Chapter 1: Beginnings

AD 30-100
The Church of the Apostles
Vocabulary
Ascension- the entry of Jesus’
humanity into divine glory in God’s
Heavenly domain, forty days after his
resurrection.
Pentecost- the day the Holy Spirit was
manifested, given, and communicated
as a divine Person to the Church,
fulfilling the paschal mystery of Christ
according to His promise.
Babylonian Captivity- period from
587 BC – 539 BC when the Jewish
Nation did not exist and Jewish
leaders were exiled to Babylon
Diaspora- scattering of the
Israelites, Jewish people, from their
homeland.
Conversion- a radical reorientation
of the whole life away from sin and
evil and towards God.
Sanhedrin- in Jesus’ time, a group
of 71 men made up of the chief
priest, scribes, and elders who
made decisions regarding actions
of the people of the Jewish
community.
Gentile- a person of non-Jewish
faith or origin
God-fearers- gentiles who
associated with Jewish
communities without becoming
Jewish.
Council of Jerusalem- the 1st Church
council which took place in AD 50.
Pentecost
Occurred during the Jewish festival
Shavu’ot, or the Festival of Weeks, 50 days
after Passover.
Jesus’ followers were gathered in the upper
room, having been left confused and afraid.
The Spirit of God (fire and wind) was seen
and heard. The HS filled the apostles and
they began speaking in tongues!
They now understood their job and were
being empowered by the HS and were now
Christ Present in the world!
Pentecost= The Birthday of the Church
Jewish Roots of the Church
Christianity finds its roots in Judaism
Abraham
– Abraham was called to believe in One God
(monotheism), rather than the many gods of his
people.
– Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all practice
Monotheism and recognize Abraham as their
faith father.
– God made a covenant with Abraham that he
would be the father of many nations and they
would be God’s Chosen People
In harmony with its Jewish roots, the
Christian Church insists on Monotheism
Exodus
– God sent Moses to lead the Hebrew people out
of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised land.
– Jews celebrate the Exodus each year at
Passover.
Jews of Israel vs. Hellenistic Jews
– 587 BC- Babylonian Captivity
– 539 BC- Cyrus, king of Persia, defeated the
Babylonians and allowed the Jews to return to
their homeland. Many did, but many moved
away (Diaspora).
– 331 BC- Alexander the Great conquered the
Persians and Greek culture became dominant
– Hellenization- the spread of Greek culture
– Hellenistic Jews- Jews who adapted greek
culture
Most of the Jews of the Diaspora spoke
Greek.
They had so little contact with the Jews of
Israel that around 200 BC the Hebrew
scriptures had to be translated into Greek
(Septuagint).
Judaism of the Diaspora became very
different from Judaism of Palestine
63 BC- Palestine came under Roman rule
The Early Church:
Many early Christians believed that
the “coming” would happen in their
lifetime.
When they realized it would not,
they divided up work, chose
leaders, clarified teachings, and
resolved conflicts. This led to the
Church as we know it today
Christians saw themselves as Jewish,
not as a separate group.
– They worshipped in temple, attended
synagogue, and followed Mosaic law
– Christian Jews considered “breaking bread”
(sharing meals) to be part of their life with
Jesus.
– Early Jewish Christians were held together
by their Judaism and their belief in Christ
Tension between followers of Jesus and
Jewish authorities grew stronger after
Jesus’ death.
– The apostles were arrested and brought
before the Sanhedrin on multiple occasions.
Early on Christians debated whether or
not, and under what conditions, Gentiles
should be able to join the Christian
community.
Council of Jerusalem-
– AD 50
– This meeting was called to address whether
or not Gentiles needed to be circumcised
(entered into the Jewish faith) in order to
become Christians.
– Peter announced the decision to free
Gentiles from this and other provisions as
well.
Gentiles were now welcomed, and soon
became the majority.
The Christian way was no longer a
strictly Jewish way
People to Know:
Peter the Fisherman:
– Given name is Simon. Was called Peter,
meaning “rock”, by Jesus
– Jesus identified Peter as the foundation of
the Church and a model for all.
– Had a very human side: same Peter that
denied Jesus at the time of His trial.
– Became the head of the Church after
Pentecost
– Put to death in AD 64. Was crucified upside
down- didn’t feel worthy enough to die as
Jesus did.
– St. Peter’s Basilica is built on top of his
Grave site. His bones were recovered in 1950
and now lie directly under the main altar.
– The Pope is the successor of Peter and
therefore head of the Church.
Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles
– Also called Saul, known to us by his Greek
and Roman name Paul
– Was originally a persecutor of Christians
– Had a major conversion experience on the
road to Damascus, making him an
enthusiastic supporter of the Christian way.
– Traveled throughout the Roman Empire
preaching the Gospel.
– Wrote many epistles, letters, that can be
found in the new Testament
– Was beheaded under Nero’s persecution
– Added greatly to the number of Christians,
especially from the Gentile population.
– One of the most influential figures of the
early Church.