The Early Church Timeline

Arianism and the Council of Nicea

351 BCE

Arianism taught that Jesus was not truly God. The Council of Nicea proved Arianism inncorrect. The father, son, and the Holy Spirit are one.

Edict of Milan

313 BCE

Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which tolerated Christianity througout the empire. Although the Edict allowed all religious freedom of worship, special favors were granted to the Church. Torchure of Christians came to a halt. Constantine saw Christianity as a strong unifying force in the Empire.

Constantine - Battle of Milvian Bridge

312 BCE

Constantine, born in 280 to St. Helena, commanded a large army and engaged in a crucial battle at Milvian Bridge. He had a dream before the battle stating he would emerge victorious. Constantine did so and was named emperor of the Western Roman Empire.

Women in the Early Church - Thecla

190

Women played keys roles in the early church such as heading churches in their homes, holding office, and playing roles in group worship. Thecla, one of the most famous woman apostles, cut her hair and wore men's clothing so she could take up the duties of a missionary apostle. Her story is recorded, while many other women were taken out of the bible or changed into men's roles.

Gnosticism

200

Gnostics taught that the human body was corrupt because of the belief that Jesus did not really have a human body. They also taught salvation was not for everyone. They believed Jesus only meant salvation to be for him and his apostles. It arose in 2nd century AD

Monasticism

320

A spiritual and social movement in which people withdrew from the world to live in solitary to obtain personal holiness. St. Anthony served as the father of the movement. Organized by St. Pachmomius, people who followed Monasticism had a role of celibacy, prayer, and to engage in works of charity. St. Athanasius spread the idea of Monasticism to western Christianity.

St. Ambrose

340

St. Ambrose became a bishop by leading a military guard to settle a riot that had broken out. The people wanted him to be bishop and he eventually accepted. St. Ambrose was not against marriage but did empathize his believes in virginity.

St. Augustine

354

Born in Africa in 354, Augustine was one of the greatest church fathers. He founded a ministry and became so popular he was named bishop of Hippo in 396. He became a preacher and pastor that lived among his people. He viewed marriage as inferior to a celabate life.

Council of Ephesus

431

This council squashed Nestorianism, the idea of God plus man and made Mary "christotokos". The followers of Nestorianism made the Assyrian Church but later returned to union with Rome.

Council of Chalcedon

451

This council squashed the idea of Monophysitism which taught Jesus had only one nature, divine. Those who followed this heresy formed the Oriental Orthodox Church and separated themselves from the Church after the council had taken place. (451 AD)