An introduction to the history of the Christian Church from its inception to approx. 600 c.e., this volume seeks to balance the traditional presentation of notable figures, councils, and controversies with the telling of the story of the ordinary Christian during this era. Employing a socionstitutional approach, Hinson divides his material into five major periods. An important feature of this work is its attendance to the stories of ordinary lay Christians, particularly women, and what Christian faith meant within the overall context of their lives. Other emphases include the church's changing role in society during this period (and the fateful consequences those changes have had for modern Christians) and the development of early Christian spirituality.