Title: The social setting of the ministry as reflected in the writings of Hermas, Clement, and Ignatius
Description: "Focussing on three first- and early-second-century documents (the Shepherd of Hermas, 1 Clement and the Ignatian epistles), this work contributes to a growing body of literature concerned with the social setting of early Christianity. Maier argues that the development of structures of leadership in the early Christian church is best accounted for by reference to the hospitality, patronage, and leadership of wealthy hosts who invited local Christian groups to meet in their homes.

Sociological models and types are employed to analyze the tensions that arose from excesses of patronage and leadership by the well-to-do."--BOOK JACKET.
Subjects: Christian sociology, Church history, Church polity, History, History of doctrines, Pastoral theology, 11.51 early Christianity, Histoire, Pastorale, Kerkelijke ambten, Early church, Église, Gouvernement, Apostolische Vaders, Christianisme, Ignatius, saint, bishop of antioch, -approximately 110, Theology, doctrinal, history, early church, ca. 30-600, Christian sociology, history, Clement i, pope
People: Clement I Pope, Hermas (2nd cent), Ignatius Saint, Bishop of Antioch (d. ca. 110)
Time periods: Early church, ca. 30-600, Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600