EPISODE 0101 | Early Church History
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0101
Understanding church history is essential for understanding our faith today. In this episode, we explore the journey of Christianity from the early church to the Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformation. Learn how key figures, councils, and theological debates shaped the church we know today, and discover the lasting impact of the Reformation on biblical authority, salvation by faith, and the mission of the church. Knowing where we came from helps us stand firm in truth and grow in faith.
Early Church History, The Catholic Church & The Protestant Reformation.
If you don’t know where you are, how you got there, God can’t light your path forward.
Early Church History
Apostolic Era (30-100 AD):
Began with Pentecost (Acts 2), the birth of the church.
The apostles spread the Gospel, establishing local churches (e.g., Antioch, Corinth, Rome).
Acts 2:42-47 (NLT): “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer… And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15)
Circumcision and Mosaic Law: Some believers from Judea argued that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic law to be saved.
Acts 15:1 NLT "While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.’"
Gentile Inclusion: Whether Gentiles could fully participate in the church without adhering to Jewish customs and laws.
Acts 15:5 NLT "But then some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, ‘The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.’"
Post-Apostolic Era (100-313 AD)
Growth despite persecution under Roman emperors like Nero and Diocletian. Development of early creeds (e.g., Apostles' Creed).
Key figures: Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp.
- Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-108 AD) A bishop and martyr who emphasized the importance of church unity and wrote letters that provide insight into early Christian theology.
- Polycarp (c. 69-155 AD) A disciple of John, he served as a bridge between the apostles and later Christians, martyred for refusing to deny Christ.
Edict of Milan (313 AD)
Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, leading to its spread across the Roman Empire.
Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Council of Nicaea (325 AD) Convened by Constantine to address heresies, resulting in the Nicene Creed.
Formation of the Catholic Church
The term "Catholic" comes from the Greek word katholikos, which means "universal" or "according to the whole". It was first used to describe the Christian Church in the early 2nd century by Saint Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the Smyrnaeans (c. 110 AD). Ignatius wrote, “Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church,” emphasizing the universal nature of the Church as the body of Christ.
- In its original sense, Catholic refers to the universal community of believers united in Christ.
Medieval Period (476-1400s):
The Catholic Church thrived in a predominantly pre-literate society, using art, architecture, and oral traditions to communicate the Gospel.
Monasticism flourished, preserving Scripture and providing education.
Missionary efforts expanded Christianity across Europe.
Key figures: Augustine of Hippo, Gregory the Great, Thomas Aquinas.
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) One of the most influential theologians of the early church, Augustine’s works, such as "Confessions" and "City of God," shaped Christian doctrine on grace and salvation.
Gregory the Great (c. 540-604 AD) A pope who strengthened the church’s influence through reforms and missionary efforts, earning him the title "Apostle to the English."
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 AD) A scholastic theologian whose writings, especially "Summa Theologica," harmonized faith and reason and remain foundational in Christian philosophy.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The Drift away from Sound Doctrine in the Catholic Church.
Wesley Huff explains why figures like Wycliffe, Tyndale, and Luther went to such great lengths to preserve the truth of Scripture and call for reform within the Catholic Church.
The Greek "Metanoia" literally means a change of mind or heart, a transformation of one's inner being. It conveys repentance as an internal, spiritual turning away from sin and turning toward God in faith.
The Latin word "Poenitentia" was rendered as "penance" in the sense of outward acts of contrition, confession, and works prescribed by the Church. This translation shifted the focus from an internal change of heart to external rituals and actions.
For over 1,000 years, the Roman Catholic Church built false doctrines on a mistranslation. As Greek faded, the Church relied on the Latin Vulgate, unknowingly drifting from the truth. Withholding access to the original Scriptures and exploiting illiteracy, the Church created a system with little accountability. This prideful gatekeeping allowed errors to persist unchecked, despite Scripture's call for leader accountability. Only when Scripture became widely accessible during the Reformation were these doctrines refuted.
Wycliffe, Tyndale, and Luther: Champions of Scripture Access
1. John Wycliffe (c. 1328–1384): Known as the "Morning Star of the Reformation," Wycliffe was an early advocate for translating the Bible into vernacular English. His teachings challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and emphasized the Bible as the supreme authority in matters of faith. Wycliffe’s translation of the Bible into English in the 1380s laid the groundwork for widespread Scripture access, inspiring later reformers.
2. William Tyndale (1494–1536): A brilliant linguist and theologian, Tyndale was the first to translate the New Testament into English directly from Greek. His translation, printed and distributed widely thanks to the advent of the printing press, made Scripture accessible to common people. Tyndale’s work influenced later English translations, including the King James Bible. He was executed for his efforts, but his legacy lives on in the enduring impact of his translations.
3. Martin Luther (1483–1546): A central figure in the Protestant Reformation, Luther’s 95 Theses challenged church practices like indulgences and emphasized justification by faith alone. Luther translated the New Testament into German in 1522, bringing God’s Word to the masses in their own language. His use of the printing press ensured the rapid dissemination of his writings, sparking widespread reform across Europe.
The Protestant Reformation
Historical Context: The Protestant Reformation emerged during a time of significant upheaval. The invention of the printing press (1440) allowed the Bible and Reformation ideas to spread rapidly. Europe was also embroiled in political struggles, with kings and emperors seeking independence from the influence of the Catholic Church and the Pope.
Key Dates:
1517: Luther’s 95 Theses.
1521: Diet of Worms—Luther refused to recant.
1534: Henry VIII established the Church of England.
1545-1563: Council of Trent—Catholic Counter-Reformation.
Key Outcomes:
Translation of the Bible into vernacular languages.
Emphasis on “Sola Scriptura” and “Sola Fide.”
Establishment of Protestant denominations.
10 Doctrinal Differences Between Protestants and Catholics:
1. Authority of Scripture (Sola Scriptura)
o Protestants: Believe the Bible alone is the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
o Catholics: Hold that Scripture and Sacred Tradition, as interpreted by the Magisterium (teaching authority of the Church), are equally authoritative.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT).
2. Justification by Faith (Sola Fide)
o Protestants: Teach that salvation is by faith alone through grace, not by works.
o Catholics: Believe salvation involves faith and works, as grace enables believers to cooperate with God.
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT).
3. The Eucharist (Transubstantiation)
o Protestants: Often view the Lord’s Supper as symbolic or a memorial.
o Catholics: Believe in transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.
"For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again." (1 Corinthians 11:26 NLT)
4. The Role of Mary
o Protestants: Honor Mary as the mother of Jesus but do not pray to or venerate her.
o Catholics: Venerate Mary as sinless, perpetual virgin, and “Mother of God,” and advocate practices such as the Rosary and Marian intercession.
"Mary responded, 'Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!'" (Luke 1:46-47 NLT).
5. The Pope’s Authority
o Protestants: Reject the authority of the Pope, believing Christ alone is the head of the church.
o Catholics: Acknowledge the Pope as the successor of Peter and the supreme authority on earth over the church.
"Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything." (Colossians 1:18 NLT).
6. Purgatory
o Protestants: Reject the concept of purgatory, believing in the immediate presence with the Lord after death for believers.
o Catholics: Teach purgatory as a place of purification before entering heaven.
"And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment..." (Hebrews 9:27 NLT).
7. Sacraments
o Protestants: Typically recognize two sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper—instituted by Christ.
o Catholics: Recognize seven sacraments, including Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.
"For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
8. Priesthood and Clergy
o Protestants: Teach the “priesthood of all believers,” where every Christian has direct access to God.
o Catholics: Maintain an ordained priesthood as mediators who administer the sacraments.
"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).
9. Veneration of Saints
o Protestants: Do not pray to or venerate saints, emphasizing direct prayer to God through Jesus Christ.
o Catholics: Believe saints can intercede for believers and encourage veneration as part of devotion.
"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
10. Religious Icons and Images:
o Protestants: Often view religious icons and statues as unnecessary or even idolatrous.
o Catholics: Use icons and images as tools for worship and teaching, not as objects of worship themselves.
"You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods." (Exodus 20:4-5 NLT).
Protestants Founding The United States
Seeking Religious Freedom:
Many Protestant groups fled to America to escape persecution from oppressive kings and Popes. Puritans, Pilgrims, and other groups sought a place where they could freely worship according to their convictions.
John 8:36 (NLT): “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
Foundations of a Christian Society:
Early settlements, such as Plymouth (1620) and Massachusetts Bay Colony (1630), were established by Puritans who sought to build a "city upon a hill," exemplifying a community guided by Biblical principles.
Key figures included John Winthrop, who envisioned the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a beacon of Christian charity, and William Bradford, who led the Pilgrims at Plymouth.
Many of the first universities in America, including Harvard (1636) and Yale (1701), were founded to train ministers and promote Biblical education.
Psalm 33:12 (NLT): “What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.”
The Declaration of Independence (1776) reflects Judeo-Christian values, with references to God as Creator and Supreme Judge.
A Critique of the Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a necessary correction, but it was not without its shortcomings. Over time, the emphasis on individual interpretation of Scripture led to fragmentation and doctrinal drift. Today, in a postmodern culture, individualism has often replaced the collective identity of the church as seen in Acts.
Acts 2:42 (NLT): “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”
1 Peter 4:17 (NLT): “For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?”
Six Challenges to Protestants:
1. Rediscovering Church Unity & Discipline: Rebuilding a commitment to the collective body of Christ rather than individualistic expressions of faith.
1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLT): “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.”
Titus 3:10-11 NLT “If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.”
2. Commitment to Holiness: Pursuing a lifestyle of holiness in personal and corporate conduct.
1 Peter 1:16 (NLT): “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’”
3. Returning to Discipleship: Focusing on making disciples rather than creating consumers of religious content.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
4. Biblical Literacy: Ensuring Scripture is studied deeply and taught soundly.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT): “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
5. Corporate Worship and Prayer: Valuing gathering as a body in worship and collective intercession.
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT): “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
6. Guarding Against Doctrinal Drift: Prioritizing sound doctrine to avoid being swayed by cultural trends.
Titus 1:9 (NLT): “He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.”
The church must return to its biblical foundation, prioritizing unity and the mission to make disciples rather than yielding to cultural pressures that elevate personal preferences above Scriptural truth.
Resources
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