-
4 BCE
Birth of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is born in Bethlehem, marking the beginning of the Christian faith.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
26
Baptism of Jesus
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, beginning his public ministry and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
30
Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles, empowering them to spread Jesus' teachings and marking the birth of the Church.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
30
Resurrection of Jesus
Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, affirming his divine nature and the promise of eternal life.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate, a pivotal event for Christians, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
34
First Christian Martyr: Stephen
Stephen is stoned to death for his beliefs, illustrating the early Church's struggles and the resolve of its followers.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
34
Conversion of Saul (Paul)
Saul, a persecutor of Christians, experiences a dramatic conversion and becomes Paul, one of Christianity's most influential apostles.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
50
Council of Jerusalem
Early Church leaders convene to discuss the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith, leading to the decision that they need not follow all Jewish laws.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
57
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul embarks on multiple journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and spreading the message of Christianity.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
60
Writing of the New Testament Letters
Paul and other apostles begin writing letters (epistles) that form the basis of Christian theology and ethics.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
62
Emergence of Gnostic Christianity
Various sects, including Gnosticism, arise, prompting the early Church to define orthodox beliefs and reject heretical teachings.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
64
Martyrdom of Peter and Paul
Both apostles are martyred in Rome, solidifying their status as foundational figures in Christian history.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Romans destroy the Second Temple in Jerusalem, significantly impacting Jewish Christians and the development of the Church.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
313
Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine issues the Edict, granting religious tolerance to Christians and marking the beginning of the Church’s prominence in the Roman Empire.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
325
First Council of Nicaea
Church leaders convene to address theological disputes, resulting in the Nicene Creed, which outlines core Christian beliefs.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
380
Establishment of Christianity as State Religion
Emperor Theodosius declares Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, leading to increased influence and power of the Church.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
476
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The collapse creates a power vacuum, allowing the Church to fill the role of a unifying institution in Europe.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
500
Spread of Christianity to Northern Europe
Missionaries such as St. Patrick and St. Boniface play crucial roles in converting the pagan tribes of Northern Europe.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
1054
The Great Schism
The division between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church formalizes theological and political differences.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/ -
1517
Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther’s 95 Theses spark a movement challenging Catholic doctrine, leading to the formation of various Protestant denominations.
https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/christianity/