When did the new testament church begin
The New Testament Church, also known as the Early Christian Church, is believed to have begun on the day of Pentecost, which is celebrated 50 days after Easter, around 33 AD. This event is described in the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 2, verses 1-47.
According to the biblical account, Jesus Christ had been crucified, buried, and resurrected, and had appeared to his disciples and other followers. After his resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples instructions to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit, which he promised would empower them to spread his message to the world.
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were gathered together in one place when suddenly a strong wind blew, and tongues of fire appeared above them. The Holy Spirit descended upon them, and they were filled with the gift of tongues, enabling them to speak in various languages.
As a result, a large crowd gathered, and the disciples began to speak in languages they had never learned, proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ to the people. Many in the crowd were amazed and converted to Christianity, and the Church was born.
The early Christian Church was characterized by its emphasis on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the authority of the apostles, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a community of believers who shared their possessions, cared for one another, and worshiped together.
The Church continued to grow and spread throughout the Mediterranean world, with the apostles and other early leaders playing key roles in its development. The New Testament accounts of the early Church, including the book of Acts and the Epistles of Paul, provide valuable insights into the life and practices of this early Christian community.
Some key events and milestones in the early history of the New Testament Church include:
- The conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Paul) on the road to Damascus, around 35 AD (Acts 9:1-31)
- The Council of Jerusalem, around 49 AD, where the apostles and other leaders decided to focus on evangelizing Gentiles (non-Jews) and not require them to follow Jewish law (Acts 15:1-35)
- The establishment of the Church in Antioch, around 42 AD, which became a major center of Christian activity (Acts 11:19-26)
- The martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, around 34 AD (Acts 7:54-8:1)
- The persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, around 64-68 AD, which led to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Overall, the New Testament Church began on the day of Pentecost, around 33 AD, and continued to grow and develop over the next several decades, laying the foundation for the global Christian Church that exists today.