The First Five Centuries

Spread of Christianity

I. Jesus’ command to go preach II. Acts—a history of the early church

Paul’s 1 st Journey

Paul’s 2 nd Journey

Paul’s 3 rd Journey -MAP Paul’s 3rd Journey

Patristic Period

Consolidation of Christianity I. Alexandria—center of theological education and distinctive theological perspective

II.Antioch—Cappadocia—Turkey— A. It would become a leading center B. Associated with certain types of Christology—”Cappadocian Fathers ”

III.Western north Africa A.Modern Algeria B.Major writers would include Tertullian, Cyprian of Carthage, and Augustine of Hippo

Spread of the Faith I.Second century—growth in Asia Minor II. Third century--Major conversions— Armenians, Latins, North Africa

IV. Persecutions—3 rd -4 th centuries A. Neroian persecution—confined chiefly to Rome B. Decius—250 C. Valerian--257 D. Diocletian—303

Constantine North Park University

I.In 312 Constantine “converted to Christianity II.In 313, Constantine and Licius issued the Edict of Milan— toleration to Christians

III.In 325 he called for the Council at Nicaea IV.Emperor Theodosius (378-95) declared Christianity as the state religion

V.Julian the “apostate” (362-63)— tried to reestablish the old gods

Theological Divisions

I.Donatism—treatment of those who returned to the church II.Arian—nature of Christ III.Pelagian—sin and salvation

Middle Ages