This reader presents every Christian writing known to have been producedduring the first hundred years of the church (30-130 C.E.). In addition to theNew Testament itself, it includes other early non-canonical Gospels, Acts,Epistles, and Apocalypses, as well as additional writings, such as those of theApostolic Fathers. Each text is provided in an up-to-date translation (includingthe NRSV for the New Testament), and introduced with an incisive discussion ofits author, date of composition, and overarching themes. This second editionadds The Martyrdom of Polycarp, features Ehrman's new translations of many ofthe non-canonical works, and provides updated introductions that incorporate themost recent scholarship.