AncientMiddleEast-Christianity+(1)

Jesus & Christianity

  • Jesus as a Historical Figure

    • Performed miracles, displayed great charisma

    • Seen as a threat to traditional Jewish leadership

  • Influences and Religious Context

    • Key figures: John the Baptist & Essenes

    • Practices include election of priests and voluntary poverty

    • Concepts of Heaven & Hell; spoke Greek

    • Associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls

  • Key Teachings and Events

    • "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." (Matthew 22:21)

    • Pontius Pilate: Roman Prefect responsible for Jesus' execution

    • Apostle Paul: Initially persecuted Jesus' followers; later converted and dedicated to spreading the gospel to Gentiles

    • Issues with circumcision and adherence to Mosaic Law

Emergence of Christianity from Judaism

  • Context of Development

    • Emerged during Roman power's peak; Jewish society divided into groups:

      • Pharisees: strict observers of traditions

      • Sadducees: high priests and aristocrats

      • Zealots: politically active, sought to overthrow Romans

      • Essenes: strict followers of Mosaic Law, skeptical of resurrection

  • Jesus' Impact

    • Challenged Pharisees, called for rapid religious reform

    • Predicts imminent judgment day and promises eternal life

  • Post-Crucifixion Growth

    • Followers viewed Jesus as Messiah and miracle worker

    • Crucifixion did not stop movement; message spread due to compassion and promise of salvation

Jesus’ Life, Teachings, and Disciples

  • Adaptation of Rituals

    • Baptism seen as a modification of a Jewish ritual

    • "Last Supper" as an extension of the Passover meal

Teachings and Worldview Shift

  • Change in Religious Perspective

    • Emphasis on the nearness of "the end of the world"

    • Teachings advised against wealth, highlighting the importance of loving neighbors

    • Predictions of a violent end-world scenario

    • Shifted faith focus towards Heaven rather than earthly matters

Miracles and Resurrection

  • Role of Miracles

    • Miracles attracted followers more than teachings

    • Crucifixion and resurrection seen as the culmination of Jesus' miracles

    • Apostles, especially Paul, organized growth into a broader movement

Early Church Organization

  • Paul the Apostle

    • Transitioned from critic to significant leader

    • Jewish by ethnicity, Roman citizen, Greek in culture

    • He connected Christian communities via letters (Epistles)

    • Developed key theological concepts: original sin and redemption

Growth of the Early Church

  • Christian Calendar and Practices

    • Established sacred calendar with significant days:

      • Christmas: Jesus' birth

      • Easter: Jesus' resurrection

      • Pentecost: Jesus' ascension

    • Changed Sabbath observance from Saturday to Sunday

Geographic Context

  • Overview of Roman Palestine

    • Important locations include:

      • Galilee: Nazareth, Capernaum

      • Judea: Jerusalem, Bethlehem

      • Nearby regions: Phoenicia, Idumea, Arabia

Development of Early Christianity

  • Apostolic and Post-Apostolic Periods

    • Apostolic: Direct leadership by apostles during their lives

    • Post-apostolic: Development of bishops and formal structure following apostolic death

    • End of Roman persecution around AD 313 with Constantine's rise

The Apostolic Community

  • Composition of the Early Church

    • Initially consisted of ethnic Jews and proselytes

    • Important figures: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

    • Intense Jewish conflict arose with martyrdom events (e.g., Stephen, James)

Saint Paul of Tarsus

  • Missionary Journeys

    • Four significant journeys:

      • 1st: 46-48 CE,

      • 2nd: 49-52 CE,

      • 3rd: 53-57 CE,

      • 4th: 59-62 CE

    • Spread the faith across the eastern Mediterranean

The Spread of Christianity

  • Geographical Expansion

    • Key regions impacted include Gallia, Germania, Dacia, Achaia, etc.

Post-Apostolic Church**

  • Development of Church Structure

    • Established hierarchy with bishops, presbyters (elders/priest), and deacons

    • Nicene Creed formalized at A.D. 325 to unify church doctrine

Canon Formation and Recognition

  • New Testament Canon

    • Earliest lists from Athanasius in 367; recognized at African Synod in 393

    • St. Augustine played a key role in defining canon

Constantine and the Council Influence**

  • Milvian Bridge Battle

    • 312: Constantine's vision led to Christian symbols on shields

    • Victory linked to his rise as emperor

  • Councils' Outcomes

    • First Council of Nicaea and Constantinople condemned heresies, affirming core beliefs and doctrines

    • Subsequently affirmed Christ's dual nature and Mary as Theotokos

Timeline of Churches**

  • Evolution and Schisms

    • Various branches of Christianity formed over centuries, from early orthodox movements to modern denominations

    • Key dates outlined show diversification from the 1st century through to the 20th century.