Jesus and the Apostles 6 BC – 70 AD

What is History? Technically it is recorded bias, but to be more specific… 1.Historical Process – What actually happened 2. Historiography – What got written down

Fullness of Time for The Birth of Christ 1.Koine Greek 2.Pax Romana 3.Roman Roads 4.Special status of Jews in Rome 5.Peak and failure of Philosophy But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. - Galatians 4:4-5 KJV

Pentecost: The Birth of the Church And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (Act 2:1-3)

Catholic?

Types of Church Fathers 1.Apostolic Fathers (c ) 2.Apologists (c. 140–200) 3.Polemicists (c. 180–225) 4.Scientific Theologians (c. 225– 460) 1.Apostolic Fathers (c ) 2.Apologists (c. 140–200) 3.Polemicists (c. 180–225) 4.Scientific Theologians (c. 225– 460)

The Apostolic Fathers Took over after the apostles in founding the early churchTook over after the apostles in founding the early church Most of their early lives are unknown as only the Christian life was important to themMost of their early lives are unknown as only the 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 grew as ChristiansStayed primarily in the locale in which they grew as Christians Were godly men of good repute (1 Tim 3)Were godly men of good repute (1 Tim 3)

The Bishop? The early church bishop was different from the modern concept of bishopThe early church bishop was different from the modern concept of bishop No clear definition has lead to much disputeNo clear definition has lead to much dispute In short they ran the local church in a semi-authoritarian mannerIn short they ran the local church in a semi-authoritarian manner

Clement of Rome

Little is known of his early life, but he was well educated particularly in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)Little is known of his early life, but he was well educated particularly in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) Became “the” or at least one of the bishop(s) of RomeBecame “the” or at least one of the bishop(s) of Rome Is considered the 4 th pope in the Roman Catholic ChurchIs considered the 4 th pope in the Roman Catholic Church Wrote the nearly Canonical I ClementWrote the nearly Canonical I Clement Was probably martyred but the manner in which it occurred is unclearWas probably martyred but the manner in which it occurred is unclear Little is known of his early life, but he was well educated particularly in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)Little is known of his early life, but he was well educated particularly in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) Became “the” or at least one of the bishop(s) of RomeBecame “the” or at least one of the bishop(s) of Rome Is considered the 4 th pope in the Roman Catholic ChurchIs considered the 4 th pope in the Roman Catholic Church Wrote the nearly Canonical I ClementWrote the nearly Canonical I Clement Was probably martyred but the manner in which it occurred is unclearWas probably martyred but the manner in which it occurred is unclear

Clement of Rome I Clement –Cease rebelling –Come under elders authority –Exhortation to love, penitence and humility –Apostolic succession –Desire for unity in the church –Talks of Peter and Paul's martyrdom I Clement –Cease rebelling –Come under elders authority –Exhortation to love, penitence and humility –Apostolic succession –Desire for unity in the church –Talks of Peter and Paul's martyrdom

Ignatius of Antioch Only seen at the end of his lifeOnly seen at the end of his life Was one of the earliest if not the leader of the church in AntiochWas one of the earliest if not the leader of the church in Antioch Arrested and taken to Rome to be martyred for ChristArrested and taken to Rome to be martyred 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 of the church in AntiochWas one of the earliest if not the leader of the church in Antioch Arrested and taken to Rome to be martyred for ChristArrested and taken to Rome to be martyred for Christ Wrote 7 letters while traveling to RomeWrote 7 letters while traveling to Rome Martyred c. 110AD Martyred c. 110AD

Ignatius of Antioch EphesusEphesus MagnesiaMagnesia TrallesTralles RomansRomans PhiladelphiansPhiladelphians SmyrneansSmyrneans To PolycarpTo Polycarp EphesusEphesus MagnesiaMagnesia TrallesTralles RomansRomans PhiladelphiansPhiladelphians SmyrneansSmyrneans To PolycarpTo Polycarp His Seven Letters

Ignatius of Antioch 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 the pro-hierarchical views and the Episcopal supremacy 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 the pro-hierarchical views and the Episcopal supremacy found in his letters Key Foci of His Writings

PolycarpPolycarp 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 pastoralWas simple, loving, humble and pastoral 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 pastoralWas simple, loving, humble and pastoral Martyred Feb. 22, c.155ADMartyred Feb. 22, c.155AD

Didache (The Teaching) “The Teaching of the Apostles”“The Teaching of the Apostles” 2 Parts2 Parts –The “Two Ways” Life v. Death –Manual 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. Death –Manual of church order and practice BaptismBaptism The EucharistThe Eucharist PrayerPrayer Discerning of False TeachersDiscerning of False Teachers

The Spread of Christianity 1.God 2.Burning Conviction 3.Need in the hearts of people 4.Love for one another 5.Persecution 1.God 2.Burning Conviction 3.Need in the hearts of people 4.Love for one another 5.Persecution

Martyrdom The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church -Tertullian -Tertullian Martyr - Witness

Reasons for Christian Persecution 1.Jewish Fears Loss of membership in SynagogueLoss of membership in Synagogue Loss of privileged status with RomeLoss of privileged status with Rome Zealots disliked lack of nationalismZealots disliked lack of nationalism 1.Jewish Fears Loss of membership in SynagogueLoss of membership in Synagogue Loss of privileged status with RomeLoss of privileged status with Rome Zealots disliked lack of nationalismZealots disliked lack of nationalism

Reasons for Christian Persecution 2.Roman Politics Christians believed in an incoming kingdom with Christ, not the emperor, as its headChristians believed in an incoming kingdom with Christ, not the emperor, as its head Union of state and religion excluded Christians from political customsUnion of state and religion excluded Christians from political customs 2.Roman Politics Christians believed in an incoming kingdom with Christ, not the emperor, as its headChristians believed in an incoming kingdom with Christ, not the emperor, as its head Union of state and religion excluded Christians from political customsUnion of state and religion excluded Christians from political customs

Reasons for Christian Persecution 3.Social Reasons Refusal to engage in sporting/theatrical eventsRefusal to engage in sporting/theatrical events Condemnation of the gladiatorial gamesCondemnation of the gladiatorial games Christianity gave status to slaves and womenChristianity gave status to slaves and women 3.Social Reasons Refusal to engage in sporting/theatrical eventsRefusal to engage in sporting/theatrical events Condemnation of the gladiatorial gamesCondemnation of the gladiatorial games Christianity gave status to slaves and womenChristianity gave status to slaves and women

Reasons for Christian Persecution 4.Economic Reasons Loss of profit for idol makers/pagan templesLoss of profit for idol makers/pagan temples Christians were scapegoatsChristians were scapegoats 4.Economic Reasons Loss of profit for idol makers/pagan templesLoss of profit for idol makers/pagan temples Christians were scapegoatsChristians were scapegoats

Reasons for Christian Persecution 5.Religious Reasons Christianity is Monotheist and exclusiveChristianity is Monotheist and exclusive 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.Religious Reasons Christianity is Monotheist and exclusiveChristianity is Monotheist and exclusive 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 Persecutions AD Nero AD Nero liked to play dress-up, the lyre, sing, act, and get crazyNero liked to play dress-up, the lyre, 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 lyre, sing, act, and get crazyNero liked to play dress-up, the lyre, 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

The Early Persecutions AD Destruction 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 Jerusalem, was victorious and the temple was burned to the ground.Despite disruptions, Titus lead the assault on Jerusalem, was victorious and the temple was burned to the ground. The loss of Jerusalem separated Christian from Jew and forced Christianity to de- emphasize Jerusalem and look elsewhere for leadershipThe loss of Jerusalem separated Christian from Jew and forced Christianity to de- emphasize Jerusalem and look elsewhere for leadership

Official Persecution Diocletian Christians had a respite Christians had a respite Diocletian, a previously neutral emperor, writes 3 edicts calling for persecutionDiocletian, a previously neutral emperor, writes 3 edicts calling for persecution 303 Complete and systematic persecution of Christianity, the worst yet experienced303 Complete and systematic persecution of Christianity, the worst yet experienced Persecution targeted the church infrastructure: buildings, bishops, and booksPersecution targeted the church infrastructure: buildings, bishops, and books

Official Persecution Galerius Prime force behind Diocletian persecutionsPrime force behind Diocletian persecutions Ruled half of the Empire along with his nephew Maximin Daza, both under DiocletianRuled half of the Empire along with his nephew Maximin Daza, both under Diocletian Issued an edict requiring all men women and children to sacrifice to the gods, and all food in the markets to be sprinkled with sacrificial wine.Issued an edict requiring all men women and children to sacrifice to the gods, and all food in the markets to be sprinkled with sacrificial wine. Edict forced Christians to convert, die, or compromiseEdict forced Christians to convert, die, or compromise

Positive Effects of Persecution 1.“Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” – Tertullian 2.Purification of the church 3.Spreading of the gospel 4.Canonization of scripture 5.Provided Apologia for the faith

Negative Effects of Persecution 1.People got dead 2.The problem of the lapsed 3.Creation of the Cult of the Martyrs 4.Lack of ability to leave a literary legacy

Age of Catholic Christianity III Heresy-Orthodoxy-The Canon

Gnosticism Stemmed from the Greek word γνώσις knowledgeStemmed from the Greek word γνώσις - knowledge 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, but most kept three main pointsThere were many different forms of Gnosticism, but most kept three main points 1.Dualism – The eternal battle of Light v. Dark, Good v. Evil. usu. They are equal and opposite 2.Demiurgic notion – The separation of the creator of the world (demiurgos) from the proper God 3.Docetism – the belief that the human element in the person of the redeemer was an illusion

Marcion c HereticHeretic Son of a bishopSon of a bishop Excommunicated for heresy, contempt of authority and maybe seducing a virginExcommunicated for heresy, contempt of authority and maybe seducing a virgin Studied under the Gnostic CerdoStudied under the Gnostic Cerdo Wrote AntithesisWrote Antithesis Met PolycarpMet Polycarp

Marcion’s Beliefs 1.OT God and Jews were Evil 2.NT God gracious and good 3.Wrote an 11 book Canon including a mangled Luke and 10 of Paul’s epistles

Mani Persian philosopher who began preaching his own religion, originally well received he fell out of favor and fled to India and ChinaPersian philosopher who began preaching his own religion, originally well received he fell out of favor and fled to India and China Wrote several works in Persian, Syriac and a language of his own inventionWrote several works in Persian, Syriac and a language of his own invention Systematized Manichæism including Buddha, whom he discovered while in exileSystematized Manichæism including Buddha, whom he discovered while in exile Returned to Persia, but was convicted of corrupting the old religion and was martyred in 277A.D.Returned to Persia, but was convicted of corrupting the old religion and was martyred in 277A.D.

Beliefs of Manichæism Signaculum Oris – Purity in word and dietSignaculum Oris – Purity in word and diet Signaculum manuum – Renunciation of material pursuitsSignaculum manuum – Renunciation of material 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 Mid-Late 2 nd Century Heterodox - Semi HereticHeterodox - Semi Heretic From Asia MinorFrom Asia Minor Began as a reaction to Gnostic excess, Montanus desired true Christian purity in lifeBegan as a reaction to Gnostic excess, Montanus desired true Christian purity in life Somnambulistic EcstasiesSomnambulistic Ecstasies Inspired organ of the Paraclete the helper and comforter in the time of distressInspired organ of the Paraclete the helper and comforter in the time of distress Had 2 main Prophetesses Priscilla & MaximillaHad 2 main Prophetesses Priscilla & Maximilla

Montanists, Phrygians, and Cataphrygians 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 Tertullianus Tertullian c Born in Carthage to a Captain of the Roman Legion stationed thereBorn in Carthage to a Captain of the Roman Legion stationed there Was well educated and traveled, but lived a life of debauchery until he was 30 or 40Was well educated and traveled, but lived a life of debauchery until he was 30 or 40 After conversion he dedicated his life to defending ChristianityAfter conversion he dedicated his life to defending 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 Tertullianus Tertullian c st to use term Trinity1 st to use term Trinity Wrote Apologeticus during the reign of the Emperor Septimius SeverusWrote Apologeticus during the reign of the Emperor Septimius Severus Attacked GnosticsAttacked Gnostics Became a Montanist because he was attracted by their purity and was distressed by the lack of purity in the catholic churchBecame a Montanist because he was attracted by their purity and was distressed by the lack of purity in the catholic church

Irenæus c Name means peacefulName means peaceful Born in Smyrna, and was discipled by Polycarp during his youth/young manhoodBorn in Smyrna, and was discipled by Polycarp during his youth/young manhood Began his Christian journey as a missionary then later became the bishop of LyonsBegan his Christian journey as a missionary then later became the bishop of Lyons 1 st to quote the entire NT authoritatively1 st to quote the entire NT authoritatively “The enemy of error and schism” Like Polycarp he was gentle, pastoral, and humble“The enemy of error and schism” Like Polycarp he was gentle, pastoral, and humble Anti-Gnostic – He wrote a 5 volume Refutation of GnosticismAnti-Gnostic – He wrote a 5 volume Refutation of Gnosticism

Origenes Adamantius Origen c Studied under any and everyone even hereticsStudied under any and everyone even heretics 3 level method of scripture interpretation: literal, moral, and spiritual3 level method of scripture interpretation: literal, moral, and spiritual The 3 rd leader of the Alexandrian School from The 3 rd leader of the Alexandrian School from Started his own school in CæsareaStarted his own school in Cæsarea Very, Very, VERY AsceticVery, Very, VERY Ascetic Tortured under Decius then died after releaseTortured under Decius then died after release

Requirements for Canonization 1.Apostolic Authority 2.Antiquity 3.Orthodoxy 4.Catholicity 5.Traditional Use 6.Inspiration

Age of the Christian Roman Empire I Constantine The Best and Worst thing ever to Happen to Christianity Constantine

AKA Caius Flavius Valerius Aurelius Claudius Constantius Magnus

Constantine’s Early Life Son of Co-Emperor Constantius Chlorus and HelenaSon of Co-Emperor Constantius Chlorus and Helena Served under Diocletian during the Egyptian and Persian WarsServed under Diocletian during the Egyptian and Persian Wars Returned to father in Gaul to become EmperorReturned to father in Gaul to become Emperor Son of Co-Emperor Constantius Chlorus and HelenaSon of Co-Emperor Constantius Chlorus and Helena Served under Diocletian during the Egyptian and Persian WarsServed under Diocletian during the Egyptian and Persian Wars Returned to father in Gaul to become EmperorReturned to father in Gaul to become Emperor

Constantine’s Conquest Maximian Herculius father of MaxentiusMaximian Herculius father of Maxentius Galerius DiesGalerius Dies Maxentius now “Co” Emperor with ConstantineMaxentius now “Co” Emperor with Constantine Battle of Milvian BridgeBattle of Milvian Bridge Maximian Herculius father of MaxentiusMaximian Herculius father of Maxentius Galerius DiesGalerius Dies Maxentius now “Co” Emperor with ConstantineMaxentius now “Co” Emperor with Constantine Battle of Milvian BridgeBattle of Milvian Bridge

Tuto Nike Hoc Vince Constantine’s Vision Actual AppearanceActual Appearance Pious FraudPious Fraud IllusionIllusion There are no miracles, just pretty cloudsThere are no miracles, just pretty clouds DreamDream Actual AppearanceActual Appearance Pious FraudPious Fraud IllusionIllusion There are no miracles, just pretty cloudsThere are no miracles, just pretty clouds DreamDream

Effects of Constantine Winning Edict of Toleration with Co-Regent LiciniusEdict of Toleration with Co-Regent Licinius Christian clergy exempt from military/municipal dutyChristian clergy exempt from military/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 Constantine Warred against his brother in law Licinius defeating him in 324Warred against his brother in law Licinius defeating him in 324 Violates promise of mercy and executes Licinius and 11 year old son LiciniusViolates promise of mercy and executes Licinius and 11 year old son Licinius Executes Crispus his eldest son for treason as well as commiting incest with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife)Executes Crispus his eldest son for treason as well as commiting incest with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife) Warred against his brother in law Licinius defeating him in 324Warred against his brother in law Licinius defeating him in 324 Violates promise of mercy and executes Licinius and 11 year old son LiciniusViolates promise of mercy and executes Licinius and 11 year old son Licinius Executes Crispus his eldest son for treason as well as commiting incest with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife)Executes Crispus his eldest son for treason as well as commiting incest with Fausta (Constantine’s Wife)

Move to Byzantium 330AD Byzantium is renamed ConstantinopleByzantium is renamed Constantinople Many Churches builtMany Churches built Idols eliminated (modified)Idols eliminated (modified) 60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine Byzantium is renamed ConstantinopleByzantium is renamed Constantinople Many Churches builtMany Churches built Idols eliminated (modified)Idols eliminated (modified) 60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine60 ft. Statue ApollosChristConstantine

End of Constantine Deathbed baptism, performed by the semi-Arian bishop Eusebius of NicomediaDeathbed baptism, performed by the semi-Arian bishop Eusebius of Nicomedia Baptized declaring “Now let us cast away all duplicity”Baptized declaring “Now let us cast away all duplicity” Wore only baptism robes until death a few days later, on Pentecost, May, 22, 337Wore only baptism robes until death a few days later, on Pentecost, May, 22, 337

Post Constantine Empire is Divided between his 3 sons Constantine II, Constans, and ConstantiusEmpire is Divided between his 3 sons Constantine II, Constans, and Constantius Not very Christian boysNot very Christian boys Constans killed Con II, then was in turn killed by the barbarian MagnetiusConstans killed Con II, then was in turn killed by the barbarian Magnetius Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. A weak ruler who died a natural death.Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. A weak ruler who died a natural death. Empire is Divided between his 3 sons Constantine II, Constans, and ConstantiusEmpire is Divided between his 3 sons Constantine II, Constans, and Constantius Not very Christian boysNot very Christian boys Constans killed Con II, then was in turn killed by the barbarian MagnetiusConstans killed Con II, then was in turn killed by the barbarian Magnetius Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. A weak ruler who died a natural death.Constantius defeated Magnetius’ army, resulting in Magnetus committing suicide, becoming the sole Emperor of the Rome. A weak ruler who died a natural death.

Theodosius the Great The true beginning of the Christianized EmperorsThe true beginning of the Christianized Emperors Chastized by Ambrose for massacreChastized by Ambrose for massacre Intiated the final suppression of PaganismIntiated the final suppression of Paganism 391 banned under heavy fine the visiting of Pagan temples for religious purposes391 banned under heavy fine the visiting of Pagan temples for religious purposes Without state support of approval Paganism collapsed as a systemWithout state support of approval Paganism collapsed as a system

Positive Effects of the Christianized Roman Empire 1.Increased respect for women 2.Better treatment of slaves/freedom for Christian slaves 3.Gladiator games slowed if not stopped 4.More justice in Roman legislation 5.Missionary work accelerated 1.Increased respect for women 2.Better treatment of slaves/freedom for Christian slaves 3.Gladiator games slowed if not stopped 4.More justice in Roman legislation 5.Missionary work accelerated

Negative Effects of the Christianized Roman Empire 1.Pseudo-Conversion to maintain power 2.Interference of government with Church affairs and vice versa 3.Weakening of the faith 4.Persecution of Pagans/Heretics 1.Pseudo-Conversion to maintain power 2.Interference of government with Church affairs and vice versa 3.Weakening of the faith 4.Persecution of Pagans/Heretics