This book investigates the foundational beliefs and practices of the earliest Christian communities through their own writings. Eberhard Arnold, a significant figure in the Bruderhof movement, compiles and presents primary source materials from the first centuries of Christianity. The work focuses on the direct testimonies of early believers, offering an unmediated view into their spiritual lives, ethical commitments, and communal experiences. Arnold's compilation aims to illuminate the radical nature of the early Christian message and its impact on daily life.

This compilation is valued for its direct engagement with primary sources, offering an unvarnished look at early Christian thought and practice. Scholars and practitioners alike may find its focus on the lived experience of faith particularly illuminating. The collection's strength lies in its presentation of the early Christians' own voices, providing a counterpoint to later historical interpretations.