CHAPTER 3

The Lasting Legacy of the Apostles

With the Council of Jerusalem Gentiles were freed from Jewish Law

Small Christian communities sprang up Passed on storied by word of mouth

Answer

Why would the accounts of miraculous deeds prove a successful missionary tool for Christians working among pagan worshippers of many gods?

Can you explain why Christianity might overtake pagan religions at a time when they were flourishing (rather than when they were in decline)?

Why did the Gentile find Christianity so attractive? Related to the people Idols were dead…Jesus was alive Apocalyptic understanding of faith Signs and miracles were signs of the

power of God

Read 47-55 take notes

Eucharist

Then Today

Early Writings

Christian canon Paul’s epistles

51 CE begins writing Addresses them to Christian communities

Paul’s message One God Faithfully loves us Sent Jesus Jesus saves

The Final Break

Separation was pronounced in 62 CE Many Christians fled Jerusalem after James

death Jewish resentment toward Rome grew Temple destroyed in 70 CE Judaism was at risk of dying out Needed conformity Final break

Conclusions

Early Christians continued spreading the word

Developed rituals, and practices Christian Testament

Implications

Small Christian communities are vital Gain an understanding of how scriptures

developed Tradition as well as Scripture