jesus and the apostles 6 bc – 70 ad. what is history? technically it is recorded bias, but to be...

Jesus and the Jesus and the ApostlesApostles

6 BC – 70 AD6 BC – 70 AD

Jesus and the Jesus and the ApostlesApostles

6 BC – 70 AD6 BC – 70 AD

What is History?What is History?Technically it is recorded bias, but to be Technically it is recorded bias, but to be

more specific…more specific…

1.1. Historical Process – What actually happenedHistorical Process – What actually happened

2. 2. Historiography – What got written downHistoriography – What got written down

Fullness of Time for Fullness of Time for The Birth of ChristThe Birth of Christ

1.1. Koine GreekKoine Greek

2.2. Pax RomanaPax Romana

3.3. Roman RoadsRoman Roads

4.4. Special status of Jews in RomeSpecial status of Jews in Rome

5.5. Peak and failure of PhilosophyPeak and failure of Philosophy

But when the fullness of the time was come, God But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.sons.

--Galatians 4:4-5 KJVGalatians 4:4-5 KJV

Pentecost:Pentecost: The Birth of the Church The Birth of the Church

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of

a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there house where they were sitting. And there

appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.fire, and it sat upon each of them.

(Act 2:1-3)(Act 2:1-3)

Catholic?Catholic?

Types of Church Types of Church FathersFathers

Types of Church Types of Church FathersFathers

1.1. Apostolic Fathers (c. 95-150)Apostolic Fathers (c. 95-150)

2.2. Apologists (c. 140–200) Apologists (c. 140–200)

3.3. Polemicists (c. 180–225)Polemicists (c. 180–225)

4.4. Scientific Theologians (c. 225–Scientific Theologians (c. 225–460)460)

1.1. Apostolic Fathers (c. 95-150)Apostolic Fathers (c. 95-150)

2.2. Apologists (c. 140–200) Apologists (c. 140–200)

3.3. Polemicists (c. 180–225)Polemicists (c. 180–225)

4.4. Scientific Theologians (c. 225–Scientific Theologians (c. 225–460)460)

The Apostolic FathersThe Apostolic Fathers

• Took over after the apostles in founding the Took over after the apostles in founding the early churchearly church

• Most of their early lives are unknown as only Most of their early lives are unknown as only the Christian life was important to themthe Christian life was important to them

• Usually direct disciples of the apostlesUsually direct disciples of the apostles• Stayed primarily in the locale in which they Stayed primarily in the locale in which they

grew as Christiansgrew as Christians• Were godly men of good repute (1 Tim 3)Were godly men of good repute (1 Tim 3)

The Bishop?The Bishop?

• The early church bishop was different The early church bishop was different from the modern concept of bishopfrom the modern concept of bishop

• No clear definition has lead to much No clear definition has lead to much disputedispute

• In short they ran the local church in a In short they ran the local church in a semi-authoritarian mannersemi-authoritarian manner

Clement of RomeClement of Rome

Clement of Clement of RomeRome


• Little is known of his early life, but he was Little is known of his early life, but he was well educated particularly in the well educated particularly in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)

• Became “the” or at least one of the Became “the” or at least one of the bishop(s) of Romebishop(s) of Rome

• Is considered the 4Is considered the 4thth pope in the Roman pope in the Roman Catholic ChurchCatholic Church

• Wrote the nearly Canonical I ClementWrote the nearly Canonical I Clement• Was probably martyred but the manner in Was probably martyred but the manner in

which it occurred is unclearwhich it occurred is unclear

• Little is known of his early life, but he was Little is known of his early life, but he was well educated particularly in the well educated particularly in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)

• Became “the” or at least one of the Became “the” or at least one of the bishop(s) of Romebishop(s) of Rome

• Is considered the 4Is considered the 4thth pope in the Roman pope in the Roman Catholic ChurchCatholic Church

• Wrote the nearly Canonical I ClementWrote the nearly Canonical I Clement• Was probably martyred but the manner in Was probably martyred but the manner in

which it occurred is unclearwhich it occurred is unclear



I ClementI Clement– Cease rebellingCease rebelling– Come under elders authorityCome under elders authority– Exhortation to love, penitence and humilityExhortation to love, penitence and humility– Apostolic successionApostolic succession– Desire for unity in the churchDesire for unity in the church– Talks of Peter and Paul's martyrdomTalks of Peter and Paul's martyrdom

I ClementI Clement– Cease rebellingCease rebelling– Come under elders authorityCome under elders authority– Exhortation to love, penitence and humilityExhortation to love, penitence and humility– Apostolic successionApostolic succession– Desire for unity in the churchDesire for unity in the church– Talks of Peter and Paul's martyrdomTalks of Peter and Paul's martyrdom

Ignatius of Ignatius of AntiochAntioch


• Only seen at the end of his lifeOnly seen at the end of his life• Was one of the earliest if not the leader Was one of the earliest if not the leader

of the church in Antiochof the church in Antioch• Arrested and taken to Rome to be Arrested and taken to Rome to be

martyred for Christmartyred for Christ• Wrote 7 letters while traveling to RomeWrote 7 letters while traveling to Rome• Martyred c. 110AD Martyred c. 110AD

• Only seen at the end of his lifeOnly seen at the end of his life• Was one of the earliest if not the leader Was one of the earliest if not the leader

of the church in Antiochof the church in Antioch• Arrested and taken to Rome to be Arrested and taken to Rome to be

martyred for Christmartyred for Christ• Wrote 7 letters while traveling to RomeWrote 7 letters while traveling to Rome• Martyred c. 110AD Martyred c. 110AD


• EphesusEphesus

• MagnesiaMagnesia

• TrallesTralles

• RomansRomans

• PhiladelphiansPhiladelphians

• SmyrneansSmyrneans

• To PolycarpTo Polycarp

• EphesusEphesus

• MagnesiaMagnesia

• TrallesTralles

• RomansRomans

• PhiladelphiansPhiladelphians

• SmyrneansSmyrneans

• To PolycarpTo Polycarp

His Seven LettersHis Seven LettersHis Seven LettersHis Seven Letters


• Struggle against false teachersStruggle against false teachers• His impending deathHis impending death• Unity/Structure of the churchUnity/Structure of the church• Obedience to BishopsObedience to Bishops

– Ignatius caused great controversy because of Ignatius caused great controversy because of the pro-hierarchical views and the Episcopal the pro-hierarchical views and the Episcopal supremacy found in his letterssupremacy found in his letters

• Struggle against false teachersStruggle against false teachers• His impending deathHis impending death• Unity/Structure of the churchUnity/Structure of the church• Obedience to BishopsObedience to Bishops

– Ignatius caused great controversy because of Ignatius caused great controversy because of the pro-hierarchical views and the Episcopal the pro-hierarchical views and the Episcopal supremacy found in his letterssupremacy found in his letters

Key Foci of His WritingsKey Foci of His WritingsKey Foci of His WritingsKey Foci of His Writings

PolycarpPolycarpPolycarpPolycarp

• Bishop of SmyrnaBishop of Smyrna

• Disciple of John the ApostleDisciple of John the Apostle

• Wrote a letter to the Philippian ChurchWrote a letter to the Philippian Church

• Was simple, loving, humble and Was simple, loving, humble and pastoralpastoral

• Martyred Feb. 22, c.155ADMartyred Feb. 22, c.155AD

• Bishop of SmyrnaBishop of Smyrna

• Disciple of John the ApostleDisciple of John the Apostle

• Wrote a letter to the Philippian ChurchWrote a letter to the Philippian Church

• Was simple, loving, humble and Was simple, loving, humble and pastoralpastoral

• Martyred Feb. 22, c.155ADMartyred Feb. 22, c.155AD

Didache (The Teaching)

Didache (The Teaching)

• ““The Teaching of the Apostles”The Teaching of the Apostles”

• 2 Parts2 Parts– The “Two Ways” Life v. DeathThe “Two Ways” Life v. Death– Manual of church order and practiceManual of church order and practice

• BaptismBaptism• The EucharistThe Eucharist• PrayerPrayer• Discerning of False TeachersDiscerning of False Teachers

• ““The Teaching of the Apostles”The Teaching of the Apostles”

• 2 Parts2 Parts– The “Two Ways” Life v. DeathThe “Two Ways” Life v. Death– Manual of church order and practiceManual of church order and practice

• BaptismBaptism• The EucharistThe Eucharist• PrayerPrayer• Discerning of False TeachersDiscerning of False Teachers

The Spread of ChristianityThe Spread of ChristianityThe Spread of ChristianityThe Spread of Christianity

1.1. GodGod

2.2. Burning ConvictionBurning Conviction

3.3. Need in the hearts of peopleNeed in the hearts of people

4.4. Love for one anotherLove for one another

5.5. PersecutionPersecution

1.1. GodGod

2.2. Burning ConvictionBurning Conviction

3.3. Need in the hearts of peopleNeed in the hearts of people

4.4. Love for one anotherLove for one another

5.5. PersecutionPersecution

MartyrdomMartyrdomThe blood of the martyrs is The blood of the martyrs is

the seed of the churchthe seed of the church

-Tertullian-Tertullian

The blood of the martyrs is The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the churchthe seed of the church

-Tertullian-Tertullian

Martyr - WitnessMartyr - Witness

Reasons for Christian Reasons for Christian PersecutionPersecution


1.1. Jewish FearsJewish Fears• Loss of membership in Synagogue Loss of membership in Synagogue

• Loss of privileged status with Loss of privileged status with RomeRome

• Zealots disliked lack of nationalismZealots disliked lack of nationalism

1.1. Jewish FearsJewish Fears• Loss of membership in Synagogue Loss of membership in Synagogue

• Loss of privileged status with Loss of privileged status with RomeRome

• Zealots disliked lack of nationalismZealots disliked lack of nationalism



2.2. Roman PoliticsRoman Politics• Christians believed in an incoming Christians believed in an incoming

kingdom with Christ, not the kingdom with Christ, not the emperor, as its heademperor, as its head

• Union of state and religion Union of state and religion excluded Christians from political excluded Christians from political customscustoms

2.2. Roman PoliticsRoman Politics• Christians believed in an incoming Christians believed in an incoming

kingdom with Christ, not the kingdom with Christ, not the emperor, as its heademperor, as its head

• Union of state and religion Union of state and religion excluded Christians from political excluded Christians from political customscustoms



3.3. Social ReasonsSocial Reasons• Refusal to engage in Refusal to engage in

sporting/theatrical eventssporting/theatrical events

• Condemnation of the gladiatorial Condemnation of the gladiatorial gamesgames

• Christianity gave status to slaves and Christianity gave status to slaves and womenwomen

3.3. Social ReasonsSocial Reasons• Refusal to engage in Refusal to engage in

sporting/theatrical eventssporting/theatrical events

• Condemnation of the gladiatorial Condemnation of the gladiatorial gamesgames

• Christianity gave status to slaves and Christianity gave status to slaves and womenwomen



4.4. Economic ReasonsEconomic Reasons• Loss of profit for idol makers/pagan Loss of profit for idol makers/pagan

templestemples

• Christians were scapegoatsChristians were scapegoats

4.4. Economic ReasonsEconomic Reasons• Loss of profit for idol makers/pagan Loss of profit for idol makers/pagan

templestemples

• Christians were scapegoatsChristians were scapegoats



5.5. Religious ReasonsReligious Reasons• Christianity is Monotheist and Christianity is Monotheist and

exclusiveexclusive

• Holding of secret “Love Feasts”Holding of secret “Love Feasts”

• Christians were strange atheistsChristians were strange atheists

• Refusal to worship the EmperorRefusal to worship the Emperor

5.5. Religious ReasonsReligious Reasons• Christianity is Monotheist and Christianity is Monotheist and

exclusiveexclusive

• Holding of secret “Love Feasts”Holding of secret “Love Feasts”

• Christians were strange atheistsChristians were strange atheists

• Refusal to worship the EmperorRefusal to worship the Emperor

The Early PersecutionsThe Early Persecutions64-100 AD64-100 AD

Nero 64-68 ADNero 64-68 AD


Nero 64-68 ADNero 64-68 AD

• Nero liked to play dress-up, the Nero liked to play dress-up, the lyre, sing, act, and get crazylyre, sing, act, and get crazy

• Nero fiddled while Rome burnedNero fiddled while Rome burned

• Burning of RomeBurning of Rome

• Christian torchesChristian torches

• Peter and Paul executedPeter and Paul executed

• Nero liked to play dress-up, the Nero liked to play dress-up, the lyre, sing, act, and get crazylyre, sing, act, and get crazy

• Nero fiddled while Rome burnedNero fiddled while Rome burned

• Burning of RomeBurning of Rome

• Christian torchesChristian torches

• Peter and Paul executedPeter and Paul executed


Destruction of the TempleDestruction of the Temple• Many signs, portents, and prophecies occurred. Many signs, portents, and prophecies occurred. • A group of hyper-zealous Jews rebelledA group of hyper-zealous Jews rebelled• The Roman army put down the rebellionThe Roman army put down the rebellion• Despite disruptions, Titus lead the assault on Despite disruptions, Titus lead the assault on

Jerusalem, was victorious and the temple was Jerusalem, was victorious and the temple was burned to the ground. burned to the ground.

• The loss of Jerusalem separated Christian from The loss of Jerusalem separated Christian from Jew and forced Christianity to de-emphasize Jew and forced Christianity to de-emphasize Jerusalem and look elsewhere for leadershipJerusalem and look elsewhere for leadership

Official PersecutionOfficial PersecutionDiocletian 284-305Diocletian 284-305

• 260-303 Christians had a respite260-303 Christians had a respite• Diocletian, a previously neutral emperor, Diocletian, a previously neutral emperor,

writes 3 edicts calling for persecutionwrites 3 edicts calling for persecution• 303 Complete and systematic persecution of 303 Complete and systematic persecution of

Christianity, the worst yet experiencedChristianity, the worst yet experienced• Persecution targeted the church Persecution targeted the church

infrastructure: buildings, bishops, and booksinfrastructure: buildings, bishops, and books

Official PersecutionOfficial PersecutionGaleriusGalerius

• Prime force behind Diocletian persecutionsPrime force behind Diocletian persecutions• Ruled half of the Empire along with his Ruled half of the Empire along with his

nephew Maximin Daza, both under Diocletiannephew Maximin Daza, both under Diocletian• Issued an edict requiring all men women and Issued an edict requiring all men women and

children to sacrifice to the gods, and all food children to sacrifice to the gods, and all food in the markets to be sprinkled with sacrificial in the markets to be sprinkled with sacrificial wine.wine.

• Edict forced Christians to convert, die, or Edict forced Christians to convert, die, or compromisecompromise

Positive Effects of Persecution

1.1. ““Blood of the martyrs is the seed Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” – Tertullianof the Church” – Tertullian

2.2. Purification of the churchPurification of the church

3.3. Spreading of the gospelSpreading of the gospel

4.4. Canonization of scriptureCanonization of scripture

5.5. Provided Apologia for the faithProvided Apologia for the faith

Negative Effects of Negative Effects of PersecutionPersecution

1.1. People got deadPeople got dead

2.2. The problem of the lapsedThe problem of the lapsed

3.3. Creation of the Cult of the Creation of the Cult of the MartyrsMartyrs

4.4. Lack of ability to leave a literary Lack of ability to leave a literary legacylegacy

Age of Catholic Christianity Age of Catholic Christianity IIIIII

Age of Catholic Christianity Age of Catholic Christianity IIIIII

Heresy-Orthodoxy-The CanonHeresy-Orthodoxy-The CanonHeresy-Orthodoxy-The CanonHeresy-Orthodoxy-The Canon

GnosticismGnosticism• Stemmed from the Greek word γνώσιςStemmed from the Greek word γνώσις -

knowledgeknowledge• Incredibly Syncretistic (mish-mash of religions)Incredibly Syncretistic (mish-mash of religions)• Entailed a search for secret, hidden, knowledgeEntailed a search for secret, hidden, knowledge• There were many different forms of Gnosticism, There were many different forms of Gnosticism,

but most kept three main pointsbut most kept three main points

1.1. Dualism – The eternal battle of Light v. Dark, Dualism – The eternal battle of Light v. Dark, Good v. Evil. usu. They are equal and oppositeGood v. Evil. usu. They are equal and opposite

2.2. Demiurgic notion – The separation of the creator Demiurgic notion – The separation of the creator of the world (demiurgos) from the proper Godof the world (demiurgos) from the proper God

3.3. Docetism – the belief that the human element in Docetism – the belief that the human element in the person of the redeemer was an illusionthe person of the redeemer was an illusion

Marcion c.110-160Marcion c.110-160• HereticHeretic• Son of a bishopSon of a bishop• Excommunicated for heresy, contempt Excommunicated for heresy, contempt

of authority and maybe seducing a of authority and maybe seducing a virginvirgin

• Studied under the Gnostic CerdoStudied under the Gnostic Cerdo• Wrote Wrote AntithesisAntithesis• Met PolycarpMet Polycarp

Marcion’s BeliefsMarcion’s Beliefs

1.1. OT God and Jews were EvilOT God and Jews were Evil

2.2. NT God gracious and goodNT God gracious and good

3.3. Wrote an 11 book Canon including Wrote an 11 book Canon including a mangled Luke and 10 of Paul’s a mangled Luke and 10 of Paul’s epistlesepistles

Mani 215-277Mani 215-277• Persian philosopher who began preaching Persian philosopher who began preaching

his own religion, originally well received he his own religion, originally well received he fell out of favor and fled to India and Chinafell out of favor and fled to India and China

• Wrote several works in Persian, Syriac and Wrote several works in Persian, Syriac and a language of his own inventiona language of his own invention

• Systematized ManichSystematized Manichæism including æism including Buddha, whom he discovered while in exileBuddha, whom he discovered while in exile

• Returned to Persia, but was convicted of Returned to Persia, but was convicted of corrupting the old religion and was corrupting the old religion and was martyred in 277A.D.martyred in 277A.D.

Beliefs of ManichBeliefs of Manichæismæism

• Signaculum Oris – Purity in word and Signaculum Oris – Purity in word and dietdiet

• Signaculum manuum – Renunciation of Signaculum manuum – Renunciation of material pursuitsmaterial pursuits

• Signaculum sinus – celibacySignaculum sinus – celibacy

• 2 classes – “Perfect” and “Hearers”2 classes – “Perfect” and “Hearers”

• 12 Apostles->72 Bishops->72 Disciples12 Apostles->72 Bishops->72 Disciples

Montanus Montanus Mid-Late 2Mid-Late 2ndnd Century Century

• Heterodox - Semi HereticHeterodox - Semi Heretic

• From Asia MinorFrom Asia Minor

• Began as a reaction to Gnostic excess, Began as a reaction to Gnostic excess, Montanus desired true Christian purity in lifeMontanus desired true Christian purity in life

• Somnambulistic EcstasiesSomnambulistic Ecstasies

• Inspired organ of the Paraclete the helper Inspired organ of the Paraclete the helper and comforter in the time of distressand comforter in the time of distress

• Had 2 main Prophetesses Priscilla & Had 2 main Prophetesses Priscilla & MaximillaMaximilla

Montanists, Phrygians, and Montanists, Phrygians, and CataphrygiansCataphrygians

• The Pneumatics “Spiritual Christians”The Pneumatics “Spiritual Christians”• Combated GnosticismCombated Gnosticism• AsceticismAsceticism• No forgiveness for mortal sin post-baptismNo forgiveness for mortal sin post-baptism• Miraculous Gifts - especially prophecyMiraculous Gifts - especially prophecy• Universal PriesthoodUniversal Priesthood• MillenarianismMillenarianism

Quintus Septimius Florens Quintus Septimius Florens TertullianusTertullianus

Tertullian c.155-230Tertullian c.155-230• Born in Carthage to a Captain of the Born in Carthage to a Captain of the

Roman Legion stationed thereRoman Legion stationed there

• Was well educated and traveled, but lived a Was well educated and traveled, but lived a life of debauchery until he was 30 or 40life of debauchery until he was 30 or 40

• After conversion he dedicated his life to After conversion he dedicated his life to defending Christianitydefending Christianity

• Strove for Christian purity to the extremeStrove for Christian purity to the extreme

• Was married and celibateWas married and celibate

• Fiery and powerful Theologian/ApologistFiery and powerful Theologian/Apologist

Quintus Septimius Florens Quintus Septimius Florens TertullianusTertullianus

Tertullian c.155-230Tertullian c.155-230• 11stst to use term Trinity to use term Trinity

• Wrote Wrote Apologeticus Apologeticus during the reign of the during the reign of the Emperor Septimius SeverusEmperor Septimius Severus

• Attacked GnosticsAttacked Gnostics

• Became a Montanist because he was Became a Montanist because he was attracted by their purity and was distressed attracted by their purity and was distressed by the lack of purity in the catholic churchby the lack of purity in the catholic church

IrenIrenæus c.120-202æus c.120-202• Name means peacefulName means peaceful• Born in Smyrna, and was discipled by Born in Smyrna, and was discipled by

Polycarp during his youth/young manhoodPolycarp during his youth/young manhood• Began his Christian journey as a missionary Began his Christian journey as a missionary

then later became the bishop of Lyonsthen later became the bishop of Lyons• 11stst to quote the entire NT authoritatively to quote the entire NT authoritatively• ““The enemy of error and schism” Like The enemy of error and schism” Like

Polycarp he was gentle, pastoral, and humblePolycarp he was gentle, pastoral, and humble• Anti-Gnostic – He wrote a 5 volume Anti-Gnostic – He wrote a 5 volume

Refutation of GnosticismRefutation of Gnosticism

Origenes AdamantiusOrigenes Adamantius

Origen c.182-251Origen c.182-251• Studied under any and everyone even hereticsStudied under any and everyone even heretics• 3 level method of scripture interpretation: 3 level method of scripture interpretation:

literal, moral, and spiritual literal, moral, and spiritual • The 3The 3rdrd leader of the Alexandrian School from leader of the Alexandrian School from

202-232202-232• Started his own school in CStarted his own school in Cææsareasarea• Very, Very, VERY AsceticVery, Very, VERY Ascetic• Tortured under Decius then died after releaseTortured under Decius then died after release

Requirements for Requirements for CanonizationCanonization

1.1. Apostolic AuthorityApostolic Authority

2.2. AntiquityAntiquity

3.3. OrthodoxyOrthodoxy

4.4. CatholicityCatholicity

5.5. Traditional UseTraditional Use

6.6. InspirationInspiration

Age of the Christian Age of the Christian Roman Empire IRoman Empire I

Age of the Christian Age of the Christian Roman Empire IRoman Empire I

Constantine Constantine The Best and Worst thing ever The Best and Worst thing ever

to Happen to Christianityto Happen to Christianity

Constantine Constantine The Best and Worst thing ever The Best and Worst thing ever

to Happen to Christianityto Happen to Christianity

AKAAKA

Caius Flavius Valerius Caius Flavius Valerius Aurelius Claudius Aurelius Claudius

Constantius MagnusConstantius Magnus

Constantine’s Early LifeConstantine’s Early Life

• Son of Co-Emperor Constantius Son of Co-Emperor Constantius Chlorus and HelenaChlorus and Helena

• Served under Diocletian during the Served under Diocletian during the Egyptian and Persian WarsEgyptian and Persian Wars

• Returned to father in Gaul to Returned to father in Gaul to become Emperorbecome Emperor

• Son of Co-Emperor Constantius Son of Co-Emperor Constantius Chlorus and HelenaChlorus and Helena

• Served under Diocletian during the Served under Diocletian during the Egyptian and Persian WarsEgyptian and Persian Wars

• Returned to father in Gaul to Returned to father in Gaul to become Emperorbecome Emperor

Constantine’s ConquestConstantine’s ConquestConstantine’s ConquestConstantine’s Conquest

• Maximian Herculius father of Maximian Herculius father of MaxentiusMaxentius

• Galerius DiesGalerius Dies• Maxentius now “Co” Emperor Maxentius now “Co” Emperor

with Constantinewith Constantine• Battle of Milvian BridgeBattle of Milvian Bridge

• Maximian Herculius father of Maximian Herculius father of MaxentiusMaxentius

• Galerius DiesGalerius Dies• Maxentius now “Co” Emperor Maxentius now “Co” Emperor

with Constantinewith Constantine• Battle of Milvian BridgeBattle of Milvian Bridge

Tuto Nike Hoc VinceTuto Nike Hoc VinceConstantine’s VisionConstantine’s Vision

Tuto Nike Hoc VinceTuto Nike Hoc VinceConstantine’s VisionConstantine’s Vision

• Actual AppearanceActual Appearance

• Pious FraudPious Fraud

• IllusionIllusion

• There are no miracles, just There are no miracles, just pretty cloudspretty clouds

• DreamDream

• Actual AppearanceActual Appearance

• Pious FraudPious Fraud

• IllusionIllusion

• There are no miracles, just There are no miracles, just pretty cloudspretty clouds

• DreamDream

Effects of Constantine Effects of Constantine WinningWinning

• Edict of Toleration with Co-Regent Edict of Toleration with Co-Regent LiciniusLicinius

• Christian clergy exempt from Christian clergy exempt from military/municipal dutymilitary/municipal duty

• Abolished offensive pagan customsAbolished offensive pagan customs• Emancipation of Christian slavesEmancipation of Christian slaves• Legalized bequests to catholic churchesLegalized bequests to catholic churches• Sunday -> dies Solis (day of the Sun)Sunday -> dies Solis (day of the Sun)• Contributed to the building of ChurchesContributed to the building of Churches

Bad ConstantineBad Constantine Bad ConstantineBad Constantine

• Warred against his brother in law Warred against his brother in law Licinius defeating him in 324Licinius defeating him in 324

• Violates promise of mercy and Violates promise of mercy and executes Licinius and 11 year old executes Licinius and 11 year old son Liciniusson Licinius

• Executes Crispus his eldest son for Executes Crispus his eldest son for treason as well as commiting incest treason as well as commiting incest with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife)with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife)

• Warred against his brother in law Warred against his brother in law Licinius defeating him in 324Licinius defeating him in 324

• Violates promise of mercy and Violates promise of mercy and executes Licinius and 11 year old executes Licinius and 11 year old son Liciniusson Licinius

• Executes Crispus his eldest son for Executes Crispus his eldest son for treason as well as commiting incest treason as well as commiting incest with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife)with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife)

Move to Byzantium 330ADMove to Byzantium 330ADMove to Byzantium 330ADMove to Byzantium 330AD

• Byzantium is renamed Constantinople Byzantium is renamed Constantinople

• Many Churches builtMany Churches built

• Idols eliminated (modified)Idols eliminated (modified)

• 60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine

• Byzantium is renamed Constantinople Byzantium is renamed Constantinople

• Many Churches builtMany Churches built

• Idols eliminated (modified)Idols eliminated (modified)

• 60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine

End of ConstantineEnd of ConstantineEnd of ConstantineEnd of Constantine

• Deathbed baptism, performed by Deathbed baptism, performed by the semi-Arian bishop Eusebius the semi-Arian bishop Eusebius of Nicomediaof Nicomedia

• Baptized declaring “Now let us Baptized declaring “Now let us cast away all duplicity”cast away all duplicity”

• Wore only baptism robes until Wore only baptism robes until death a few days later, on death a few days later, on Pentecost, May, 22, 337Pentecost, May, 22, 337

Post ConstantinePost ConstantinePost ConstantinePost Constantine• Empire is Divided between his 3 sons Empire is Divided between his 3 sons

Constantine II, Constans, and ConstantiusConstantine II, Constans, and Constantius

• Not very Christian boysNot very Christian boys

• Constans killed Con II, then was in turn Constans killed Con II, then was in turn killed by the barbarian Magnetiuskilled by the barbarian Magnetius

• Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. A weak ruler who died a natural death.A weak ruler who died a natural death.

• Empire is Divided between his 3 sons Empire is Divided between his 3 sons Constantine II, Constans, and ConstantiusConstantine II, Constans, and Constantius

• Not very Christian boysNot very Christian boys

• Constans killed Con II, then was in turn Constans killed Con II, then was in turn killed by the barbarian Magnetiuskilled by the barbarian Magnetius

• Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. A weak ruler who died a natural death.A weak ruler who died a natural death.

Theodosius the Great 392-395Theodosius the Great 392-395

• The true beginning of the The true beginning of the Christianized EmperorsChristianized Emperors

• Chastized by Ambrose for massacreChastized by Ambrose for massacre• Intiated the final suppression of Intiated the final suppression of

PaganismPaganism• 391 banned under heavy fine the 391 banned under heavy fine the

visiting of Pagan temples for religious visiting of Pagan temples for religious purposespurposes

• Without state support of approval Without state support of approval Paganism collapsed as a systemPaganism collapsed as a system

Positive Effects of the Positive Effects of the Christianized Roman EmpireChristianized Roman Empire

Positive Effects of the Positive Effects of the Christianized Roman EmpireChristianized Roman Empire

1.1. Increased respect for womenIncreased respect for women

2.2. Better treatment of Better treatment of slaves/freedom for Christian slaves/freedom for Christian slavesslaves

3.3. Gladiator games slowed if not Gladiator games slowed if not stoppedstopped

4.4. More justice in Roman legislationMore justice in Roman legislation

5.5. Missionary work acceleratedMissionary work accelerated

1.1. Increased respect for womenIncreased respect for women

2.2. Better treatment of Better treatment of slaves/freedom for Christian slaves/freedom for Christian slavesslaves

3.3. Gladiator games slowed if not Gladiator games slowed if not stoppedstopped

4.4. More justice in Roman legislationMore justice in Roman legislation

5.5. Missionary work acceleratedMissionary work accelerated

Negative Effects of the Negative Effects of the Christianized Roman EmpireChristianized Roman Empire

Negative Effects of the Negative Effects of the Christianized Roman EmpireChristianized Roman Empire1.1. Pseudo-Conversion to maintain Pseudo-Conversion to maintain

powerpower

2.2. Interference of government with Interference of government with Church affairs and vice versaChurch affairs and vice versa

3.3. Weakening of the faith Weakening of the faith

4.4. Persecution of Pagans/HereticsPersecution of Pagans/Heretics

1.1. Pseudo-Conversion to maintain Pseudo-Conversion to maintain powerpower

2.2. Interference of government with Interference of government with Church affairs and vice versaChurch affairs and vice versa

3.3. Weakening of the faith Weakening of the faith

4.4. Persecution of Pagans/HereticsPersecution of Pagans/Heretics

jesus and the apostles 6 bc – 70 ad. what is history? technically it is recorded bias, but to be...

Documents

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early lives

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