Heroes of the Early Church

Heroes of the Early Church

Revised for readability in 2025. In these vivid and stirring stories, Dr. Richard Newton—hailed by Charles Spurgeon as “The Prince of Children’s Preachers”—brings the early church to life with rare warmth and clarity. Written near the end of his life, these accounts reflect a deepened faith and a refined storytelling gift that inspire young readers with the courage and devotion of the church’s first heroes. Each sketch offers not only inspiration but also practical lessons, often drawn from the real strengths and failings of these believers. We will consider: Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian of Carthage, Origen of Alexandria, Cyprian of Carthage, Eusebius of Caesarea, Athanasius the Great, Julian the Apostate, Basil the Great, Ambrose of Milan, John Chrysostom, Jerome, Augustine of Numidia, Patrick the Apostle of Ireland, Columba Missionary to Scotland.