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The Early Christian Community  Objectives: Derive virtues from the early Christian Communities Compare the early Christian community to the life of the Church today  Introduction: — The church did not live a very peaceful life since the day it was founded (Pentecost). A lot of persec...

The Early Christian Community  Objectives: Derive virtues from the early Christian Communities Compare the early Christian community to the life of the Church today  Introduction: — The church did not live a very peaceful life since the day it was founded (Pentecost). A lot of persecutions had been experience by the early Christian Communities. Despite of this, Christians remained strong and kept their faith. — The Early Church live in a pagan world. In addition to its main task of conversion and evangelization, it focused on protecting it's member from pagan vices and errors.  Characteristics of Early Christian Community  Characteristics Of Early Christian Community: They were faithful to the teachings of apostles, practicing the common life of sharing, the breaking of bread and the prayers. A holy fear came upon all of the people, for many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers lived together and shared all their belongings. They sold their property and distributed the proceeds to others. Each day they meet at the temple areas; they broke bread in their homes; they shared their food with great joy and simplicity of heart: they praised God and won people's favor. And everyday, the Lord added to their number those who were being saved (Acts 2:43-47)  Characteristics Of Early Christian Community: The community of believers were one heart and one mind, no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but rather they shared all the things in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, for all of them were living in an exceptional time of grace. There was no needy person among them. For those who owned land of houses, sold them and brought the proceeds of the sale. And they laid it at the feet of the apostles who distributed it according to each one's need. This is what a certain man named Joseph. He was a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas "The encouraging one". He sold a field which he owned and handed the money to the apostles" (Acts 4:32-37 (CCB)  THE CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO SCRIPTURE The early Christian community was dedicated to Jesus Christ's teachings and scriptures, demonstrating their unwavering faith and devotion to God. They practiced love, kindness, and charity, even facing persecution for their beliefs. They prioritized fellowship, convening for worship, prayer, and community meals, strengthening relationships and creating unity. They practiced mutual aid, sharing resources, and offering emotional support, welcoming people from all backgrounds.  THE EARLY CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP Fellowship was an important part of the early Christian community, helping to develop unity through prayer, fellowship, worship, and group meals. Even during persecution, this hospitable community displayed their dedication to their faith and shared resources.  THE EARLY CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO THE BREAKING OFbread, The act of breaking BREADa symbol of Jesus' Last Supper, was deeply ingrained in early Christian communities, reinforcing unity and shared faith. This practice, a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice, fostered community and a shared commitment to their faith.  THE EARLY ARLY CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO ITS PRAYER. The early Christian community placed a high value on prayer. They considered prayer as a direct conversation with God in which they might communicate their hopes, worries, and gratefulness. Prayer was a source of comfort and strength, especially during difficult times. They also used collective prayer to strengthen and build their community, sharing burdens and encouraging one another.  The Early Church (30-330AD) The origin of the Church may be traced to the Jewish community of Palestine. The early Church was thoroughly Jewish. Jesus, the Apostles, and his first followers were all Jewish. But when Christianity became the religion of Rome (319 AD), Christians assimilated the empire's culture. However, although the Church adapted itself to the culture. it never relinquished any of its essential teachings. It still faced and endured theological disputes and barbarian invasions. It overcame heresy, and through the teachings of the Church fathers, it blunted the fury of the foreign invaders by having missionaries convert foreigners to Christianity. As a Jew, Jesus followed the Jewish law and the Torah. Many Jewish Christians continued to live as Jews. But Jesus often met with the Gentiles and He praised their faith. The three decades of severe persecutions by Jewish authorities, in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the empire, tested the Christian-Jewish relationship. In 62 A.D. the became pronounced when James, the leader of the Christians in Jerusalem, was arrested by the Jewish High Priest for blasphemy and was beheaded. The Ten General Persecutions  1. Nero (64-67)- The Martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul 2. Domitian (95-96)- Clement 1 3. Trajan to Hadrian (98-138)- Ignatius of Antioch; Polycarp 4. Marcus Aurelius (161)- Cecilia, Justin 5. Septimius Severus (202)- Perpetua; Felicity; Ireneaus 6. Maximin of Thrace (235)- Popes Pontian and Antherus 7. Decius (249-251)- Fabian; Agatha 8. Valerian (257-260)- Cyprian; Lawrence; Agnes of Rome; Sixtus II 9. Aurelian (275) 10. Diocletian (303-311)  1. Nero (64-67AD) False Accusations: Nero falsely accused Christians of being responsible for the Great fire of Rome in 64 AD. Violence and Cruelty: Christians were subjected to various forms of violence and cruelty. They were arrested, imprisoned, and often subjected to torture. Some of the torture methods included flogging, crucifixion, and being torn apart by wild animals in public arenas. Martyrdom: Many Christians faced martyrdom during this persecution. These individuals refused to renounce their Christian faith despite the threat of death. They became known as Christian martyrs and were admired for their steadfastness in the face of extreme suffering. The Martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul  Peter’s Crucifixion Saint Peter, one of Jesus' twelve apostles and a prominent figure in the early Christian community, was arrested and subsequently crucified during this persecution. He requested to be crucified upside down, as he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is believed to have been crucified because of his Christian faith and his role in spreading Christianity. According to Christian tradition and historical accounts from early church sources, Peter was martyred during the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero, around AD 64-67.  Paul’s Beheading Saint Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul, was another influential figure in early Christianity. He was also arrested and sentenced to death during Nero's persecution. Tradition holds that he was beheaded because of his Roman citizenship, which gave him the privilege of a more honorable execution than crucifixion. The reason for Paul's beheading was his Christian faith and his continued preaching of Christianity. Like Saint Peter, he faced persecution and opposition for his beliefs. Paul's beheading is seen as a symbol of his dedication to spreading the teachings of Jesus, even at the cost of his  2. Domi tian 95- 9 6AD Domitian's reign is known for being autocratic and marked by his attempts to consolidate power, assert his authority, and strengthen the position of the emperor in Roman politics. He initiated a program of monumental building, such as the construction of the Flavian Palace on the Palatine Hill and the restoration of the Roman Colosseum. Domitian also enacted several economic and administrative reforms during his rule. However, Domitian's reign was also characterized by authoritarianism and harsh policies. He persecuted Christians, demanded absolute loyalty and reverence, and maintained a network of informants to identify potential threats to his rule. His reign ended with his assassination in 96 AD.  Clement I 1. Pope Clement is known for his letter to the Corinthians, known as the First Epistle of Clement, which is one of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament and offers insights into the early Christian Church. 2. 3rd successor of Peter, reigning as pope during the last decade of the first century. He’s known as one of the Church’s five “Apostolic Fathers,” 3. During the time of his imprisonment, he is recorded to have led a ministry among fellow prisoners. Thereafter he was executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea.  3. Trajan to Hadrian (98-138AD 1. Trajan (98-117 AD) adopted Hadrian (117-138 AD) as his successor, marking a departure from the traditional hereditary succession. Hadrian, who was Trajan's cousin, took the throne in 117 AD after Trajan's death. 2. The reigns of Trajan and Hadrian left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. Their focus on territorial expansion, architectural achievements, and the promotion of Roman culture contributed to the grandeur of the Roman world.  Ignatius of Antioch 1. He is famous for his writings, particularly his seven letters, which provide valuable insights into the early Christian church. 2. Ignatius of Antioch was martyred for his faith. Ignatius was arrested and taken to Rome around 107-108 AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan. 3. While on his way to Rome, he wrote several letters to various Christian communities, including the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome. On the way from Antioch to Rome, Ignatius wrote seven letters, five of them to local Churches in Asia Minor urging Christians to remain faithful to God. 4. The sixth was to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna in modern Turkey, and the seventh asked the Christians in Rome not to try to stop his martyrdom. Ignatius was sentenced to be thrown to the wild beasts in the Colosseum as part of Roman entertainment, and he willingly accepted this fate.  Polycarp 1. Polycarp is believed to have been born around 69-70 AD and served as the bishop of Smyrna. 2. During his persecution, the proconsul pressured Polycarp to renounce his Christian faith by cursing Christ. Polycarp, who was in his eighties, refused and declared, "For eighty and six years I have been His servant, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?“ 3. Despite attempts to persuade Polycarp to deny his faith, he remained steadfast. The proconsul ultimately ordered him to be  4. Marcus Aurelius (161 AD) 1. Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. 2. He is perhaps best known for his philosophical writings, particularly the "Meditations," which reflect his Stoic philosophy and provide insight into his thoughts on life, ethics, and leadership. 3. During Marcus Aurelius' reign as Roman emperor, there were occasional instances of persecution, primarily targeting Christians. 4. While Marcus Aurelius is generally remembered as a philosopher-king, he did authorize some persecutions of Christians, although the level of intensity varied by region and time. The main reason for these persecutions was the refusal of Christians to worship the  St. Justin 1. St. Justin was one of the most important early Christians to be martyred, by Marcus Aurelius in 165 in Rome. 2. He was one of the early Christian apologists and theologians. He was born around 100-114 AD and is believed to have been martyred around 165-168 AD. 3. Justin Martyr is known for his defense and explanation of Christian beliefs to the Roman authorities and the wider Greco-Roman world. 4. He was beheaded in Rome for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods and for maintaining his Christian beliefs.  “We are slain with the sword, but we increase and multiply; the more we are persecuted and destroyed, the more we are deaf to our numbers. As a vine, by being pruned and cut close, shoots forth new suckers, and bears a greater abundance of fruit; so it is with us.” -St. Justin Martyr  St. Cecilia (Patron Saint of Musicians) 1. St. Cecilia, was arrested during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. 2. She refused to renounce her Christian faith and remained steadfast in her commitment to Christ. Initially, she was sentenced to die by suffocation in a bathhouse, but after being sealed in for a day and night, she emerged unharmed, attributing her safety to divine protection. The story goes that after the failed attempts to kill her, she was condemned to die by the sword. 3. The executioner struck her three times with a sword, but she did not die immediately. Instead, she survived for a few days, during which she continued to preach the Christian  5. Septimius Severus 1. Septimius Severus, also known as Lucius Septimius Severus, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 193 to 211 AD. 2. Septimius Severus is often remembered as a capable and pragmatic emperor who stabilized the Roman Empire during a period of political turmoil. 3. His reign is also associated with the strengthening of the Roman military, the extension of Roman citizenship to more people, and efforts to improve the legal system.  Sts. Perpetua and Felicity 1. Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were martyred in Carthage, in North Africa, in 203. 2. Perpetua was 22, a married noblewoman and mother of an infant she was nursing. 3. Felicity was her slave and pregnant at the time. Felicity kept a diary of her imprisonment that was completed by an eyewitness of the martyrdom. Despite facing the threat of death in the arena, they chose to remain faithful to Christianity, refusing to renounce their faith or make sacrifices to the Roman gods. 4. They were executed by wild beasts, along with their companions, for their Christian beliefs.  St. Ireneaus 1. Irenaeus was a Christian theologian and bishop who lived in the late 2nd century. 2. Irenaeus is believed to have died as a martyr, though the details of his martyrdom are not as extensively documented as those of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity. 3. He was buried under the Church of Saint John in Lyon, which was later renamed St Irenaeus in his honor.  6. Maximin of Thrace 1. Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus, was a Roman emperor who reigned from 235 to 238 AD. 2. Maximinus Thrax is known for his harsh persecution of Christians. He issued edicts ordering the arrest and execution of Christian leaders and followers, particularly in the Eastern provinces.  Pope Pontian 1. Pontian was the 18th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and served from 230 to 235 AD. 2. His papacy coincided with a period of Roman persecution of Christians, which was initiated by the Roman Emperor Maximinus Thrax. He was exiled to the island of Sardinia, where he died as a martyr. Pope His feast day is celebrated on August Anterus 13th 1. Pope Anterus served as pope for a relatively short period from 235 to 236 AD during a time of persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Maximinus Thrax and he was the 19th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. 2. He was martyred in 236 under Emperor Maximinus the Thracian for collecting the Acts of the martyrs in the archives of the Church of Rome, so that they would not be dispersed. He was the first Pope to be buried in the catacombs 3. Pope Anterus is venerated as a martyr in the Roman Catholic Church, and his feast day is celebrated on January 3rd.  7. Decius 1. Gaius Messius Quintus Decius, commonly known as Decius, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 249 to 251 AD. 2. His reign marked a significant and challenging period in Roman history, characterized by political and religious turmoil. 3. Decius is most notably known for initiating a systematic empire-wide persecution of Christians in 250-251 AD. 4. This persecution was one of the most severe and organized persecutions of Christians during the early Christian era. It aimed to compel Christians to  St. Fabian 1. St. Fabian was a pope of the Roman Catholic Church who served from 236 to 250 AD. He is considered the 20th pope in the list of popes. 2. He is considered a martyr because he was arrested and executed during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Decius. Fabian was buried in the Catacomb of St. Agatha Callixtus in Rome. 1. St. Agatha is a Christian saint who lived in Sicily, Italy, during the 3rd century. She is honored as a virgin and martyr. 2. She was arrested and subjected to severe torture due to her Christian faith. Her tormentors attempted to force her to renounce Christianity and  8. Valerian 1. Publius Licinius Valerianus, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 253 to 260 AD. 2. His reign is notable for several significant events and developments, including the persecution of Christians and the military struggles faced by the Roman Empire. 3. His policies aimed to suppress the Christian faith, and he issued edicts that required Christians to participate in traditional Roman religious practices or face severe penalties.  St. Cyprian 1. St. Cyprian, was an influential Christian bishop and theologian in the 3rd century. He served as the Bishop of Carthage in North Africa. 2. The martyrdom of St. Cyprian took place during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Valerian in the year 258 AD. 3. St. Cyprian was sentenced to death by beheading. The sentence was seen as a means to make an example of a prominent Christian leader and to discourage others from following the Christian faith. St. Cyprian accepted his sentence with courage and resolve. He was led to the place of execution and beheaded.  St. Lawrence 1. St. Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of the city of Rome during the 3rd century, serving under Pope Sixtus II. St. Lawrence was arrested by the Roman authorities for his Christian faith and his role as a deacon. He was brought before the Prefect of Rome, who demanded that he turn over the Church's treasures and valuables to the Roman government. 2. St. Lawrence is famously reported to have responded by presenting the poor and needy members of the Christian community as the true treasures of the Church. 3. He explained that the Church's true wealth was found in the faith, love, and service of its members, especially the marginalized and suffering. Enraged by his response, the Prefect ordered that St. Lawrence be martyred in a cruel and symbolic manner. He was placed on a gridiron, or a grill, and roasted alive over an open flame. St. Lawrence is said to have endured the pain with great courage, even joking with his executioners, "Turn me over; I'm done on this side."  St. Agnes of Rome 1. Agnes's parents arranged for her to marry a prominent suitor, but she firmly refused the marriage proposal, declaring her commitment to Christ and her vow of chastity. Agnes's refusal to marry the suitor and her public confession of her Christian faith led to her arrest and trial. 2. She was brought before Roman authorities who sought to force her to renounce her Christian beliefs. Despite threats, torture, and attempts to persuade her to abandon her faith, St. Agnes remained steadfast. She refused to make sacrifices to the Roman gods or to compromise her Christian principles. In response to her unyielding faith, the Roman authorities sentenced Agnes to be executed. The original sentence was to burn her at the stake, but the wood did not catch fire. Eventually, she was martyred by beheading.  Sixtus II 1. St. Sixtus II, also known as Pope Sixtus II, served as the bishop of Rome and pope from 257 to 258 AD. Pope Sixtus II was among those targeted by Valerian's persecution. He was arrested by Roman authorities, along with several deacons, while celebrating Mass in the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, a Christian burial site. 2. After his arrest, Pope Sixtus II was put on trial for his Christian faith. He refused to renounce his faith or cooperate with the Roman authorities in the persecution of fellow Christians. As a result, he was sentenced to death. On August 6, 258 AD, Pope Sixtus II was taken to the execution site, along with his deacons. He was martyred by beheading, a common method of execution during that time.  9. Aurelian 1. While Aurelian is generally remembered for his achievements as a military leader and his role in stabilizing the Roman Empire, he also initiated some persecution of Christians during his reign. 2. However, this persecution was relatively brief and not as intense as some other periods of persecution in Roman history. 3. Aurelian's reign marked a turning point in the history of the Roman Empire as he helped restore unity and stability after years of chaos and division. His military successes and construction projects contributed to his legacy as an  10. Diocletian 1. -in 303, persecution broke under Diocletian, it was particularly violent in 304. This period was known as the “Diocletianic Persecution”. Churches were destroyed, scriptures were confiscated and burned, and Christians were subjected to various forms of torture and punishment. 2. -in 313 AD, Constantine had given freedom and recognition to the church. The Christians no longer had to meet in secret for communal prayer and celebration of sacraments. They began building churches which stood as symbols of God’s presence in the community. The Impact of Christian Community  Spread of Christianity: The early Christian communities served as the seeds of Christian faith. Through their acceptance and example, they paved the way for Christianity to spread to different parts of the world.  Humility: A notable aspect of the early Christian communities was their care and support for those in need. They shared their possessions and provided financial assistance and care for the poor and needy.  Communication of the Gospel: Through the Gospels and the letters of the apostles, the early Christian communities played a role in spreading the teachings of Jesus to different parts of the world. Comparison between Early Christian Community and The Church today. Comparison between Early Christian Community and The Church today. The early Christian community and the life of the Church today are interconnected yet distinct in many ways. Understanding their similarities and differences can provide valuable insights into the development and evolution of the Christian faith.  1. Size and Structure In the early Christian community the number of believers was relatively small and they typically gathered in homes or small meeting places. The Church today on the other hand spans across the globe with billions of followers and a hierarchical structure that includes various levels of clergy and organized institutions.  2. Persecution and Acceptance: During the early days of Christianity believers faced intense persecution from the Roman Empire and other societal forces. The Church today generally enjoys religious freedom and legal protection in many countries.  3. Worship and Sacraments: In the early Christian community worship predominantly took place in small gatherings focused on prayer, teaching, the breaking of bread and fellowship. The Church today offers a variety of worship styles from traditional liturgical services to contemporary gatherings. It also celebrates sacraments such as baptism and the Eucharist which have evolved with nuanced practices throughout history.  4. Social Engagement early christians were known for their communal living sharing resources and caring for one another. they also engaged in acts of charity and actively sought to convert others to the faith. the church today continues to promote social justice charitable works and outreach programs but the specific methods and approaches may vary. While the early Christian community laid the foundation for the Church today, centuries of history theological developments social changes and cultural contexts have shaped the life and practices of the modern Church. However, the fundamental message of love redemption and faith in Jesus Christ remains at the core connecting the early community to the ongoing life of the Church today. Thank you for listening! Thank you for listening!