Foundations of Early Christianity: Legalization and Apostolic Structure

The Early History of Christianity: Foundations and Legalization

The Founding of the Early Church

The Church began its path when the disciples were gathered in the Upper Room, praying with Mary. This event is considered the founding moment of the Church established by Jesus.

Structure and Mission of the Primitive Church

The primitive Church was formed by the Apostles, chaired by Simon Peter. The apostolic mission of these early Christians extended across various areas of social development, including:

• Workplaces
• Homes
• Markets

Factors Driving Church Expansion in Rome

Several factors favored the early expansion of the Church throughout the Roman Empire. The preaching of the Apostles and their disciples led to the filling of the Empire with Christians, who became propagators of the new Gospel.

Roman Persecution of Early Christians

The authorities of Rome were generally tolerant in religious matters, yet they initiated harsh persecution against Christian communities. This occurred because the Jewish communities were the initial focus of conversions. Since the Jews were often viewed unfavorably by the Romans, this negative perception was primarily transferred toward the persecution of Christians.

Chronology of Legal Freedom for the Church

The legal freedom of the Church was enabled by a series of key historical facts:

1. Year 311: Statute of Tolerance (Galerius).
2. Year 313: Edict of Milan (Granting full religious freedom).
3. Year 380: Christianity becomes the official religion of the Empire.

Tolerance vs. Full Religious Freedom

The tolerance granted by Emperor Galerius meant that the Christian religion could exist again, allowing worship in private. This differed significantly from the freedom granted by Constantine a few years later, which signified the right to public worship and preaching.

Defining the Patriarchy and Apostolic Sees

A Patriarchy is the ecclesiastical authority headed by a bishop of an apostolic foundation. In principle, the four original Patriarchates of the Church were:

• Alexandria
• Antioch
• Jerusalem
• Constantinople

What is an Ecumenical Council?

Ecumenical Councils are universal meetings of the bishops of the Church.

The Church Fathers and Their Criteria

The Church Fathers were Christian writers active until the eighth century. Each Father met three essential characteristics:

1. The orthodoxy of their doctrine.
2. A holy life.
3. Recognition by the Church.

The Role of the Apologists

Apologists were Greek ecclesiastical writers who sought to defend the Christian faith against accusations made by pagans during the second and third centuries.

Paleochristian Art and Figurative Avoidance

The term Paleochristian refers to the first Christian art, which was born attached to the funeral cult. Early Christians avoided narrative and figurative representations primarily because of the influence of the Jewish mentality.

Early Christian Worship and Domestic Churches

The first Christian worship services were held in places later known as basilicas. In the early centuries, Christians celebrated worship meetings in private homes or in the open air. This practice was known as the domestic church.

The Origin of the Roman Basilica

Before basilicas became religious buildings, they were Roman public structures that served multiple civic purposes, including:

• Marketplaces
• Civic meeting places
• Administration of justice