Jesus and the Apostles3 BC – 70 AD

Jesus and the Apostles3 BC – 70 AD

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 sent But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. might receive the adoption of sons. - -Galatians 4:4-5 KJVGalatians 4:4-5 KJV

Age of Catholic Christianity I Age of Catholic Christianity I 70-312 AD70-312 AD

Age of Catholic Christianity I Age of Catholic Christianity I 70-312 AD70-312 AD

The Apostolic FathersThe Apostolic FathersThe Apostolic FathersThe Apostolic Fathers

Types of Church FathersTypes of Church FathersTypes of Church FathersTypes of Church Fathers

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

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

The Bishop?The Bishop?The Bishop?The Bishop?

Clement of RomeClement of RomeClement of RomeClement of Rome

a.a. Wrote 2 nearly canonical works I Wrote 2 nearly canonical works I and II Clementand II Clement

b.b. Leading elder of RomeLeading elder of Rome

c.c. Fourth PopeFourth Pope

a.a. Wrote 2 nearly canonical works I Wrote 2 nearly canonical works I and II Clementand II Clement

b.b. Leading elder of RomeLeading elder of Rome

c.c. Fourth PopeFourth Pope

Ignatius of AntiochIgnatius of AntiochIgnatius of AntiochIgnatius of Antioch

1.1. Only seen at the end of his lifeOnly seen at the end of his life

2.2. Arrested and martyred for ChristArrested and martyred for Christ

3.3. Taken to Rome writing seven Taken to Rome writing seven letters along the wayletters along the way

4.4. Martyred c. 110AD Martyred c. 110AD

1.1. Only seen at the end of his lifeOnly seen at the end of his life

2.2. Arrested and martyred for ChristArrested and martyred for Christ

3.3. Taken to Rome writing seven Taken to Rome writing seven letters along the wayletters along the way

4.4. Martyred c. 110AD Martyred c. 110AD

Ignatius of AntiochIgnatius of Antioch

1.1. Struggle against false teachersStruggle against false teachers

2.2. Unity/Structure of the churchUnity/Structure of the church

3.3. Obedience to BishopsObedience to Bishops

4.4. His impending deathHis impending death

1.1. Struggle against false teachersStruggle against false teachers

2.2. Unity/Structure of the churchUnity/Structure of the church

3.3. Obedience to BishopsObedience to Bishops

4.4. His impending deathHis impending death

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 Wrote a letter to the Philippian ChurchChurch

• 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 Wrote a letter to the Philippian ChurchChurch

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

Age of Catholic Christianity II Age of Catholic Christianity II 70-312 AD70-312 AD

Age of Catholic Christianity II Age of Catholic Christianity II 70-312 AD70-312 AD

PersecutionPersecutionPersecutionPersecution

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

Reasons for Christian PersecutionReasons for Christian PersecutionReasons for Christian PersecutionReasons for Christian Persecution

1.1. Jewish FearsJewish Fears

2.2. Roman PoliticsRoman Politics

3.3. Social Reasons Social Reasons

4.4. Economic ReasonsEconomic Reasons

5.5. Religious ReasonsReligious Reasons

1.1. Jewish FearsJewish Fears

2.2. Roman PoliticsRoman Politics

3.3. Social Reasons Social Reasons

4.4. Economic ReasonsEconomic Reasons

5.5. Religious ReasonsReligious Reasons

The Early PersecutionsThe Early Persecutions64-100 AD64-100 AD

The Early PersecutionsThe Early Persecutions64-100 AD64-100 AD

• Burning of RomeBurning of Rome

• Christian torchesChristian torches

• Peter and Paul executedPeter and Paul executed

• Burning of RomeBurning of Rome

• Christian torchesChristian torches

• Peter and Paul executedPeter and Paul executed

Nero 64-68 ADNero 64-68 ADNero 64-68 ADNero 64-68 AD

Official PersecutionOfficial Persecution

• 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 303 Complete and systematic persecution of Christianity, the worst yet experiencedof Christianity, the worst yet experienced

• Persecution targeted the church Persecution targeted the church infrastructureinfrastructure

Diocletian 284-305Diocletian 284-305

Official PersecutionOfficial Persecution

• Prime force behind Diocletian Prime force behind Diocletian persecutionspersecutions

• Ruled half of the Empire, under Ruled half of the Empire, under DiocletianDiocletian

• Issued an edict requiring all men women Issued an edict requiring all men women and children to sacrifice to the gods, and and children to sacrifice to the gods, and all food in the markets to be sprinkled all food in the markets to be sprinkled with sacrificial wine.with sacrificial wine.

GaleriusGalerius

*Positive Effects of Persecution

• ““Blood of the martyrs is the seed of Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” – Tertullianthe Church” – Tertullian

• Purification of the churchPurification of the church

• Spreading of the gospelSpreading of the gospel

• Canonization of scriptureCanonization of scripture

• 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. The overemphasis on martyrdomThe overemphasis on martyrdom

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

Age of Catholic Christianity IIIAge of Catholic Christianity IIIAge of Catholic Christianity IIIAge of Catholic Christianity III

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

Requirements for CanonizationRequirements for Canonization

1.1. Power over lives of peoplePower over lives of people

2.2. Must be used in WorshipMust be used in Worship

3.3. Direct connection to apostleDirect connection to apostle

4.4. Written in or around PalestineWritten in or around Palestine

Marcion c.110-160Marcion c.110-160

• HereticHeretic

• Son of a bishopSon of a bishop

• Excommunicated for heresy, contempt of Excommunicated for heresy, contempt of authority and maybe seducing a virginauthority and maybe seducing a virgin

• Studied under the Gnostic CerdoStudied under the Gnostic Cerdo

• Wrote Wrote AntithesisAntithesis

• Met PolycarpMet Polycarp

Marcion’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 a Wrote an 11 book Canon including a mangled Luke and 11 of Paul’s mangled Luke and 11 of Paul’s epistlesepistles

Mani 215-277Mani 215-277• Most influential GnosticMost influential Gnostic

• Persian philosopherPersian philosopher

• Systematized ManichSystematized Manichæism æism creating a long lasting systemcreating a long lasting system

• Martyred in Persia 277ADMartyred in Persia 277AD

Beliefs of Manichæism

1.1. Signaculum Oris – Purity in word and dietSignaculum Oris – Purity in word and diet

2.2. Signaculum manuum – Renunciation of Signaculum manuum – Renunciation of material pursuitsmaterial pursuits

3.3. Signaculum sinus – celibacySignaculum sinus – celibacy

4.4. 2 classes – “Perfect” and “Hearers”2 classes – “Perfect” and “Hearers”

5.5. 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

• Somnambulistic EcstasiesSomnambulistic Ecstasies

• Inspired organ of the ParacleteInspired organ of the Paraclete

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

Montanists, Phrygians, and Montanists, Phrygians, and CataphrygiansCataphrygians

1.1. The Pneumatics “Spiritual Christians”The Pneumatics “Spiritual Christians”

2.2. Combated GnosticismCombated Gnosticism

3.3. AsceticismAsceticism

4.4. No forgiveness for mortal sin post-baptismNo forgiveness for mortal sin post-baptism

5.5. Miraculous Gifts - especially prophecyMiraculous Gifts - especially prophecy

6.6. Universal PriesthoodUniversal Priesthood

7.7. MillenarianismMillenarianism

Quintus Septimius Florens TertullianusQuintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus

Tertullian c.155-230Tertullian c.155-230

• Born in CarthageBorn in Carthage

• Married and CelibateMarried and Celibate

• Eminent Theologian/ApologistEminent Theologian/Apologist

• 11stst to use term Trinity to use term Trinity

• Wrote Wrote ApologeticusApologeticus

• Attacked GnosticsAttacked Gnostics

• Became a MontanistBecame a Montanist

IrenIrenæus c.130-202æus c.130-202

• Disciple of PolycarpDisciple of Polycarp

• 11stst to use the entire New Testament to use the entire New Testament

• The enemy of error and schismThe enemy of error and schism

• 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

Age of the Christian Roman Age of the Christian Roman Empire IEmpire I

Age of the Christian Roman Age of the Christian Roman Empire IEmpire I

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

Happen to ChristianityHappen to Christianity

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

Happen to ChristianityHappen to Christianity

AKAAKA

Caius Flavius Valerius Caius Flavius Valerius Aurelius Claudius Aurelius Claudius

Constantius MagnusConstantius Magnus

Effects of Constantine WinningEffects of Constantine Winning

• Edict of Toleration with Co-Regent LiciniusEdict of Toleration with Co-Regent Licinius• 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

Positive Effects of the Positive Effects of the Christiainized Roman EmpireChristiainized Roman Empire

Positive Effects of the Positive Effects of the Christiainized Roman EmpireChristiainized Roman Empire

1.1. Increased respect for womenIncreased respect for women

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

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 slaves/freedom Better treatment of slaves/freedom for Christian slavesfor Christian slaves

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 Empire

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

2.2. Interference of government with Interference of government with Church affairsChurch affairs

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 affairsChurch affairs

3.3. Weakening of the faith Weakening of the faith

4.4. Persecution of Pagans/HereticsPersecution of Pagans/Heretics