Faith Training of Children During the Apostolic Age and Ante-Nicene Period

This dissertation argues that parents are the primary means for faith training and biblical teaching of their children in the Apostolic Age and Ante-Nicene Period. This argument is based on research examining the family in the Apostolic Age and Ante-Nicene period and how the early Christians taught their children about Christianity. Specifically, this dissertation is proven by looking at the biblical and historical examples and evidences of faith training.;Chapter 1 of this dissertation provided the purpose and methodology for the research presented. The thesis of this dissertation was that parents were the primary means for faith training and biblical teaching of children in the Apostolic Age and Ante-Nicene Period. This historical dissertation was proven through examining the historical background of family life in the Greco-Roman world during the Apostolic Age and the Ante-Nicene Period and was supported with biblical examples.;Chapter 2 of this dissertation defined and explained key terms as they related to the discussion that parents were the primary means for faith training and the biblical teaching of their children in the Apostolic Age and Anti-Nicene period. These definitions and the background information provided were built upon as the research sought to prove the thesis of this dissertation.;Chapter 3 establishes the context of the family in the Apostolic Age and Ante-Nicene period, and then describes the faith training of the early Christian families. The family and education in the Greco-Roman world is introduced and explained, followed by an introduction of early Christian family life. A contrast is presented between the Greco-Roman family and the early Christian families. Specific examples of faith training in the Apostolic Age and Ante-Nicene period are examined from Scripture and early church history.;Chapter 4 provides biblical examples of faith training, supporting the value and importance of faith training. Biblical examples include the examples set by Jesus with the children, Timothy, and his faith-training heritage. This chapter concluded by examining the domestic codes in Paul's letters and the household baptisms in Acts.;Chapter 5 concludes with a brief summary of the research. Connections to contemporary America and implications parents can glean from the early church are presented. Suggestions for further research are provided.