of Christianity, Schaff's has justifiably remained in print since its original publication in the 19th century. It deserves a place on any serious theological bookshelf.
Philip Schaff (1819-1893) was a Swiss-born, German-educated Protestant theologian and Church historian, who was a professor at Union Theological Seminary. His 8-volume History is a classic; this first volume was originally published in 1858, and last revised in 1890. The next volume in the series is 'History Of The Christian Church Volume II: ante-Nicene Christianity, A.D. 100-325.'
After outlining Christian persecutions of other Christians throughout history, he concludes, "More Christian blood has been shed by Christians than by heathens and Mohammedans." (Pg. 8)
Of the famous purported reference to Jesus by Josephus, Schaff concludes, "(it) was skillfully enlarged or altered by a Christian hand, and thereby deprived of its historical value." (Pg. 94) Schaff opines that Jesus was "the only teacher in Israel who saw through the hypocritical mask to the rotten heart. None of the great rabbis... attempted or even conceived of a reformation..." (Pg. 156) He concludes, "The resurrection of Christ... is either the greatest miracle or the greatest delusion which history records." (Pg. 173)
He concedes the presence of the apostle Peter at Rome as "an historical fact"; but he rejects the "colossal fabric of the papacy" (Pg. 261) and the "Romish fiction of papal supremacy and infallibility" (Pg. 358). He admits, however, that "The precise origin of the church of Rome is involved in impenetrable mystery." (Pg. 366) He suggests that "Paul is the pioneer of Christian theology." (Pg. 526)
He asserts that "The Gospel of John is the most original, the most important, the most influential book in all literature" (Pg. 688), and argues, "If we surrender the fourth Gospel, what shall we gain in its place? Fiction for fact, stone for bread, a Gnostic dream for the most glorious truth." (Pg. 722)
Although there are certainly more recent histories of Christianity, Schaff's has justifiably remained in print since its original publication in the 19th century. It deserves a place on any serious theological bookshelf.
May 14, 2025
Although obviously an old work, it seems to cover all the major bases of the first one hundred years of Christianity. A knowledge of German, which I do not have, would be very helpful when reading this book as Schaff quotes scholars like F.C. Baur, and David Friedrich Strauss at length in the original language.
Schaff covers introductory matters, and examines the life of Jesus of Nazareth himself, before delving into the historical data of the New Testament. I believe he sets the death of Jesus at AD 30 and gives some rather firm dates for Peter, James the brother of Jesus, and Paul of Tarsus, Gamaliel's learned disciple
Schaff covers introductory matters, and examines the life of Jesus of Nazareth himself, before delving into the historical data of the New Testament. I believe he sets the death of Jesus at AD 30 and gives some rather firm dates for Peter, James the brother of Jesus, and Paul of Tarsus, Gamaliel's learned disciple
October 14, 2023
I read this book cover to cover. Good solid read. Schaff does a pretty good job explaining first century Christianity. He goes off topic at times and I didn't like his position on slavery and his comment about Augustine and his position on the millennium. Also I find his anti-Roman comments go too far at times. It was a helpful read, I have no regrets reading it.
January 20, 2021
A comprehensive history of the Christian Church. He has strong rhetoric, which makes the pleasure reading easy but also slows down the academic reading. He has a strong Calvinistic influence which he does not curb. Overall, a good (albeit slightly biased) study on the church.
February 1, 2022
Good stuff. This volume, in addition to giving the history and what life was like for Christians in the apostolic age, it's also a strong defense of the historicity of Christianity and the Scriptures, and a good overview of the basic theology of the faith.
October 15, 2019
Poetic, thoughtful, if not somewhat verbose.
September 3, 2021
Its a long read and full of references. Its good but need more illustrations for modern readers. This is the first volume and mainly the story here derived directly from the Holy Bible.
June 19, 2019
This first volume of the History of the Christian Church, was an incredible read. With incredible insight and indepth documentation, Scaff, writing this series in the 1800's, gives an excellent overview of the start of the church. This book gives much insight into the life of Christ, leading up to the establishment of the church in Acts 2, then it progresses through the book of Acts and the development of the church throughout the first century. Volume 1 is more like a New Testament Survey, but more indepth than a normal survey. Schaff covers each of the books of the New Testament, discussing the purpose of each book, the author, the recipients, the date of each writing, the construction of each book of the New Testament, and even gives consideration to the arguments against the books being a part of the canon of Scripture. Schaff is wordy in his writing and that is a negative to this book. Though not agreeing with all of the author's doctrinal beliefs, his overall presentation was very informative and one that I believe a lover of church history would find helpful in understanding the setting for the start of the church. This book sets the foundation for all that happens over the next 2000 years of history. I'm grateful that I read this volume and I look forward to future volumes by Philip Schaff.
February 12, 2017
Read this while back. Interesting and easy to understand. Recommended!
February 8, 2009
Schaff is generally an excellent writer, and even has occasional flashes of humor (pretty rare in the 19th century). I especially enjoyed his asides about how exciting it was to finally have a pope that was infallible (Schaff was writing just after Vatican I), after so many years of admitted fallibilty...
But, many parts are best skimmed, especially when Schaff dives into responses to 19th-century authors and issues. His narrative and exposition are always engaging, but Schaff does tend to go on to the point of drudgery about what German critics are saying. I'm definitely looking forward to the next volumes, which should be more narrative and less textual criticism.
But, many parts are best skimmed, especially when Schaff dives into responses to 19th-century authors and issues. His narrative and exposition are always engaging, but Schaff does tend to go on to the point of drudgery about what German critics are saying. I'm definitely looking forward to the next volumes, which should be more narrative and less textual criticism.
January 19, 2024
Schaff does an excellent job throughout this entire series. The work is thorough and detailed. This work is obviously the result of a lifetime of learning and research. Schaff uses countless resources for reference and citation. His opinions/conjectures remain objectively true throughout the entire series. Although his son takes over beginning in Vol V, it is still mostly the work of Schaff the elder throughout. I would urge any student to learn Church History well and to do so with this series as the focal point of study.
July 14, 2015
Even though it is more than 100 years old, predates the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls, biased against Catholics, political incorrect and just sometimes quaint, it is a gold mine of information about the New Testament and its historical context.
The scholarship of the past of Greek and Latin sources is great and it's great to read a author who is writes as a Christian with some degree of passion. Try finding that passion in a modern scholarly work.
The scholarship of the past of Greek and Latin sources is great and it's great to read a author who is writes as a Christian with some degree of passion. Try finding that passion in a modern scholarly work.
February 5, 2011
Thoughts this was an excellent and objective survey of Christendom in the apostolic age. The book was not a small read and it covered both the glories of the church as well as responses to some of the churches most antagonistic critics. Can't wait to read the rest of the volumes.
January 25, 2012
from an overly critical view, the book certainly covers all current trends in theology. unfortunately he doesn't cover scripture outside of current protestant trends. certainly has strong prejudice against ancient and modern catholic critical historical judgement.
June 23, 2013
Started out quite interesting, but then he got anti-Catholic on me, which was too bad. Probably a great read for Protestants. ;)
July 29, 2025
Published in the late 19th century, so although dated, this remains my favorite church history volume.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews