Church History, Part Two

Survey of Church History
Part 2: The Beginning of Apostasy
Value of Church History
Uniqueness of the original church
Explanation of the present
Insight into issues we face today
Motivation to be faithful
The church in Prophecy…

The Fullness of Time
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
The Church Promised
Matthew 16:18-19
The Day of Pentecost
– 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
How the Apostles Died
Beginning of Apostasy
Persecution
Roman Emperors
1st Wave 64-68 - Nero
“Therefore to stop the rumor, Nero substituted as culprits, and punished with the utmost refinements of cruelty, a class of men, loathed for their vices, whom the crowd styled Christians. Christus, the founder of the name, had undergone the death penalty in the reign of Tiberius, by sentence of the procurator Pontius Pilatus, and the pernicious superstition was checked for a moment, only to break out once more, not merely in Judaea, the home of the disease, but in the capital itself, …” (Tacitus, Annals book 15, chapter 44)
2nd Wave – 90-117 Domitian and Trajan
“They asserted, however, that the sum and substance of their fault or error had been that they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by oath, not to some crime, but not to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, not falsify their trust, nor to refuse to return a trust when called upon to do so. When this was over, it was their custom to depart and to assemble again to partake of food--but ordinary and innocent food” (Pliny, letter to Emperor Trajan, A.D. 111)
Ignatius of Antioch 116
When Trajan came to Antioch, Ignatius was carried before him. The emperor asked what evil spirit possessed him, so that he not only broke the laws by refusing to serve the gods of Rome, but persuaded others to do the same. Ignatius answered, that he was not possessed by any evil spirit; that he was a servant of Christ; that by His help he defeated the malice of evil spirits; and that he bore his God and Saviour within his heart. After some more questions and answers, the emperor ordered that he should be carried in chains to Rome, and there should be devoured by wild beasts. (Sketches of Church History, J.C. Robertson)
Polycarp 165
The governor desired him to deny Christ, and said that, if he would, his life should be spared. But the faithful bishop answered "Fourscore and six years have I served Christ, and He hath never done me wrong; how then can I now blaspheme my King and Saviour?" The governor again and again urged him, as if in a friendly way, to sacrifice; but Polycarp stedfastly refused. He next threatened to let wild beasts loose on him, and as Polyearp still showed no fear, he said that he would burn him alive. "You threaten me," said the bishop, "with a fire which lasts but a short time; but you know not of that eternal fire which is prepared for the wicked."
False Accusations
WANTED: CHRISTIANS! Anyone having information about those belonging to the dangerous superstition known as "Christianity" is to report to the authorities without delay. This is an insidious movement and must be stopped. Christians are charged with the following:
– Cannibalism Disruption of business Gross immorality (including incest) Antifamily actions
Poverty Atheism Introduction of Novelties Lack of Patriotism Antisocial behavior Causing Disasters
Changes in Doctrine
Changes in Doctrine
Changes in Doctrine
Change in Organization
Emperor Constantine
Constantine claimed he saw a vision of the cross telling him in this sign he would conquer … led to Edict of Milan in 313
Nicene Council 325
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
Survey of Church History
Part 2: The Beginning of Apostasy
Survey of Church History

Survey of Church History

Extent of Roman Empire
Survey of Church History
Part One: Establishment and Spread of the Church in the First Century