CH Chapter 1 Notes

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Chapter 1: Beginnings

AD 30-100The Church of the Apostles


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Babylonian Captivity- period from587 BC 539 BC when the JewishNation did not exist and Jewish

leaders were exiled to BabylonDiaspora - scattering of theIsraelites, Jewish people, from their homeland.Conversion - a radical reorientationof the whole life away from sin andevil and towards God.


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Sanhedrin - in Jesus time, a groupof 71 men made up of the chief priest, scribes, and elders whomade decisions regarding actionsof the people of the Jewishcommunity.

Gentile - a person of non-Jewishfaith or origin


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God-fearers - gentiles whoassociated with Jewishcommunities without becomingJewish.Council of Jerusalem - the 1 st Churchcouncil which took place in AD 50.


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Pentecost

Occurred during the Jewish festivalShavuot , or the Festival of Weeks, 50 daysafter Passover.Jesus followers were gathered in the upper

room, having been left confused and afraid.The Spirit of God (fire and wind) was seenand heard. The HS filled the apostles andthey began speaking in tongues!

They now understood their job and werebeing empowered by the HS and were nowChrist Present in the world!Pentecost= The Birthday of the Church


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Exodus God sent Moses to lead the Hebrew people out

of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised land.

Jews celebrate the Exodus each year atPassover .

Jews of Israel vs. Hellenistic Jews 587 BC- Babylonian Captivity

539 BC- Cyrus, king of Persia, defeated theBabylonians and allowed the Jews to return totheir homeland. Many did, but many movedaway (Diaspora).

331 BC- Alexander the Great conquered thePersians and Greek culture became dominant

Hellenization- the spread of Greek culture Hellenistic Jews- Jews who adapted greek

culture


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Most of the Jews of the Diaspora spokeGreek.They had so little contact with the Jews of

Israel that around 200 BC the Hebrewscriptures had to be translated into Greek(Septuagint).Judaism of the Diaspora became verydifferent from Judaism of Palestine63 BC- Palestine came under Roman rule


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Christians saw themselves as Jewish,not as a separate group. They worshipped in temple, attended

synagogue, and followed Mosaic law Christian Jews considered breaking bread

(sharing meals) to be part of their life with

Jesus. Early Jewish Christians were held together

by their Judaism and their belief in ChristTension between followers of Jesus and

Jewish authorities grew stronger after Jesus death. The apostles were arrested and brought

before the Sanhedrin on multiple occasions.


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Early on Christians debated whether or not, and under what conditions, Gentilesshould be able to join the Christiancommunity.Council of Jerusalem- AD 50 This meeting was called to address whether

or not Gentiles needed to be circumcised(entered into the Jewish faith) in order tobecome Christians.

Peter announced the decision to freeGentiles from this and other provisions as

well.Gentiles were now welcomed, and soonbecame the majority.The Christian way was no longer astrictly Jewish way


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People to Know:Peter the Fisherman: Given name is Simon. Was called Peter,

meaning rock, by Jesus Jesus identified Peter as the foundation of

the Church and a model for all. Had a very human side: same Peter that

denied Jesus at the time of His trial. Became the head of the Church after

Pentecost Put to death in AD 64. Was crucified upside

down- didnt feel worthy enough to die asJesus did.

St. Peters Basilica is built on top of hisGrave site. His bones were recovered in 1950and now lie directly under the main altar.

The Pope is the successor of Peter andtherefore head of the Church.


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Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles Also called Saul, known to us by his Greek

and Roman name Paul Was originally a persecutor of Christians Had a major conversion experience on the

road to Damascus, making him anenthusiastic supporter of the Christian way.

Traveled throughout the Roman Empirepreaching the Gospel.

Wrote many epistles , letters, that can befound in the new Testament

Was beheaded under Neros persecution Added greatly to the number of Christians,

especially from the Gentile population. One of the most influential figures of the

early Church.

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CH Chapter 1 Notes