Krissy Harris Week 1 Study Questions
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LTHE461 History of Christianity 1: Early Church Oral Roberts University
Krissy Harris Week 1 Study Questions
Earliest Christianity
1.
INTRODUCTION, pp. 1-5
1.
The Book of Acts does not seem to have a conclusion. Why did Luke not tell us about the
end of Paul’s life in Rome?
The book of Acts, written by Luke, indeed does not provide a clear conclusion regarding the life of Paul. One theory for this occurrence is that Luke intended for
the book to be more than just a historical account but also a theological narrative that places focus on the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome. In writing
the book in this way, Luke may have also intended to emphasize the nature of the mission of the church, leaving room for readers to reflect on their roles in continuing that mission.
2.
What two things does Gonzalez say we should remember, in light of episodes in church history in which it is difficult to see the action of the Holy Spirit?
According to Gonzalez, when faced with episodes in church history where it's challenging to discern the Holy Spirit's action, there are two things to remember: The presence of human sinfulness: Gonzalez suggests that human sinfulness can often distort or obstruct the work of the Holy Spirit within the church. The sovereignty of God: Despite human failings, God remains in control and can work through even the darkest moments in church history for His purposes.
Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
Page 1
3.
Why does Gonzalez assert that without understanding the past, we are unable to understand ourselves?
Gonzalez states that understanding the past is crucial for understanding ourselves because it provides context and perspective. By studying history, we can see the development of ideas, beliefs, and institutions that shape our present reality. Without this understanding, we may lack insight into why things are the way they are and how we are connected to those who came before us. History helps us recognize patterns, learn from mistakes, and appreciate the complexities of human
experience and the divine work throughout time.
2.
THE FULLNESS OF TIME, pp. 13-23
1.
Why, according to the author, was "the church never disconnected from the world around
it?
According to. Gonzalez, the church was never disconnected from the world around it primarily because Christianity emerged within a particular historical, social, and cultural context. From its beginning, Christianity interacted with and was influenced by the world in which it existed. Additionally, as the church spread geographically, it encountered diverse cultures and societies, leading to further engagement with the world.
2.
What was the ideological basis of Alexander's conquest and what was their result?
The ideological basis of Alexander the Great's conquest was rooted in a vision of spreading Greek culture and civilization, known as Hellenism, throughout the Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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lands he conquered. This vision aimed to unify the diverse peoples of the known world under a common Greek cultural framework. The result of Alexander's conquests was the establishment of a vast empire that stretched from Greece to Egypt, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, which facilitated the diffusion of Greek
language, customs, and ideas throughout these regions.
3.
What marked the history of Palestine from the time of Alexander to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and what was the high point of this struggle?
The history of Palestine from the time of Alexander to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 was marked by a series of struggles for political and religious control. One significant aspect was the clash between Hellenistic influences and Jewish religious identity. The high point of this struggle was the Jewish Revolt against Roman rule, which culminated in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
4.
What were the various Jewish parties during this period and which party was the closest to the Christian understanding? What party suffered a mortal blow in the destruction of the Temple and why?
During this period, various Jewish parties emerged, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots. Among these, the Pharisees were closest to the Christian understanding in terms of emphasizing religious piety, belief in resurrection, and adherence to oral tradition. The Sadducees, who were closely associated with the Temple priesthood, suffered a mortal blow in the destruction of the Temple because their authority and influence were largely tied to Temple rituals, which ceased with its destruction.
Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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5.
What was Diaspora Judaism and why was it of crucial importance for the history of Christianity?
Diaspora Judaism refers to Jewish communities living outside of the land of Israel, dispersed throughout the Mediterranean world and beyond. It was of crucial importance for the history of Christianity because these diaspora communities provided fertile ground for the spread of early Christianity. The presence of synagogues in these communities facilitated the initial outreach of Christian missionaries.
6. How did Philo of Alexandria interpret scripture and why is this approach important?
Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, interpreted scripture through allegorical and symbolic methods, seeking to harmonize Jewish theology with Greek philosophy, particularly Platonism. Philo's approach is important because it demonstrates the encounter between Jewish thought and Hellenistic culture, which influenced subsequent Jewish and Christian theological developments. His allegorical interpretation of scripture also laid the groundwork for later Christian exegetical methods, particularly in the Alexandrian tradition. 7. How did the political circumstances of the Roman Empire favor early Christianity?
The political circumstances of the Roman Empire favored early Christianity by providing a relatively stable and interconnected environment for its spread. The political unity facilitated travel and communication across the empire, allowing early Christians to move freely and share their message. Additionally, the Roman Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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infrastructure, including roads and sea routes, enabled the rapid dissemination of Christian teachings to various regions. Furthermore, the Roman policy of religious tolerance, at least initially, allowed Christianity to exist alongside other religions without facing immediate persecution.
8. What aspects of Roman rule threatened early Christianity?
Despite the advantages, Roman rule also posed significant threats to early Christianity. One major threat was the imperial cult, which required citizens to participate in the worship of the emperor as a sign of loyalty to the state. This posed a challenge to Christians, who refused to participate in such practices, often
leading to accusations of disloyalty or atheism. Additionally, periodic persecutions of Christians by Roman authorities, especially during times of political instability or when Christians were perceived as threats to social order, presented a significant threat to the early Christian community. Furthermore, the legal status of Christianity as an illegal religion, meant that Christians were vulnerable to persecution and discrimination under Roman law.
9. What did early Christianity find attractive in Platonism and Stoicism?
Early Christianity found certain aspects of Platonism and Stoicism attractive due to their philosophical and ethical teachings. Platonism offered a framework for understanding the spiritual realm and the immortality of the soul, concepts that resonated with Christian beliefs in the afterlife and the eternal nature of the Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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human spirit. Stoicism, with its emphasis on personal virtue and moral philosophy, aligned closely with Christian teachings on ethics and righteous living. Additionally, the Stoic concept of the Logos, or divine reason, resonated with Christian understandings of Christ as the Word of God, who embodies divine
wisdom and truth. These philosophical parallels provided early Christians with intellectual and theological resources to engage with the wider Greco-Roman culture and articulate their beliefs within a philosophical framework familiar to their affiliates.
3. THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM, pp. 25-30
1. What was the cause of the conflict mentioned in the Book of Acts, chapter six?
The earliest Christian community is often idealized due to Peter’s firmness and eloquence at Pentecost. According to González, the conflict mentioned in Acts chapter six arose due to a perceived neglect of the Hellenistic Jewish widows in the daily distribution of food. The Greek-speaking Jewish Christians felt that their
widows were being overlooked in favor of the Aramaic-speaking Jewish widows in the daily distribution of food.
2. What does the story of Stephen tell us about early persecution of Christians?
The story of Stephen in the Book of Acts illustrates the early persecution of Christians by Jewish authorities. Stephen, one of the early Christian leaders, was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council who condemned him to death. He was ultimately stoned to death for his beliefs, becoming the first Christian Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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martyr. This event highlights the hostility and opposition faced by Christians from
Jewish religious leaders due to their proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.
3. What role did Hellenistic Christians play in the early church?
Hellenistic Christians, who were Greek-speaking Jews or Gentiles who embraced Christianity, played a significant role in the early church. They were instrumental in spreading the gospel beyond the Jewish community and into the wider Greco-
Roman world due to their familiarity with the Greek language and culture. Hellenistic Christians often served as bridges between Jewish and Gentile believers, contributing to the multicultural and multilingual character of the early church.
4. How did the early church in Jerusalem understand itself? What characterized its worship, and who were its leaders?
The early church in Jerusalem understood itself as a continuation and fulfillment of the Jewish faith, centered around Jesus as the promised Messiah. Its worship was characterized by a devotion to the teachings of the apostles, the breaking of bread (communion), prayers, and communal gatherings. The leaders of the Jerusalem church included the apostles, particularly Peter and James the brother of Jesus, who served as prominent figures in the early Christian community.
6.
What caused the Jerusalem church to fade and die out?
Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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The Jerusalem church faced various challenges and factors that contributed to its decline. One significant factor was the persecution and dispersion of believers following the martyrdom of Stephen and subsequent persecution by Jewish authorities. Additionally, internal tensions and conflicts, such as the dispute over Gentile inclusion and the Council of Jerusalem strained the unity of the church. The Jerusalem church also faced external pressures from Roman authorities and socio-political instability, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans, which further disrupted the life of the church in Jerusalem.
4. MISSION TO THE GENTILES, pp. 31-39
1. How was the mission of the church extended to Gentiles? What problems remained?
The mission of the church was extended to Gentiles primarily through the ministry of the apostle Paul. Paul, through his missionary journeys, preached the gospel to Gentiles throughout the Mediterranean world, establishing churches and
communities of believers beyond the Jewish context. However, significant problems and tensions remained regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community, particularly concerning issues such as circumcision, dietary
laws, and cultural differences.
2.
What was Paul's major contribution to Christianity? Why is Paul's work on founding churches sometimes exaggerated? What other Christians undertook missionary work?
Paul's major contribution to Christianity lies in his theological insights, missionary passion, and creative writings. He played a crucial role in articulating key doctrines of the Christian faith, such as justification by faith, the role of grace,
Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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and the unity of believers in Christ. Paul's missionary journeys expanded the reach of Christianity beyond Jewish communities, making it a global movement. However, Gonzlez suggests that Paul's work in founding churches is sometimes exaggerated because he was not the only early Christian missionary.
3.
What was Paul's message on his missionary journeys?
Paul's message on his missionary journeys centered on proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ as the crucified and risen Savior. He emphasized the need for repentance and faith in Jesus for salvation, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Paul also taught various theological themes, including the grace of God, the centrality of Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of resurrection.
4.
Why did church tradition obscure the later history of the apostles?
Church tradition obscured the later history of the apostles due to several factors, including the lack of reliable historical records and the spread of legends and myths surrounding the apostles' lives and ministries. Additionally, the apostles' focus on proclaiming the gospel and establishing Christian communities may have
led to a relative neglect of recording their personal histories and activities.
5. What does church tradition hold about each of the following?
a.
Peter: Peter is traditionally regarded as the leader of the apostles and the first bishop of Rome. He is often considered the primary witness to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and is revered as the founder of the Christian church in Rome. He is also known as the author of two New Testament epistles. Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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b.
Paul: Paul is recognized as the apostle to the Gentiles and the author of many New Testament letters. He is celebrated for his missionary journeys, theological insights, and contributions to the early Christian church. c.
James: James, traditionally identified as the brother of Jesus, served as a leader in
the Jerusalem church and is believed to have authored the Epistle of James in the New Testament. He played a significant role in the early Christian community, particularly in bridging the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers. d.
Thomas: Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, is traditionally associated with bringing Christianity to India and is revered as the founder of the Malankara Church in Kerala, India. He is often depicted as a missionary apostle who spread the gospel beyond the borders of the Roman Empire.
Dr. Eric N. Newberg, ORU Distance Education
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