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33
The crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus
In 33 AD, Jesus was crucified, a death considered a sacrifice for humanity. Three days later, he rose again, proving his message of salvation. He then told his followers to spread his teachings worldwide, starting the Christian Church. These events formed the basis of Christianity and its lasting impact. -
35
Pentecost
The years 33-35 AD saw the birth of the Christian Church, beginning with Pentecost. This event, where the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles, fueled their widespread preaching of Jesus' message. Many converted, establishing early Christian communities and paving the way for the religion's global expansion. -
49
The council of Jerusalem
In 49 AD, the Council of Jerusalem, led by James the Just and attended by key figures like Peter and Paul, addressed the crucial question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to observe Jewish law. The council decided that Gentiles could become Christians without fully adhering to Jewish customs, a decision that significantly broadened the appeal and spread of Christianity. -
64
Nero’s Persecution
In 64 AD, Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating a brutal persecution. Among the victims were the apostles Peter and Paul, who suffered martyrdom; Peter by crucifixion and Paul by beheading. This persecution marked a significant turning point in the early history of Christianity. -
70
The Fall of Jerusalem
The Roman army, under the command of Titus, destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a pivotal event in Jewish history. This act significantly impacted early Christianity. Many Jewish Christians were dispersed across the Roman Empire, leading to the further spread and diversification of the Christian faith. The destruction of the Temple also ended the central role of Jerusalem in Jewish religious practice and accelerated the development of Rabbinic Judaism. -
150
Apologists and Early Church Fathers
Around 150 AD, Christian apologists like Justin Martyr rose to defend the faith against Roman persecution, as seen in his "First Apology." This period also witnessed the burgeoning of theological debates and the rise of diverse interpretations of Christianity, most notably the challenges posed by Gnosticism. -
303
The Great Persecution
The Great Persecution (303-311 AD), initiated by Emperor Diocletian, unleashed a wave of intense and widespread persecution against Christians across the Roman Empire. Thousands suffered martyrdom, sacred texts were burned, and churches were destroyed. This period stands as one of the most severe trials in the early history of the Christian faith. -
313
Edict of Milan
The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 AD by emperors Constantine and Licinius, marked a turning point for Christianity. This edict granted religious toleration throughout the Roman Empire, officially ending the era of systematic state-sponsored persecution and paving the way for the religion's eventual rise to prominence. -
325
The Council of Nicaea
In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea, called by Emperor Constantine, settled the Arian debate about Jesus's nature. They declared Jesus fully divine ("of the same substance" as God), creating the Nicene Creed to summarize this belief. -
340
Important Figures: Saint Ambrose
Saint Ambrose (c. 340–397) was the Bishop of Milan and a key figure in the early Christian Church, known for his influence on Christian theology, his opposition to Arianism, and his role in the conversion of Saint Augustine. He was also a skilled writer, hymn composer, and defender of Church authority against imperial power. -
347
Important Figures: Saint Jerome
Saint Jerome (c. 347–420) was a Christian scholar, priest, and theologian best known for translating the Bible into Latin, producing the Vulgate, which became the Catholic Church’s standard version for centuries. He was also a prolific writer and is venerated as a Doctor of the Church for his contributions to biblical studies and Christian teachings. -
354
Important Figures: Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine (354–430 AD) was a Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings, particularly "The Confessions" and "The City of God", greatly influenced Western Christianity and philosophy. As the Bishop of Hippo, he played a key role in shaping doctrines on original sin and just war theory. -
367
New Testament Canon Finalized
Athanasius of Alexandria's 367 AD Easter letter included a definitive list of the 27 books that make up the New Testament, marking a significant step in the canon's formalization within the Christian church. While the process of establishing the canon had been ongoing, his influential endorsement helped solidify its acceptance. -
380
The Edict of Thessalonica
In 380 AD, the Edict of Thessalonica, issued by Emperor Theodosius I, established Nicene Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. This marked a significant turning point, granting Christianity privileged status and influencing the religious landscape of the empire profoundly. -
451
Council of Chalcedon
The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the nature of Christ, specifically the relationship between his divine and human natures. The council formally defined Christ as fully God and fully human, a concept known as the hypostatic union, resolving significant theological disputes and shaping Christian doctrine for centuries to come. -
REFLECTION pt. 1
The early Christian Church laid the foundation of the Christianity of today in beliefs, practice, and organization. Since the Apostolic Age up to the Council of Chalcedon, the Church had gone through theological controversies, persecution, and cultural integration, leaving footprints that will last. The persecution of the Church by Roman emperors, such as Nero and Diocletian, became a hallmark of its survival through endurance. -
REFLECTION pt 2
Such sacrifices created a sense of identity and solidarity among early Christians, which still inspires believers today when they face adverse situations. This all changed with the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, where Christianity was transformed from a persecuted sect into a state-endorsed religion. This shift allowed Christianity to flourish and integrate into various cultures, showcasing the transformative power of acceptance and religious freedom. -
REFLECTION pt. 3
Above all, theological controversies, particularly those addressed in the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Chalcedon (451 AD), were significant in defining the essential Christian doctrines on the nature of Christ and the Trinity. These early councils epitomize the importance of communal discernment and dialogue in resolving doctrinal conflicts-a practice that remains imperative to contemporary Christian unity. -
REFLECTION pt. 4
The early Church Fathers-people like Augustine and others-wrote works that shaped Christian thinking about things such as grace, sin, and salvation, and informed various Christian traditions. Out of these early struggles and decisions comes the tradition of faith, fortitude, and intellectual engagement that modern Christianity inherits. The legacy of the early Church urges believers today to be attentive to unity, embracing diversity, and meeting the challenge in faith and determination. -
Video Explaining 33AD
33 AD (crucifixion and resurrection): https://youtu.be/djNJKdlRXm4?si=tp6Ki1qN8tbS6CSH