The Church’s Means of Self-Preservation

2002-09-21

3rd and 4th Century

I. The Monarchical Bishop

Twofold trend:

Exaltation of local bishops in the church: Local bishops were exalted 1) for need of leadership dealing with persecution and heresy. 2) Increasing importance for the Lord’s Supper. 3) Apostolic succession. Original apostles passed on apostolic authority to bishops the succeeded them. Unbroken line of authority starting with Christ. Doctrine is still held by Roman Catholic and Greek orthodox churches.

Exaltation of the Roman bishop: 1) Doctrine of the primacy of Peter. Christ gave Peter a superior position. Peter became the bishop of Rome. Apostolic succession from Peter. 3 presuppositions. 2) Rome was linked with Apostolic traditions, martyrdom of Peter and Paul there. 3) Rome had prestige as the political capital. 4) Roman church in early years had good reputation for orthodoxy. Bishops called upon to give their opinions of doctrine. 5) Other bishops of large cities lost prestige and declined.

II. The Creed

Developed as a protection against heresy. Used an affirmation of faith. 1) It is Trinitarian. 2) Spends most time on Jesus. 3) Universal nature of the church. 4) anticipates resurrection. Dangers: One can become reliant on just recitation of the Creed. Loses meaning, ritualistic. Replaces regular scripture study.

III. The NT Canon

Canon-measuring rod to measure the standard. NT writings circulated among the churches. Listing the books did not make them inspired. Only made public what was known all along. Need for canon, after apostles died, writings needed to guide the church. Heretics were setting up their own canons. Persecuted Christians wanted to be sure what they were suffering for what was genuine. Standards for canonicity: 1) apostolicity, either written by an apostle, or endorsed by one. 2) the church had its own conscience that it was fit for edifying. Showed marks of being from God. The order of the canon: Gospels, Epistles of Paul mentioned by early church fathers. Toward front. Athanasius listed the 27 books. Important for stabilizing the church.

IV. Development of the Liturgy

External practices of worship.

Development of ordinances: Worship in NT times was simple. Later development of ordinances: Lord’s Supper given increasing significance. Looked at as an actual resacrificing of Jesus, that this was His blood. Giving eternal life. Reenactment of Calvary. Baptism, as time went on, converts went through probationary period. Special baptism for the sick, and infant baptism, in the 3rd century.

Cycle of festivals: Easter was the earliest festival, Jesus’ resurrection around Passover time. Pentecost commemorated coming of Holy Spirit. Epiphany, January 6. Commemorated Jesus’ birth, and the visit of the wise men. Christmas came about 350. Separate time from Epiphany. December 25 was a pagan festival in Rome. Lent, time prior to Easter, adopted 4th century, preparation for Good Friday and Easter.

Places of worship: Catacombs. Underground passageways available for Christians to use when they needed them, i.e. times of persecution. They would gather for communion at the tombs of the saints. Gave them a sense of unity for those who preceded them. Patterned places of worship of Roman buildings such as basilicas. Central part (nave) with rooms off to the side. Long rectangular shape. 313, Edict of Milan, Church given favored position, building of more ornate buildings.