I have just finished reading Robert Banks’ short fictional representation of: “Going to Church In The First Century.” There are 48 short pages. It is possible to finish it in a couple of hours, but I decided to read through about 10 pages a night. I have done so for the sake of meditation. As far as I know the author is not advocating a return to a first-century model of doing church since his fictional work of what a typical first-century church would be like, is only based on few manuscript recordings, historical documents, and some other archeological evidence that at most give us a sample of how the early church acted. Nevertheless, even if it were an accurate representation of the early church, it should not be the standard of our modern day church, since the first-century church was under intense persecution, which naturally inhibited their practices. Of course, there is much to be emulated that is not emulated today in our churches.
The short story focuses on the experience of Plubius from Philippi. He was invited by Aquila and Prisca to a gathering in their home. It is that setting where the short work focuses its attention. There are experiences of fellowship, eating and drinking, celebrating the Lord’s Supper, interaction of slave and master and several other details. After reading this short treatment I have become somewhat more aware of the context of Paul’s Epistles and other New Testament writings. It is a delightful short read which will enhance your historical understanding of the early church.
This sounds like a very interesting book. I’ll pick it up.
Jonathan, I think it’s a helpful fiction. It’s only $5.95.