Introduction to the History of Christianity

Historical Context

• Jewish Century of Freedom: 165 BCE - 63 BCE
• Roman Control Begins: 63 BCE, led by Roman Emperor Pompey
• Jesus of Nazareth Birth: Between 6 and 4 BCE

Jewish Sociopolitical Parties During Roman Occupation

Sadducees

• Conservative group, held majority power in Sanhedrin
• Focus: Importance of the Temple
• Wealthy, compliant with Roman tax demands

Pharisees

• Conservative group, also powerful in Sanhedrin
• Focus: Obedience to the Law of Moses
• Had 613 laws to follow
• Frequent conflicts with Jesus

Essenes

• Withdrawn, lived in caverns
• Focus: Preservation of scripture
• Known for copying texts and hiding them in caves (e.g., Dead Sea Scrolls)

Zealots

• Opposed Roman rule, hoped for a warrior Messiah
• Many followers of Jesus came from this group

Key Events in Early Christianity

Holy Week

• Palm Sunday: Jesus welcomed as a hero
• Monday to Wednesday: Jesus' final teachings
• Thursday: Celebrates Passover, institutes Communion
• Friday (Good Friday): Jesus' crucifixion

Resurrection and Ascension

• Holy Saturday: Belief that Jesus descended to Hell
• Easter Sunday: Resurrection of Jesus
• 40 days post-resurrection: Jesus' appearances and teachings
• Ascension: Jesus returns to Heaven
• Day of Pentecost: Disciples receive the Holy Spirit, speak in multiple languages

Early Christian Community

• Initially called "Members of the Way"
• Called "Christians" for the first time in Antioch
• Early leaders: Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, Stephen, Philip, James
• Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus): Key figure in spreading Christianity beyond Judaism

Worship Practices

• Persecuted and underground religion
• Worship in catacombs or private homes
• Elements: Prayer, hymns, scripture readings, communion
• Key holy days: Sundays, Easter, Pentecost, Epiphany

Spread and Acceptance

Persecutions

• Christians faced severe persecution from the Roman Empire
• Martyrdom viewed as honorable (e.g., Ignatius, Polycarp)

Apologetics

• Justin Martyr: Defended Christianity as the ultimate truth

Shift in the 4th Century: Constantine's Conversion

• Roman Empire divided into four regions
• Constantine's vision and the Labarum symbol
• Edict of Milan (313 CE): Ends Christian persecution
• Christianity becomes state-sanctioned

Monastic Movements

Ascetic Monasticism

• Individuals living in isolation, focused on prayer and fasting
• Example: St. Anthony

Cenobitic Monasticism

• Community living with shared responsibilities
• Pomian style: Required dedication to join

Key Figures and Terms

• Peter: "The Rock," leader of the early church

• John: Youngest disciple, lived to old age

• Mary Magdalene: Important female disciple

• Stephen: First Christian martyr

• Philip: Early deacon

• James: Leader in the early church, brother of Jesus

• Paul (Saul of Tarsus): Significant missionary, spread Christianity beyond Judaism

• Constantine: Roman Emperor, converted to Christianity

• St. Anthony: Notable ascetic monk

• Pomus: Influential in cenobitic monasticism

• Edict of Milan (313 CE): Ended persecution of Christians

• Labarum Symbol: Chi-Rho symbol used by Constantine

Additional Points

• Shift from underground worship to grand sanctuaries
• Development of hierarchical church structure (bishops, archbishops, pope)
• Martyrdom enhanced reputation, inspired others
• Apologists like Justin argue all philosophies seek the truth found in Christianity