Christians in the 3rd-4th Christians in the 3rd-4th Century & ConstantineCentury & Constantine

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Group 9

ChristianityChristianity

Early ChristianityEarly Christianity

Early Christian beliefs and creeds

Post-Apostolic Church

Persecutions

Structure and the episcopacy

A widespread church: 3rd A widespread church: 3rd century ADcentury AD

By the mid-3rd century there are about 100 bishops spread throughout Italy, each in his own see. The most important see is Rome, for which precise figures survive.

In the year 251 the church in Rome has on its books the bishop (in other words the pope), 46 priests, 7 deacons, 7 subdeacons, 42 acolytes, 52 exorcists, readers and doorkeepers, and the very large number of 1500 widows and paupers being 'fed by the grace and kindness of the Lord'.

A widespread church: 3rd A widespread church: 3rd century ADcentury AD

Carthage

Cyprian

Alexandria

Origen

A widespread church: 3rd A widespread church: 3rd century ADcentury AD

In Europe, Lyons is a major centre from early times. The Christians of Lyons feature in history sooner than most because they are savagely persecuted (the precise reason is not clear) in 177 by Marcus Aurelius, who orders them to be tortured to death.

Even Britain, further removed from both the Christian and imperial centres of power, is becoming organized by the middle of the 3rd century. When a council at Arles is called, in 314, three British bishops attend - one from London, another from York, and the third either from Colchester or Lincoln.

Christian murals: 3rd century ADChristian murals: 3rd century AD

By the 3rd century the Christians are also leaving extensive physical evidence, not only of their presence but also of their ideas and practices. One example is in the eastern extremity of the empire, at Doura-Europos. Here there has been unearthed the earliest known house adapted for Christian worship.

Doura EuroposDoura Europos

The building, a simple one from the 1st century AD, is adapted for Christian use in 232. Only fragments of the murals survive, but they include such Gospel images as Christ carrying a sheep (the Good Shepherd), the paralytic taking up his bed and walking, and St Peter walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee.

Christian murals: 3rd century ADChristian murals: 3rd century AD

Rome, Catacombs of Priscilla – Rome, Catacombs of Priscilla – The Good ShepherdThe Good Shepherd

Christian murals: 3rd century ADChristian murals: 3rd century AD

More detailed evidence of Christian ritual survives in Rome's famous catacombs. These are underground burial chambers, used by members of the various communities of the capital - pagan Romans as well as Jews and Christians.

Rome's famous catacombsRome's famous catacombs

Christian murals: 3rd century ADChristian murals: 3rd century AD

In the first half of the 3rd century the Christians decorate the walls of their tomb chambers with New Testament scenes and with depictions of the Eucharist, the ritual communal meal at the centre of the faith. Members of the Christian community are shown sitting round a table together to break bread, and to share their food and drink, much like later Christian representations of the Last Supper.

Rome, Catacombs of Priscilla – Our Rome, Catacombs of Priscilla – Our Lady with the ProphetLady with the Prophet

A Legal Religion in the A Legal Religion in the 4th4th

IntroductionIntroduction

History of late ancient ChristianityStopped persecutions Spread of ChristianityEcumenical CouncilsConstantine the Great

History of late History of late ancient Christianityancient Christianity

Time: Christianity under Emperor Constantine (313) until the fall of the Roman Empire in the West (476)dominated by Constantine the Greatestablish a unified Christendom

Christian persecutions Christian persecutions come to an endcome to an end

Galerius (206 – 311) - He was Roman Emperor from 305 to 311 - Issued an edict permitting the practice of the Christian religion under his ruleConstantine the Great proclaimed the Edict of Milan, Christianity was officially recognized as a legal religion within the Roman Empire.

Spread of ChristianitySpread of Christianity

Spread of Christianity to AD 325 (4th) Spread of Christianity to AD 600 (7th)

Ecumenical Councils in Ecumenical Councils in 4th4th

＊ Definition : these large meetings of bishops.

＊ Background :1.Christianity became a legal religion.(A.D.312)2. The bishops of the Christian communities

throughout the Mediterranean world could more easily meet to discuss important issues.

※ 4th-First Ecumenical Council、 Second Ecumenical Council

First First Ecumenical CouncilEcumenical Council-- Nicaea I-- Nicaea I

Location

Nicaea

Year A.D. 325Pope St. Sylvester I, 314 - 335

Emperor

Constantine I, The Great, Western Roman Emperor 306-337; Sole Emperor 324 - 337

※Content:

1.The Nicene Creed was approved, the date of Easter was fixed, and the Arian heresy was condemned.

2.The contents of holy scripture were decided.

SecondSecond Ecumenical Council Ecumenical Council Location

Constantinople (near Bosporus, a strait in today's Turkey)

Year

A.D. 381

Pope

St. Damasus I, 367 - 384

Emperor

Theodosius I, the Great, 379 - 395 ※Content：1.The Nicene Creed was reaffirmed and expanded, with the clauses referring to the Holy Spirit added.

2.The heresies of Macedonianism and Apollinarianism were condemned.

Constantine the Great, Constantine the Great, c.274-337c.274-337

Constantine the Great, Constantine the Great, c.274-337c.274-337

Constantinus Chlorus, the western emperor, dying in 306

A war between Constantine and MaxentiusA vision having assured Constantine that he

should conquer in the sign of the Christ, and he won.

First Christian Emperor

ConstantineConstantine and Christianity and Christianity   PoliciesEdict of MilanFinancial support for building churchPrivileges of clergyForbiddance for owning Christian slaves

About Constantine’s policiesAbout Constantine’s baptism

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