-
Crucifixion of Jesus (c. 30-33 AD) Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate.
Considered the central event in Christianity, marking Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity’s sins. -
Three days after his death, Jesus is believed to have risen.
The Great Commission: Jesus commands his disciples to spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). -
The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles, empowering them to preach. Significance: The beginning of Christianity as a global mission. -
The Apostolic Age marks the foundation of the Church, the ministry of Jesus' disciples, and the early spread of Christianity.
-
The first Church council (Acts 15), led by Peter, Paul, and James (the brother of Jesus). Issue: Do Gentile converts need to follow Jewish laws (e.g., circumcision, dietary restrictions)? Decision: Gentiles are welcomed without full adherence to Jewish Law. Impact: Opens Christianity to the non-Jewish world. -
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome. First major state persecution of Christians. Martyrdom of Peter and Paul:
Peter: Crucified upside-down in Rome.
Paul: Beheaded in Rome (as a Roman citizen, he was spared crucifixion). -
Despite persecution by the Roman Empire, Christianity grows rapidly.
-
Roman forces, led by Titus, destroy Jerusalem’s Temple. Impact: Christianity separates from Judaism. Many Jewish Christians flee to other regions, spreading the Gospel. -
Key Figures: Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-108 AD) – Wrote letters encouraging Christians to remain faithful before being executed in Rome. Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69-155 AD) – A disciple of John, burned at the stake for refusing to deny Christ. -
Roman Persecutions: Decius (249-251 AD): Orders all citizens to offer sacrifices to Roman gods. Diocletian (284-305 AD): The Great Persecution (303 AD) – Churches burned, Scriptures destroyed, and Christians executed. -
-
Emperor Constantine and Emperor Licinius issue the Edict of Milan, ending Christian persecution. Christianity becomes legal in the Roman Empire. -
Constantine’s Conversion: Before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (312 AD), Constantine reportedly sees a vision of a cross with the words “In this sign, conquer.” He wins the battle and converts to Christianity. -
-
Called by Constantine to address the Arian Controversy. Issue: Arius (a priest from Alexandria) claimed that Jesus was created and not fully divine. Decision: The Nicene Creed is formulated, affirming Jesus’ full divinity. Impact:
Creates unity in Christian doctrine.
Establishes precedent for ecumenical councils. -
One of the most influential theologians. Key Works:
Confessions – An autobiography detailing his conversion.
City of God – Defends Christianity after the fall of Rome. -
Reaffirms the Nicene Creed and expands on the Holy Spirit. Condemns Arianism and other heresies. -
The Church Fathers (e.g., Jerome, Augustine) decide the New Testament canon. The Latin Vulgate (by Jerome) becomes the standard Bible translation. -
Issue: How to define Christ’s divine and human nature. Decision:
Christ is fully divine and fully human, two natures in one person. Condemns Monophysitism (belief that Jesus had only one nature).
I
mpact:
Defines Christology for most Christian denominations today. -
The history of the church truly helps us visualize the how much we have thrived and grown, even during hard times. -
Christianity faced many challenges in the beginning, although they faced many difficulties they persevered and became one of the most important religions in the world today. Leadership, debates and persecution built what is now the Christian Church community today.
One of the biggest contributions of the early church was the realization of Christian faith and beliefs. -
For example the Nicene creed, and the council of chalcedon have helped show and teach that Jesus was fully human and fully God. Till this day these practices have been followed by most Christian’s.
Although in the early ages of Christians we faced many persecutions such as Diocletian and Nero, we never gave up on our faith. Many martyrs died like Peter, Paul, and Polycarp in sacrifice for their religion and this encouraged others to be strong. -
During the Constantine Empire he made Christianity legal in the year 313 AD time of the edict of Milan, because of this the church was able to expand further. Leaders like Agustine, Ambrose and Jerome helped spread the Christian teachings and organize the Bible.
The challenges and difficulties the church faced helped shape what our religion is now. These Christian’s leaders and their courage helped us stay strong in our faith and beliefs, their teachings shaped the way we understand our faith.