Disciples Martyrs and Witnesses to the Faith

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Definitions:

What is A Disciple?

A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, is transformed by Jesus, and is proclaiming His greatness to the world around them (A student Of Jesus Christ).

What Is A Martyr?

A Martyr is a person who died or was killed for their faith in their religion.

What Is A Witness To Faith?

A witness to faith is what we call a witness of Christ in the world (A strong believer of Christ that follows Him).

The Early Church’s History:

1. The Life of Jesus

2. The Ascension of Jesus

3. Pentecost

4. Spreading of faith from Jerusalem 

5. 1st Martyr (St Stephen)

6. St Paul To Christianity

7. St Paul’s missionary

8. Council Of Jerusalem

9. Formal persecution

10. St Peter and St Paul

11. Writing New Testament

12. Constantine Conversion

13. Edict Of Milian

14. The End

Notes About St Paul:

• At first, Paul tried to turn people away from Jesus (Jail, Beaten up, Killed)

• Jesus talked from the sky to Paul - (A very blind light shined into Paul's eyes and blinded him for three days)

• When Paul could see again he gave his life for God

• Paul spread the word of God    

• Paul got shipwrecked three-time

• Made people give their lives to God

St Paul’s Journeys:

First Journey:

• His shortest journey

• He accompanied by Barnabas

• He was already working with Gentiles and was convinced that all Jews And Gentiles should hear about Jesus.

• He strongly argued for this position at the Council of Jerusalem.

Second Journey:

• Travelled with Silas

• They spent a considerable amount of time in Athens and Corinth

• He went to synagogues to speak to the Jews

• Paul spread the message in lecture halls to all

Third Journey:

• Paul revisited many of the Christian communities

• Travelled by himself

• Paul preached against the worship of false gods

• This enraged many locals

• Paul's preaching was putting locals out of business and there was a riot.

Journey in Roman Empire:

• Inspired to spread the Gospel

• Already working with Gentiles and Jews

• Travelled a lot.

• The problem of robbers when travelling

Summary of St. Paul’s Journeys: 

St Paul’s journey was extremely important because he was able to help people to become close to God and believe in Him. Thus, it has helped spread the Word Of God. Furthermore, this helped Christianity to become the true religion for a disciple of Jesus (His followers). And without St Paul Christianity wouldn’t be as strong as it is now.

 Notes about St Stephen:

• First Martyr

• Got stoned to death

• St Paul (Saul) confirmed St Stephen's death

• Spread the word of God

• Died because Jews made lies about him

• People accused him of saying “He said blemished words about God”

Ways that Christians were persecuted:

• They would usually get martyred to death

• Some ways include:

  • Stoned to death

  • Crucified

  • Death by a sword

• Christians would get sacrificed

• They were tortured

• Some faced jeers and flogging

• Some got chained and put in prison

Reasons why Christians were persecuted:

• They refused to worship the Roman emperor as a god.

• They met in secret and were protective about their worship whereas the worship of Roman gods was very public and out in the open.

• Christians were seen as bad citizens as they would not take part in the Emperor's worship.

How did the persecutions of Christians impact the church:

• Churches would be destroyed which would lead to the rebuilding of Churches

• Strength Of Faith and Community

• More believers would join