Study Notes on Early Christianity

Jesus' Crucifixion and Its Aftermath

Jesus' crucifixion did not end the movement he initiated.
- Close followers of Jesus felt his presence strongly even after his execution.
- They proclaimed that Jesus triumphed over death by rising from his grave.
Followers referred to Jesus as "Christ."
- Definition of "Christ": Means "the anointed one" or savior.
- Believed Christ would bring individuals into the kingdom of God.
Teachings regarding Jesus:
- Jesus is the son of God.
- His sacrifice serves to offset the sins of those who hold faith in him.
- Emphasis on the belief in eternal life:
- Like Jesus, the faithful will survive death.
- They will experience eternal life in the spiritual kingdom of God.
Early Christians' practices and teachings:
- Observance of a demanding moral code.
- Devotion to God was unwavering and uncompromising.
Compilation of writings by early Christians:
- Included accounts of Jesus' life.
- Reports of his followers' works.
- Letters outlining Christian teachings.
- These writings gained recognition as the New Testament.
The New Testament served in conjunction with:
- The Hebrew scriptures of the Jews, which Christians called the Old Testament.
- Together, they constituted the holy book of Christianity.