A leading authority on the early Church offers a fascinating look at what we really know about Peter, Paul and Mary Magdalene Illuminating the lives of three of Jesus' most intriguing followers, Ehrman separates fact from fiction, presenting complicated historical issues in a clear and informative way and relating vivid anecdotes culled from the traditions of these three followers. Preface ix Introduction xi PART ONE: Simon Peter The Quarry: Our Sources for Peter the Rock 3(11) Peter: Solid Rock or Shifting Sand? 14(10) The Rocky Beginning 24(15) Peter at the Passion 39(19) On This Rock I Will Build My Church 58(15) Peter: Christian Author and Martyr 73(16) PART TWO: The Apostle Paul The Apostle Paul: Polling Our Sources 89(12) Paul the Convert 101(21) Paul the Apostle 122(19) Paul's Proclamation According to Later Sources 141(12) Paul's Impassioned Allies 153(11) Paul's Embittered Enemies 164(15) PART THREE: Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene in Popular Culture and History 179(14) Mary During the Ministry of Jesus 193(13) Jesus and Mary in Conversation 206(11) Mary at the Passion 217(13) Mary and Her Revelations 230(17) Mary: The Residual Questions 247(10) Conclusion: Peter, Paul, and Mary in Perspective 257(4) Notes 261(12) Credits and Permission 273(2) Index 275