40 Days with the Fathers: A Journey Through Church History

Third Edition includes: a foreword by Paul Pavao (author of Decoding Nicea), updated content and also a new chapter about the Council of Nicaea explaining what did (and didn’t) happen there.

Take a journey through the first 400 years of Church History in only 40 days!

Over the course of this reading plan you will read extracts and commentary on 23 different early Church texts from a selection of some of the most influential Church Fathers:

Didache, Diognetus, Polycarp, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Cyprian, Athanasius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose of Milan, and Leo the Great.

These people who came before us, those great men of faith, many of whom suffered persecution and martyrdom to preserve the Church and Christ's mission, bridge the gap between the Bible and the present day. They fill the void we sometimes wonder about when we get to the end of reading Acts or the Epistles and think, “what happened next?” or “what happened to the Ephesian church after Paul left?” — well now you can read for yourself and see how God continued to grow His Church!

“I cannot imagine there is a better way to get familiar with 350 of the most important years of church history in seven hours spread over 40 days.” — Paul Pavao, author of Decoding Nicea

Praise for 40 Days with the Fathers:

"Timeless truths still for today"
"Insightful and captivating"
"[This book] will round out your knowledge and help you become a better teacher."
"If you are a pastor or church leader, I highly recommend this book for you."

From the Publisher

Visual Resources

Not only can you read about the journey Ignatius took towards his impending martyrdom in Rome, but you can also trace his steps across the Roman Empire and see which letters he wrote at the different points of his journey.

Maps and Locations of Biblical Texts

Included in the book is a map that displays where the texts of the early church were written alongside where the Biblical New Testament books were sent. This will help the reader gain a better perspective on where in the world the Church was writing and living, and how small communities sprung up around the Apostolic churches of the first century.

Luke has many more books planned, and is currently working on a new book on eschatology, called The Coming of Christ.

Luke J. Wilson

Author of 40 Days with the Fathers

Luke has a BA (hons) in Biblical Studies and Theology and has been reading and studying the works of the Early Church Fathers for over six years. After being involved in various short-term missions to South Africa, he currently lives in Devon, England, where he co-founded WebBoss Ltd, a web development software company, with his father, Kevin.

When not working, Luke writes frequently on his theological blog, That Ancient Faith, or spends time with his wife Lucy and his young daughter, Amelia.

Quotes from the Early Church Fathers

Ignatius of Antioch

"I am God's wheat, and I shall be ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may become the pure bread of Christ" -- Ignatius of Antioch

Polycarp of Smyrna

"For 86 years I have served Jesus Christ and he has never abandoned me. How could I curse my blessed King and Saviour?" -- Polycarp

Leo the Great

"For unless he were true God, he would not bring us a remedy; unless he were true Man, he would not bring us an example." -- Leo the Great

About Paul Pavao

Paul has been searching and studying the Christianity closest in time to the apostles for 35 years. If is from those writings that he came to realize just how obedience-based "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" is supposed to be. As Psalm 111 says, "A good understanding have all they who do his commands."

Foreword by Paul Pavao

Author of "Decoding Nicea"

“I cannot imagine there is a better way to get familiar with 350 of the most important years of church history in seven hours spread over 40 days.” — Paul Pavao, author of Decoding Nicea