The three apostles Peter, Paul and John are the most important starting point for understanding the beginnings of Christianity. Each brings a different background and language: Peter's Old Testament imagery, Paul's connection with Greek culture, and John's independent lyricism. This fascinating book paints a vivid picture of the three, exploring what they had in common as well as their significant differences, and demonstrating their continuing relevance today. The authors start by discussing the pre-Christian context, and finish by tracing the esoteric streams of Petrine, Pauline and Johannine Christianity in the first few centuries after Christ. They show above all that all three are needed to truly approach the reality of Jesus Christ.

Author Biography

Bastiaan Baan worked as a teacher in the Netherlands before being ordained in 1981. He was a Christian Community priest in the Netherlands and is currently director of the priests' seminary in Spring Valley, NY. He lectures widely, and has written many books. Lord of the Elements, and Old and New Mysteries, are both available in English. Christine Gruwez was born in Kortrijk, Belgium, in the borderland between Flemish and French speakers. She studied classics and philosophy at Leuven University, specialising in Iranian studies. She has written on Manichaism and anthroposophy, on freedom in Islam, and on Dionysius the Areopagite. She has taught in schools in Antwerp, as well as giving lectures, workshops, seminars and writing. She is married with four daughters. John van Schaik studied at Utrecht and Antwerp, reading medieval mysticism. He wrote his doctoral thesis on Cathers and Manichaeanism. He has published many books on gnosticism, mysticism and esoteric Christianity.