Church History the Church Fathers the Word & Table through two millennium

Church History the Church Fathers the Word & Table through two millennium

A Timeline of Church History Medieval Church AncientChurch ReformationChurch 2000 ModernChurch ca. 33

Ancient Church Timeline TheologiansApologistsChurchFathersApostles

Developments  “The Way” is established apart from Judaism. Jesus Christ is THE issue. The Apostolic Faith is “Codified.” The Apostolic Faith is “Codified.” Church Traditions Develop –good & bad–Setting things into Motion for Centuries. Church Traditions Develop –good & bad–Setting things into Motion for Centuries. Doctrinal Orthodoxy is Established through a series of Ecumenical Councils. Doctrinal Orthodoxy is Established through a series of Ecumenical Councils. The New Testament is Gathered & Closed. The New Testament is Gathered & Closed. Politics play a Major Role in Church Life, the Foundation for “Christendom.” Politics play a Major Role in Church Life, the Foundation for “Christendom.”

Church’s Cultural Beginnings Politically – Roman Politically – Roman Culturally – Greek Culturally – Greek Religiously - Jewish Religiously - Jewish Surrounding the Early Church

Who Were They? EastPolycarpIgnatiusPapiasBarnabas II Clement Diognetus Ancient Church Developments West Clement of Rome Hermas

Ancient Church Developments What Were They Like?  Sold out for Jesus ~ The Whole Church Was  Like the Apostles, they wrote “Epistles,” but their works were neither weighty with grand themes –nor- reflected superior writing ability.  Very Pastoral ~ they cared Deeply for One Another & the World Around them.

What Did They Write?  Epistolary Literature : I & II Clement of Rome to the Corinthians, Ignatius to Antioch, Polycarp to the Philippians, The Epistle of Barnabas, Shepherd of Hermas, Epistle to Diognetus  The Didache – Teaching of the Twelve Apostles  The Old Testament was Authoritative, Jesus & the NT Writers Occupied a “High Place.” Ancient Church Developments

What Did They Believe?  In the Absence of Threatening Doctrines there was No Systematized Teaching.  Salvation Came from God through Christ to the Apostles then to the Church.  They Used Trinitarian Formula, but Generated no Clear Ideas on How the Members Related.  Very Anti-Docetic! Beginnings of Christology. Ancient Church Developments

What Challenges Did They Face?  Charges of “Atheism”  Accusations of Immorality!  Sporadic & Intense Persecution Ancient Church Developments

Developments What Can We Learn From Them?  Everyday Faithfulness has a Huge Impact!  Social Concern is Always Attractive.  Fervor & Passion Seem to Trump Brilliance.  You Do Not Need Positions of Power to Change the World.  Dependence upon the L ORD in Prayer.

Church History the Church Fathers the Word & Table through two millennium