1. Early Church History
100 AD to 500 AD

2. The Mission of the Church
In the period from 100 to 500 AD, the church spread rapidly!
Through God’s grace, the church spread throughout the Roman Empire
Grace was evident in the faith and life of the early members
The seeds of the Gospel were implanted in much of Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East
Christianity flourished in these areas

3. Christian Living
Christians continued to pray together and to celebrate the Eucharist
They were motivated by their profound love for Jesus
They were also known for their love and service for others
They reached out to the poor, homeless and unwanted

4. Writings
Accounts of the Church during this time period are found in the writings of the Church Fathers, Doctors of the Church, and historians
They all attest to the great concern of the people of God for one another
They show that Christians welcomes all races and nations into their midst

5. It is important…
To remember that, while the Church is always guided by the Holy Spirit, it is composed of imperfect human beings
People can make mistakes and are capable of sinning
Therefore, conflicts, controversies and corruption are found throughout the history of the Church

6. Councils
During this time period, many Church councils were held to correct false teachings of Christian beliefs.
1.The Council of Nicea in 325 AD
Defined the Christian belief that Jesus is begotten of God not made by God as other creatures are
Jesus is not simply one of God’s creations because he shares in the very substance that is God

7. Councils 2. The Council of Ephesus in 431 AD
Declared that Jesus is truly a divine person as well as fully human
Declared that his mother is therefore the Mother of God
3. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD
Declared that the son of God is one person with two natures
One human and one divine
Jesus is therefore true God and true man

8. Significant Members Saint Ignatious of Antioch
Saints Perpetua and Felicity (Martyrs)
Saint Jerome
Saint Monica
Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Patrick

9. Struggles and Upheavals
Persecutions continued throughout this era
Christians refused to worship false gods or obey unjust laws
Many Christians were martyred or sent into exile under the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian

10. Progress
The first Roman emperor to become a Christian was Constantine.
After his conversion, he issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD
This ended the persecution of the Church in the Roman Empire and recognized the right of Christians to worship in accordance with their faith
As a result of this new freedom, Christianity spread more rapidly throughout the Roman Empire