These essays explore diverse storylines of Jesus, Mary, and other figures in texts from the first through third centuries. From priestly beginnings at the temple in Luke to the enigmatic figure of the cross of light in Acts of John, early Christians found multiple ways to tell their story and depict the actions of God in the context of their emerging beliefs. By reconfiguring and relocating traditional texts and topoi, each of the works examined here creates new blends of emerging Christian rhetorical dialects. The result is a wide variety of images and stories that enrich and enliven discourse, belief, and practice as Christians move into their creedal discussions, debates, and decisions during the fourth century. -- from back cover.