Early Church History and Persecution

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Questions and Answers

Which event marked the beginning of the Church?

Martyrdom of St. Stephen

Destruction of Jerusalem

Pentecost (correct)

Burning of Rome

What was the primary reason for the initial persecution of Christians?

They defied Roman law

They refused to honor the Roman gods

Jews saw them as a threat to their religion (correct)

Their claim of martyrdom

What were early Christians willing to suffer for their faith?

Persecution only from Romans

Social rejection alone

Only imprisonment and fines

Suffering and martyrdom (correct)

Which apostle's missionary journeys took place from 45 to 58 AD?

St. Paul Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Roman attempts to persecute the Church?

The Church experienced steady growth Signup and view all the answers

What significant conversion is noted to have occurred around 37 AD?

Conversion of St. Paul Signup and view all the answers

In the Roman persecutions, what were Christians subjected to as forms of entertainment?

Burnings and wild beasts Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the Spirit during Pentecost?

To empower believers to spread the Gospel Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor contributed to the rapid spread of the Gospel in the Roman Empire?

Common language among various cultures Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the Roman persecution of Christians begin?

AD 64 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons for the internal peace and order that allowed Christianity to spread?

Construction of roads and highways Signup and view all the answers

How did Nero divert blame away from himself for the great fire in Rome?

By falsely accusing Christians Signup and view all the answers

Why did the early Christians meet secretly?

Due to legal restrictions against their faith Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Peter and Paul in Rome under Nero's rule?

They were both executed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a contributing factor to the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire?

The existing social structure of the pagans Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of early Christianity?

To convert hearts and minds spiritually Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct consequence of the persecution that followed Stephen's martyrdom?

Christians were forced to flee Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

Who witnessed the stoning of Stephen and held the cloaks?

Saul Signup and view all the answers

What message did Stephen convey while being stoned?

He asked Jesus to receive his spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What was notable about the early Church's growth and expansion after Stephen's death?

It led to missionary activity beyond Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

How did the apostles and disciples view their mission following Jesus' resurrection?

As a call to share the gospel globally. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the violent wave of persecution have on the Church's outreach?

It inspired greater missionary zeal. Signup and view all the answers

In which region did Philip begin his successful preaching after the persecution?

Samaria Signup and view all the answers

What does Acts 1:8 suggest about the mission of Jesus' followers?

They were to spread the Gospel to all nations. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of major Christian persecution by Emperor Decius and Valerian?

Fire at Rome Signup and view all the answers

Which year did Emperor Constantine issue the Edict of Milan, granting Christians freedom to profess their faith publicly?

313 Signup and view all the answers

Which significant council was convened in 325 and is known for formulating the Nicene Creed?

First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea Signup and view all the answers

What significant discovery did Empress Helen make in 326?

The cross of Christ Signup and view all the answers

What event led to Christianity becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire?

The conversion of the Franks under King Clovis Signup and view all the answers

Which document ratified the Biblical Canon in 397?

The Synod of Carthage Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Roman Emperor responsible for halting Christian persecution in 311?

Gallienus Signup and view all the answers

Which year is often associated with the onset of systematic persecution of Christians, beginning with Nero?

64 Signup and view all the answers

What doctrine did Manichaeism teach regarding the physical body?

Everything physical was evil. Signup and view all the answers

Which belief was associated with Arianism?

Christ was conceived by a human being. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary result of the Eastern schism of 1054?

The separation of the Orthodox Church from the authority of Rome. Signup and view all the answers

Which theologian is known for the work 'Summa Theologica'?

St. Thomas Aquinas Signup and view all the answers

What did Pelagianism deny?

Original Sin. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a consequence of the schism initiated by Photius?

A lack of recognition of papal authority by Orthodox churches. Signup and view all the answers

Which religious movement flourished during the high Middle Ages?

Monastic and religious life Signup and view all the answers

Who were some prominent theological figures of the Middle Ages?

St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bernard, St. Bonaventure Signup and view all the answers

Which continents were influenced by missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries?

Asia and Africa Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of evangelization as presented?

To proclaim the Kingdom is here Signup and view all the answers

Which group is tasked with the mission of evangelization according to the content?

All baptized individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does the content imply about the power of the gospel?

It remains unchanged since Jesus’ time. Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals reflect on regarding their personal mission?

What is the mission God has given them Signup and view all the answers

Which regions mentioned became deeply rooted in the faith due to evangelization?

India, Japan, China, and the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

What role do human vessels play in the mission of evangelization?

They proclaim the Kingdom of God. Signup and view all the answers

Which individuals were originally entrusted with the mission of evangelization?

Peter, John, and Paul Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview

Introduction to teachings of the early Church
Spread of the church amidst persecution including the martyrdom of St. Stephen
Accusations against Christians
Roman Persecutions
Growth of the Church
Middle Ages
Evangelization of America and Asia

I. Introduction

Jesus foretold persecution of followers
Christians would suffer arrest, imprisonment, mockery, scourging, and martyrdom for their faith
Examples of persecution used to illustrate persecution faced by early Christians

II. Spread of the Church amidst Persecution

The persecution of Christians in Jerusalem
The martyrdom of St. Stephen.
Early Christian preachers were seen as attacking Jewish traditions and beliefs
Roman persecution followed, leading to the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem

C. Roman Persecutions

A great fire in Rome (AD 64)
Emperor Nero falsely blamed Christians
Countless Christians arrested and executed

III. The Growth of the Church

The first 1000 years of church history
Dates and events from early Christianity to the medieval ages
Key events included the Fire at Rome, the Persecution of Emperor Nero, conversions of many, Council of Nicaea etc
Important figures like St. Paul

A. Fathers of the Church

Important Christian writers
Key figures include St. Irenaeus, St. Athanasius, St. Basil, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. John Chrysostom, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. Gregory the Great

B. Magisterium of the Church in the First Ecumenical Councils

Ecumenical councils (conferences of bishops)
Councils held to clarify Catholic teaching against heresies
Councils defined key doctrines of the Christian faith, especially regarding the Trinity and Christ's nature

C. The Middle Ages

Christianization of Europe,
Varied behaviors and commitments within Christian communities
Eastern Schism (1054), resulting from disagreements about the creed (the insertion of the Filioque clause)
Major figures in Medieval theology like St. Thomas Aquinas

7. The Religious Orders

Monastic and religious life flourished
Benedictine and mendicant religious orders (Franciscans, Dominicans)

8. The Crusades

Military-religious expeditions to the Holy Land
Aimed at recovering the Holy Land from Muslim rule
Complex motivations and interpretations

9. Pilgrimages

Pilgrims traveled to holy places for spiritual reasons and atonement for sins
Popular destinations like Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela

10. Educational System

Medieval educational systems included monasticism, scholasticism, chivalry and the Guild system
Centered on spiritual, intellectual, political, and economic development

C. The Evangelization of America and Asia

Evangelization of the Americas (1492)
Evangelization of continents in Asia

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Description

Explore the early teachings of the Church, the spread of Christianity amidst persecution, and the significant events such as the martyrdom of St. Stephen. This quiz covers the challenges faced by early Christians, including various forms of Roman persecutions, and the growth of the Church during these times.