EARLY CHRISTIANITY Meaning and
Definition
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Early Christianity refers to the period in the history of the Christian religion encompassing the first centuries after the birth of Jesus Christ up until the consolidation of the Christian Church as a dominant religious force in the Roman Empire. It is the era when the teachings, practices, and beliefs of Jesus Christ and his apostles were being established and spread.
Early Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE as a sect within Judaism, originating in the region of Judea, with Jesus Christ as its central figure. The movement quickly gained followers, mainly among Jews, who believed Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah prophesied in Jewish scriptures. However, Early Christianity began to develop its own distinct theological beliefs and rituals, distinguishing itself from Judaism.
During this time, Christian communities were formed in various regions of the Roman Empire and beyond, such as Syria, Asia Minor, Egypt, and Greece. These communities gradually organized themselves, building places of worship and developing leadership structures, with bishops and presbyters at the helm.
Early Christianity faced persecution from the Roman authorities, especially during the reigns of emperors such as Nero and Diocletian. Nonetheless, the religion continued to spread, attracting converts from different social classes and ethnic backgrounds.
Key events of Early Christianity include the growth of the Apostle Paul's missionary work, the formulation of Christian theology, the establishment of the canon of sacred texts, and the development of liturgical practices.
Early Christianity played a pivotal role in shaping the overall trajectory of Christianity as it transitioned from an underground movement to a recognized and influential religion within the Roman Empire.
Etymology of EARLY CHRISTIANITY
The term "early Christianity" refers to the initial stages of the Christian religion, particularly during the first few centuries following the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The etymology of the phrase can be dissected as follows:
1. Early: The word "early" originated from the Old English word "ærlic" or "eærlic", which meant "occurring at or near the beginning". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "arlika" or "arula" meaning "early" or "soon".
2. Christianity: The term "Christianity" stems from the Greek word "christianos" (Χριστιανός), which was used to refer to followers of Christ. The Greek word "christianos", in turn, was derived from "Christos" (Χριστός), meaning "the anointed one" in Greek.
