Community and Fellowship: Tertullian: See How These Christians Love One Another

Tertullian reported that pagans observing the Christian community exclaimed: "See how these Christians love one another!" and "How ready they are to die for each other!" (Apology, Chapter 39). This was not mere sentiment but observable reality. The early Christians shared resources, cared for widows and orphans, ransomed prisoners, and buried the dead -- including the pagan dead whom their own communities had abandoned.…