Early Church History
This period basically picks up where the New Testament leaves off.  The events of the New Testament end at or around the close of the first century.  The period which we will call early church history covers from around A. D. 100 to A. D. 600.  During this period, Christians faced persecution and martyrdom; heresies sprouted; church councils convened; and the books of the New Testament were assembled. Christian theology also was birthed during this time and great creeds summarized the main tenets of the faith. With the reputed conversion of Constantine, Christianity eventually won the confessed allegiance of a large portion of the Roman Empire. The period also saw the rise and spread of early monasticism. Here is a simple chronology of the time period.

(AD 30-70) The Birth of Christianity

• The ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• The preaching of the gospel by the apostles

 (AD 70-312) The Struggle for Survival

• The apostolic fathers and apologists
• The persecution and martyrdom of early believers
• The rise of heresies and the first church councils
• The canonization of Scripture

(AD 312-590) The Age of the Christian Empire

• The reputed conversion of Constantine (AD 312)
• Christianity becomes official religion under Theodosius I (AD 380)
• The age of great church councils
• The start of monasticism

Early church history provides the foundation upon which all future developments of the church are built. It places later trends in theology and ministry within the context of the church’s early struggle for identity and orthodoxy.  A study of the church’s early history will enable students of the period to understand and embrace her doctrines, faithfully hand on her traditions, and diligently attend to her interests and mission.

Quick Links

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