Foundations of Christian Faith and the Early Church

Posted on Jun 23, 2026 in Religion

Foundations of the Early Church

Easter Triduum: Comprising Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.
Resurrection: Jesus rose from the dead, marking a victory over sin and death.
Ascension: Jesus returned to Heaven 40 days after His Resurrection.
Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles; often called the birthday of the Church.
Holy Spirit: The entity that guides, strengthens, and inspires the Church.

Acts of the Apostles: Written by Saint Luke, this book provides the history of the early Church.
Purpose of Acts: To show the spread of Christianity through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Apostles after Pentecost: They preached boldly and performed miracles.
Early Christian Community: Characterized by prayer, teaching, the breaking of bread, and sharing possessions.
Stephen: Recognized as the first Christian martyr.
Saul/Paul Conversion: His life-changing encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Paul: Known as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Missionary Journeys: Paul spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Paul’s Hardships: He endured imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and persecution.

Jews vs. Gentiles: Jews followed Jewish Law, while Gentiles were non-Jews.
Council of Jerusalem: Decided that Gentiles did not need to follow the full Jewish Law to become Christians.
Key Leaders: Peter, James, John, and Paul.
Apostle: A term meaning “one who is sent.”
Evangelization: The act of spreading the Gospel.
Evangelists: Those who proclaim the Good News.
Martyrdom: The act of dying for one’s faith.
Spread of Christianity: Aided by Roman roads, a period of peace, and a common language.
Hellenistic Culture: The Greek influence throughout the Mediterranean world.
Roman Empire: The political setting of the New Testament.
Greek: The primary language of the New Testament.
Ekklesia: A term for the Church or the assembly of believers.
Holy Trinity: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit Symbols: Represented by the dove, fire, and wind.

The Good Samaritan: A lesson on loving and helping everyone.
The Greatest Commandment: To love God and one’s neighbor.
Zacchaeus: A story showing that repentance leads to salvation.
The Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son: Parables illustrating God’s joy over repentance.
Themes: Mercy, forgiveness, and concern for sinners.

Jesus as the Logos: The eternal Word made flesh.
Prologue: Found in John 1:1–18.
Signs: Miracles that reveal Jesus’ divinity.
Wedding at Cana: Jesus’ first miracle.
Bread of Life: Jesus gives eternal life.
Raising of Lazarus: Demonstrates Jesus’ power over death.
Foot Washing: An act of service and humility.
The “I AM” Statements: Reveal Jesus’ identity as the Bread of Life, Light of the World, Gate, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, Way, Truth, and Life, and the True Vine.
Vine and Branches: The necessity of remaining connected to Christ.
New Commandment: To love one another as Jesus loves us.