What was it really like to attend a Christian gathering in the first century?

In this vivid narrative, Robert Banks reconstructs a house-church meeting in Rome through the eyes of an outsider, offering readers an immersive and historically grounded glimpse into early Christian worship and community life.

Set in mid-first-century Rome, the story follows Publius as he attends a gathering hosted by Aquila and Prisca. Through shared meals, prayer, discussion, singing, Scripture reading, and mutual care, readers witness the simplicity, warmth, and spiritual vitality of early Christian fellowship.

Drawing from biblical, literary, and archaeological sources, Banks combines careful scholarship with storytelling to illuminate:

How early Christians worshiped in homes
The role of meals, prayer, and spiritual gifts
Community decision-making and pastoral care
Fellowship across social and economic divisions
The contrast between ancient gatherings and modern church practice

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

Christians exploring authentic community life
Small groups and church discussion settings
Students of early Christianity
Readers interested in historical faith narratives

Accessible yet deeply thoughtful, Going to Church in the First Century offers a fresh perspective on what church once was-and invites readers to reflect on what it might still become.