Christian HistoryChristian History

Lesson 1Lesson 1

““When in the Fullness of When in the Fullness of Time…”Time…”

““The political connection of Israel with the The political connection of Israel with the Grecian world, and, with it, the conflict with Grecian world, and, with it, the conflict with Hellenism, may be said to have connected Hellenism, may be said to have connected with the victorious progress of Alexander the with the victorious progress of Alexander the Great through the then known world (333 Great through the then known world (333 B.C.)”B.C.)”

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah,The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah,By Alfred EdershiemBy Alfred Edershiem

““To see clearly the relation of the Christian To see clearly the relation of the Christian religion to the preceding history of mankind, religion to the preceding history of mankind, …we must first glance at the preparation …we must first glance at the preparation which existed in the political, moral, and which existed in the political, moral, and religious condition of the world for the advent religious condition of the world for the advent of our Saviour.”of our Saviour.”

History of the Christian ChurchHistory of the Christian ChurchBy Philip SchaffBy Philip Schaff

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great336-323BC336-323BC

• Kingdom extended from Kingdom extended from Macedonia to the Indus river Macedonia to the Indus river valleyvalley

• Introduced Hellenism to Asia, the Introduced Hellenism to Asia, the conversion of existing cultures to conversion of existing cultures to Greek cultureGreek culture

• Introduced a common language, Introduced a common language, Koinai GreekKoinai Greek

• His Kingdom was divided after his His Kingdom was divided after his death “death “the large horn was broken, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four came up toward the four winds…”(Dan 8:8)winds…”(Dan 8:8)

• Successor Kingdoms established Successor Kingdoms established by the “Diadochi”, Seleucus, by the “Diadochi”, Seleucus, Ptolemy, Cassander, LysimachusPtolemy, Cassander, Lysimachus..

Seleucid and Ptolemaic EmpiresSeleucid and Ptolemaic Empires

Seleucid EmpireSeleucid Empire323-63BC323-63BC

• Antiochus Epiphanes IV, original name Antiochus Epiphanes IV, original name “Mithradates” “Mithradates”

• Called himself “image of god, bearer of victory”Called himself “image of god, bearer of victory”• Aggressively sought to Hellenize regions under his Aggressively sought to Hellenize regions under his

control (Judea)control (Judea)• Invaded Egypt and laid siege to AlexandriaInvaded Egypt and laid siege to Alexandria• Retreated after Republican Rome intervenedRetreated after Republican Rome intervened• Desecrated the Temple and forced the worship of Desecrated the Temple and forced the worship of

Greek gods (Dan 8:11)Greek gods (Dan 8:11)• Maccabean revolt led by Judas Maccabeus, son of Maccabean revolt led by Judas Maccabeus, son of

Mattathias, beginning of the Hasmonean Dynasty Mattathias, beginning of the Hasmonean Dynasty (167 BC)(167 BC)

• Empire fragmented, largest fragment, Parthian Empire fragmented, largest fragment, Parthian EmpireEmpire

• The promise of a yearly increase of 360 talents in The promise of a yearly increase of 360 talents in the taxes of the country, besides a payment of 80 the taxes of the country, besides a payment of 80 talents from another revenue purchased the talents from another revenue purchased the deposition of Onias III and the appointment of deposition of Onias III and the appointment of Jason to High Priest - the first event of that kind Jason to High Priest - the first event of that kind recorded in Jewish history (2 Macc. iv. 8, 9), recorded in Jewish history (2 Macc. iv. 8, 9),

• Jason paid to Antiochus a sum of 150 talents for Jason paid to Antiochus a sum of 150 talents for permission to erect a Gymnasium in Jerusalem, (2 permission to erect a Gymnasium in Jerusalem, (2 Macc. iv. 9, 19). Macc. iv. 9, 19).

• Hellenism sweeps over the country, introduction Hellenism sweeps over the country, introduction of views, manners, and institutions wholly of views, manners, and institutions wholly incompatible with the religion of the Old incompatible with the religion of the Old Testament, even the abolition of the bodily mark Testament, even the abolition of the bodily mark (1 Macc. i. 15; Jos. Ant. xii.5. 1). (1 Macc. i. 15; Jos. Ant. xii.5. 1).

Seleucid HellenismSeleucid Hellenism

Ptolemaic EmpirePtolemaic Empire306-31BC306-31BC

• Judea enjoyed “relative” prosperity under Judea enjoyed “relative” prosperity under Ptolemaic controlPtolemaic control

• Preserved local cultures, also mixed Greek and Preserved local cultures, also mixed Greek and Egyptian culturesEgyptian cultures

• Ptolemy Philadelphus commissioned the Ptolemy Philadelphus commissioned the translation of the Torah to Greek for his library translation of the Torah to Greek for his library in Alexandria ca 280BC (Josephus Ant. in Alexandria ca 280BC (Josephus Ant. book xii)book xii)

• Empire ended in 31BC after the Battle of Empire ended in 31BC after the Battle of Actium, where Octavian’s forces defeated Actium, where Octavian’s forces defeated Antony and CleopatraAntony and Cleopatra

Roman EmpireRoman Empire753BC-476AD753BC-476AD

• Pompey Magnus, First Triumvirate, Julius Caesar, CrassusPompey Magnus, First Triumvirate, Julius Caesar, Crassus

• Defeats the Cilician Pirates, defeats King Mithridates, Defeats the Cilician Pirates, defeats King Mithridates, invades Armenia, Scythiainvades Armenia, Scythia

• 63BC makes Syria a Roman province (end of Seleucid 63BC makes Syria a Roman province (end of Seleucid Empire)Empire)

• Settles dispute between Hasmonean princes Hyrcanus and Settles dispute between Hasmonean princes Hyrcanus and AristobulusAristobulus

• Aristobulus recants deal with Pompey and seizes the Aristobulus recants deal with Pompey and seizes the Temple in JerusalemTemple in Jerusalem

• Pompey attacks Jerusalem, defeats Aristobulus and carries Pompey attacks Jerusalem, defeats Aristobulus and carries him and his followers back to Rome as slaveshim and his followers back to Rome as slaves

• Jewish nation now tributary to Rome, Pompey appoints Jewish nation now tributary to Rome, Pompey appoints Hyrcanus to the office of High PriestHyrcanus to the office of High Priest

JudeaJudeaHasmonean Dynasty Hasmonean Dynasty (168-37BC)(168-37BC) Herod Herod (37-4BC)(37-4BC)

• Herod’s father Antipater, a member of the Herod’s father Antipater, a member of the Hasmonean court, instrumental in Rome’s Hasmonean court, instrumental in Rome’s involvementinvolvement

• Herod the Idumean, elected “King of Judea” by the Herod the Idumean, elected “King of Judea” by the Roman Senate, defeats the Parthian supported King Roman Senate, defeats the Parthian supported King Antigonus for control of Jerusalem (using Roman Antigonus for control of Jerusalem (using Roman soldiers) in 43BCsoldiers) in 43BC

• Marries Mariamme a Hasmonean princessMarries Mariamme a Hasmonean princess

• Appoints Ananel to High Priest (a Babylonian Jew)Appoints Ananel to High Priest (a Babylonian Jew)

• Herod attains title “Friend of Caesar” and becomes Herod attains title “Friend of Caesar” and becomes close friends with Marcus Agrippaclose friends with Marcus Agrippa

• Judaism split in to three sects: Pharisee, Sadducee, Judaism split in to three sects: Pharisee, Sadducee, Essene, and later ZealotsEssene, and later Zealots

““what harm is there in saying ‘Lord what harm is there in saying ‘Lord

Caesar’?Caesar’?

Oxyrhyncus PapyrusOxyrhyncus PapyrusEgypt 250ADEgypt 250AD

To the Commissioners of Sacrifice of the Village of Alexander’s To the Commissioners of Sacrifice of the Village of Alexander’s Island: Island:

From Aurelius Diogenes, the son of Satabus, of the Village of From Aurelius Diogenes, the son of Satabus, of the Village of Alexander’s Island, aged 72 years: ---scar on his right eyebrow. Alexander’s Island, aged 72 years: ---scar on his right eyebrow.

I have always sacrificed regularly to the gods, and now, in your I have always sacrificed regularly to the gods, and now, in your presence, in accordance with the edict, I have done sacrifice, presence, in accordance with the edict, I have done sacrifice, and poured the drink offering, and tasted of the sacrifices, and I and poured the drink offering, and tasted of the sacrifices, and I request you to certify the same. Farewell.request you to certify the same. Farewell.

-----Handed in by me, Aurelius Diogenes. -----Handed in by me, Aurelius Diogenes. -----I certify that I saw him sacrificing [signature obliterated]. -----I certify that I saw him sacrificing [signature obliterated].

Done in the first year of the Emperor, Caesar Gaius Messius Done in the first year of the Emperor, Caesar Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius Pius Felix Augustus, second of the Quintus Trajanus Decius Pius Felix Augustus, second of the month Epith. [June 26, 250 A.D.]month Epith. [June 26, 250 A.D.]

Pliny to TrajanPliny to Trajan

I have hesitated a great deal in considering whether I have hesitated a great deal in considering whether any distinctions should be drawn according to the any distinctions should be drawn according to the ages of the accused; whether the weak should be ages of the accused; whether the weak should be punished as severely as the more robust, or whether punished as severely as the more robust, or whether the man who has once been a Christian gained the man who has once been a Christian gained anything by recanting? anything by recanting? I ask them whether they are Christians, if they say I ask them whether they are Christians, if they say "Yes," then I repeat the question the second time, and "Yes," then I repeat the question the second time, and also a third -- warning them of the penalties involved; also a third -- warning them of the penalties involved; and if they persist, I order them away to prison. For I and if they persist, I order them away to prison. For I do not doubt that -- be their admitted crime what it do not doubt that -- be their admitted crime what it may -- their pertinacity and inflexible obstinacy surely may -- their pertinacity and inflexible obstinacy surely ought to be punished. ought to be punished.

But they declared their guilt or error was But they declared their guilt or error was simply this -- on a fixed day they used to simply this -- on a fixed day they used to meet before dawn and recite a hymn meet before dawn and recite a hymn among themselves to Christ, as though he among themselves to Christ, as though he were a god. So far from binding themselves were a god. So far from binding themselves by oath to commit any crime, they swore to by oath to commit any crime, they swore to keep from theft, robbery, adultery, breach keep from theft, robbery, adultery, breach of faith, and not to deny any trust money of faith, and not to deny any trust money deposited with them when called upon to deposited with them when called upon to deliver it. This ceremony over, they used to deliver it. This ceremony over, they used to depart and meet again to take food -- but it depart and meet again to take food -- but it was of no special character, and entirely was of no special character, and entirely harmless. They also had ceased from this harmless. They also had ceased from this practice after the edict I issued -- by which, practice after the edict I issued -- by which, in accord with your orders, I forbade all in accord with your orders, I forbade all secret societies.secret societies.

The Martyrdom of IgnatiusThe Martyrdom of Ignatius98-117 AD98-117 AD

Then Trajan pronounced Then Trajan pronounced sentence as follows: “We sentence as follows: “We command that Ignatius, command that Ignatius, who affirms that he carries who affirms that he carries about within him Him that about within him Him that was crucified, be bound by was crucified, be bound by soldiers, and carried to the soldiers, and carried to the great city Rome, there to great city Rome, there to be devoured by the beasts, be devoured by the beasts, for the gratification of the for the gratification of the people” When the holy people” When the holy martyr heard this martyr heard this sentence, he cried out with sentence, he cried out with joy…joy…

The Martyrdom of PolycarpThe Martyrdom of Polycarp69-155 AD69-155 AD

“for eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

The Martyrdom of Vivia Perpetua The Martyrdom of Vivia Perpetua

“But Perpetua, that she might taste some pain, being pierced between the ribs, cried out loudly, and she herself placed the wavering right hand of the youthful gladiator to her throat. Possibly such a woman could not have been slain unless she herself had willed it, because she was feared by the impure spirit.”

He said that He said that about noon, about noon,

when the day when the day was already was already beginning to beginning to

decline, he saw decline, he saw with his own with his own

eyes the trophy eyes the trophy of a cross of of a cross of light in the light in the heavens, heavens,

above the sun, above the sun, and bearing and bearing

the inscription, the inscription, CONQUER BY CONQUER BY

THISTHIS

Constantine IConstantine I 280-337 BC280-337 BC

• Declared emperor by his troops while on campaign Declared emperor by his troops while on campaign against the Picts in Caledonia (306AD)against the Picts in Caledonia (306AD)

• Defeats Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian bridge to gain Defeats Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian bridge to gain control over the Western Empirecontrol over the Western Empire

• Becomes sole ruler of Roman Empire with the defeat and Becomes sole ruler of Roman Empire with the defeat and death of Licinius (320AD)(Lincinius had reverted to death of Licinius (320AD)(Lincinius had reverted to paganism and begun persecuting Christians again)paganism and begun persecuting Christians again)

• In his early career identified himself with “sol invictus” as In his early career identified himself with “sol invictus” as seen by the coins he issuedseen by the coins he issued

• Established his capitol in Byzantium, renamed Established his capitol in Byzantium, renamed ConstantinopleConstantinople

• Baptized just before his death by Eusebius of Nicomedia, Baptized just before his death by Eusebius of Nicomedia, an Arian Bishopan Arian Bishop

EDICT OF TOLERATION BY EDICT OF TOLERATION BY GALERIUSGALERIUS 311 AD 311 AD

• ““Christians themselves, for some reason, had Christians themselves, for some reason, had followed such a caprice and had fallen into followed such a caprice and had fallen into such a folly that they would not obey the such a folly that they would not obey the institutes of antiquity,”institutes of antiquity,”

• ““Finally when our law had been promulgated Finally when our law had been promulgated to the effect that they should conform to the to the effect that they should conform to the institutes of antiquity, many were subdued by institutes of antiquity, many were subdued by the fear of danger, many even suffered the fear of danger, many even suffered death” death”

• ““But we shall tell the magistrates in another But we shall tell the magistrates in another letter what they ought to do.” letter what they ought to do.”

The Edict of Milan The Edict of Milan

313 AD313 AD • Constantine Augustus and Licinius Augustus Constantine Augustus and Licinius Augustus • ““might grant to the Christians and others full authority might grant to the Christians and others full authority

to observe that religion which each preferred; whence to observe that religion which each preferred; whence any Divinity whatsoever in the seat of the heavens any Divinity whatsoever in the seat of the heavens may be propitious and kindly disposed to us” may be propitious and kindly disposed to us”

• ““now any one of these who wishes to observe now any one of these who wishes to observe Christian religion may do so freely and openly, without Christian religion may do so freely and openly, without molestation” molestation”

• ““In all these circumstances you ought to tender your In all these circumstances you ought to tender your most efficacious intervention to the community of the most efficacious intervention to the community of the Christians, that our command may be carried into Christians, that our command may be carried into effect as quickly as possible, whereby, moreover, effect as quickly as possible, whereby, moreover, through our clemency, public order may be secured.” through our clemency, public order may be secured.”

A new sense of spirituality, A new sense of spirituality, history, and development of history, and development of

theologytheology• Eusebius of Caesarea writes “The Eusebius of Caesarea writes “The

Church History” (ca 320 AD)Church History” (ca 320 AD)• Church of the holy sepulcher built Church of the holy sepulcher built

(inspired by Helen mother of (inspired by Helen mother of Constantine, both are saints in the Constantine, both are saints in the Greek Orthodox calendar)Greek Orthodox calendar)

• Collection of relics from Jerusalem Collection of relics from Jerusalem (Helen finds parts of the True Cross)(Helen finds parts of the True Cross)

Bordeaux ItineraryBordeaux Itinerary

313AD313AD • The earliest first hand description of the Holy The earliest first hand description of the Holy

Land. Total distance traveled 5000 miles Land. Total distance traveled 5000 miles • ““There are two statues of Hadrian, and not far There are two statues of Hadrian, and not far

from the statues there is a perforated stone, to from the statues there is a perforated stone, to which the Jews come every year and anoint it, which the Jews come every year and anoint it, bewail themselves with groans, rend their bewail themselves with groans, rend their garments, and so depart” garments, and so depart”

• ““There by the orders of Constantine a basilica of There by the orders of Constantine a basilica of wondrous beauty has been built. Not far from wondrous beauty has been built. Not far from thence is the little hill which the Lord ascended to thence is the little hill which the Lord ascended to pray, when he took Peter and John with Him, and pray, when he took Peter and John with Him, and Moses and Elias were beheld”Moses and Elias were beheld”

St AntonySt AntonyFather of Monasticism (251-Father of Monasticism (251-

356)356)• Born wealthyBorn wealthy• Life was changed when he heard the Life was changed when he heard the

reading of Luke 18:22 “sell all that you reading of Luke 18:22 “sell all that you have…and come, follow me”have…and come, follow me”

• Lived in caves and tombs battling the devil Lived in caves and tombs battling the devil and demonsand demons

• Athanasius wrote his biography “The Life Athanasius wrote his biography “The Life of Antony”of Antony”

• Biography translated into Latin, influences Biography translated into Latin, influences AugustineAugustine

Simeon Stylites Simeon Stylites 390-459AD390-459AD

  

Debate over the nature of God and Debate over the nature of God and ChristChrist

• HomoousiosHomoousios : same (homo) ousios : same (homo) ousios (nature) orthodox view-Anthanasius(nature) orthodox view-Anthanasius

• HomoiousiosHomoiousios: similar nature, : similar nature, moderate view-Eusebius of moderate view-Eusebius of CaesareaCaesarea

• HeteroousiosHeteroousios: different nature-: different nature-Arius presbyter of Alexandria Arius presbyter of Alexandria (majority view)(majority view)

Council of NiceaCouncil of Nicea

• Called by Constantine because of the Called by Constantine because of the “Arian Controversy”“Arian Controversy”

• Arian popularized his theology in “the Arian popularized his theology in “the tralia” a medley of poems that were tralia” a medley of poems that were sung…not extant today…mentioned in sung…not extant today…mentioned in the writing of Athanasiusthe writing of Athanasius

• Settled minor dispute over the date of Settled minor dispute over the date of Christian Passover Christian Passover

• Nicene Creed…essential wording “true Nicene Creed…essential wording “true God from true God begotten not made of God from true God begotten not made of one substance”one substance”

““The Teacher of Grace”The Teacher of Grace”• Born Tagaste, Numidia (Algeria) 354ADBorn Tagaste, Numidia (Algeria) 354AD• Father sent him to Carthage to learn RhetoricFather sent him to Carthage to learn Rhetoric• At one time followed Manichaenism a dualistic At one time followed Manichaenism a dualistic

eastern religion eastern religion • Also followed Neo Platoism…introduce the idea of a Also followed Neo Platoism…introduce the idea of a

transcendent God to Augustinetranscendent God to Augustine• Baptized in Milan 387 by Ambrose, heard a child's Baptized in Milan 387 by Ambrose, heard a child's

voice saying “take it and read” opened Bible at voice saying “take it and read” opened Bible at random to Romans 13:13random to Romans 13:13

• Opposed Pelagianism: similar to Arminianism but Opposed Pelagianism: similar to Arminianism but says that man is good but becomes sinful thru bad says that man is good but becomes sinful thru bad examples (pelagius a British monk promoted a examples (pelagius a British monk promoted a sinless life thru good deeds and asceticism)sinless life thru good deeds and asceticism)

• Wrote a treatise on Grace and Free will considered Wrote a treatise on Grace and Free will considered to be the “teacher of Grace” and an early reformerto be the “teacher of Grace” and an early reformer

• Died in Hippo while city was under siege by the Died in Hippo while city was under siege by the Vandals 430ADVandals 430AD

• His death closed the classical era and shaped His death closed the classical era and shaped Church history to the birth of Martin Luther 1483ADChurch history to the birth of Martin Luther 1483AD