Untitled Flashcards Set

Study Guide – Early Christianity & Church History

Bible

Theophanies (Manifestations of God)

• Genesis 32 – Jacob wrestles with a divine being (God or an angel) before receiving the name Israel.

• Exodus 19 – God’s presence on Mount Sinai with thunder, lightning, and smoke as He gives the Law to Moses.

• Luke 9 (Transfiguration/Tabor) – Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John; Moses and Elijah appear.

• Luke 24 – Jesus appears post-resurrection to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing Himself through Scripture.

Paul’s Letters on the Church – Corinthians

• 1 Corinthians – Addresses church divisions, morality, spiritual gifts, and resurrection.

• 2 Corinthians – Paul defends his apostleship, encourages generosity, and discusses suffering for Christ.

Church Fathers: Origins, Writings, and Deaths

Ignatius of Antioch

• From Syria

• Wrote seven letters emphasizing church unity, hierarchy (bishop, presbyter, deacon), and martyrdom.

• Died as a martyr, devoured by lions in Rome (c. 108 AD).

Irenaeus of Lyon

• From Asia Minor, later Bishop of Lyon

• Wrote “Against Heresies” – refuting Gnosticism and defining Christian doctrine.

• Key Teachings:

  • 5 Marks of the Church – Unity, holiness, catholicity, apostolicity, and endurance.

  • 5 Gnostic Heresies – Gnostics denied the true humanity of Christ, had secret knowledge, and misunderstood creation.

  • Recapitulation Theory – Christ redoes humanity’s history, undoing Adam’s failure.

• Died possibly as a martyr (c. 202 AD).

Origen of Alexandria

• From Alexandria, Egypt

• Wrote Hexapla (Bible comparison), De Principiis (first Christian systematic theology), and Commentaries on Scripture.

• Advocated allegorical interpretation of Scripture.

• Believed Christ is Archē (ἀρχή) – the eternal Word and principle of all creation.

• Died after severe torture, likely in Tyre (c. 253 AD).

Alexander of Alexandria

• From Alexandria, Egypt

• Defended the Trinity against Arius at the Council of Nicaea.

• Mentor to Athanasius.

• Died 328 AD, possibly of natural causes.

Athanasius of Alexandria

• From Alexandria, Egypt

• Wrote “On the Incarnation” – explaining Christ’s divinity.

• Opposed Arianism and defended homoousian (ὁμοούσιον) – Christ as "same essence" as the Father.

• Exiled five times for defending Nicene orthodoxy.

• Died 373 AD (natural causes).

Ignatius’ Categories of Church Leadership

• Bishop (Episkopos) – Supreme leader, unity of the Church.

• Presbyters (Elders/Priests) – Assist the bishop, teach, and shepherd the church.

• Deacons – Serve the community, administer charity, assist bishops and presbyters.

Origen and Christ as Archē (ἀρχή)

• Archē – Means "beginning" or "principle."

• Origen saw Christ as the eternal Logos and the source of all creation.

• Christ is both co-eternal with the Father and the divine wisdom (Sophia).

Patrologia Graeca vs. Patrologia Latina

• Patrologia Graeca (PG) – Collection of Greek writings from early Christian thinkers (Apostolic Fathers, Eastern theologians).

• Patrologia Latina (PL) – Collection of Latin writings (Tertullian, Augustine, Ambrose).

• Both compiled by J.P. Migne (19th century).

Council of Nicaea (325 AD) & Homoousian (ὁμοούσιον)

• Addressed Arianism (denied Christ’s full divinity).

• Declared Christ is of the same essence (homoousios) as the Father.

• Established the Nicene Creed.

Arius & Paul of Samosata – Adoptionism

• Arius – Claimed Christ was created by the Father and not co-eternal.

• Paul of Samosata – Argued Christ was adopted as God’s Son at baptism, not divine by nature.

• Both were condemned as heretics.

Bonus Topic: The "Fish" (Ichthys) Symbol

• ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys) – Greek acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."

• Used as a secret symbol among early Christians.