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The First Century Church stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity as it was during this time that the foundations of the Church were laid.
Back in the day, the early Church wasn’t what it was today. At the time, the establishment only happened after Jesus ascended to heaven. The early believers navigated the challenges and triumphs of spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The three-part series On That Day by Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets shows us how the common theme is woven together. The book series also sheds light on the Parable of the Ten Virgins and how we can persevere as modern-day disciples waiting for Christ’s return.
The Birth of the Early Church
The birth of the early Church can be traced back to the events following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The apostles, chosen by Jesus, became the key figures in carrying forward His teachings and establishing the Church. Furthermore, the Day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers, empowering them to spread the Gospel message.
The Challenges That Came with Establishing the Body of Christ
The message of Christianity challenged the prevailing cultural and religious norms of the time. In the Greco-Roman world, there was a wide variety of religious beliefs and practices. Moreover, the exclusivity of Christianity clashed with the prevalent polytheistic and syncretistic views. The early Christians faced resistance and hostility due to their rejection of idol worship and the claim that Jesus was the only way to salvation.
The Apostles as Pillars of the Early Church
The apostles played a crucial role in the formation of the early Church. They were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection, and their authority and credibility were essential in establishing the Church. Peter, James, John, and Paul emerged as prominent figures among the apostles. They each contributed their unique perspectives and gifts to the development of the early Christian community.
Proclaiming the Gospel
Christ clearly commanded to go out to the world and make more disciples. Moreover, it’s one of the effective ways of getting close to God and His graces. Part of the primary roles of the apostles was to proclaim the Gospel message. They traveled extensively, preaching and teaching about Jesus, His life, His teachings, and the salvation He offered. Through their preaching, they converted many to Christianity and laid the foundation for the growth of the Church.
Establishing Local Communities
The apostles also contributed to the formation and organization of the early Church through their epistles or letters. These letters, such as Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans, addressed various theological, moral, and practical issues faced by the early believers. The apostles’ writings were authoritative instruction, guiding the fledgling Christian communities.
Spreading the Message through Epistles
The apostles also contributed to the formation and organization of the early Church through their epistles or letters. These letters, such as Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans, addressed various theological, moral, and practical issues faced by the early believers. The apostles’ writings were authoritative instruction, guiding the fledgling Christian communities.
The Council of Jerusalem
In the early Church, significant decisions were made collectively by the apostles and other leaders. The Council of Jerusalem, mentioned in the Book of Acts, was a prime example of this collective decision-making. The council addressed the issue of whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish customs, ultimately affirming that salvation was by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Persecution and Endurance
The early Church faced intense persecution from Jewish religious leaders and the Roman Empire. The apostles and other believers became targets of persecution due to their unwavering commitment to Christ. They were seen as a threat to established religious and political systems,. Moreover, their refusal to worship Roman gods or participate in emperor worship made them targets for persecution. Believers were often arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and even executed for their faith, which made it challenging to openly spread the message of Jesus. However, despite the hardships, the early Church remained steadfast. They grew in numbers and spreading the message of Jesus throughout the Roman world.
Conclusion
The formation and organization of the early Church were deeply intertwined with the role of the apostles. The apostles laid the foundation for the Christian faith through their proclamation of the Gospel, establishment of local communities, and writings.
Their unwavering commitment and sacrificial efforts propelled the early Church forward, setting the stage for the growth and influence of Christianity throughout history. The legacy of the apostles and the First Century Church continues to inspire and guide believers today.
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