This book, which includes a new preface by the author, offers an engrossing portrayal of the early years of the Christian movement from the perspective of the Romans. 'A fascinating . . . account of early Christian thought. . . . Readable and exciting.'—Robert McAfee Brown, New York Times Book Review 'Should fascinate any reader with an interest in the history of human thought.'—Phoebe-Lou Adams, Atlantic Monthly 'The pioneering study in English of Roman impressions of Christians during the first four centuries A.D.'—E. Glenn Hinson, Christian Century 'This gracefully written study . . . draws upon well-known sources—both pagan and Christian—to provide the general reader with an illuminating account . . . [of how] Christianity appeared to the Romans before it became the established religion of the empire.'—Merle Rubin, Christian Science Monitor