The Origins of Christianity

The Origins of Christianity

Overview (30 to 100 C.E.)

  • The period marks the formation and spread of Christianity.

  • Significant events include the life of Jesus, the early Church's establishment, and the transformation of followers into healers and communicators of Jesus’s messages.

How the World's Largest Religion Began

  • Christianity emerged from Judaism in the 1st century C.E.

  • Follows the teachings and life events of Jesus of Nazareth.

Who is the Founder?

  • Jesus of Nazareth (Jesus Christ) is recognized as the founder of Christianity.

  • The title Christ is from the Greek word meaning Messiah, indicating Jesus as the anointed one.

  • Kings in ancient Israel were anointed, symbolizing their divine approval to lead.

The Incarnation

  • The Incarnation refers to the birth of Jesus, meaning "to become flesh".

  • Represents the second person of the Trinity (the Son) taking on human form.

The Hypostatic Union

  • Hypostatic Union describes Jesus's dual nature: fully human and fully divine.

  • This unique combination allowed Jesus to serve as a mediator between humanity and God due to his perfect sacrifice on the cross.

The Importance of Pentecost

  • Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Church, occurring 50 days after Jesus' resurrection.

  • The event involved the Apostles receiving the Holy Spirit, completing their commissioning to spread Jesus's teachings.

The Spread of Christianity

  • Evangelization by the Apostles and disciples contributed to the rapid spread of Christianity beyond Judea.

  • Most apostles faced martyrdom, indicating the dangers and sacrifices accompanying their mission.

  • Christianity expanded from Jerusalem through Judea, Samaria, and into the Mediterranean cities, including Rome.

The Apostles

  • After Pentecost, Apostles chose destinations to spread their message, reflecting the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19.

  • Crucifixion of Saint Andrew symbolizes the early oppression and martyrdom faced by the leaders.

St. Peter

  • Selected by Jesus as the leader of the Church (Matthew 16:18).

  • Initially traveled to Antioch, Corinth, and later to Rome, where he established the Christian Church.

  • Became the first bishop of Rome and ultimately martyred under Emperor Nero, crucified upside down.

The Importance of Saint Paul

  • Saint Paul (formerly Saul) was not one of the original twelve Apostles; he never met Jesus while he was alive.

  • Originally a Jewish persecutor of Christians, his mission was to eliminate Christianity.

  • Witnessed the stoning of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Paul's Conversion

  • Converted on the road to Damascus when a blinding light revealed Jesus' presence to him.

  • Following his baptism, he began preaching the Good News and formed Christian communities.

  • Significant contributions documented in the Acts of the Apostles and his epistles, addressing day-to-day church matters.

Problems in the Early Church

  • Early Church struggled with issues regarding the integration of Jewish law for converts.

  • The Council of Jerusalem decided in favor of easing the burden on Gentile converts, allowing them freedom from certain Jewish laws (circumcision, dietary restrictions).

The Travels of St. Paul

  • Paul traveled extensively, earning the title Apostle to the Gentiles.

  • His missionary efforts yielded numerous conversions and churches.

  • Suffered persecution, imprisonment, and eventually martyred in Rome alongside St. Peter during Nero's reign.

  • St. Peter established Rome's church leadership, leading to recognition of the Roman bishop (Pope) as the Church's guiding figure.

70 CE - An Important Date for Christians

  • The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE marked a significant turning point.

  • Post-destruction, tensions between Christians and Jews escalated, resulting in a clearer theological division.

  • Christians began to distance themselves from Judaism focusing on their identity as a separate faith.

The Gospels

  • Between 70-100 C.E., key New Testament texts were authored, including the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John.

  • The Gospel of Mark was the earliest written (66-70 C.E.).

Conclusion

  • The period from 30 to 100 C.E. was crucial for Christianity's development from a local movement to a major world religion.