Early, EARLY“Church” History
WHY study the History of “The Church”?
- Curiosity about our “Family History”: Where do I fit in?
- Why do churches “do church” differently? Why do I believe what I do?
- Learn the difference between “Church Roots” and “Biblical Roots”
Evolution of the Word: “Church”
Hebrew / Greek / Latin / EnglishEdah: congregation of God’s righteouswho agreed to follow God
(1st use: at Mt Sinai, Ex 19)
(LXX: ekklesia)
Kahal: assembly of God’s righteous for religious purposes: feasts, worship, war. The body of believers when Messiah regathers from all corners of world. (LXX: ekklesia) / synagogue: (bring together) an assembly for worship, and other public purposes. Later, became a designation of Jewish assembly in contrast to ecclesia, to denote the Christian church
ekklesia:
any gathering of people, [town council, even a mob].
Later, came to denote the gathering of believers (jew and gentile) in acommunity (“church”) / 312.Constantine: In this sign ( ) conquer,
a combination of church and state (a political entity: Holy Roman Empire)
Christendom / KJV Translation rule #3:
Ekklesia to be translated “church” (German), so that King James may be the head of it.
A building for public Christian worship (middle ages)
Later, an ecclesiastical organization, as distinguished from the state (Roger Williams)
A local congregation of believers in Jesus
Evolution of “Church” Models
Master Narrative / Parting of the Ways / Ways that NEVER Parted100-1934
Church Triumphant
Replacement Theology
European, Gentile Christianity / 1934, James Parkes
The Conflict of the Church & Synagogue / ~ 1970+
The Jewishness of Jesus
New Perspective on Paul
Roman Catholic
Reformed Theology / Dispensational
Evangelical / Messianic Judaism
Hebrew Roots
The GROWING “Church”Apostolic Fathers
60-100
62 / Rome / Paul
James / Exonerated by Rome. Departs for Spain?
Martyred. Replaced as Leader by Symeon, cousin of Jesus & James.
63 / Rome
Jerusalem / Peter / Writes Gospel ofMark, 1 Peter.
Hebrewswritten by (Luke? Clement??)
Roman rule established in the Holy City: Higher taxes, torture.EmperorCaligula orders his statue to be erected in every temple in empire.
64 / Rome
Philippi
Jerusalem / Peter
Paul / Martyred by Nero
Writes Titus, 1 Timothy
Zealots wield considerable influence among the Jews
65 / Rome / Paul
Luke / Arrested, writes 2 Timothy
Writes Luke-Acts
66 / Jerusalem / Great Revolt / Roman soldiers “exposedthemselves” in Temple, burn Torah scroll. Florus,last Roman procurator, steals vast quantities of silver from the Temple.
The PERSECUTION of Jews (& Gentile Believers)
67 / Rome
Gamla / Paul
Zealots / Martyred by Nero
Rome wipes out zealot HQ inGamla
68 / Rome
Israel / Nero / “madman”..Forces believers to deny Jesus or die. Commits suicide.
60K Roman troops start in Galilee, killing/enslaving 100K Jews over next few years.
69 / Jerusalem
Yavneh
Pella / Rabbinic Judaism / Civil War (“baseless hatred”) between Jews. Zealots burn entire dry food supply trying to force ALL Jews to fight against Rome.
R. Yochanan ben Zakkai, escapes Jerusalem (coffin) to Yavneh.
2nd Temple Judaism begins to morph into RABBINIC Judaism. Soon will need to re-brand, search for identity as rabbis develop a life without the Temple.No anti-Nazarene policy until after Bar-Kochba Revolt.
When Titus temporarily withdraws troops from surrounding Jrslm (he has to return to Rome when his father, Vespasian, is made Caesar), 30-40K Notzrim flee to Pella (as per Jesus’ instructions in Luke 21)
70 / Jerusalem / Destruction / Titus sieges Jerusalem, entered Holy of Holies: City & Temple burned (9th of Av). Detailed by Josephus [Jewish historian/turncoat to Rome],inJewish Wars.
71 / Rome / Titus / Triumphant march into Rome.
73 / Masada
Jerusalem / Zealots
Nazarenes / Roman X Legion finishesoff last pocket of Jewish resistance remaining from Great Revolt.
Return from Pella to re-build ruins of Jerusalem. Rejected as disloyal “traitors” by unbelieving Jews bc they left during Civil War.
81 / Rome / Colosseum built with Jewish slave labor, spoils from the Temple.
Arch of Titus, depicts victory over Jewish Revolts
83-89 / Ephesus / John / Writes 1, 2, 3 John. Little children, love one another
Battled Docetism: That Jesus only “appeared” to be human flesh
95 / Rome
Israel / Clement
Bishop of Rome
Disciple of Peter
Domitian
Rabbis / writes 1 Clementto ekklesia at Corinth to embrace humility , unity, repentance toward leaders (on account of the “church” split)
Anti-Jewish legislation. Christianity declared illegal. Great Persecution
Amidah Prayer. Add 19th clause against “heretics” (Nazarenes, Jewish believers?). Birkat Ha Minim.
96 / Patmos
Rome / John
Domitian / Exiled. Writes Revelation
Dies
97 / Ephesus / John / Writes Gospel of John
98 / Rome / Trajan / Becomes Emperor
100 / Yavneh
Ephesus / Rabbis
John / Firm up Hebrew canon
Last apostle dies
Major Issues:Persecution[Danger comes from OUTSIDE the assemblies],
Confusion [ WITHIN the Church]: Authority, Unity, Truth [False teachers abound. No official collection of NT books yet]
The “CHURCH”: Caught in a“Perfect” Storm100-200
115 / Antioch / Ignatius
Disciple of
Peter, John, Paul
Bishop of Antioch
Martyred by wild beasts in Roman coliseum, to discourage Christianity (illegal religion) from spreading / Against Judaizers: Messianic Jews should not be regarded as Jewish- as believers, wrong for them to continue their Jewish lifestyle.“To profess Jesus Christ while continuing to follow Jewish customs is an absurdity. The Christian faith does not look to Judaism, but Judaism looks to Christianity” –epistle to the Magnesians (1:11)
Let us thereforeno longerkeep the Sabbath after the Jewish manner, and rejoice in days of idleness...but let every one of you keep the Sabbath in a spiritual manner, not in relaxation, not in eating things prepared the day before, not in finding delight in dancing and clapping which have no sense in them--FicusJudaicus
Encouraged Jews to CONVERT to Christianity…opposite of 1st Century!
Maintained that Jesus was both man AND God
Trend to increasing church order. Held to idea of only ONE bishop over all the Church (unlike Clement of Rome).Can’t hold church feast without a bishop’s approval.
116 / Jerusalem / Hadrian / Renames Jerusalem, “AeliaCapitolina”. Builds Temple to Jupiter
117 / Rome / Hadrian / Becomes Emperor. Allows Jews to return to Jerusalem.
123 / Israel / Hadrian / Jewish unrest: Bans synagogues, circumcision, Sabbath, feasts in Jerusalem: making Judaism de facto illegal.
132-135 / Israel / 2nd Jewish Revolt
-----
Bar Kochba Revolt / Rabbi Akiva: Only way Israel can survive is to bring in “messiah”!
Messianic Jews cannot accept BK as messiah. MJ rejected by unbelieving Jews.
Last battle (9th of Av). Plowed Jerusalem with yoke of oxen. Israel changed to Syria Palestina.
Diaspora: ALL Jews expelled from Jerusalem for 100 yrs, forbidden to gather in synagogues, observe Torah. Jews become more secular, desire to assimilate into Roman culture (lasted until 1948)
Nazarenes allowed to stay IF they renounce all Judaism. The Way appoints 1st gentile leader, Marcus
138 / Israel / Jews defeated, no more fight. “Age of Jewish Persecution” ends.
Major Issues: [Danger comes from WITHIN the Church]Ignorance of Torah: Majority of believers are Gentiles, estranged from synagogues, leadership introduces Greek (neo-Platonic) philosophies to define doctrine, desire to identify their congregations in opposition to Judaism.Arrogance, Hostilitytoward Jews and their “dead, legalistic religion” cursed by God for their rejection of Jesus.
Paul’s Warnings
Acts 20:29–30 [PAUL]“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Romans 11:18 [PAUL] Do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.
The“Church”: STRUGGLING to RE-DEFINE ITSELFGentile believers now make Jews CONVERT to Christianity!
135 / Epistle of “Barnabas” / Replacement Theology Indeed it [Torah] is ours; for Moses had hardly received it when they (Jews) forfeited it forever- wretched, deluded men, abandoned by God
1st explicit reference to SUNDAY: as “8th day” (resurrection is secondary)
70-155 / Smyrna / Polycarp
Disciple of John
Bishop of Smyna
Martyred / Wrote letters to ekklesia at Philippi (improper financial matters)
Combatted heresies, calling Marcion the “firstborn of Satan”.
(154) Advocates for Quartodecimanism: Celebrating Easter on Jewish Passover (14 Nisan) even if it falls on a day other than Sunday.Idea rejected by bishop of Rome.
139-144 / Syria / Marcion
Gnostic / Duty of “TRUE” Christian was to oppose Judaism (and The Way). Even though declared a heretic, ex-communicated in 144 (and his large offering refunded), his teachings remained wildly popular, influential. Anti–Jewish, anti- Torah.
Greek dualistic thinking: OT God – evil, NT God-loving.
Free from burdensome Mosaic law. Wrote the first version of the New Testament, (including only parts of Luke, 10 of Paul’s epistles, edited to remove “Jewish corruptions”)
Later, Augustine endorsed Marcion’s views of Grace (No Law) and it became a pillar of Christian theology that traveled thru Wycliffe, Coverdale, and found its’ way into John Calvin’s “Institutes”, a guide for the Protestant reformed churches and Dispensationalism.
130-202 / Smyrna / Irenaeus
Polycarp’s DiscipleBishop of Lyon / Against Heresies: Attempted to unite OT-NT documents in order to defend “apostolic faith” against pagans, gnostics, and Jews. Torah originated with Moses, but terminated with John.
Sundays began to be observed as “Lord’s Day”.Roman “church” ordered believers to quit reckoning Passover by traditional Jewish method. , and to only keep this annual resurrection festival. (At first, churches in Asia Minor ignored the Roman decree). Eventually, EVERY Sunday was celebrated as “Day of Resurrection”, and the church fasted on Sabbath.
(185) doctrine : original sin: sin first entered the world with Adam’s disobedience
135-165 / Samaria
Greco-Roman Gentile / Justin Martyr
Pagan philosopher
Converted to Christianity
early influences:
Platonism Gnosticism / Persuaded of the superiority of the Christian “philosophy”. As a gentile, he viewed Torah as unimportant, temporary. Torah was given to Jews as a punishment for their exceptional wickedness and because of God’s special hatred for the Jewish people...We, too, would observe your circumcision of the flesh, your Sabbath days and in a word all your festivals, if we were not aware of the reason why they were imposed upon you, namely, because of your sins and your hardness of heart.
As for their scrupulousness about meats, and their superstitions about the sabbath, and their much vaunted circumcision, and their pretentious festivals and new moon observances – all of them too nonsensical to be worth discussing. – Letter to Diognetus
He admitted that there were both Jew & Gentile believers who still practiced the laws of Torah..”weak-minded brothers”, who were still saved, despite their foolish insistence on observing the laws of Moses Dialogue with Trypho, the Jew...Chapter 47
170 / Christianity now has the doctrine, literature, liturgy, organization to be called a distinct religion
Early 2nd century, CLERICAL SYSTEM developing- distinction between clergy & laity
Doctrine: Baptismal Regenerationis developing
170 / Sardis
Turkey / Melito / One of many gentile converts, influenced by Greek philosophies.
Accused Jews of the crucifixion – On the Passover
175 / Carthage
Africa / Tertullian / Doctirne:Trinity
Church replaces Israel. Wrote first anti-Jewish allegory/tract in Latin–AdversariusJudeaus
Condemns practice of baptizing infants, the dead
Also spiritualized the Torah b/c a literal view was foolish nonsense:
It followsthat, in so far as the abolition of carnal circumcision and of the old law is demonstrated as having been consummated at its specific times, so also the observance of the Sabbath is demonstrated to have been temporary.
190 / Few remaining sects of Jewish Christianity are thought of as sects rather than mainstream “Christianity”
199 / Doctrine: Christ descended into hell
Major Issues: Many “regional” bodies of believers, with a variety of pet doctrines. Pagans complained that it was impossible to understand what they actually believed b/c it was so diverse. No “canon” of Scripture, doctrine.
The PERSECUTED “Church”: 200’s200 / Tiberius / MISHNAH / (Oral Torah) compiled by Judah, the Prince (desc of David)
d. 215 / Alexandria
Egypt / Clement / Leaned “mystical gnostic”.Blessing Before Meals.Twisted Paul’s words: When I was a Jew, I thought as a child, when I followed the Law—from The Instructor
215 / Doctrine:Infant Baptism
Doctrine: Creation Ex Nihilo (out of nothing)
215 / Alexandria
Egypt / Origen / “Church” is all who have personally experienced the power of the eternal gospel. But complained about those “Sunday” Christians who just repeat what they heard on Saturday (Torah portions)
The Jews will not return to their [city, nation] for they committed the most abominable of crises, in forming this conspiracy against the Savior of the human race...and another people was called by God to the blessed election
Earlier, NOT OK with birth celebration of Jesus b/c it was too similar to the way Pharaoh, Herod, and other pagan gods were honored.
<235 / Rome / Hippolytus / Continued attacks on the Jews & Torah....The Refutation of All Heresies
248 / Carthage / Cyprian / Only ONE Catholic (universal) church. Outside the Church, no forgiveness of sins. Degrees of penance for those who denied Christ during Roman persecutions.
d.250 / Smyrna / Pionus
Bishop/ Martyred / I have heard that Jews are inviting some of you into synagogues- [I denounce enormity of any collusion] with those who killed Christ—Perhaps he misunderstood intention of the Jews?
257 / Valerian / Persecution: Christians are no longer allowed to assemble for worship. Property confiscated.
300 / Rome / Public confession of sin is replaced by private confession to a bishop.
More than 40 churches within city limits of Rome
303 / Diocletian / The Great Persecution of Christianity. Government burn churches, Scriptures. Arrest bishops, leaders (later, laity) and force them to sacrifice to Roman gods.
305-6 / Spain / Synod of Elvira / Prohibited marriage, eating meals with Jews, pagans, & heretics. Opposed fasting on Sabbath
306 / Christmas :Birth of Christ celebrated at winter solstice (Mithrianism).
Major Issues: Syncretism, but naively welcomed period of Peace, Partnership with government
The POWERFUL “Church”: 300’s312 / Constantine’s
“Conversion” / Victorious in battle at Milvian Bridge after vision of “In this sign conquer” (XP on their shields)
313 / Edict of Milan / Did not make Christianity the “state religion”, but mandated equal toleration for all religions. Returned confiscated property to “churches”.
320 / Arius
St. Peter’s Basillica / Discussion: Is Jesus of the same nature as the Father?(Arius, “NO”, created, not equal with God).
Doctrine of Trinityofficially established 5 years later.
Holy Roman Empire begins paying the priests, building basillicas
Constantine erects “old” St Peter’s on traditional site of Peter’s crucifixion. “Unity”: Many “un-regenerate” join the “church”.
d.373 / Alexandria / Athanasius / Opponent of Arius’ “heresy”. Defines NT canon
Doctrine of perpetual virginityHeld that Mary remained a virgin even after the birth of Jesus
321 / Lord’s Day / Sunday becomes official day of rest, worship for the Roman Empire.
322 / Rome / Helios / A picture on a tomb depicts Christ as Helios (god of light, crowned with sun)
325 / Turkey / Council of Nicea
Emperor
Constantine / Nicene Creed (Trinity, Deity of Jesus result in “church” split)
Most Jewish elements are already missing from faith walk of those who follow Jesus. Only hold-out sects: Nazarenes & Ebionites observed some form of Torah. No Jewish believers represented on this council.
Constantine Creed: The Law of Easter
“I renounce all customs, rites, legalisms, unleavened breads and sacrifices of lambs of the Hebrews, and all the other feasts of the Hebrews, sacrifices, prayers, aspirations, purifications, sanctifications, and propitiations, and fasts and new moons, and Sabbaths, and superstitions, and hymns and chants, and observances and synagogues. Absolutely everything Jewish, every Law, rite and custom and if afterwards I shall wish to deny and return to Jewish superstition, or shall be found eating with Jews, or feasting with them, or secretly conversing and condemning the Christian religion instead of openly confuting them and condemning their vain faith, then let the trembling of Cain and the leprosy of Gehazi cleave to me, as well as the legal punishments to which I acknowledge myself liable. And may I be an anathema in the world to come, and may my soul be set down with Satan and the devils.”(Stefano Assemani, ActaSanctoriumMartyrumOrientalium at Occidentalium, Vol. 1, Rome 1748, page 105)
Lent established(solemn 40 day period of preparation before Easter)
392. Good Friday observed
Creed of Constantine: Law of New Sabbath
“I accept all customs, rites, legalism, and feasts of the Romans, sacrifices. Prayers, purifications with water, sanctifications by PontificusMaxmus (high priests of Mithraism), propitiations, and feasts, and the New Sabbath “So! dei” (day of the Sun), all new chants and observances, and all the foods and drinks of the Romans. In other words, I absolutely accept everything Roman, every new law, rite and custom, of Rome, and the New Roman Religion.”
Eusibeus
Father of Church History / Constantine hired him to produce 50 copies of OT & NT
Let us have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish rabble-,
< 340 / North Africa / Lactantius / Jesus spent time in Galilee in order to avoid the Jews, lest he should lead them to repentance...Christ made us Gentiles heirs, the Jews being deprived and disinherited–from Divine Institutions
337 / Constantine / Baptized just before his death, so that fewer sins would be counted against him.
341 / Syria / Council of Antioch / Christians prohibited from celebrating Passover with the Jews
365 / Turkey / Council of Laodicea / Christians forbidden to observe the biblical Sabbath, read gospels instead of Torah portions.
Christians must not judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day. Rather, honoring the Lord’s Day. But if any shall be found to be Judaizers, let them be anathema (against) from Christ”.
349-407 / Antioch / John Chrysostom
“Golden Mouth” / In 8 consecutive sermons, denounced any believer who participated in Jewish festivals, Sabbath, or dietary laws. “Judaizer” is a term that the Church Fathers applied to anyone who practiced the laws of Torah.
Jews sacrifice children to the devil. Worse than wild beast, lecherous, satisfy their gullets, greedy, rapacious, odious assassins.
Presented himself as a “doctor” to cure the “disease” of Christians desiring to celebrate Torah observances.Jews do not worship God but devils, so all their feasts are unclean...God hates them, and has always hated them.. Since their murder of Jesus, He allows them no time for repentance.
Paved the way for slaughter of countless Jews throughout history.
388. Lobbies for 25 December as official birthdate of Christ.
354-430
Converted
In 387 / Hippo
Algeria / Augustine
Father of Calvinism / No literal Millennial Kingdom WroteCity of God, Confessions.
Adopted Marcion’s view of Grace (noTorah)
Unbaptized infants, eternally damned
Man is Totally Depraved: unable to respond to God
God’s grace is indispensable to human freedom, salvation.
Pre-destination, saved only if God chooses you.
Teaching of the apostles is not applicable bc it was a different age.
383 / Jerome
Latin Vulgate Bible / Latin text, written from Bethlehem-- would be used in Western Christianity for next 1,000 years. Preferred pagan literature to Christian writings.
He falsely claimed that “The Curse” (19th benediction of Amidah) was directed to Notzrim. [No, it was directed to Sadducees, Essenes- R. Gorelik]
I have a strange dislike to those of the circumcision...allegorically compared ugly Leah (Jews) to the beautiful Rachel (Church) If you call it [synagogue] a brothel, a den of vice, the Devil’s refuge, Satan’s fortress, a place to deprave the soul, an abyss of every conceivable disaster or whatever you will, you are still saying less than it deserves…Jews are eternally cursed by God (~ fig tree, Mt 21:18-22)
393 / Council of Hippo / Augustine closed the door on any further debate on which books should be considered included into NT. Bishops accepted the 27 writings. Augustine said, All you need is faith, hope, and love…the rest is allegory (so you really don’t need the Bible)
Late 4th C / Epiphanius / Torah observant Messianic Judaism was the norm in the first century....”still retain most of their ancient customs”...It is their [Messianic Jews] observance of the Torah and this alone which separates the Nazarenes from the main Church...Jews who dedicate themselves to the Law and submit to circumcision, remained wholly Jewish. They use not only the New Testament, but also the Old, like all of the Jews. The live according to the preaching of the Law as among Jews. They do not agree with the Christians because they are trained in the Torah, in circumcision, the Sabbath, and the other things
Significant Bible Words: Re-Defined