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33
33AD-Jesus crucifixion and resurrection
In 33 AD, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, seized Jesus, and sentenced him to death by crucifixion. He was nailed on a cross, where he died, after being battered and humiliated. Three days after being buried in a sealed tomb, he rose from the grave. He proved his existence by appearing to the believers and other people. After forty days, He promised to return one day and ascended to heaven. Short Video -
49
49AD-Council of Jerusalem
The Council of Jerusalem (49 AD) decided that Gentile converts to Christianity did not need to fully follow Jewish law, including circumcision, but should avoid idolatry, sexual immorality, and certain foods, helping Christianity spread more widely. Short Video -
64
64AD- Persecution under Nero
In 64 AD, Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome and began a massive persecution, arresting, torturing, and executing many individuals by burning, crucifixion, or even being thrown to wild animals. Short Video -
312
312AD- Conversion of Constantine
Emperor Constantine became a Christian after seeing a vision of a cross before an important battle. He won the battle and later helped support Christianity in the Roman Empire. Short Video -
313
313AD- Edict of Milan
The Edict of Milan was made by Emperors Constantine and Licinius. It gave religious freedom to everyone and stopped the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. This allowed Christianity to grow and become more accepted. Short Video -
325
325AD- The First Council of Nicaea
In 325 AD, Emperor Constantine called the First Council of Nicaea to settle disagreements about Christian beliefs. The council created the Nicene Creed, which explained that Jesus is fully God, and set rules for the church. Short Video -
380
380AD- Edict of Thessalonica
The Edict of Thessalonica was issued by the Emperor Theodosius I, making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. It declared that everyone must follow Nicene Christianity and restrict other religious practices. Short Video -
381
381AD- First Council of Constantinople
Emperor Theodosius I called the First Council of Constantinople to confirm and expand the Nicene Creed. The council reaffirmed that Jesus is fully God, clarified the divinity of the Holy Spirit, and strengthened unity in the Christian Church. More info -
431
431AD- Council of Ephesus
The Council of Ephesus decided that Mary could be called "Mother of God" because Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. This helped settle a big argument about who Jesus really was. Short Video -
451
451 AD- Council of Chalcedon
In the Council of Chalcedon the confusion about Jesus’ nature was solved. The council decided that Jesus is truly both God and man, fully divine and fully human at the same time, without any change or division. This decision helped establish a clearer understanding of Jesus in Christian belief. Short Video -
Conclusion
The early Church’s development has tremendously and inseparably influenced Christianity today. The challenges and decisions made in the past always influence the ways of how we practice our religion. Take for example, it was the argument regarding which books needed to be included in the Bible that influenced the teachings of Christians during this time and even today. -
Conclusion pt.2
Additionally, the early Church struggled with perplexing issues like determining the true identity of Jesus. If he was a man, a God, or both. This led to the creation of fundamental doctrines which Christians still uphold like the doctrine of the Trinity. The councils that were convened to resolve these conflicts also helped to create a foundation for the consensus in the Church, and this is a concept that still accounts for a lot of Christians. -
Conclusion pt.3
Even though the early Church had sort of persecution, Christianity was able to reach different places and this teaches us about the significance of faith in hard times. The circumstances that the early Christians went through demonstrated the significance of strength in one’s beliefs, faith, and the efforts as a community. The decisions they made and the lessons they learned continue shaping the way the Christians live and view their faith and the way the Church functions in the world today.