1st Century (c.33-100 AD)

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During this time, the church met in homes. Worship was on “the Lord’s Day,” the 1st day of the week, and probably involved two parts, one for the public in which the Scriptures were read and the Gospel explained, and one part for only Christians including celebration of “The Lord’s Supper” (the Eucharist, or communion). “Agape” fellowship meals and fasting were regular aspects of church life. The church’s organizational structure was patterned after the Jewish synagogue. 

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Most, if not all, of the “New Testament” Scripture was written during this time (before the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD) and circulated among the churches.

Persecution came from the Jews first, then later by the Romans, as well, primarily during the reigns of Nero (60s) and Domitian (90s).

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Key events:

1) Christians were originally seen by the Romans as a Jewish sect, thus having a legal protection. Gradually, however, Christians were distinguished by the Romans as a new (and “dangerous”) religion.

2) The Jewish revolt against the Romans in 66, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the Temple by the Romans in 70, changed Judaism and confirmed the split between the Jewish religion and Christianity.

3) As Gentiles became dominant in the Christian Church, it lost much of its “Jewishness”, and the resulting loss of some knowledge of the “Old Testament” and its cultural background led to more confusion and speculation in regard to interpreting both the Old Testament and New Testament.

 

2nd and 3rd Centuries (c.100-300 AD)

 

Developments during this period included:  

1) The Roman Empire became progressively more corrupt and politically weaker.

2) The church wrestled with the question of how to deal with those who renounced their Christian faith during the times of persecution.

3) A formalizing/hardening/ritualizing took place in the church. A church leadership hierarchy developed.

4) The church responded to various aberrant teachings and issues, re-affirming core doctrines and clarifying doctrinal matters, such as how to understand and express the nature of Christ as both God and Man, and the teaching of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

5) The “Canon”/collection of the writings the church collectively considered to be a ‘New Testament of inspired Scripture were being formed and confirmed.