Early Christian Worship
Overview
In this monograph, Oscar Cullmann surveys how the earliest Christians worshipped. Drawing on the evidence of the New Testament, and especially the writings of John, Cullman identifies the major elements in early Christian liturgy and the scriptures from which those practices were drawn.
Top Highlights
“In the Book of Acts (2:42 and 46; 20:7) instruction, preaching, prayer and breaking of bread are mentioned, and mentioned in such a way as clearly to show that these elements were, from the beginning, the foundation of all the worship life of the Christian community.” (Page 12)
“A further important mine of information is the Book of the Revelation of St. John, for it is not without significance that the Seer mentions that he saw his visions on a ‘Lord’s Day’ (1:10), at a time, therefore, when the Christian community was gathered together.” (Page 7)
“Didache, which contains the earliest Christian collection of liturgies” (Page 8)
“the whole community should gather in one place (ἐπι τὸ αὐτό—in the same place). Separate gatherings were rejected” (Page 10)
“ is why the seer in the Revelation of St. John sees worship and eschatological event together. It” (Page 35)
About Oscar Cullmann
Oscar Cullman (1902–1999) taught Greek, New Testament, and early Christianity at the University of Strasbourg, the University of Basel, and the Sorbonne in Paris. He is best known for his many books and prolific speaking about Christianity and history. Upon his death at 96, the World Council of Churches honored him for his extensive ecumenical work.