How did Christianity come to win official recognition from the state in A.D. 325? Why then? Why not until then? Harnack outlines answers to these questions and analysis the causes and courses of this transition. A standard work on the early expansion of the church by one of the greatest students of early Christianity in the last 200 years.

In a two-volume work, Eckhard J. Schnabel offers a comprehensive and defiinitive examination of the first century of missionary expansion--from Jesus to the last of the apostles.--From publisher's description.

The third edition of Christianity Through the Centuries brings the reader up-to-date by discussing events and developments in the church into the 1990s. This edition has been redesigned with new typography and greatly improved graphics to increase clarity, accessibility, and usefulness. - New chapters examine recent trends and developments (expanding the last section from 2 chapters to 5) - New photos. Over 100 photos in all -- more than twice the number in the previous edition - Single-column format for greater readability and a contemporary look - Improved maps (21) and charts (39) Building on the features that have made Christianity Through the Centuries an indispensable text, the author not only explains the development of doctrines, movements, and institutions, but also gives attention to "the impact of Christianity on its times and to the mark of the times on Christianity."

of the Pope." --Book Jacket.