Church History: Complete Documentary AD 33 to Present

Church History・2 minutes read

Jesus ascends into heaven, his apostles spread the gospel from Jerusalem to the world, facing martyrdom. The history of the church spans centuries, with controversies, schisms, and key figures shaping its evolution and influence.

Insights

  • Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, leaving the apostles to spread the gospel globally, starting with 500 disciples in Judea.
  • The Holy Spirit's descent on Pentecost led to the conversion of 3,000 in Jerusalem, marking the rapid spread of Christianity.
  • Persecuted disciples expanded the gospel to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, reaching the Roman Empire's third-largest city.
  • The Council of Nicaea in 325 solidified church hierarchy, affirming Nicene Creed and combating Arianism.
  • The 19th century saw challenges to Christianity from philosophers like Jacobi, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche, questioning its validity amidst colonialism and new religious movements.

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Recent questions

  • How did the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the entire world?

    The gospel spread from Jerusalem to the entire world through the efforts of the apostles and disciples. Initially, there were only 500 disciples in Jerusalem, but through their dedication and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the message of Jesus Christ was shared with people in various regions. The apostles traveled to different cities, such as Phoenicia, Cyprus, Antioch, Macedonia, Greece, and Ephesus, preaching the teachings of Jesus and establishing churches. The conversion of individuals like the eunuch of Ethiopia and the 3,000 people in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost contributed to the rapid expansion of Christianity. Despite facing persecution and challenges, the disciples persevered in spreading the gospel, leading to the establishment of churches in different parts of the Roman Empire and beyond.

  • Who were the key figures in the early spread of Christianity?

    The early spread of Christianity was facilitated by key figures such as Jesus Christ, the Twelve Apostles, Mary, Philip, Paul, Barnabus, and other apostles like James, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew. Jesus Christ's teachings formed the foundation of the faith, and after his ascension into heaven, the apostles were commissioned to make disciples of all nations. The Twelve Apostles, along with Mary, received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, leading to the conversion of thousands in Jerusalem. Figures like Philip shared the gospel with individuals like the eunuch of Ethiopia, while Paul and Barnabus undertook missionary journeys to spread Christianity in various regions. Despite facing persecution and challenges, these key figures played crucial roles in establishing churches and spreading the message of Jesus Christ to different parts of the world.

  • What were the significant events in the early history of Christianity?

    The early history of Christianity was marked by significant events such as the Ascension of Jesus Christ, the day of Pentecost, the conversion of 3,000 people in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to regions like Phoenicia, Cyprus, Antioch, Macedonia, Greece, and Ephesus, and the missionary journeys of figures like Paul and Barnabus. The persecution faced by early disciples, the Council of Jerusalem, the teachings of individuals like Cyprien Bishop of Carthage, Pope Stephen, and Pope Dionysius of Alexandria, as well as the spread of Arianism and the subsequent Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople, were also pivotal moments in the early history of Christianity. These events shaped the development of the faith, the establishment of church hierarchy, and the spread of Christianity to different parts of the world.

  • How did the early church handle theological controversies and disputes?

    The early church handled theological controversies and disputes through councils, synods, and the intervention of key figures like bishops and popes. Controversies such as the admission of apostates and heretics to the church, the teachings of individuals like Cyprien Bishop of Carthage and Paul of Samosata, the spread of Arianism, and the myocyte controversy were addressed through councils like the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople. Bishops like Pope Stephen, Pope Dionysius of Alexandria, and others played roles in resolving disputes and maintaining doctrinal unity within the church. Despite disagreements and conflicts, efforts were made to address theological differences, establish orthodoxy, and maintain the integrity of Christian teachings.

  • How did the early church interact with political and social developments?

    The early church interacted with political and social developments by navigating challenges such as persecution, conflicts with rulers, and the spread of Christianity in various regions. Emperors like Valerian and Constantine initiated persecutions against Christians, leading to the martyrdom of figures like Pope Stephen, Pope Sixtus II, and Cyprien in Kerubim Aden Kober. The church also faced theological challenges from individuals like Paul of Samosata, Mani, and Arius, which influenced political decisions and the spread of Christianity. The establishment of church hierarchy, the involvement of bishops in political matters, and the interactions between the church and ruling authorities shaped the early church's response to political and social developments.

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Summary

00:00

Early Church Growth and Apostolic Missions

  • Jesus Christ ascends into heaven forty days after his resurrection, leaving behind eleven apostles commissioned to make disciples of all nations.
  • There were only 500 disciples initially, all located in the remote province of Judea.
  • The gospel spreads from 500 disciples in Jerusalem to the entire world.
  • Nine days after the Ascension, on the day of Pentecost, the Twelve Apostles, along with Mary, receive the Holy Spirit, leading to the conversion of 3,000 people in Jerusalem.
  • Philip shares the gospel with the eunuch of the royal court of Ethiopia in Gaza, who believes and is baptized.
  • Persecuted disciples in Jerusalem spread the gospel to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire.
  • Paul and Barnabus spread the gospel in Cyprus, Pamphylia, and southern Galatia after the Council of Jerusalem.
  • Paul embarks on his second missionary journey from Antioch, preaching in Macedonia, Greece, and Ephesus.
  • Paul visits churches across Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, and Greece before returning to Jerusalem.
  • The narrative history of the Bible concludes with Paul teaching the faith in Rome, while other apostles like James, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew spread the gospel and face martyrdom in various regions.

15:29

Early Christian controversies and developments summarized.

  • Cyprien Bishop of Carthage faced controversies over admitting apostates and heretics to the church, advocating for heretics to be rebaptized, leading to a dispute with Pope Stephen.
  • Pope Stephen threatened excommunication for those not adopting Roman doctrine against second baptism, but Pope Dionysius of Alexandria intervened, urging leniency.
  • Emperor Valerian initiated a persecution in the late 250s, resulting in the martyrdom of Pope Stephen and Pope Sixtus II, as well as Cyprien in Kerubim Aden Kober.
  • Paul of Samosata, Bishop of Antioch from 262-268, taught adoptionism, condemned by a council in Antioch led by Familiy on of Caesarea and Pope Dionysius of Alexandria.
  • Mani, a Jewish Christian Gnostic in Persia, founded a new religion blending Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, spreading to Rome by 280.
  • The 4th century began with Emperor Diocletian's persecution of the church, ending with edicts of toleration in 311 and 313 under Emperors Galerius and Constantine.
  • Arius of Alexandria's teachings led to the Council of Nicaea in 325, establishing the Nicene Creed and confirming the church hierarchy with Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch as highest Cs.
  • Arianism persisted, with Eusebius of Nicomedia promoting it, leading to the banishment of Arians by Emperor Constantine, who later favored Eusebius.
  • Wolfila, sent by Eusebius, converted the Goths to Arianism, translating the Bible into Gothic and developing the Gothic alphabet.
  • The Council of Constantinople in 381 affirmed the Orthodox Nicene faith, rejecting Arianism, Apollinarianism, and Nestorianism, solidifying Constantinople as the second highest C in the church.

29:40

Pope Leo's Struggles in Early Christianity

  • Pope Leo was outraged by Constantinople's attempt to upset the established hierarchy of the Petra in seas of Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch.
  • Bishop Anatoly of Constantinople was rebuked by Pope Leo for using the myocyte controversy to seize power.
  • The people of Alexandria were angered by the banishment of Pope Pious Chorus and the installation of Proteus as bishop, leading to Proteus' death and Timothy becoming Pope of Alexandria.
  • The first great schism in the church began as the people of Egypt and Syria formed the Oriental Orthodox Communion, electing their own Maya physic patriarchs.
  • Attila the Hun was persuaded by Pope Leo to spare Rome from being sacked, while the Vandals conquered parts of the Mediterranean, sacking Rome in 455.
  • A joint military campaign of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires was defeated by the Vandals at the Battle of Cartagena in 468, leaving the Byzantine Empire bankrupt.
  • Peter the Fuller introduced the Nicene Creed into the liturgy at Antioch in protest of the Council of Chalcedon, spreading its use throughout the church.
  • Emperor Zeno attempted to placate the Maya physic factions in Alexandria and Antioch with the Henotikon, leading to a schism and excommunications.
  • The Council of Orange in 529 ended the Pelagian controversy by condemning semi-pelagianism, asserting the necessity of God's grace for faith.
  • Emperor Justinian's campaigns led to the recapture of North Africa from the Vandals and Italy from the Ostrogoths, with Rome being besieged and sacked multiple times.

44:28

Byzantine Empire's Religious Turmoil and Iconoclasm

  • In 692, the Byzantine Empire held the Quinsext Council in Constantinople, condemning practices in the Western Church, such as depicting Jesus as a lamb.
  • Pope Sergius I's refusal to accept the council led to Emperor Justinian II sending soldiers to arrest the Pope, but they were repulsed by local militia loyal to the Pope in Ravenna.
  • In response to the council's prohibition of depicting Jesus as a lamb, Pope Sergius I introduced Agnes Day into the Liturgy of the Roman mass.
  • The Umayyad Caliphate captured Carthage in the following year, completing the conquest of North Africa in the next decade.
  • In 711, Emperor Philippicus Bardanes ascended the throne in Constantinople and installed Monothelite John VI as Bishop, leading to a synod that revoked the Sixth Ecumenical Council.
  • The Bulgarians plundered Thrace up to the walls of Constantinople, prompting the Byzantine army to rebel against Philippicus, blinding him and installing Anastasius as emperor.
  • Anastasius reinstated the Sixth Ecumenical Council, deposing Monothelite Patriarch John VI and replacing him with Orthodox Patriarch Germanus.
  • Emperor Leo III enlisted Bulgarian help to repel the Umayyad Caliphate's siege of Constantinople from 717 to 719, fearing God's disfavor due to icon veneration, leading to an edict prohibiting it in 730.
  • Leo's successor, Constantine V, zealously enforced iconoclasm, leading to a synod of Eastern bishops in 754 voting in favor of it, branding relics and prayers to saints as heretical.
  • In 751, Lombard King Aistulf captured Ravenna, ending over two centuries of Byzantine rule, with Pope Zachary appealing to Pepin the Younger, whom he crowned king of the Franks, leading to the establishment of the Papal States.

59:05

Norman Conquests and Papal Power Struggles

  • Patriarch Michael Cyril arias in Constantinople criticized Norman liturgical practices and closed Latin Rite churches in retaliation for Norman actions against Byzantine churches in southern Italy.
  • Cardinal Humbert of Silva Candida was sent by Pope Leo the 9th to negotiate with Carol arias, who refused to meet, leading to an excommunication notice delivered on July 16, 1054.
  • William the Conqueror defeated Harold II of England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, becoming King of England.
  • Pope Nicholas II made peace with the Normans, appointing Robert Guiscard as Duke of southern Italy and Sicily, leading to Norman conquests in the region by 1070.
  • Norman leader Robert Guiscard defeated the Byzantine Empire in the Balkans, establishing a short-lived Norman fir hold.
  • Pope Gregory called back the Normans to Italy to aid against Emperor Henry the fourth of the Roman Empire, leading to the fall of the Holy Roman Empire by 1073.
  • Pope Gregory the seventh clashed with Emperor Henry over lay investiture, leading to the Emperor's excommunication and the appointment of an anti-Pope.
  • Robert Guiscard defeated Emperor Henry the fourth at Rome, but Norman soldiers plundered the city, causing unrest and the exile of Pope Gregory the seventh.
  • A French army called to the Crusades by Pope Urban II liberated Rome in 1096, allowing the return of the papacy.
  • Bishop Anselm of Canterbury introduced the ontological proof for God's existence and engaged in philosophical debates, while a French philosopher named Roslan challenged realism with nominalism in the 11th century.

01:13:23

Medieval Europe: Power Struggles and Religious Shifts

  • In the 13th century, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II led military campaigns against Italian city-states, causing chaos and endangering the papacy.
  • Pope Urban IV sought stability in Italy by turning to French Duke Charles of Anjou in 1251.
  • The Carmelite Order, named after Mount Carmel, was formed in the Crusader States, with a priest named Simon Stock receiving a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1251.
  • Michael VIII aimed to retake Constantinople from the Latin Empire in 1258, seeking reconciliation with the West to save the Byzantine Empire.
  • Manfred, an illegitimate son, usurped the Sicilian throne, leading to intervention by Charles of Anjou in 1266.
  • Dominican friar Thomas Aquinas, known as the Angelic Doctor, emphasized intellect over will and resolved the problem of universals with moderate realism.
  • At the Council of Leon in 1274, Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII agreed to the demands of the Catholic Church, despite resistance from some.
  • King Rudolph I renounced Habsburg claims, leaving Charles of Anjou in control of southern Italy and Sicily.
  • William of Ockham challenged Aquinas' philosophies, introducing voluntarism and nominalism, and advocating for the Immaculate Conception.
  • The Avignon Papacy, lasting until 1377, saw France's dominance over the papacy, leading to conflicts with the Holy Roman Emperor and the rise of the conciliar movement.

01:27:54

"Fall of Constantinople and European Renaissance"

  • The Pope prohibited appeals to Rome from places more than two days' journey away.
  • Ottomans attacked Constantinople in 1420, capturing Thessalonica and besieging the city.
  • Byzantine Emperor John the 8th sought help from Pope Eugene the 4th in 1439 at the Council of Florence.
  • Grand Prince Vasili of Moscow and Sultan Murad II's actions towards Constantinople.
  • Mehmed II used siege cannons to conquer Constantinople in 1453.
  • French King Charles the 7th's victory at the Battle of Castellón in July 1453.
  • Ferdinand II of Aragon married Catherine of Castile, uniting Spain in 1469.
  • Expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 and the Spanish Inquisition.
  • Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517 and the subsequent Reformation.
  • The Council of Trent in 1563, Jesuit missions, and the end of the Italian Wars.

01:43:02

Religious and Philosophical Shifts in History

  • Rene Descartes shifted philosophical focus from objective truth to personal interpretation through reason alone
  • In 1618, a war between Catholics and Protestants in the Holy Roman Empire led to 8 million deaths
  • King Charles I of England was defeated by Parliament in the English Civil War, leading to Oliver Cromwell becoming Lord Protector
  • Cromwell conquered Ireland, leading to the deaths of over 400,000 Roman Catholics and the banning of Catholicism
  • Baruch Spinoza and Descartes laid the foundation for deism and argued against free will and the existence of God
  • John Locke introduced a non-confrontational version of Christianity, emphasizing belief in Jesus as Redeemer
  • Lord Baltimore established Maryland as a haven for Catholics in the New World
  • The Eastern Orthodox Church condemned Calvinism as heretical and affirmed transubstantiation in the Holy Eucharist
  • The Enlightenment led to a break with religion, with Voltaire advocating for a society based on reason
  • The Second Great Awakening in the US attracted new members to Baptist and Methodist congregations through emotionalism and the supernatural

01:58:11

19th Century Religious and Philosophical Developments

  • John Henry Newman converted to Catholicism in 1849 after Pope Pius IX reinstated the Catholic hierarchy in England in 1850.
  • Pope Pius IX issued the papal bull "Ineffabilis Deus" in 1854, declaring the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
  • In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous received visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, confirming the earlier papal bull.
  • The 19th century saw philosophical challenges to Christianity by thinkers like Jacobi, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche, questioning life's meaning and Christianity's validity.
  • The United States witnessed a surge in new religious movements like Adventism, Mormonism, and the Holiness Movement, amidst growing Protestant denominational divisions.
  • Pope Pius IX published the Syllabus of Errors in 1864, condemning modernist philosophical, political, and religious ideas.
  • In 1870, the First Vatican Council declared the Pope infallible in defining doctrines concerning faith or morals for the whole Church.
  • The 19th century also witnessed colonialism in Africa, Asia, and Australia by European powers, each bringing their preferred denomination to the colonized people.
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