Foundations of Christianity

Growth in the First Century Scattered cult after Crucifixion Barely had 100 members By end of first century, had a few thousand Age of the Apostles Over took mainstream movements of the day

Did Jesus Found the Church? Arguments against Jesus founding Church No blueprint Jesus was a faithful Jew No ecclesiastical office However, Jesus did lay foundations Gathered disciples Singled out leaders New Reality (Kingdom of God breaking into reality, New Covenant, Established Eucharist)

Pentecost Birth of the Church Acts 2: 1-13 Apostles receive Charismas Begin a mission

Life Amongst First Followers Identified themselves as Jews Sacramental Life Communal responsibilities Temple Eucharist celebrated in homes

How Historically Accurate is Acts Redaction Speeches not recorded verbatim Events and movements are true Timelines less accurate

Obstacles Faced by Jerusalem Church Sadducees St. Paul Herod Antipas Internal Problems The Jewish High Priest, Caiaphas

Important Figures Peter James John St. Peter in prison

Paul’s Mission to the Gentiles

Background to St. Paul Tent-maker from Tarsus Roman Citizen Pharisaic Jew Spoke Greek (Not Aramaic) Westernized Jesus

Paul’s Conversion

What was the Motive for Bringing Jesus to the Gentiles? Davidic Covenant 2 Samuel 7 David’s House will be a “Charter” for humanity Isaiah 19:6 with the restoration of the tribes of Jacob, the Jewish peoples are to be a light for the Gentile nations Jesus was that restoration

Paul’s Missions Three years in Arabia Jerusalem Three Missionary Journeys Sent to Rome Journeyed to Palestine, Turkey, Greece, Malta, Italy

Separation from Judaism

Jesus, the Jew, healing in the Temple Review Jesus and His Apostles were Jewish James’ vision was of a Jesus-movement that remained Jewish Peter and Paul had a different vision Only one vision would prevail Jesus, the Jew, healing in the Temple

St. Paul Understood himself as a Jew meant to bring Salvation to all peoples Began to open up membership to non- Jews Recruiting members (different from mainstream Judaism) Creates questions about Membership What role would a Jewish Temple play for Greek followers of Christ Out Preaching the Gospel and converting….admittedly, Paul probably didn’t wear a suit.

Title “Christian” Acts 11:26 Church in Antioch dubs themselves “Christian” One who follows—and has been baptized in the name of—the Christ (God’s Anointed), Jesus

Council of Jerusalem 49 C.E. Questions about membership Did one have to become Jewish to follow Christ Questions about Circumcision and dietary concerns Compromise reached If the Council of Jerusalem had occurred in Middle Earth, instead of the Middle East, this is what it might have looked like.

Jerusalem is scorched to the ground Jewish Revolt 66 – 70 C.E. Various Jewish factions took control of Jerusalem Jewish Christians fled Romans retook Jerusalem after three years of fighting Horrific warfare Jerusalem is scorched to the ground

Aftermath Temple Destroyed Jerusalem erased form the map New Roman Colony erected Christians relocate to Jordan Pharisaic Jews, Zealots, and Christians only groups to emerge Anger towards Christians for not helping

Another Jewish Rebellion 132-135 Led by Simon Bar’Koba Romans mercilessly expunge this revolt Disperse Jews through out Mediterranean Jewish Faith left in shambles

Theological Divorce Fall of Temple means both Jesus-Jews and Pharisaic-Jews need to refocus Jesus-Jews (Christians) theology centres on Sacraments Pharisaic-Jews (Rabbinic Judaism) centres on Scripture Hostilities emerge between Christians and Jews at the turn of the century

Relationship with Rome

The Roman Empire Vast Empire over three continents Polytheistic religion Romans believe they descend from Mars, god of war Rome built on military might and ingenuity Would accumulate other gods and deities For monotheistic Christians, Roman Religion was problematic Mars, Roman god of War

Rome and other Religions When no perceived threat, Rome was very open Even admitted other gods into their pantheon List of officially recognized Religions in the Empire Respected the Jewish Religion Jewish emphasis on History gave them credibility

Christianity Arrives in Rome Christianity already established presences when it arrives in Rome Paul and Peter Paul under strict probation Paul working in commercial district Christian message appeals to urban poor Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls, located at the site Paul lived in Rome

First Persecution of Christians Emperor Nero Fire of 64 C.E. Christians scapegoated Paul, along with many other Christians, executed Peter crucified upside down Purges have opposite affect

The Empire Strikes Back Roman officials react to embolden Christians Launch propaganda campaign Distort, manipulate, and spread rumours about Christianity Christianity forced to be very cautious Christians Celebrate Mass in catacombes

Christianity Flourishes in the First Century Had Several advantages Simple Religion Appealed to Women Admitted anyone who wanted to join Provided practical needs Christians outliving pagans, lower infant mortality rate, and higher standard of living St. Cecelia