The Early Church

The Era of the New Testament

APOSTOLIC AGEAPOSTOLIC AGE 40s40s

50s50s

60s60s

• Caligula Crisis [39-41]Caligula Crisis [39-41]• Reign of Agrippa [41-44]Reign of Agrippa [41-44]

•Council of Jerusalem Council of Jerusalem [49/50][49/50]

• James, Peter, & Paul DieJames, Peter, & Paul Die•Nero’s persecution [64 – Nero’s persecution [64 – 66]66]• Jewish-Roman WarJewish-Roman War

Letters of PaulLetters of Paul1Thessalonians1Thessalonians

GalatiansGalatiansPhilippiansPhilippians

1 & 2 Corinthians1 & 2 CorinthiansPhilemonPhilemonRomansRomans

““Q”Q”

Passion NarrativePassion Narrative

Ministry of Jesus Ministry of Jesus 30s30s •Ministry & Death of Jesus Ministry & Death of Jesus [by 33][by 33]•Antipas-Nabatean War [35 Antipas-Nabatean War [35 – 37]– 37]•Parthian War threatens Parthian War threatens [35 – 37][35 – 37]

PERIODPERIOD YEARYEAR EVENTSEVENTS PAULINEPAULINE SYNOPTICSYNOPTIC

SUB-APOSTOLIC AGESUB-APOSTOLIC AGE 70s70s

80s80s

90s90s

•Jerusalem & Temple Jerusalem & Temple destroyed [70]]destroyed [70]]•Various streams of Various streams of Judaism in competition for Judaism in competition for dominancedominance

Domitian’s Persecution [95]Domitian’s Persecution [95]

Deutero-Pauline LettersDeutero-Pauline LettersColossiansColossiansEphesiansEphesians

The Pastoral LettersThe Pastoral Letters1 & 2 Timothy1 & 2 Timothy

TitusTitus

MarkMark

Luke-ActsLuke-ActsMatthewMatthew

The execution of Jesus. His friends perceive, especially when they gather for the “Lord’s Supper,” that Jesus continues to live in transcendent glory. A first “assembly” (ekklesia) gathers in Jerusalem to worship in the Temple, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and rejoice in the Spirit. There is occasional conflict between this church and the Temple hierarchy.

The execution of Jesus. His friends perceive, especially when they gather for the “Lord’s Supper,” that Jesus continues to live in transcendent glory. A first “assembly” (ekklesia) gathers in Jerusalem to worship in the Temple, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and rejoice in the Spirit. There is occasional conflict between this church and the Temple hierarchy.

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Hellenistic Jews become introduced to the Jerusalem church. A dispute erupts when they feel slighted by the lack of preaching to them at the Lord’s Supper. The argument is resolved by the appointment of Hellenistic preachers for them. Hellenistic-Jewish church members begin to announce the Good News in Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and adjacent regions, establishing an important church in Antioch of Syria.

Hellenistic Jews become introduced to the Jerusalem church. A dispute erupts when they feel slighted by the lack of preaching to them at the Lord’s Supper. The argument is resolved by the appointment of Hellenistic preachers for them. Hellenistic-Jewish church members begin to announce the Good News in Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and adjacent regions, establishing an important church in Antioch of Syria.

Paul of Tarsus, who had been harassing Jesus-preachers in synagogues in Syria and Cilicia, has an experience of the Raised Lord which transforms him into a supporter of the Church.

Paul of Tarsus, who had been harassing Jesus-preachers in synagogues in Syria and Cilicia, has an experience of the Raised Lord which transforms him into a supporter of the Church.

The Jesus-preachers spread through the Jewish Diaspora. They establish a church community as far away as Rome by the early 40s. They are amazed when their words about Jesus are most warmly received by the Gentile God-fearers who frequent Diaspora synagogues.

The Jesus-preachers spread through the Jewish Diaspora. They establish a church community as far away as Rome by the early 40s. They are amazed when their words about Jesus are most warmly received by the Gentile God-fearers who frequent Diaspora synagogues.

Perhaps first in Antioch, some Gentiles are spontaneously baptized without being circumcised.

Perhaps first in Antioch, some Gentiles are spontaneously baptized without being circumcised.

Caesar Caligula orders a statue of himself to be placed in the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple. Mass protests and peasant strikes occur among Jews. Caligula is murdered by a rival before his order can be implemented.

Caesar Caligula orders a statue of himself to be placed in the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple. Mass protests and peasant strikes occur among Jews. Caligula is murdered by a rival before his order can be implemented.

Probable writing of synoptic sayings source (“Q”) somewhere in Judea or Galilee.

Probable writing of synoptic sayings source (“Q”) somewhere in Judea or Galilee.

Some Church members oppose admitting Gentiles – controversy escalates as the decade unfolds.

Some Church members oppose admitting Gentiles – controversy escalates as the decade unfolds.

The “Council of Jerusalem” occurs at which Peter, James, Paul and others are present. It is decided to “officially” sanction the admission of uncircumcised Gentiles (Gal. 2:1 -10;Acts 15:1 – 18)

The “Council of Jerusalem” occurs at which Peter, James, Paul and others are present. It is decided to “officially” sanction the admission of uncircumcised Gentiles (Gal. 2:1 -10;Acts 15:1 – 18)

Paul and Barnabas, as apostles from Antioch, establish churches in Asia Minor. They follow the Antiochaen practice of baptizing uncircumcised Gentiles.

Paul and Barnabas, as apostles from Antioch, establish churches in Asia Minor. They follow the Antiochaen practice of baptizing uncircumcised Gentiles.

Chronology of the Early Church – part 1

Peter visits Antioch, but withdraws from table fellowship with baptized Gentiles when baptized Jews (from James?) complain about the presence of non-kosher food. Paul accuses Peter of betraying the Gospel and storms off, leaving his former partner Barnabas behind (Gal 2-11 – 14).

Peter visits Antioch, but withdraws from table fellowship with baptized Gentiles when baptized Jews (from James?) complain about the presence of non-kosher food. Paul accuses Peter of betraying the Gospel and storms off, leaving his former partner Barnabas behind (Gal 2-11 – 14).

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A letter from James in Jerusalem resolves the dietary dispute: Gentiles in Christ must observe minimal kosher and ethical standards (Acts 15:22ff; cf. 21:25)

A letter from James in Jerusalem resolves the dietary dispute: Gentiles in Christ must observe minimal kosher and ethical standards (Acts 15:22ff; cf. 21:25)

Chronology of the Early Church – part 2

Paul’s great missionary journeys occur. The churches he establishes include Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica, and Colossae. His views on dietary issues may change after his experiences in Corinth. He finally sets out for Jerusalem with a collection and embassies from his Gentile churches. He plans to go from there to Rome in order to mount a missionary journey to Spain.

Paul’s great missionary journeys occur. The churches he establishes include Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica, and Colossae. His views on dietary issues may change after his experiences in Corinth. He finally sets out for Jerusalem with a collection and embassies from his Gentile churches. He plans to go from there to Rome in order to mount a missionary journey to Spain.

Caesar Nero begins a persecution of church-members in Rome. Paul and Peter are probably executed during this oppression. Meanwhile James is executed in Jerusalem in the mounting violence and confusion occurring there.

Caesar Nero begins a persecution of church-members in Rome. Paul and Peter are probably executed during this oppression. Meanwhile James is executed in Jerusalem in the mounting violence and confusion occurring there.

The first Great Revolt of Jews against Rome breaks out. Rome ruthlessly suppresses it. Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed in 70. The Jerusalem church may have previously fled across the Jordan to Pella.

The first Great Revolt of Jews against Rome breaks out. Rome ruthlessly suppresses it. Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed in 70. The Jerusalem church may have previously fled across the Jordan to Pella.

In Antioch, the term “Christian” is coined as a word of derision.

In Antioch, the term “Christian” is coined as a word of derision.

Writing of the final form of the Gospel of Mark, maybe based on a Galilean original and a Roman redaction. The editorial comment in Mk 7:19 that Jesus “declared all foods clean” displays the continued Gentile-Jewish tension.

Writing of the final form of the Gospel of Mark, maybe based on a Galilean original and a Roman redaction. The editorial comment in Mk 7:19 that Jesus “declared all foods clean” displays the continued Gentile-Jewish tension.

The Gospel of Mark is written in Galilee or Syria. In contrast to mark, it reflects a church community that prefers Gentiles to follow the Torah (see Mt: 5:17-19; 22:11-14). Matthew believes that his assembly represents authentic Judaism.

The Gospel of Mark is written in Galilee or Syria. In contrast to mark, it reflects a church community that prefers Gentiles to follow the Torah (see Mt: 5:17-19; 22:11-14). Matthew believes that his assembly represents authentic Judaism.

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The writing of the Gospel of Luke/Acts of the Apostles. This work wants baptized Gentiles to observe minimal Torah standards in order to preserve unity with baptized Jews.

The writing of the Gospel of Luke/Acts of the Apostles. This work wants baptized Gentiles to observe minimal Torah standards in order to preserve unity with baptized Jews.

Chronology of the Early Church – part 3

In various towns, especially in the Diaspora, local synagogues and churches dispute who is more faithful to the heritage of Israel.

In various towns, especially in the Diaspora, local synagogues and churches dispute who is more faithful to the heritage of Israel.

The Gospel of John (ca. 95) reaches its final form in a church community whose Jewish members have recently been ostracized by the local Jewish community.

The Gospel of John (ca. 95) reaches its final form in a church community whose Jewish members have recently been ostracized by the local Jewish community.

A persecution of churches in Asia Minor by Caesar Domitian occurs. The Book of Revelation is written in this context.

A persecution of churches in Asia Minor by Caesar Domitian occurs. The Book of Revelation is written in this context.

Caesar Hadrian visits ruined Jerusalem and rebuilds it as an unwalled Roman shrine to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva named “Aelia Capitolina.”

Caesar Hadrian visits ruined Jerusalem and rebuilds it as an unwalled Roman shrine to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva named “Aelia Capitolina.”

Second Revolt (Bar Kochba Revolt), primarily in Judea. With defeat, many Judean Jews relocate to Galilee.

Second Revolt (Bar Kochba Revolt), primarily in Judea. With defeat, many Judean Jews relocate to Galilee.

The Church holds a low social status in the opinion of most citizens. Very slowly, organized authority structures emerge, partially in answer to doctrinal controversies that are now beginning to prevail in Christianity. Still, Christian church communities can be found throughout the Empire by the end of the second century.

The Church holds a low social status in the opinion of most citizens. Very slowly, organized authority structures emerge, partially in answer to doctrinal controversies that are now beginning to prevail in Christianity. Still, Christian church communities can be found throughout the Empire by the end of the second century.

Structure of the Early Church(from the Bausch, Chapter 3)

† From the beginning…From the beginning…

1. Jesus1. Jesus Directly appointed his

2. Twelve Apostles2. Twelve Apostles Including Peter who was

3. The Pope3. The Pope Peter and the other eleven apostles personally ordained their successors, namely,

4. The Bishops4. The Bishops Who ordained as their successors the

5. Other Bishops5. Other Bishops And so on until the present time.

Thus is seen a series of links in the continuous chain of

6. Apostolic Succession6. Apostolic Succession

Structure of the Early Church - Continued (from the Bausch, Chapter 3)

1. Jesus1. Jesus Gathered the unique

2. Twelve Apostles2. Twelve Apostles As the foundation of his community of disciples. These twelve appointed to service

3. The Deacons3. The Deacons And also what we might call

4. The “Secondary Apostles”4. The “Secondary Apostles” Who were mainly itinerant preachers who founded church communities and then moved on. They left the ruling of such place to

5. The Presbyterate5. The Presbyterate Which was a committee appointed by the church-community. From the Presbyterate there emerged the

6. Single Monarchial Bishop6. Single Monarchial Bishop Who, with all other bishops formed a “college.” The visible image of the total or universal church and hallmark of episcopal unity was the one who held

7. The Petrine Office7. The Petrine Office Which evolved from Peter’s leadership. In addition there were

8. Other Ministries8. Other Ministries For example, healers, teachers, etc.

Church Models(from the Brown, The Churches the Apostles Left Behind)

““The deaths of the early church leaders and the deaths of those who knew them caused a crisis The deaths of the early church leaders and the deaths of those who knew them caused a crisis of leadership towards the end of the first century. In the Christian scriptures we can find at least of leadership towards the end of the first century. In the Christian scriptures we can find at least seven responses to this crisis of leadership.” (Bausch, p. 44)seven responses to this crisis of leadership.” (Bausch, p. 44)

5. Johannine 5. Johannine Writings: A Writings: A Discipleship of Discipleship of Equals Guided by Equals Guided by the Paracletethe Paraclete

5. Johannine 5. Johannine Writings: A Writings: A Discipleship of Discipleship of Equals Guided by Equals Guided by the Paracletethe Paraclete

6. Matthew: The 6. Matthew: The Church Living by Church Living by the Torah of Jesusthe Torah of Jesus

6. Matthew: The 6. Matthew: The Church Living by Church Living by the Torah of Jesusthe Torah of Jesus

1. Pastoral Letters: 1. Pastoral Letters: Church Led by Church Led by Authoritative TeachersAuthoritative Teachers

1. Pastoral Letters: 1. Pastoral Letters: Church Led by Church Led by Authoritative TeachersAuthoritative Teachers

2. Col/Ephesians: 2. Col/Ephesians: Church as the Church as the Mystical Body of Mystical Body of Christ to be LovedChrist to be Loved

2. Col/Ephesians: 2. Col/Ephesians: Church as the Church as the Mystical Body of Mystical Body of Christ to be LovedChrist to be Loved

3. Luke-Acts: The 3. Luke-Acts: The Church as the Church as the Agent of the SpiritAgent of the Spirit

3. Luke-Acts: The 3. Luke-Acts: The Church as the Church as the Agent of the SpiritAgent of the Spirit

4. 1Peter: The 4. 1Peter: The Church as the Church as the People of GodPeople of God

4. 1Peter: The 4. 1Peter: The Church as the Church as the People of GodPeople of God

Church as InstitutionChurch as Institution

The view that defines Church The view that defines Church primarily in terms of its primarily in terms of its visible structures, especially visible structures, especially the rights and powers of its the rights and powers of its officers. (p. 34)officers. (p. 34)

Church as InstitutionChurch as Institution

The view that defines Church The view that defines Church primarily in terms of its primarily in terms of its visible structures, especially visible structures, especially the rights and powers of its the rights and powers of its officers. (p. 34)officers. (p. 34)

Church as Mystical Church as Mystical CommunionCommunion

The communion given by The communion given by the Holy Spirit finds the Holy Spirit finds expression in a network expression in a network of mutual interpersonal of mutual interpersonal relationships of concern relationships of concern and assistance. (p. 50)and assistance. (p. 50)

Church as Mystical Church as Mystical CommunionCommunion

The communion given by The communion given by the Holy Spirit finds the Holy Spirit finds expression in a network expression in a network of mutual interpersonal of mutual interpersonal relationships of concern relationships of concern and assistance. (p. 50)and assistance. (p. 50)

Church as SacramentChurch as Sacrament

All the sacraments are All the sacraments are essentially sacraments of essentially sacraments of the Church; they are the Church; they are intrinsically social and intrinsically social and derive their efficacy from the derive their efficacy from the Church and, in turn, build up Church and, in turn, build up the Church and make it the the Church and make it the sacrament it is. (p. 64)sacrament it is. (p. 64)

Church as SacramentChurch as Sacrament

All the sacraments are All the sacraments are essentially sacraments of essentially sacraments of the Church; they are the Church; they are intrinsically social and intrinsically social and derive their efficacy from the derive their efficacy from the Church and, in turn, build up Church and, in turn, build up the Church and make it the the Church and make it the sacrament it is. (p. 64)sacrament it is. (p. 64)

Church as HeraldChurch as Herald

The mission of the The mission of the Church is to proclaim Church is to proclaim that which it has heard, that which it has heard, believed, and has been believed, and has been commissioned to commissioned to proclaim… emphasizes proclaim… emphasizes faith and proclamation faith and proclamation over interpersonal over interpersonal relations and mystical relations and mystical communion. (p. 77)communion. (p. 77)

Church as HeraldChurch as Herald

The mission of the The mission of the Church is to proclaim Church is to proclaim that which it has heard, that which it has heard, believed, and has been believed, and has been commissioned to commissioned to proclaim… emphasizes proclaim… emphasizes faith and proclamation faith and proclamation over interpersonal over interpersonal relations and mystical relations and mystical communion. (p. 77)communion. (p. 77)

Church Models - continued(from the Dulles, Models of the Church)

Church as ServantChurch as Servant

““The Church is the The Church is the Church only when it Church only when it exists for others.” exists for others.” (from Bonhoeffer’s (from Bonhoeffer’s “The Communion of “The Communion of Saints,” as found on Saints,” as found on p. 94)p. 94)

Church as ServantChurch as Servant

““The Church is the The Church is the Church only when it Church only when it exists for others.” exists for others.” (from Bonhoeffer’s (from Bonhoeffer’s “The Communion of “The Communion of Saints,” as found on Saints,” as found on p. 94)p. 94)

Church Models - Evaluation(from the Dulles, Models of the Church)

“…“…we have been engaged in what Bernard Lonergan might call dialectic as distinct from doctrinal we have been engaged in what Bernard Lonergan might call dialectic as distinct from doctrinal theology. We have been exploring the basic models of the Church that have arisen in history as a theology. We have been exploring the basic models of the Church that have arisen in history as a result of the differing points of view or horizons of believers and theologians of different ages and result of the differing points of view or horizons of believers and theologians of different ages and cultures… Are all of the models equally good, or are some superior to others? Are they an opaque cultures… Are all of the models equally good, or are some superior to others? Are they an opaque screen that shuts off the reality of the Church, or a transparent screen that permits us to grasp the screen that shuts off the reality of the Church, or a transparent screen that permits us to grasp the Church as it really is? If the latter, what really is the Church? What is the best model?” (Dulles, p. 190)Church as it really is? If the latter, what really is the Church? What is the best model?” (Dulles, p. 190)

Basis in ScriptureBasis in Scripture

How do we evaluate models?How do we evaluate models?

Basis in Christian TraditionBasis in Christian Tradition

Offers Identity & MissionOffers Identity & Mission

Fosters Christian valuesFosters Christian values

Relevant to current ChristianityRelevant to current Christianity

Internal FruitfulnessInternal Fruitfulness

External FruitfulnessExternal Fruitfulness

Expansion and Its Problems(from the Bausch, Chapter 2)

† Christianity spread with amazing rapidity in the first decades after Jesus’ death. (p. 22)Christianity spread with amazing rapidity in the first decades after Jesus’ death. (p. 22)

Apostolic AgeApostolic Age

Antioch (Syria)EphesusLystraDerbeCyprusMiletusSmyrna

PhilippiThessalonia

2nd Century2nd Century

France

Germany

Spain

Croatia

Africa

† Why such rapid growth?Why such rapid growth?

Missionary Activity Blood of Martyrs Pax Romana Christian Community

Expansion and Its Problems(from the Bausch, Chapter 2)

† First crisis - Jewish Christians attempting to require Gentile converts to become fully First crisis - Jewish Christians attempting to require Gentile converts to become fully Jewish in order to be Christian Jewish in order to be Christian

† Second crisis - reaction of Roman government to the rapid growth of Second crisis - reaction of Roman government to the rapid growth of ChristianityChristianity