Early Christianity refers to the Christianity practiced by Jesus’ followers in the first few centuries after his death and resurrection. Here’s an overview of what we can learn from the Bible about what early Christianity was like:
Jesus and His Teachings
Obviously, Jesus Christ is central to Christianity. During his earthly ministry, Jesus traveled around preaching about the kingdom of God, performing miracles, and calling people to follow him (Luke 8:1). He taught extensively through parables and sermons, conveying truths about God’s love and mercy, obedience to God, forgiveness of sins, the kingdom of heaven, and more (Matthew 5-7, 13, 25).
Jesus also demonstrated compassion by healing the sick and spending time with outcasts like tax collectors and prostitutes (Luke 5:29-32). He redefined concepts like greatness and leadership as serving others (Mark 10:42-45). Jesus’ teachings often surprised people and overturned expectations – like loving enemies, forgiving without limit, and putting others above yourself (Matthew 5:38-48; 18:21-22; 20:25-28).
After being executed, Jesus rose from the dead and commissioned his disciples to spread his teachings to the world (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and teachings form the foundation for all of Christianity.
The Early Church
After Jesus ascended to heaven, his disciples began preaching about him in Jerusalem. Many people repented, believed, and were baptized, establishing the first church body (Acts 2:36-41). This early church dedicated themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, Communion, and prayer (Acts 2:42). They believed Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah and only path to salvation.
The early Christians faced persecution from Jewish authorities who saw this new movement as a threat (Acts 4:1-3; 5:17-18). But under the leadership of apostles like Peter and John, the church continued to grow rapidly (Acts 4:4). Christians met in homes for worship and shared meals together, developing a close community (Acts 2:46). They also gave generously so that no one was in need (Acts 4:32-35).
While the early church started among Jews, it quickly expanded to include Samaritans and Gentiles too (Acts 8:5-13, 26-39; 10:44-48). God’s love and salvation were for all people regardless of background. The inclusion of Gentiles was a huge shift, requiring discernment from leaders like Peter and Paul (Acts 15).
Early Christian Practices
The book of Acts provides glimpses into the practices and routines of early Christians. Here are some key aspects:
– Teaching and studying Scripture – The Old Testament and the apostles’ teachings were central (Acts 2:42; 17:10-11).
– Prayer – Christians prayed persistently, both individually and corporately (Acts 2:42; 12:12).
– Baptism – New believers were baptized, signifying conversion and new life in Christ (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12-13).
– Communion – Christians regularly broke bread together, remembering Christ’s death (Acts 2:42, 46).
– Worship – Though few details are given, singing, preaching, and giving thanks were parts of worship (Acts 2:47; 13:2).
– Generous giving and care for the needy (Acts 4:32-35; 6:1-6; 9:36).
– Evangelism and missionary work – Spreading the gospel was a priority (Acts 8:4-8, 26-40).
– Exercising spiritual gifts like healing and prophecy (Acts 8:6-7; 21:8-11).
– Leadership from elders/overseers and deacons (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Philippians 1:1).
Challenges and Persecutions
Despite rapid growth, the early church also faced serious challenges and persecution:
– Initial opposition from Jewish authorities, including floggings, prison, and martyrdom (Acts 4-7; 12:1-3).
– Intense dispute over whether Gentile converts must follow the Jewish law, necessitating the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).
– In-group divisions based on favoritism or sharing resources (Acts 6:1).
– False teachers promoting incorrect doctrine (Galatians 2:4).
– Immorality requiring discipline (1 Corinthians 5).
– Secular skepticism toward Christian beliefs (Acts 17:32).
But suffering for their faith also strengthened Christians’ resolve (Acts 5:41-42). Through these challenges, leaders guided the early church with wisdom, helping it overcome obstacles.
Key Figures and Authors
The New Testament highlights several significant leaders who helped shape early Christianity:
– Peter – Led the apostles and preached extensively in the early days (Acts 2-5).
– John – A prominent apostle along with Peter, and writer of a gospel and epistles.
– James – Leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15; Galatians 2:9).
– Paul – The apostle to the Gentiles and writer of many epistles. Spread the gospel widely.
– Luke – Physician, missionary companion of Paul, and author of a gospel and Acts.
– Mark – Traveling companion of Peter/Paul and author of a gospel.
– Matthew – A tax collector turned apostle and gospel author.
Along with Jesus, the faithfulness and ministry of these and others allowed the gospel to spread rapidly in a hostile environment. They laid theological foundations through their writings that continue to shape Christianity today.
Core Beliefs and Practices
Certain core beliefs and practices characterized early Christianity from the very beginning:
– Jesus Christ as God’s Son and only Savior (Acts 4:12; 16:31).
– Salvation by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
– The triune nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
– Baptism and Communion as key ordinances (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
– The Old Testament as Scripture pointing toward Christ (2 Timothy 3:16).
– Jesus’ resurrection and its significance (1 Corinthians 15:12-22).
– Expectation of Christ’s return to fulfill God’s promises (Titus 2:13).
– All believers are part of Christ’s body, the church (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27).
– Call to share the gospel and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
– Upholding moral purity and holiness (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Despite facing persecution, early Christians held unwaveringly to these foundational truths taught by Jesus and the apostles. They are the bedrock on which Christianity still stands today.
Relationships with Governing Authorities
The early church existed under Roman rule. This produced an uneasy relationship between Christians and governing authorities:
– Christians were law-abiding citizens, taught to submit to rulers (Romans 13:1-7).
– But Christians believed their ultimate allegiance was to Christ (Acts 5:29).
– Roman authorities were suspicious of Christianity’s rapid growth and exclusivist beliefs.
– Sporadic state-sanctioned persecutions broke out, including under Nero and other emperors (Tacitus, Annals 15:44).
– Christians refused to participate in emperor worship and similar practices, fueling tensions.
– Christian exclusivism was seen as a threat to social cohesion.
Despite persecutions, early Christian texts urged believers to pray for rulers, be good citizens when possible, and leave judgment to God (1 Timothy 2:1-3; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
Implications of the Resurrection
Central to early Christian life and teaching was Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. This signified:
– God’s power and salvation for believers (Ephesians 1:18-20).
– Victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
– Jesus’ authority and messianic identity (Acts 2:32-36).
– Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
– The present reality of new life in Christ (Romans 6:4-11).
– The future promise of resurrection for all believers (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
– The need to proclaim Christ’s victory (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 4:20).
Early Christians insisted Jesus had risen bodily, citing eyewitness testimony (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). His resurrection was foundational for Christian hope, evangelism, and belief in eternal life after death.
Expectations About Christ’s Return
Most early Christians expected Jesus to return soon. Verses like 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 fueled this belief. Christians were to live holy lives, spreading the gospel urgently while awaiting Christ’s return.
Other key aspects of early return expectations:
– Christ’s return would bring future judgment and restoration (Acts 3:20-21).
– Only God knew the timing – Christians must be patient and ready (Mark 13:32-33).
– Expectations of immediacy faded somewhat as time passed.
– But Christ’s imminent return remained the hopeful expectation (Titus 2:13).
– Belief in Christ’s return motivated perseverance amid trials (Romans 8:25).
Though specifics were unclear, awaiting and preparing for Christ’s return was a defining posture of early Christians that shaped their priorities and sense of mission.
Rapid Expansion Despite Persecution
Despite facing intense persecution, early Christianity expanded rapidly across the Roman Empire:
– Apostles and evangelists carried the gospel along trade routes (Acts 8:4-8).
– Paul’s missionary journeys established churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece (Acts 16-20).
– Jewish synagogues provided launch points to reach Gentiles (Acts 13:14-48).
– Christian communities networked and shared resources (Romans 15:25-28).
– House churches allowed for small group gatherings (Romans 16:3-5).
– Strong core beliefs motivated ongoing witness even when difficult or dangerous (Acts 4:18-21).
Just a few decades after Jesus’ earthly ministry, Paul could speak of the gospel being proclaimed “to every creature under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). Though estimates vary, some scholars believe up to 10% of the Roman Empire was Christian by the early 300s AD. The courage and commitment of early believers fueled this incredible growth.
Varied Christian Responses to Persecution
Roman persecution took varied forms against early Christians:
– Social harassment and exclusion from public life (Tertullian, Ad Nationes 1:4).
– Mob violence, occasionally state-sanctioned (Eusebius, Church History 4.15.1-4).
– Arrests and executions, especially under certain emperors (Tacitus, Annals 15.44).
Christian responses to persecution also varied:
– Many boldly accepted martyrdom as witnesses for Christ (Ignatius, Letter to the Romans 4-5).
– Some engaged pagan culture to make Christianity less foreign (Justin Martyr, First Apology 1.1).
– Many fled persecution, while critics saw this as cowardice (Eusebius, Church History 6.40.2-6).
– A minority resorted to violence in response, which leaders condemned (Augustine, Letters 88.8).
– Most persisted peacefully, trusting God despite trials (Clement, First Letter to the Corinthians 45).
Roman persecution was sporadic but intense. While a few Christians renounced their faith, most remained courageous – whether through martyrdom, persistence, or survival. Their steadfastness strengthened the early church.
Early Heresies Faced by the Church
In its first centuries, several heretical movements arose that threatened church unity and orthodoxy:
– Gnosticism – Pre-Christian movement that valued secret knowledge and viewed the material world as evil and corrupt. Influenced some strains of Christian thought.
– Marcionism – Rejected the Old Testament and much orthodox doctrine. Taught that the wrathful Hebrew God was distinct from the loving God revealed in Christ.
– Montanism – Prophetic movement that called for radical self-denial. Believed God spoke new revelation directly through the movement’s prophets.
– Arianism – Controversial view that Jesus was a created being, not eternal. Posed challenge in 300s but condemned at Nicaea.
– Donatism – Movement in North Africa that believed clergy must be morally pure for sacraments to be valid. Led to schism in African church.
– Manichaeism – Taught a strong dualism between good and evil. Viewed matter and flesh as intrinsically evil.
In response, early Christian leaders defended orthodoxy by formulating creeds, canonizing Scripture, and identifying heretical beliefs. These challenges pushed the church toward greater theological and organizational clarity.
The Canonization of Scripture
Early Christians valued the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. As heresies arose, the need emerged for an authoritative canon of Scripture. Criteria that guided canonization:
– Apostolic Origin – Written by an apostle or apostolic associate like Mark, Luke, James.
– Orthodoxy – Consistency with core Christian beliefs.
– Use in Worship Services – Read publicly in early church gatherings.
– Inspiration – Viewed as Spirit-inspired and authoritative.
The four gospels, Acts, Paul’s epistles, and other New Testament texts met these criteria. The Muratorian Canon (c. 180 AD) listed most texts. Final ratification occurred at Councils of Carthage (397/419 AD). Key drivers of canonization included heresy battles and the need for authoritative preaching and teaching texts. The resulting New Testament gave clear shape to apostolic tradition and orthodox theology.
Tensions Between Greek and Jewish Culture
The early church spanned Jewish and Hellenistic cultural contexts. This produced some tensions:
– Greek Christians valued theological speculation while Jewish Christians prized moral obedience more.
– Greeks focused on the soul’s immortality while Jews emphasized bodily resurrection.
– Greek thinking viewed the material world negatively, unlike Jewish perspectives.
– Greeks sought universal truth/wisdom while Jews stressed God’s particular promises to Israel.
– Pagan Greek culture tolerated sexual immorality whereas Jews called for holiness.
However, Greek concepts also contributed to theology:
– Ideas like Logos fostered Christological development (John 1:1-3).
– Greek focus on reason/persuasion aided evangelism in the Empire.
– Greek education equipped apologists like Justin Martyr.
In the end, Greek and Jewish elements blended in early Christianity, though tensions remained. Christians navigated retaining cultural distinctiveness while engaging prevailing culture.
Early Church Fathers and Key Texts
Influential early Christian leaders and texts included:
– Clement of Rome (c. 35-99) – Wrote 1 Clement to restore peace in the Corinthian church. Emphasized apostolic succession.
– Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-117) – Bishop and martyr whose letters stressed church order and warned against heresy.
– Justin Martyr (c. 100-165) – Influential apologist whose writings explained Christianity to Romans using philosophical concepts.
– Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202) – Defended orthodoxy against heresies like Gnosticism. Emphasized Scripture and tradition.
– Didache (c. 50-120) – Early church manual outlining morality, rituals, and structure.
– Apostles Creed (c. 150-400) – Brief early statement of core doctrines and beliefs.
– Muratorian Canon (c. 170-200) – Earliest known canon list of New Testament texts.
These writings provide invaluable snapshots into early church life, beliefs, challenges, and leaders. They reveal Christianity’s deep roots in apostolic teaching.
Conclusion
Early Christianity emerged as a radical, missionary-focused movement built around Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Despite facing persecution, early Christians held firmly to apostolic beliefs and practices that fueled astonishing growth. Key leaders and texts laid the foundations for theological and organizational development. Examining early Christianity provides vital perspective on the origins of today’s global faith. The vibrant commitment and resilient hope of early believers continues to inspire Christians worldwide.