The Earliest Christian Hymnbook

That the earliest followers of Jesus wrote poetry, hymns, and odes is evident already in the New Testament. This volume is a translation of The Odes of Solomon, a collection of early Christian hymns or odes; some are obviously Christian, others perhaps Jewish. The beauty of these poems is a tribute to the depth of spirituality in early communities of Christians, some of whom were perhaps also Jews or converted Jews. Professor Charlesworth offers an inviting introduction and a translation of this work that is both engaging and true to the original languages. The Index of Ancient Sources provides the reader access to the wide range of references in the notes.

James H. Charlesworth is George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature and Director and Editor of the PTS Dead Sea Scrolls Project. He is author of numerous works, including The Historical Jesus, Resurrection, Authentic Apocrypha, and Jesus within Judaism. And his many edited volumes include The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha (2 vols.), Jesus and Hillel, and Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

"Eminent scholar James Charlesworth has provided a stunning translation of the poetic second-century Odes of Solomon. Some readers will delight in its female imagery for God; my favorite image is of our Lord as a wreathed crown on our head. The attractively designed publication is fine for scholars, wonderful for believers."

--Gail Ramshaw

Past President of the North American Academy of Liturgy. Author of Treasures Old and New, Between Sundays, and God beyond Gender.