Lecture Notes: The Apostolic Age

Introduction

• Focus on the first era of church history: The Apostolic Age.
• Transition from disciples (learners) to apostles (messengers) following Pentecost and the Book of Acts.

Key Figures and Events

• Paul: Christianity's greatest evangelist and writer. His contributions were crucial.
• Apostles' Missions:
  • Mark traveled south to Egypt, contributing to the Coptic church.
  • Peter went north to Rome.
  • Apostles faced harassment and martyrdom.
  • John’s imprisonment on the island of Patmos.

Challenges and Persecutions

• Roman Oppression:
  • Rome enforced the imperial cult, deeming Caesar a demigod.
  • Christians were forced to pay homage; refusal led to accusations of treason.
  • Persecution led Christians to meet secretly in homes for worship (agape meal).
  • Communicated secretly; used symbols like the fish, not the cross.

Growth Despite Persecution

• Christianity grew despite oppression.
  • People were inspired by the Christians' willingness to die for their beliefs.
  • Early Christians used a fish symbol, "ichthus", to identify each other discreetly.

Evidence from Roman Sources

• Pliny's Letter to Trajan:
  • Written around 111-113 AD.
  • Pliny questioned the legal basis for persecuting Christians, noting their peaceful activities.
  • Evidence of Christians worshiping Jesus as God outside of the Bible.

The Apostles' Creed

• One of the earliest statements for uniform Christian teaching.
  • Composed by the apostles, 12 lines for memorability.
  • Predates denominational divisions, still used today.

Transition to the Patristic Age

• Desert Fathers:
  • Christians fled to the desert to escape Roman oppression.
  • Lived in solitude or communities, leading to the development of the monastic tradition.
  • The term "Patristic Age" derives from the Latin "patri" (father).

Conclusion and Preview

• Key takeaways from the Apostolic Age and early Christian symbols like ichthus.
• Introduction to the next era focusing on the conversion of Constantine, a significant shift in Christian history.
  • Speculation on the impact of a Roman Caesar converting to Christianity.

These notes provide a high-level summary of the early development of Christianity during the Apostolic Age, the challenges faced by early Christians, and the symbolic and doctrinal developments that shaped the early church. The lecture sets the stage for discussing the transformative impact of Constantine's conversion in the next session.