Four Evangelists and the beginning of Christianity

St. Mark When: Late 60’s to early 70’s Symbol: Winged Lion For: Roman Christians (gentiles) Emphasis: miracles, overcoming evil powers, arguing with religious authority Message: the kingdom is almost here!

St. Matthew When: 80’s Symbol: winged man For: Jewish converts (those kicked out of jewish communities for believing that Jesus was the messiah) Emphasis: Jesus as teacher, fulfilling the prophecies and completing God’s plan Message: Jesus was the Messiah

St. Luke When: mid 80’s Symbol: Winged ox For: Greeks (Luke is the only Gentile writer!) Emphasis: compassion for the poor Message: Jesus is the savior of Men and Women.

St. John When: 90’s Symbol: Eagle For: christians in Asia Minor Emphasis: Speaking God’s words and doing God’s work Message: LOGOS. Jesus is the WORD MADE FLESH.

Roman Christianity Constantine: born between 274 and 288 Had a vision of the cross, before his war with Maxentius. He won the battle and became emperor. HOC VINCES –by this sign you will conquer X P—Christos Christianity was now no longer illegal but encouraged St. Helena: First wife to Constantine’s father but of low birth. She died around 330. Under Constantine’s influence, achieved title of Augusta, and also converted Sojourned to Palestine and erected churches over long standing pagan temples. With guidance by Judas (Cyriacus ), discovered the resting place of the true cross.

Councils Council of Nicea 325 A.D. In answer to Gnosticism: Jesus was Divine only Arianism: Jesus was human only Called by Constantine I; Pope Silvester I declined to goPope Silvester I Council of Ephesus 431 A.D. In answer to Nestorians: Jesus exists as two persons— the divine God and human (Nestorian Schism) Called by Emperor Theodosius II ; pope at the time was Pope Celestine ITheodosius II Council of Chalcedon 451 AD In answer to the Monophysites: Jesus’ human nature ceased to exist when the divine assumed it. Called by Pope Leo I; current emperor Theodosius II