Early Church: Apostles, Traditions & Paul | PDF

Apostolic means belonging or relating to the early followers of Jesus Christ and to their teaching. The gospels were passed down: -​ Orally (by preaching) -​ In writing (Bible) Apostolic Traditions: -​ Apostolic Tradition refers to the transmission of the teachings, practices, and authori...

Apostolic means belonging or relating to the early followers of Jesus Christ and to their teaching. The gospels were passed down: -​ Orally (by preaching) -​ In writing (Bible) Apostolic Traditions: -​ Apostolic Tradition refers to the transmission of the teachings, practices, and authority of the apostles, the original followers of Jesus, especially as passed down to the early Church. -​ To say the Church is apostolic means it is founded on the apostles, continues to hand on their teachings, and is guided by their successors (the bishops) through apostolic succession. It means the Church remains faithful to the message and mission Christ entrusted to the apostles. -​ To say the Catholic Church is apostolic means that it is firmly rooted in the faith, mission, and teachings of the apostles, who were the original witnesses of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. This apostolic foundation is preserved through Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and Apostolic Succession—a continuous line of bishops tracing back to the apostles themselves. These bishops, in communion with the Pope (the successor of Peter), safeguard the Church's teaching and sacramental life. -​ Being apostolic also means the Catholic Church is called to continue the apostles’ mission—to preach the Gospel to all nations, teach the truth of Christ, serve others, and live in communion with God. The Church remains faithful to the apostolic message by preserving the deposit of faith and ensuring it is passed on, without distortion, to each generation. This continuity gives the Church both authority and authenticity in her teaching and spiritual leadership. -​ The mission of the apostles was to spread the Gospel, baptize new believers, establish Christian communities, and teach all that Jesus had commanded. They were tasked with continuing Jesus’ work, building up the Church, and ensuring its teachings remained faithful to Christ. -​ Catholic churches have a direct connection from the Apostles and Jesus. -​ Pope → Cardinals → Bishop → Priests ****** -​ The church is related to the early followers of Jesus in 3 ways: -​ Built on the foundation of the Apostles -​ Passes on the teachings of the Apostles -​ Continues to be guided by the Apostles until Christ’s return. -​ Apostolic rituals?? -​ Eucharist  -​ The Eucharist was always seen as truly the body and blood of Christ, not just symbolic. -​ Makes present Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (not a re-sacrifice, but a re-presentation) -​ Nourishes the soul and deepens union with Christ -​ Builds up the unity of the Church as the Body of Christ -​ In Apostolic Tradition, the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Christian life, the most sacred mystery given by Christ to His apostles and handed on to the Church. -​ Baptism -​ Entry into the Life of Christ -​ Jesus’s own baptism (Matthew 3:13–17) and His command to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19) form the foundation. -​ The apostles baptized thousands (Acts 2:38–41) and taught that baptism was essential for salvation and the reception of the Holy Spirit. -​ Cleanses original and personal sin -​ Apostolic Tradition maintains that baptism is not merely symbolic, it is a real spiritual rebirth, and the apostles treated it as essential for salvation. -​ Reconciliation (Confession) -​ Jesus gave the apostles authority to forgive sins -​ Restores grace lost through mortal sin -​ Reconciles the penitent with both God and the Church -​ Continues the work of spiritual healing that began at baptism -​ In Apostolic Tradition, Reconciliation is a continuation of baptism’s cleansing grace, and the apostles taught it as a merciful gift from Christ to the Church. -​ How Apostolic Tradition Preserved These Sacraments -​ Oral teaching: The apostles passed down instructions to their successors (bishops and presbyters) on how to perform and understand these sacraments. -​ Writings: Early Church Fathers and documents like the Didache and Apostolic Tradition outlined how these rites were celebrated. -​ Liturgical continuity: Despite development over time, the core structure and theology of these sacraments has remained constant, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Apostles’ roles: -​ After Jesus’s death and resurrection, the apostles were entrusted with: -​ Spreading the Gospel -​ Establishing churches -​ Teaching doctrine -​ Doctrine: a set of beliefs, teachings, or principles, often in a specific area like religion, politics, or law -​ Administering sacraments  -​ Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony -​ Preserving Jesus’s teachings, both in written and oral form -​ Sacred Scripture: Written Word of God (the Bible) -​ Sacred Tradition: Oral teachings, liturgical practices, creeds, and interpretations passed down from the apostles -​ They believe both were inspired by the Holy Spirit and are equally authoritative. THE EARLY CHURCH QUESTIONS -​ The characteristics of the People of God include that they are not the property of any one people, and membership is attained through faith. -​ -​ The members of the Early Church are referred to as the People of God, and their mission is to be light in the world, reflecting the love of Christ. -​ -​ The apostles became witnesses for Jesus in Jerusalem sharing the message of the Kingdom of God as they were empowered by the Holy Spirit. -​ -​ The early Christian community recognized Jesus as the head of their group, meaning that they were considered a community under His guidance and authority, embodying the characteristics of the Messianic People. -​ -​ The apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the message of Jesus, and their mission was to be witnesses, serving as a guiding light in the world and embodying the teachings of Christ. -​ The Day of Pentecost was an event that marked the beginning of the Christian Church and involved the apostles speaking in different languages. -​ -​ The Holy Spirit was what Jesus instructed the apostles to wait for before continuing His mission on Earth. -​ -​ The key role that the Holy Spirit played in the development of the Early Church according to the Acts of the Apostles is that it empowered the apostles to spread the message of Jesus -​ -​ The primary mission given to the apostles by Jesus after His Resurrection was to spread the teachings of the Kingdom of God to all nations -​ -​ The Israelites were considered the original Chosen People in God’s covenant before the New Covenant was established -​ The early Christian Church was NOT solely for the Jewish people and did include Gentiles -​ -​ The Day of the Pentecost is significant because it was when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and they began to spread the message of Jesus to all people -​ -​ The New Covenant established by God includes both Jews and Gentiles  -​ -​ The apostles were NOT filled with the Holy Spirit during the celebration of Passover -​ -​ Jesus wanted the apostles to keep His mission alive on earth through the guidance of the Holy Spirit 1. What historical event happened at around 70 AD? -​ The destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple occurred in 70 AD. This was a major catastrophe for Judaism and had a profound impact on the early Christian movement. 2. What changed for Jews after 70 AD? -​ Judaism was devastated, most of its leadership was lost, and only the Pharisees remained as a group capable of leading the Jewish people forward. As a result, Judaism began to restructure and solidify, focusing inward to preserve its identity and faith. 3. What changed for Christians after 70 AD? -​ For Christians, 70 AD was also a turning point. The mother Church in Jerusalem, their spiritual and organizational center, was essentially lost. This led to a shift in Christianity’s center of gravity from Jerusalem to Rome. Additionally, Christianity began to separate more clearly from Judaism, and it became increasingly a Gentile movement. 4. What important Christian event happened in Antioch? -​ The followers of Jesus were first called Christians because it was only there and then that they became a group large and distinct enough to deserve the nickname Christians. -​ Jewish Christians first preached the Gospel to Gentiles -​ Sensational because the separation of Jews and Gentiles were fundamental at that time 5. What do you think it was like for the early Christians around this time (70 AD) -​ Life for early Christians around 70 AD was likely very challenging and full of uncertainty. With the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, they lost their spiritual home and had to face growing division from the Jewish community, persecution from Roman authorities, and the difficult task of defining their own identity. At the same time, it was a period of bold missionary activity, as the Gospel spread beyond Jewish boundaries and took root in Gentile communities. It was both a painful separation from their Jewish roots and an exciting emergence of a new, Spirit-led faith that would eventually reach the entire world. THE PENTECOST -​ Pentecost marks the birth of the Church and the moment the apostles received the Holy Spirit, empowering them to preach boldly in many languages. It signifies the beginning of their public ministry and the start of the Church’s mission to the world. -​ Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit was given to us on Pentecost -​ Pentecost occurs 40 days AFTER Easter Sunday -​ The Holy Spirit is said to be the third Person of the Blessed Trinity -​ The work of the Apostles after Jesus’ death was to continue Jesus’ work to build the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. -​ -​ -​ The holy spirit: -​ The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity, fully God, co-equal with the Father and the Son. -​ Why are the following symbols used for the Holy Spirit? -​ WIND: Wind is invisible but powerful, symbolizing the unseen yet mighty presence of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, a “strong, driving wind” filled the room (Acts 2:2), representing the Spirit’s ability to move and change lives. -​ FIRE: Fire represents purification, transformation, and divine presence. The “tongues of fire” that rested on the apostles symbolized their being filled with courage, light, and the passion to proclaim the Gospel. -​ What gift were the apostles given by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost? -​ The apostles were given the gift of speaking in different tongues (languages), also called the gift of tongues (Acts 2:4). -​ a. Why was this a useful gift? -​ It allowed the apostles to preach the Gospel to people of many nations gathered in Jerusalem, each hearing the message in their own native language. This showed that the Gospel was meant for all people, regardless of language or culture, and it helped rapidly spread Christianity. -​ What did the people of Jerusalem do when they witnessed the apostles using their gift? -​ Many were amazed and confused, wondering how uneducated Galileans could speak in all their native tongues. Some mocked them, saying they were drunk, but others were deeply moved. After Peter’s powerful sermon, about 3,000 people were baptized that day and they responded with belief, repentance, and a desire to follow Christ (Acts 2:41). -​ Metanoia is a word meaning transformation, conversion, repentance, change of mind and thus heart. -​ At Pentecost, metanoia perfectly describes what happened to many of the people who heard the apostles. When Peter preached about Jesus being the crucified and risen Messiah, the crowd was “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). They asked, “What shall we do?” and were told to repent and be baptized. This turning of heart, from confusion or disbelief to faith, repentance, and baptism, was a true experience of metanoia: a deep transformation of soul and a new beginning in Christ. Apostles V.S Disciples -​ An apostle is someone who is sent for a specific purpose. -​ Jesus chose 12 apostles to be part of his circle of followers -​ Disciples are followers of Jesus who learn from him and spread his teachings -​ Apostles are specifically chosen by Jesus for a special purpose, while disciples are general followers who learn from Jesus and spread his teachings. -​ Apostles and disciples are messengers of the gospel, spreading the teachings of Jesus to others PASCHAL MYSTERY -​ Passover, also known as Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt -​ Paschal comes from the hebrew word Pasch, meaning passover -​ The pashcal mystery refers to the suffering, death, resurrection and glorification of Jesus -​ Passion/suffering: jesus’ suffering and death on the cross -​ Death: Jesus’ sacrifice that freed humanity from sin -​ Resurrection: Jesus’ rising from the dead -​ Glorification: Jesus’ ultimate triumph and ascension to heaven -​ Law: Jesus did not abolish the Law but he gave people a better understanding of it -​ Temple: Jesus said he would tear down the temple and raise it up in 3 days. He was not referring to the Temple of Jerusalem (although the temple did fall), instead he was referring to his body that would die and rise again after 3 days. -​ Faith in One God: since people believed that Jesus was God or the Son of God, some believed that Jesus was breaking the First Commandment. -​ What did Jesus mean when he said: -​ This is my Body which is given for you -​ This is my blood which is poured out -​ Jesus anticipated the Paschal mystery and symbolized himself as the offering -​ 3 THINGS JESUS INSTITUDED AT THE LAST SUPPER -​ The Eucharist -​ The priesthood -​ The mass -​ What caused Jesus to sweat blood in the Garden of Gethsemane -​ The intensity of fear and anxiety about the suffering that was before him -​ An actual condition called Hematidrosis: the excretion of blood or blood pigment through the skin caused by intense levels of stress -​ What is the flagrum and how was it used? -​ Roman practice was to use a flagrum with chips of bone, glass, or steel balls at the end of each cord. Did not put a limit to the number of scourges, the shroud of Turin (what Jesus was buried in/died in) suggests 160 scourge marks -​ Why was Jesus crowned with thorns? -​ To mock Jesus who was condemned for being the King of Jews -​ What does redemption mean in the Christian faith -​ To free someone or buy him/her back -​ Satisfied → latin word -​ Satis → enough -​ Facere → to make -​ What 2 types of truth describe the resurrection? -​ Historical event -​ Mystical event -​ What does it mean that Jesus had a glorified body (mystical body → come out of the tomb) -​ Christ’s body entered into the divine life of God which is above time and history -​ What happened during the Ascension -​ After 40 days during which Jesus showed himself to the apostles with ordinary human features which veiled his glory, Christ ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father -​ Marks the entrance of humanity into the glory of God -​ How does Jesus continue to help us even after his Ascension: -​ Through his humanity he sends us the Spirit and he gives us hope of one day reaching the place he has prepared for us. THE LIFE OF PAUL Who Was Paul? -​ Early Life (as Saul) -​ Born in Tarsus (in modern-day Turkey), a major city in the Roman Empire. -​ He was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen, which gave him unique privileges and perspectives. -​ Educated in Jewish law under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee teacher. -​ As a young man, Saul was a devout Pharisee, zealous about keeping the Jewish law—and he saw followers of Jesus (Christians) as dangerous heretics. -​ Paul’s Conversion -​ The Road to Damascus (Acts 9) -​ While traveling to Damascus to arrest Christians, Saul had a dramatic encounter: -​ A blinding light from heaven surrounded him. -​ He heard the voice of Jesus, saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” -​ Saul was blinded for three days and didn’t eat or drink. -​ A Christian named Ananias was sent by God to heal him and baptize him. -​ After this, Saul became Paul, and everything changed. He went from a persecutor of Christians to one of their greatest leaders and missionaries. -​ Paul’s Missionary Work -​ Paul dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the message of Jesus, especially to Gentiles (non-Jews). His missionary journeys took him across the Roman Empire—through Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and eventually Rome. -​ Key Aspects of His Ministry: -​ Three major missionary journeys recorded in the Book of Acts. -​ Established churches in major cities like Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and Thessalonica. -​ Wrote letters (epistles) to these communities, encouraging them, correcting them, and teaching theology. These letters form a huge portion of the New Testament (e.g., Romans, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Philippians, etc.). -​ Faced constant persecution: beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and more—but he never gave up. Why Is Paul So Important? -​ 1. Shaped Christian Theology -​ Paul was the first to systematically explain the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. -​ He taught that salvation comes through faith, not just by following the Jewish Law. -​ He explained big theological ideas like grace, justification, redemption, and the Body of Christ. -​ 2. Opened the Faith to the World -​ Paul insisted that Gentiles could become Christians without first converting to Judaism.  -​ This was revolutionary—he made Christianity a universal faith, not just a Jewish sect. -​ 3. Author of Much of the New Testament -​ 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament are attributed to Paul. -​ His writings are still studied deeply today and have shaped Christian doctrine, worship, and ethics. Paul’s Death -​ After years of preaching and imprisonment, Paul was taken to Rome, where he continued to preach—even while under house arrest. -​ According to tradition, Paul was martyred in Rome during Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians around 64–67 AD, likely by beheading (a more "respectful" death because he was a Roman citizen). Paul’s Legacy -​ He’s often called the “Apostle to the Gentiles” because of his mission to bring Christianity to non-Jewish people. -​ Without Paul, Christianity might never have spread beyond its Jewish roots. -​ His letters remain essential to understanding Christian faith and practice. Summary -​ Paul was originally a Jewish Pharisee who persecuted Christians. -​ He had a dramatic conversion after encountering the risen Jesus. -​ He became the greatest missionary of the early Church, spreading the Gospel across the Roman world. -​ He wrote much of the New Testament and was crucial in shaping Christian theology. -​ Paul taught that salvation is for everyone—Jew or Gentile, slave or free, man or woman.