The history of early Christianity is largely a matter of apostles, martyrs, saints, theologians, and bishops. It is also a matter of persecutors, repressive mechanisms, traditional religious institutions that reacted to innovations, national philosophers, and devout Jews. This study focuses on Christians who followed peripheral or secondary paths. More than tracing central routes, I trace dead-end paths and regressions; more than heroic figures, I seek out people who followed winding trails. Instead of repeating what is known about the movements of prominent men, I emphasize the contribution of reputable and devout women who remained anonymous. To assess the self-sacrifice of the persecuted, I recall the willingness with which people who had not suffered persecution willingly embraced martyrdom; I also measure the value of endurance, comparing it with the usual resignation and renunciation of faith. I try to understand the behavior of emperors and generals by the religiosity of ordinary soldiers, rebellious slaves, pirates, and bandits. The paths I examine resemble deviations, random routes, insignificant or purposeless wanderings. However, I argue that the general trends and convergences that at some point formed a universal church are closely linked to multiple deviations and contradictory directions. The history of early Christianity is a very complex and rich phenomenon that should not be reduced to a predetermined final result.

Dimitris I. Kyrtatas