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