Christian church (33-451 AD)

Death and resurrection of Jesus

33

Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate. He rose from the dead three days later.

St. Peter

33

Recognized as the leader of the apostles after Jesus’ resurrection. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2MHdayc/

Pentecost

33

Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles (enabling apostles to speak different languages and spread Christianity)

St. Paul

46

Missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, spreading Christianity to gentiles https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2MH846m/

Council of Jerusalem

49

Meeting of early Christian leaders, including Peter, Paul, and James to decide whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish laws, like circumcision.

St. Peter

49

Played a key role in the Council of Jerusalem

Emperor Nero

54

Became Roman Emperor

St. Peter

64

Believed to have been martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero

St. Paul

64

Believed to have been martyred in Rome under emperor Nero

Emperor Nero

64

Great fire of Rome (blamed the Christian’s initiating persecution).

Emperor Nero

68

Committed suicide after becoming public enemy.

Persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero

69

After the Great Fire, Emperor Nero blamed the Christians for the disaster which led to widespread persecution. Christians were tortured, crucified, and burned alive. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2MH8J6f/

Constantine the Great

312

Victory at the battle of Milvian Bridge; attributed to a vision of the Christian cross

Constantine the Great

313

Issued the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire

Edict of Milan

313

Constantine legalizes Christianity after his conversion and ends the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2MH6sAB/

Constantine the Great

325

Convened first Council of Nicaea to address Arianism

First Council of Nicaea (Nicene Creed)

325

Convened by Constantine, addresses the Arian controversy (whether Jesus was divine or created). Produced Nicene Creed, affirming Jesus’ divinity and equality with God the Father. https://www.britannica.com/event/First-Council-of-Nicaea-325

First Council of Constantinople

381

This council reaffirmed the Nicene Creed and clarified the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and condemned Arianism and other heresies. https://www.britannica.com/event/First-Council-of-Constantinople-381

St. Augustine

386

Converted to Christianity

St. Augustine

396

Became Bishop of Hippo

St. Augustine

397

Wrote Confessions https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2MHduoy/

Council of Chalcedon

451

Addressed the Nature of Christ, Hypostatic Union. Condemned Monophysitism that believed Christ had only one nature. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2MH6G2g/ https://www.britannica.com/event/Council-of-Chalcedon