In the face of persecution, ignorance, and hostility, the Church needed to provide a stout defence of its practice and beliefs. The writers who provided this defense are sometimes referred to as the apologists (meaning those who explain or defend their beliefs, rather than apologize). Their aim was to provide a rational explanation to people more acquainted with Greek philosophy and to persuade the Jews to accept Jesus as their Messiah....

From the beginning, the Church met with many challenges to its beliefs, both from within and without. First, the fledgling Church had to avoid being swallowed up by some of the influential religions of the day. Then it had to face major divisions within its own ranks....