Development of the early church: 33-451 AD

By Sasaaazaz28
  • 451 BCE

    Council of Chalcedon

    Council of Chalcedon
    This council addressed debates concerning the nature of Christ, resulting in the Chalcedonian Definition, which articulated the doctrine of the hypostatic union—Christ as fully divine and fully human.
  • Period: 330 BCE to 451 BCE

    Monasticism and Early Church Fathers

    Figures like St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Jerome played pivotal roles in theological development and the spread of monasticism. Their writings and teachings significantly influenced Christian doctrine.
  • 325 BCE

    First council of Nicaea

    First council of Nicaea
    Convened by Emperor Constantine, this council addressed the Arian controversy regarding the nature of Christ. The Nicene Creed was formulated, affirming the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father.
  • 313 BCE

    Edict if Milan

    Edict if Milan
    Emperors Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance throughout the empire and legalizing Christianity. This marked a significant turning point for the Christian Church.
  • Period: 303 BCE to 311 BCE

    Diocletians persecution

    Emperor Diocletian initiated the most severe persecution of Christians, aiming to restore traditional Roman religious practices. Many Christians were martyred, and scriptures were destroyed during this period.
  • 70 BCE

    Spread of Christianity

    Spread of Christianity
    Despite persecutions, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, reaching regions such as Asia Minor, Greece, and North Africa. Early Christian communities formed, and foundational texts were written during this period.
  • 64 BCE

    Neros persecution

    Neros persecution
    Following the Great Fire of Rome, Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the disaster, leading to severe persecutions. This marked one of the first major instances of state-sponsored persecution of Christians.
  • 49 BCE

    Council of Jerusalem

    Council of Jerusalem
    Early church leaders convened to discuss whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish law. The council concluded that Gentiles could join the church without full adherence to Mosaic Law, facilitating the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
  • Period: 46 BCE to 60 BCE

    Missionary Journeys of St. Paul

    Paul the Apostle embarked on multiple missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities and authoring epistles that form a significant portion of the New Testament.
  • 33 BCE

    Pentecost

    Pentecost
    Fifty days after the resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel. This event is often referred to as the “Birthday of the Church.”
  • 30 BCE

    Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus

    Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
    Jesus of Nazareth was crucified under Roman authority, and according to Christian belief, he rose from the dead three days later. This event is foundational to Christian faith, symbolizing the promise of eternal life.