The Beginnings of the Christian Tradition

Jesus of Nazareth: ca. 4 BCE--30 CE; apocalyptic/apocalypse

Christianity in the First Century

§ The Acts of the Apostles: Jews & Gentiles in the Christian Church

§ Paul: The Letters of Paul vs. the Paul of Acts

1. The Apostolic Council of Jerusalem (ca. 48)

2. Paul’s Observance of the Law

3. Paul’s Teaching on “Pagan” Religions

§ The Churches of the Pauline Mission: The Church at Corinth

Development of the Institutional Church

§ Leadership by Itinerant Prophets: Sayings, Paul (ca. 50-70)

§ The Changing Perspectives of the Settled Communities: The Synoptic Gospels (ca. 70-90)

§ Transfer from Itinerant to Local Leadership: 3 John & The Didache (ca. 90-100)

§ The Emergence of the Bishop: 1 Clement (95) & Ignatius of Antioch (98-117)

§ Apostolic Succession

§ Bishops, Presbyters (Elders), & Deacons

§ The Monarchical Episcopate

Conflict between Christianity and the Empire: Persecution

§ Judaism and the Empire

§ Nero’s Persecution (64-68): Rome

§ The Roman Imperial Cult

§ Non-Confrontation: Correspondence of Pliny & Trajan (ca. 111); Minucius Fundanus & Hadrian (ca. 124)

§ The End of the “Pax Romana”: Sporadic, Local Persecutions (ca. 170-200)

The Christian Response: The Apologists

§ Defending Christianity against Criticism

§ Justin Martyr (100-165): 1^st Apology (155); 2^nd Apology (155-60)

§ Defense of Christianity: Christians=Good, Moral Citizens; Christianity=Ancient

§ Description of Worship

§ Theology of the Logos (“The Word”)