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33
33 AD: The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate. His resurrection three days later becomes the cornerstone of Christian belief. The Great Commission: Jesus commands his disciples to spread his teachings globally. -
Period: 33 to 100
The Apostolic Age (33-100 AD)
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Period: 33 to 50
33-50 AD: The Acts of the Apostles and Early Spread of Christianity
The Apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, begin missionary work throughout the Roman Empire. Pentecost (c. 33 AD): The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles, empowering them to preach. Christianity starts as a Jewish sect but quickly spreads to Gentiles. -
Period: 33 to 451
Key figures
Jesus Christ (c. 4 BC – 33 AD): Central figure, founder of Christianity. St. Peter (d. c. 64 AD): First Bishop of Rome (Pope), crucified under Nero. St. Paul (c. 5-67 AD): Missionary, wrote many epistles in the New Testament. Constantine the Great (c. 272-337 AD): First Christian Roman emperor. St. Augustine (354-430 AD): Theologian, wrote The Confessions and The City of God. St. Jerome (347-420 AD): Translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate). -
49
49 AD: The Council of Jerusalem
The first recorded council debates whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish customs, particularly circumcision. Decision: Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not adherence to Jewish law. -
64
64 AD: The Great Fire of Rome and Nero’s Persecution
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the fire, leading to mass persecution. St. Peter and St. Paul are executed in Rome. -
Period: 64 to 313
Persecution and Expansion (64-313 AD)
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70
70 AD: The Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman army, led by Titus, destroys the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Christian-Jewish relations further separate as Christians flee Jerusalem. -
Period: 100 to 250
c. 100-250 AD: Growth Amidst Persecution
Christian communities grow across the Roman Empire, despite ongoing persecution under emperors like Domitian and Decius. The emergence of early Church Fathers such as Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, and Justin Martyr, who defend Christianity through writings. -
Period: 303 to 311
303-311 AD: Diocletian’s Great Persecution
The most severe persecution of Christians; many are executed, imprisoned, or forced to renounce their faith. -
313
313 AD: The Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine legalizes Christianity, ending state-sponsored persecution. Christianity gains imperial favor, allowing for rapid institutional growth. -
Period: 313 to 381
The Rise of Christianity as a State Religion (313-381 AD)
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325
325 AD: The First Council of Nicaea
Called by Constantine to resolve the Arian controversy (debate over Christ’s divinity). The Nicene Creed is established, affirming Jesus as "true God from true God." -
367
367 AD: The Canon of the New Testament is Formed
Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria lists the 27 books of the New Testament in his Easter letter. -
381
381 AD: The First Council of Constantinople
Reinforces the Nicene Creed and affirms the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Establishes the doctrine of the Trinity. -
Period: 381 to 451
Theological Debates and the Establishment of Orthodoxy (381-451 AD)
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410
410 AD: The Sack of Rome
The Visigoths, led by Alaric, sack Rome, shaking the confidence of Christians in the empire’s stability. St. Augustine writes The City of God, arguing for a heavenly, rather than earthly, Christian kingdom. -
431
431 AD: The Council of Ephesus
Declares Nestorianism (the belief that Christ is two separate persons) a heresy. Affirms Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer). -
451
451 AD: The Council of Chalcedon
Declares that Christ has two natures, fully divine and fully human, united in one person. Solidifies the doctrine of Christology for mainstream Christianity.