Early Church History
The formative years of Christianity from the apostolic period through the early church fathers (1st-3rd centuries)
Locale: en
Key Characteristics
- •Rapid growth from small Jewish sect to major religious movement
- •Persecution and martyrdom as defining experiences
- •Development of church structure and hierarchy
- •Formation of New Testament canon
- •Emergence of Christian theology and apologetics
Major Challenges
- •Roman persecution and martyrdom
- •Gnostic heresies and theological disputes
- •Separation from Judaism and identity formation
- •Integration of Gentile converts
- •Establishment of orthodox doctrine
Apostolic Period (30-100 CE)
30 CE
The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles, marking the birth of the Christian church
Significance:
Foundation of Christian community and mission
c. 50 CE
First church council addressing Gentile conversion and Jewish law requirements
Significance:
Established Gentile Christianity and church decision-making process
45-60 CE
Three major missionary journeys establishing churches throughout the Mediterranean
Significance:
Spread of Christianity to Gentile world and theological development
70 CE
Roman destruction of the Second Temple, ending Jewish sacrificial system
Significance:
Separation of Christianity from Judaism and shift to Gentile focus
Post-Apostolic Period (100-200 CE)
98-117 CE
Systematic persecution of Christians, including Ignatius' martyrdom
Significance:
Strengthened Christian identity and martyrdom theology
100-150 CE
Development of episcopal hierarchy and church offices
Significance:
Establishment of organized church governance
120-180 CE
Rise of Gnostic sects challenging orthodox Christianity
Significance:
Led to canon formation and creedal development
150-200 CE
Charismatic movement emphasizing prophecy and strict morality
Significance:
Influenced early Christian spirituality and eschatology
Age of Apologists (150-250 CE)
150-165 CE
Defense of Christianity to Roman authorities and Jewish critics
Significance:
First systematic Christian apologetics and philosophy integration
180 CE
Comprehensive refutation of Gnosticism and defense of orthodoxy
Significance:
Established apostolic succession and canon authority
190-220 CE
Development of Latin Christian theology and terminology
Significance:
Foundation of Western Christian thought and language
150-215 CE
Integration of Greek philosophy with Christian theology
Significance:
Christian humanism and educational approach
c. 1-64 CE
Apostle and First Pope
Major Contributions
- •Leader of the Twelve Apostles
- •First bishop of Rome
- •Key figure in early church leadership
- •Bridge between Jewish and Gentile Christianity
Key Writings
- •First Epistle of Peter
- •Second Epistle of Peter (disputed)
Historical Significance:
Considered the foundation of the church and first pope in Catholic tradition
c. 5-67 CE
Apostle to the Gentiles
Major Contributions
- •Missionary journeys throughout Mediterranean
- •Theological development of grace and faith
- •Establishment of Gentile churches
- •Bridge between Jewish and Gentile Christianity
Key Writings
- •Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians
- •Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians
- •1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
Historical Significance:
Most influential figure in early Christianity after Jesus, shaped Christian theology
c. 35-108 CE
Bishop and Martyr
Major Contributions
- •Early church structure and hierarchy
- •Eucharistic theology
- •Unity of the church
- •Martyrdom theology
Key Writings
- •Epistle to the Ephesians
- •Epistle to the Magnesians
- •Epistle to the Trallians
- •Epistle to the Romans
Historical Significance:
Key figure in establishing episcopal structure and sacramental theology
c. 100-165 CE
Apologist and Philosopher
Major Contributions
- •Christian apologetics
- •Integration of Greek philosophy with Christianity
- •Defense of Christian practices
- •Logos theology
Key Writings
- •First Apology
- •Second Apology
- •Dialogue with Trypho
Historical Significance:
First major Christian apologist, bridge between philosophy and theology
c. 130-202 CE
Bishop and Theologian
Major Contributions
- •Refutation of Gnosticism
- •Apostolic succession doctrine
- •Canon development
- •Recapitulation theory
Key Writings
- •Against Heresies (Adversus Haereses)
- •Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching
Historical Significance:
First systematic theologian, defender of orthodoxy against Gnosticism
c. 155-240 CE
Theologian and Apologist
Major Contributions
- •Latin Christian theology
- •Trinity terminology
- •Christian ethics and morality
- •Montanist movement
Key Writings
- •Apologeticus
- •De Praescriptione Haereticorum
- •Adversus Praxeas
- •De Baptismo
Historical Significance:
Father of Latin theology, coined key theological terms
Doctrinal Formation
Christology
Development of understanding of Jesus as both divine and human
Trinity
Emergence of Trinitarian theology and terminology
Salvation
Theology of grace, faith, and redemption
Church Structure
Episcopal Hierarchy
Development of bishop, priest, and deacon offices
Apostolic Succession
Continuity of authority from apostles to bishops
Sacraments
Development of baptism and Eucharist theology