The First Five Centuries

Spread of Christianity

I. Jesus’ command to go preachII. Acts—a history of the early church

Paul’s 1st Journey

Paul’s 2nd Journey

Paul’s 3rd Journey -MAPPaul’s 3rd Journey

Patristic Period

Consolidation of ChristianityI. Alexandria—center of theological education and distinctive theological perspective

II. Antioch—Cappadocia—Turkey— A. It would become a leading

centerB. Associated with certain types of Christology—”Cappadocian Fathers”

III. Western north AfricaA. Modern AlgeriaB. Major writers would include

Tertullian, Cyprian of Carthage, and Augustine of Hippo

Spread of the FaithI. Second century—growth in Asia

MinorII. Third century--Major conversions—

Armenians, Latins, North Africa

IV. Persecutions—3rd-4th centuriesA. Neroian persecution—confined chiefly to RomeB. Decius—250C. Valerian--257 D. Diocletian—303

Constantine

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I. In 312 Constantine “converted to Christianity

II. In 313, Constantine and Licius issued the Edict of Milan—toleration to Christians

III. In 325 he called for the Council at Nicaea

IV. Emperor Theodosius (378-95) declared Christianity as the state religion

V. Julian the “apostate” (362-63)—tried to reestablish the old gods

Theological Divisions

I. Donatism—treatment of those who returned to the church

II. Arian—nature of ChristIII. Pelagian—sin and salvation

Middle Ages700-1500