The author summarizes the history of the city of Antioch as it relates to the development of the early church. "Antioch was only one of the five major Christian centers," McNamer writes. "The others were Rome, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Ephesus. Each contributed to the strengthening of the early Christian religion. But this beautiful city by the Orontes was the trailblazer, gave it form, and carried the message to the world."