Sect: Robb Moser
Genesis to Revelation Bible Blogs
Before the formal establishment of the Roman Catholic Church, the early Church (30–313 AD) existed as a persecuted, grassroots movement, starting as a sect within Judaism. Led by apostles, it spread across the Roman Empire, operating in house churches and developing episcopal structures (bishops, deacons) before becoming legalized in 313 AD.
Key aspects of pre-Catholic church history (Ante-Nicene Period) include:
Jewish Foundations: Initial followers were culturally Jewish, continuing temple worship before shifting toward a predominantly Gentile, Mediterranean-wide faith.
The Apostolic Age (30–100 AD): The church was born at Pentecost, focused on the Apostles’ teachings, and saw rapid expansion through missionaries like St. Paul.
Underground Existence: Due to refusal to worship Roman gods and the Emperor, Christians faced periodic persecution under emperors like Nero (64 AD) and Diocletian.
Organization and Structure: Early Christianity was organized under bishops, and the core beliefs (creeds) and the New Testament canon were developed during these centuries.
Key Centers: Major early centers of Christianity included Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Edessa, and Rome.
Legalization: The Edict of Milan (313 AD), issued by Constantine the Great, legalized Christianity, transitioning it from a persecuted minority to the state-sanctioned religion of the empire.
Before the Western Roman church established firm authority (eventually becoming the Catholic Church), the early church was characterized by diversity in local practices, substantial evidence of house churches and secret, underground meetings, notably in the catacombs of Rome and in Anatolia.