Overview and Beginnings, 5 BC through AD 100
Course Overview
The course, led by adjunct professor Phil Core, aims to explore the work of the Holy Spirit throughout the church age from its inception until A.D. 1500. Students will delve into the church's growth often amidst persecution, examining theological boundaries of orthodoxy and heterodoxy. Core's Golden Rule of History emphasizes the importance of judging historical figures with the understanding we hope to receive from future generations. The focus will be on reaching a broad understanding of the themes in church history rather than merely memorizing key dates.
Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to prepare through required readings before each class, watch lectures, and attend gatherings in Seattle. The lectures are divided into three periods: 1) Beginnings through the Fall of Rome, 2) the Middle Ages, and 3) the Renaissance and the Reformation. Additionally, students will submit five reflection papers, discussing the essential elements of lectures while applying the materials to their contemporary lives.
Lecture One: Beginnings Through the Fall of Rome
The first lecture covers an overview of church history, focusing on the time from 5 B.C. to A.D. 100—highlighting events centered around Jesus and the early church. Core draws upon Jesus's declaration of Peter's role in establishing the church and the different interpretations of this passage by various Christian denominations.
The Life of Jesus and Early Church
Significance of Jesus: Core emphasizes that church history revolves around Jesus, referring to First Peter's depiction of Him as the firm foundation. Jesus is characterized as fully divine and fully human, whose existence predates human history.
The Gospels: The Gospel accounts were written before the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, with Core asserting that the letter to the Hebrews was also penned before this event, providing context for the early Christian church.
Understanding of Time and Events
Core discusses the chronology of Jesus's life, estimating his birth around 5 B.C. and suggesting that he began his ministry around A.D. 24, marking a significant temporal milestone as we approach the 2000th anniversary of this event in 2024, which serves to illustrate the widespread impact of Jesus's life and teachings.
The Role of the Holy Spirit and Acts
Acts 1:8: Jesus imparts the mission to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, which depicts the importance of the Holy Spirit in the transition from the life of Jesus to the acts of the apostles.
The early church’s expansion is noted, referencing the conversion of influential characters within the context of societal barriers, like the Samaritan woman and the first European convert, Lydia. Core highlights the connections between different regions such as Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the broader world at the time.
The Birth of the Church
Pentecost: The birthday of the church is positioned at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit granted the apostles the ability to preach in various languages. Core connects this event to the continuous spreading of the gospel throughout the known world.
Five Purposes of the Church: Drawing from Acts 2:42-47, Core outlines key functions: worship, service, discipleship, fellowship, and evangelism, describing their essential roles in maintaining and expanding the church's mission.
Historical Context of Paul's Missionary Journeys
Core shares insights on Paul’s dual citizenship and his influence within the Roman Empire, highlighting the significance of Rome's stability (Pax Romana) in the spread of Christianity. Paul's appeal to Caesar illustrates strategic evangelism and the expansion of the early church.
Conclusion of Acts
The lecture concludes with Paul under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28), courageously preaching the kingdom of God. Core encourages students to recognize their engagement in continued church history, referring to it as Acts 29, thus framing their current involvement in ministry and faith as an extension of the apostolic mission.