THE EARLY CHURCH
Growth amidst persecution
From Jewish to Christian
Jewish followers of Jesus Early apostles were Jewish Saw Christ as continuing and fulfilling Judaism, not
separate Switch from Saturday to Sunday worship. Why?
Acts of the Apostles Story of the Spread of Christianity Acts 1:8 “Jesus told his disciples, ‘you will receive
power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Missionary Journeys of St. Paul
From Jewish to Christian
Jewish Christians Same culture and background Variety within Judasism
Saducees, pharisees, essenes, zealots Saul and the Christian “blasphemy”
From Jewish to Christian
St. Paul Apostle to the Gentiles Wrote earliest books of the New Testament Big time conversion – see video
Christians First called Christians in Antioch Message to Jews – using Old Testament images Message to Gentiles – using Hellenistic images
Urban images of athletes, military instruments, temples
Missionary Journeys of St. Paul
Evangelization
Proclamation of Good News through words & deeds Introduction to Jesus and the message of salvation
In today’s world, who has not heard of Jesus?
New Evangelization
Begins with an encounter with Jesus (like Paul’s)
Re-present teachings in light of our experience
Invite others to this experience through: Community, Sacraments, Scripture, Service
Inculturation
Affirm the goodness that is already in cultureChallenging and changing the parts of
culture that are not good.Change the way of presenting the faith
without changing the truths of faith.
Homework
Read article 12 (pages 45-47)Answer questions 5 & 6
Persecution
Jewish Persecution – Why?Gentile (non-Jew, usually referring to Hellenistic
culture) Persecution – Why?Martyrs (witness)
Stephen Felicity & Perpetua Polycarp Ignatius of Antioch
Birthday of Martyrs“Blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.”-
Tertullian
Growth
Christianity spread in all directionsUsed Rome’s resources
roads, stability, dense populationBy the 4th Century – 10% of Roman Empire
was Christian
The Story Continues
Persecution still a reality in world Where? 150,000 Christians are martyred per year
Persecution and proclamation will continue until the end of time.
Story of the martyrs
What happened? Be able to retell the storyWhat was their motivation? Why did they go
through with it?What surprised you about the account?
Story of St. Stephen – Acts 6-7
What happened? Be able to retell the story Establishment of deaconate – assist with community
matters Stephen (1st deacon) accused of blasphemy (Jewish
audience) Stephen tells of the history of Israel and how it relates
to the promise of the messiah, which was fulfilled in Jesus.
Stoned to death Asked Jesus to receive his spirit Forgave those who stoned him – “Lord, do not hold
this sin against them. Saul (later Paul) was present and approved of the
stoning.
Story of St. Stephen
What was their motivation? Why did they go through with it? “A man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit” Acts 6:5 Imitation of Christ
“Worked great signs and wonders among the people” Acts 6:*
Taught and explained the Scriptures – Acts 7:2-53 Was killed unjustly – Acts 6:13 Forgave his killers – Acts 7:60
Story of St. Stephen
What surprised you about the account? Clash between the Hellenists and Hebrews Stephen was able to work great signs and wonders
and was persecuted for it. Impressive reviewing of the history of Israel Stephen was able to be forgiving during the stoning.
Council of Jerusalem ~50A.D.
Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15Also mentioned by Paul in Galatians 1-2First council to decide important Church
doctrine Sets a precedence for later Ecumenical (whole
Church) councils Shows the importance that was placed on
unity.
Council of Jerusalem
How does the problem arise?Who is involved?What is the basic question they are debating?
What view does each person take on the
basic question?What evidence is used in the debate?What was decided?
How does the problem arise?Some people were teaching that following the
law of Moses was necessary for salvation through Christ. 15:1
Who is involved?Paul and Barnabas – sent to ask the apostles
in JerusalemApostles and presbyters (priests) – make
decisionParty of the Pharisees –circumcision
necessary
What is the basic question they are debating?
Do Gentile Christians need to follow the Mosaic law and be circumcised.
What view does each person take on the basic question?
Paul and Barnabas – NoPeter and James – NoParty of the Pharisees – Yes
What evidence is used in the debate?Old Testament passages (15:16-18)Wonders and signs of Paul and Barnabas
(15:12)Much debate (15:7)The Holy Spirit (15:28)
What was decided?Gentiles do not need to follow Mosaic Law of
circumcisionDo need to follow some laws:
Abstain from meat sacrificed to idols Abstain from blood Abstain from meat of strangled animals Abstain from unlawful marriage
New Testament Epistles
13 of 27 books of NT name Paul as the author7 are undisputedly by Paul
1 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans, Philippians, Philemon
Other 6 are debated – scholars disagree who wrote them Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus Different vocab, tone, themes and theology from authentic
letters.Why is authorship important?
Glimpse into the development of the church even in New Testament times
New Testament Epistles
Arranged by size, not by dateOldest book of the New Testament – 1 ThessaloniansLetters written to large, important Roman citiesIndividual communities were small (30 people max)
Met in people’s houses, which limited the size Letters were read publicly – only 5% of population could read
Written to address specific situations Solve problems, clarify teaching, send thanksgiving
Underlying Christian principles can be applied to all times and places
Unique letters
Philemon – written to an individual to address one specific problem
Galatians – written to a providence, not a specific city
Romans – written by Paul to a city where he had not yet visited and did not establish the church Introduction of himself and his philosophy Longest surviving letter from antiquity
Review
Jewish roots of Christianity Why did Jews persecute Christians?Why did Rome persecute Christians?Evangelization, New Evangelization, and
InculturationPersecution and GrowthMartyrsCouncil of Jerusalem – basic issue and what
was decidedNew Testament Epistles
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