A scholarly review of four texts (authored between 113 - 197 ce by Justin, Melito, Barnabas and Tertullian) that are representative of the Christian literature commonly known as "adversus Judaeos" ("against the Jews"). Drawing on new evidence and insights from archaeology, sociology, anthropology, and biblical studies, MacLennan argues that a contextual reading of these texts illuminates their original purpose as documents aiding theological self-definition of early "Followers of the Way."