1. Foundations of Christianity

2. 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

3. 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)

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

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

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

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

8. Important Figures
Peter
James
John
St. Peter in prison

9. Paul’s Mission to the Gentiles

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

11. Paul’s Conversion

12. 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

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

15. Separation from Judaism

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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

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

23. 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

24. Relationship with Rome

25. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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