Los primeros cristianos. De cómo una secta del judaísmo se convirtió en una religión universal.

The Early Christian Church and Its Development

The Council of Jerusalem

• Jerusalén was the city where Jesus was crucified, marking the beginning of early Christian apostolic efforts.

• The Council of Jerusalem around 50 AD is seen as a pivotal moment in Christianity's transformation from a local Jewish sect to a universal religion.

• Key figures at the council included Peter, who advocated for salvation through faith, leading to decisions that gentile converts were not bound by Mosaic law.

Apostolic Leadership and Early Conflicts

• Important leaders during this period included Peter, John (the Apostle), and James (the Just), brother of Jesus.

• Saul (later known as Paul), originally from Tarsus, initially persecuted Christians before converting after a revelation on the road to Damascus.

• Paul's conversion marked a significant turning point; he began his ministry post-baptism and undertook three major missionary journeys.

Paul's Role in Shaping Christianity

• Although often accused of inventing Christianity, historian Paul Johnson argues that Paul preserved it from extinction rather than distorting its essence.

• During his travels, Paul attended the Council of Jerusalem and convinced others against imposing circumcision on gentile converts.

Diverging Paths: Paul vs. James

• Tensions arose between Paul's more radical approach to Judaism and James' conservative stance; Peter acted as a bridge between these factions.

• Peter left Jerusalem for Rome, embracing Pauline theology and becoming recognized as the first bishop there.

Martyrdom and Expansion of Christianity

• Both Peter and Paul met martyrdom in Rome around 67 AD during Nero's reign; their deaths symbolized the growing conflict with Roman authorities.

• Following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by Roman legions led by Titus, Jewish Christians reorganized under Simeon in Palestine.

Spread Beyond Judea

• Andrew, one of Jesus' first followers, is traditionally credited with founding an episcopal seat in Byzantium (Constantinople).

• The evangelist Mark established the church in Alexandria amidst an existing Jewish community; Christianity also spread into Syria through Antioch.

Antioch: A Crucial Hub for Early Christianity

The Early Christian Church and Its Challenges

The Role of Antioch in Early Christianity

• The church of Antioch emerged as a significant center for early Christianity, becoming one of the five patriarchates alongside Jerusalem, Rome, Byzantium (later Constantinople), and Alexandria.

• Apostolic Fathers like Clement of Rome played a crucial role in maintaining Christian practices; he authored an influential epistle to the Corinthians and was martyred by being thrown into the sea with an anchor tied around his neck.

Key Figures and Their Contributions

• Ignatius of Antioch, a disciple of John, wrote seven letters during his journey to martyrdom in Rome. His correspondence included personal messages to friends like Polycarp.

• Polycarp, also a disciple of John and bishop of Smyrna, was martyred around 155 AD by burning at the stake.

Heresies and Unity within Christianity

• From its inception, Christianity faced challenges regarding unity due to various heretical views; Paul’s theology was often seen as heretical itself.

• Irenaeus, a disciple of Polycarp and bishop of Lyon, authored "Against Heresies," which became foundational for Christian theology in combating diverse beliefs.

Development of Theology and Language Shift

• By the third century, Latin replaced Greek as the primary language for worship in Western communities; Tertullian first used the term "Trinity" (trinitas).

• Persecution marked early Christianity's history significantly from Nero's reign onward until Diocletian's era known as the Age of Martyrs.

Practices Amidst Persecution

• Early Christians practiced their faith clandestinely due to persecution; they often held liturgies at martyrs' burial sites such as catacombs.