The first three centuries were decisive for Christianity with the very existence of the Church threatened as opponents tried to wipe it out. The Church not only survived but became a foundational, shaping influence for modern Western civilization. How did the fledgling Church overcome the opposition of the Roman empire - the mightiest empire the ancient world had ever known? This book, based on the television story of the same title, provides an introduction to the layperson wanting to know more about the Early Church & the world into which it brought the startling new message of Jesus Christ. Carsten Peter Thiede is a board member of the German Institute for Education & Knowledge & has written six books. A. Kenneth Curtis, Ph.D., is president of Christian History Institute & senior editor of Christian History Magazine.