The Growth of the Church (Ch 10.3.b.2)

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Questions and Answers

What was the northern boundary of the Roman Empire?

The Sahara Desert

Euphrates River

Rhine River

Hadrian’s Wall (correct)

Which tribes invaded the Western Roman Empire during the 300s and early 400s?

Saxons and Normans

Franks and Vandals (correct)

Visigoths and Ostrogoths

Celts and Huns

What does the term 'Christendom' refer to?

The political power of the Pope

The teachings of the early Church Fathers

The establishment of monastic orders

The cultural and political influence of Christianity in medieval Europe (correct)

What was a significant consequence of the East-West Schism on the Church?

Division between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches Signup and view all the answers

How did the Roman Empire change after the invasion of Germanic tribes?

It was divided among various tribes Signup and view all the answers

What event is considered the first significant moment of growth for the Church?

The story of Pentecost Signup and view all the answers

What catalyzed the growth of the Church to new communities beyond Europe in the second millennium?

The Age of Discovery Signup and view all the answers

Which figure was the first martyr for the Christian faith?

Saint Stephen Signup and view all the answers

Which explorer is known for discovering the Americas during the Age of Discovery?

Christopher Columbus Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event initiated the Church's expansion in Jerusalem?

The coming of the Holy Spirit Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Schism have on the spiritual leadership of Christianity?

Created rivalry for authority between Eastern and Western Churches Signup and view all the answers

What led to the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem around 33-34AD?

The growth in numbers of Christians Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical area did the Church expand into after Jerusalem?

Modern Israel and Palestine Signup and view all the answers

Which scriptural reference relates to the initial invitation to join the Church after Pentecost?

Acts 2:14-36 Signup and view all the answers

How did the Holy Spirit influence the early Church?

By guiding baptized Christians to spread the Good News Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key actions of the Apostles after receiving the Holy Spirit?

Inviting others to join the Church Signup and view all the answers

Who was Paul before his conversion to Christianity?

A persecutor of Christians Signup and view all the answers

What significant event marked Paul's conversion to Christianity?

He received a vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus Signup and view all the answers

What regions did Paul travel to during his missionary journeys?

Parts of the Roman Empire including Greece and Asia Minor Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Roman Empire's peace play in the spread of Christianity?

It allowed safe movement for missionaries Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Christian life attracted many to the faith during its spread in the Roman Empire?

The ethical and moral teachings of Christianity Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of Emperor Constantine on Christianity?

He established Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the Holy Spirit influence the growth of Christianity?

By encouraging Christians to live out their faith and attract others Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to people's interest in religion during the early centuries of the Church?

A common desire for answers to existential questions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Foundation of the Church

Jesus established the Church as a means to fulfill God's salvation plan.
After the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit empowered baptized Christians to spread the Good News globally.

Growth in Jerusalem

The Church in Jerusalem began to grow significantly after Pentecost in 30 AD.
Key events, including the Apostles inviting others into the faith, catalyzed the initial expansion.
Important Scripture passages include Acts 2:1-13, detailing the Pentecost event; Acts 2:14-36, which includes Peter's speech; and Acts 2:37-42, which records the early converts.
Miracles, like the healing in Acts 3:1-10, contributed to the Church's rapid growth.

Expansion Beyond Jerusalem: The Role of St. Paul

By 33-34 AD, the Christian population in Jerusalem sparked persecution from Jewish leaders.
Saint Stephen became the first martyr, prompting Christians to flee and spread their beliefs elsewhere.
St. Paul, initially a persecutor, experienced a transformative conversion (Acts 9:1-19).
Paul traveled extensively through Israel, Palestine, and the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities.

Spread Across the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire provided a relatively peaceful environment for early Christians to grow.
People were seeking spiritual answers, leading to the growth of Christianity amidst various competing religions.
The love and fellowship shown among Christians attracted many new believers, motivated by the Holy Spirit.
Emperor Constantine (reigned 306-337 AD) played a pivotal role in legitimizing Christianity through the Edict of Milan in 313 AD.

Growth During Christendom

The Roman Empire's boundaries included territories from modern Britain to Africa, and the Atlantic to the Euphrates.
The invasion of Germanic tribes in the 300s affected the empire's stability and resources.
By 410 AD, Rome fell to these tribes, leading to significant changes in the structure of the Church.
Christendom refers to the period when Christianity was the dominant cultural force in Europe.
The East-West Schism in 1054 led to the division between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, impacting ecclesiastical authority and practices.

Church Growth Beyond Europe

From 1000-2000 AD, the Church expanded into new global communities.
The Age of Discovery, marked by figures like Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus, facilitated this outreach.
Technological advancements during this period played a crucial role in the Church's international growth.

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Description

Explore the establishment and growth of the Church following Jesus' resurrection. This quiz covers key events like Pentecost, the spread of Christianity through St. Paul, and the significance of early Scriptures and miracles in Jerusalem. Test your knowledge of the early Christian community and its expansion.