A new history of early christianity

A fascinating topic! Here's a brief overview of a new history of early Christianity:

The Early Years (30-150 CE)

• Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish prophet and teacher, is crucified by the Romans around 30 CE.
• His followers, including his twelve apostles, spread his teachings and message throughout the Mediterranean world.
• The early Christian community is characterized by its Jewish roots, its emphasis on love and forgiveness, and its rapid growth.
• The apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, plays a crucial role in spreading Christianity to the Gentiles (non-Jews) and establishing churches throughout the Mediterranean.

The Rise of Christianity (150-250 CE)

• Christianity gains popularity among the Roman aristocracy and the common people, despite persecution by the Roman Empire.
• The apostle John, one of Jesus' closest followers, writes the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation.
• The early Christian church is organized into a hierarchical structure, with bishops and deacons serving as leaders.
• The Council of Jerusalem (around 50 CE) and the Council of Nicaea (325 CE) establish key Christian doctrines and practices.

The Persecutions and the Rise of the Church (250-350 CE)

• The Roman Empire, under the rule of Emperor Decius (249-251 CE), launches a series of persecutions against Christians, leading to widespread martyrdom and the growth of the church.
• The apostle Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John, is martyred in Smyrna (around 155 CE).
• The Church of Alexandria, founded by Mark the Evangelist, becomes a major center of Christian learning and culture.
• The Council of Nicaea (325 CE) establishes the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that defines the Trinity and the nature of Jesus Christ.

The Late Ante-Nicene Period (350-400 CE)

• The Roman Empire, under the rule of Emperor Constantine (306-337 CE), becomes increasingly Christianized.
• The Council of Constantinople (381 CE) solidifies the Nicene Creed and establishes the doctrine of the Trinity.
• The Church of Rome, led by Pope Damasus I (366-384 CE), becomes a major center of Christian authority and power.
• The writings of early Christian theologians, such as Origen and Athanasius, shape the development of Christian doctrine.

The Early Middle Ages (400-600 CE)

• The Roman Empire declines, and the Church becomes the dominant institution in Western Europe.
• The Council of Chalcedon (451 CE) establishes the doctrine of the two natures of Christ and the authority of the Pope.
• The Church of the East, led by the Patriarch of Antioch, becomes a major center of Christian learning and culture.
• The writings of early Christian theologians, such as Augustine and Gregory the Great, shape the development of Christian doctrine and practice.

This is just a brief overview of the early history of Christianity. There is much more to explore, and I hope this gives you a good starting point for your studies!