The early history of Christianity refers to the first three
centuries, this time span can be divided into two periods: the apostolic period,
when the first apostles were alive and led the church, and the post-apostolic
period, when the Christian movement began to become structured. The
post-apostolic period was also a period of persecution towards Christians.
Apostolic Age
The apostolic age, from the years 30 – 100 AD, is a very
important time in the history of Christianity, it provided the foundation for
the future and also produced writings that formed the New Testament. This is a
time during which Jesus’ apostles, along with his relatives, travelled around
the Mediterranean and sought converts. Initially during this time Christians
were identified with the Jewish religion, this provided protection from the
Romans as Jews were exempt from certain legal requirements during the time. But
the doctorines of the apostles began to cause conflict between Christians and
the Jewish authorities, this led to their expulsion and Christianity achieved a
separate identity. Now that Christians were no longer associated with Judaism
they were no longer exempt from certain Roman laws and this led to persecution as
Christians refused to worship Roman Gods.
Post-Apostolic Age
The post-apostolic age, from the years 100 – 313 AD, is a
time period during which Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire but Christianity
continued its spread throughout the Mediterranean and eventually the
persecutions ended with the legalization of Christianity under Roman Emperor
Constantine the Great. During this time Christianity also began to become structured
with the emergence of bishops and a hierarchy. During this time the writings of
the apostles began to be shared amongst Christian communities and the Biblical
canon was formed. Most of what is known as the New Testament in modern times
was formed in this period.
Map showing spread of Christianity during first 6 centuries |
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