The following is a review by Marc Daniel Rivera of Herman Hanko and Dan Van Uffelen's Christ and His Church Through the Ages, Vol. 1: The Ancient Church (AD 30-590) (Jenison: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 2021). This review was originally published on the KristiyaKnow blog. Read more from this reviewer here, and stay tuned to the KristiyaKnow site for a review of Vol. 2, The Medieval Church.

Many people find church history intimidating. Terms like “ancient” or “patristic” can make it feel distant, as if it belongs more to scholars and libraries than to ordinary Christians. Yet Herman Hanko’s Christ and His Church Through the Ages, Vol. 1: The Ancient Church (AD 30–590), published by the Reformed Free Publishing Association (RFPA), quickly dispels that impression. From the very first pages, Hanko shows that the history of the early church is not only relevant; it is alive with the steady faithfulness of Christ toward His people.

This book is the first in a planned four-volume series covering the full sweep of church history: the ancient, medieval, Reformation, and modern periods. The project itself is a labor of love, many years in the making, and serves as the capstone to Hanko’s decades of teaching and writing. For over thirty years, he taught church history at the Protestant Reformed seminary, and in these pages, you catch both the professor’s careful instruction and the preacher’s warm storytelling.

One of the first things to note about this volume is its design. RFPA has produced it in a textbook-like format, with glossy pages, full-color illustrations, maps, timelines, and charts. Far from being a mere wall of text, it’s visually engaging and structured with students and general readers in mind. That decision reflects Hanko’s original goal: to make church history accessible for Christian high schools, laypeople, and families. The result is a book you can both study seriously and enjoy paging through.

The content itself follows the first six centuries of the church’s story. The table of contents divides neatly into three parts: the Apostolic period, the Post-Apostolic period, and the Nicene and Post-Nicene period. These sections guide readers from the ministry of the apostles through the fall of Rome, with stops at Pentecost, the formation of the New Testament canon, the rise of monasticism, and the doctrinal battles of Nicaea and Chalcedon. Along the way, Hanko explains not only the facts of history but also the deeper theological issues at stake—most often centering on the sovereignty of God’s grace.

One of the strengths of Hanko’s approach is his clarity. He never buries readers under needless detail. He writes with conviction, showing how every controversy, heresy, and council ultimately connects to the church’s calling to defend the truth of Christ. For example, when narrating the Trinitarian and Christological controversies, he does not merely present them as academic squabbles. He shows how the very heart of the gospel was at stake and how Christ, as head of His church, preserved truth through fierce battles.

If you are familiar with Hanko’s other works, such as Portraits of Faithful Saints or Contending for the Faith, you will recognize that he presents history and doctrine together in a way that is both informative and devotional. He does not shy away from weighing events in light of Scripture. In fact, he makes clear from the start that this book is not written to be a “neutral” or “academic” survey. It is unapologetically written from a Reformed perspective; one that sees Christ Himself as the sovereign shepherd of His church through the centuries. That theological backbone gives the narrative a sense of purpose and direction often lacking in other history books.

The editorial work behind this edition also deserves mention. The original manuscript was expanded and refined with introductions, sidebars, timelines, maps, and biographies of key figures. These features make the book especially helpful for teachers and students. Short articles explain events, while biographies highlight both heroes and opponents of the faith. Nearly one hundred illustrations—ranging from ancient sites to classical artwork—bring the history to life visually.

But beyond the helpful tools, the heart of the book is Hanko’s storytelling. His years as a preacher come through in vivid illustrations, clear explanations, and a pastoral concern that readers not only learn but also love the history of the church. Throughout the volume, the message is consistent: despite persecution, heresies, and political chaos, Christ never abandons His church.

So who should read this book? It’s ideally suited for Christian high schools, college students, or church members who want a reliable introduction to early church history. Pastors and teachers will appreciate its clarity and resources, while general readers will find it surprisingly engaging. If you’ve ever been intimidated by church history, this is a safe and welcoming entry point.

Final thoughts

Christ and His Church Through the Ages, Vol. 1 succeeds in making ancient history both accessible and spiritually enriching. It reminds us that we are part of a much larger story: a family of faith stretching back to the apostles and forward until Christ returns. With its engaging format, strong theological grounding, and clear storytelling, this book will serve the church well for years to come.

—Marc Daniel Rivera

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