1. The Birth of the Church

Question 1

What sources tell us of Jesus’ historical presence/existence?

Answer 1

( 1 ) Some Pagan and Jewish sources

( 2 ) New Testament
(majority of information)
Matthew, Mark and Luke (Synoptics) are the outcome of the preaching of the followers of Jesus wanted to preserve his memory and his stories of the Kingdom

( 3 ) Oral Stories and Apocryphal (hidden) Gospels that worked their way into the tradition

Question 2

What do the Gospels tell us about Jesus?

Answer 2

After the resurrection disciples proclaimed Jesus as the crucified and risen Messiah. This was the key factor: Jesus whom was crucified is risen from the dead.

The texts from the Bible cannot give an actual “life of Jesus”, but rather, give prominence to single facts and events. The preaching and writing was expressly meant to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed one and the same Risen Lord, Son of God.

Question 3

What facts are known about Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah?

taken from Sacred Scripture, other sources and some supposition

Answer 3

Jesus was born around 4-5 BCE
During the reign of Caesar Augustus
In the town of Bethlehem
To the Virgin Mary, the wife of Joseph.

He was circumcised on the eighth day and presented in the Temple according to Jewish law.

We are unsure whether Jesus was educated, but we know that he could read.

He grew up in Nazareth, a small village in the region called the Galilee

At about the age 30, Jesus left his parental home and began what became known as his “public life” as an itinerant preacher.

His basic message: “the Kingdom of God is at hand”; salvation for all, not just the Jews; love of God and neighbour were the keys; he had a mission to the marginalized.

Question 4

When did Jesus’ saving act occur?

Answer 4

1. Passion/Death: Completed his work of atonement and redemption.
   Occurred on the 14th and 15th Nisan (month in Jewish calendar), sometime b/w 30-33 AD.
2. Resurrection: Confirmed his words and actions.
3. Pentecost: The completion of Jesus’ saving act occurred in the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Question 5

Pentecost

Answer 5

Name taken from a Jewish feast, also called Pentecost, when this event occurred

Question 6

What are our NT sources for the Pentecost?

Answer 6

Acts of the Apostles
Paul’s letters
Revelations

Question 7

What happened at Pentecost?

Answer 7

The Apostles replaced Judas the traitor with Matthias.

They began preaching the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

In Acts:
Gives the basic kerygma.
Jesus points to Peter as the leader.
Contains a message to Jews gathered for the festival.

Question 8

Kerygma

Answer 8

NT word for the simple, radical, counter-cultural and joyful message of the Gospel

Question 9

Four Essential Elements of the Kerygma

Answer 9

( 1 ) The loving plan of God for human beings.
( 2 ) Sin and its devastating consequences, especially separation from God.
( 3 ) God’s answer to humans’ predicament in the sending of his Son for their salvation
( 4 ) This gift calls for every one to respond by repenting for their sins, believing in Jesus and being baptized, so they could be filled with his Holy Spirit and live a new life in his family, the Church

Catechesis and preaching would follow, explaining the contents of the kerygma and revealing its implications for the Christian life, for the Church, and for the world. Therefore the Gospel was preached before it was written!

Question 10

Writers differ on the actual “Birth of the Church”

Answer 10

When Peter was commissioned by Jesus (Matthew)

The moment of Jesus’ death (John)

When the Holy Spirit descended as tongues of fire on Pentecost day awakening a zeal in the apostles

Question 11

Theological and liturgical perspective on the birth of the Church

Answer 11

The four historical events are really one great event (the Passover of Jesus becomes the “Paschal Mystery”).

We say then, that Pentecost, the coming of the H.S. on the disciples, was the birth of the Church.

But also, Pentecost gave birth to the Apostolic Age
Jesus’ followers went from being a “movement” to an “association”.

Question 12

What happens during the apostolic age?

Answer 12

The apostles kick into gear: Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, and his followers preached about him…

Question 13

When/what is the Apostolic Age?

Answer 13

33-110 CE. The Apostolic Age dates from Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension and sending the Holy Spirit to the death of the last apostle (John) (33 CE).

It is the time that the apostles were living. It includes:

1. Four Gospels
2. Acts of the Apostles
3. Apostolic Letters (Paul, Hebrews, James, Peter, John)
4. Revelations

It delineates the end of additions to the NT.

Question 14

The Last Public Revelation:

Answer 14

there has been no new public Revelation since the apostolic era, only explanation in the Tradition

Question 15

Purposes of the 4 Gospels

Answer 15

Mark: basic explanation of what it means to say “Truly, this man was the Son of God.”

Matthew: outreach to the Jews to explain Jesus is the fulfilment of the promises of the OT; the promises continue in the life of the Church.

Luke: the transforming power of the Gospel for Jew and gentile alike; calling for a conversion to God’s love and mercy.

John: largely symbolic and theological with basis in facts; to call disciples into relationship with God and each other in love and unity; “so that the world may believe.”

Question 16

The Church of the Acts of the Apostles: Background

Answer 16

Luke created new format, continuing the Gospel story to tell what happened after the Ascension (how the message of Jesus spread throughout the Roman empire).

Often referred to as “Part Two” of his gospel. Likely dates to late 80s.

Covers approximately 30 years of history (but does not contain all the events of the years it covers).

Like Mark, Luke probably knew and travelled with Paul (“we” passages). Some scholars think he didn’t know Paul but perhaps used someone’s diary (there is no evidence of Paul’s letters in Acts).

It is not meant to be pure history but “religious history” (not merely history of religious events but a religious understanding of the events in life of the early Church).

It is mainly focussed on events in Palestine, some of Paul’s travels and time in Rome (we do not know the names of those who established communities in Damascus, Ephesus or even Rome).

Question 17

Acts of the Apostles Defines the Church:

4 Purposes for Writing Acts

Answer 17

1. To tell how the “tiny mustard seed” of 120 followers of Jesus developed into the world-wide Church preached “to the ends of the earth.”
2. To show development from a group of Jewish believers to a Church of gentile converts and Jews.
3. To highlight the role of the Holy Spirit as empowering the Church in preaching, in guiding decision-making, and in working signs (miracles of the apostles).
4. To portray the Church as no threat to the empire .

Question 18

Names for early Christians

Answer 18

Nazarenes, from the name of Jesus’ hometown. (Note: This is different from older group of ascetics called “Nazarites.”)

They were called “Christians” by the late 30s, started in Antioch (Acts). Also may have been called “followers of ‘the Way’” as seen in Acts and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Question 19

Hierarchy (“sacred rulers”) during apostolic age

Answer 19

writers refer to 4 distinct groups within hierarchy at this time…

1. “The Twelve” and the apostles distinguished from other disciples (“sent” vs. “followers”)
2. 7 Deacons/Assistants to Apostles
3. Elders or Presbyters
4. Prophets

Question 20

How was Christianity first viewed?

Answer 20

Christianity was first seen as a new sect within Judaism

along with other sects, including Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, and the followers of John the Baptist

Question 21

4 Groups of Jewish Christians

Answer 21

( 1 ) Ultraconservative
( 2 ) Moderately-Conservative
( 3 ) Liberal
( 4 ) Ultraliberal

Question 22

7 Distinct Characteristics of Jewish Christians

Answer 22

1. Faith in Jesus as the Messiah (fulfillment of covenant)
2. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper (in addition to Synagogue)
3. Different interpretation of Jewish Law
4. Adoption of a community life/fellowship (e.g. prayer, sharing goods)
5. Clear belief in the Resurrection of Jesus and our own (Pharisees believed in the Resurrection, Sadduccees did not)
6. Baptism in the name of Jesus, and later on the trinity
7. Respect and affection for the leadership within the community (what we later see as the hierarchy)

Question 23

Christianity gradually became distinct from Judaism…

Answer 23

Continued battles among the 4 groups of Jewish Christians led to splits in community. Neither the ultraconservative nor the ultraliberal groups survived, their views were eventually rejected and branded as heretical.

Question 24

7 Distinct Realities that lead to the separation of Christianity from Judaism

Answer 24

( 1 ) Absolute Centrality of Jesus in the New Covenant (made Christianity a creedal religion distinct from observance of the Torah and its laws)

( 2 ) Gentiles/Greek-Speaking/Hellenists Allowed

( 3 ) Worship Moved to the “8th Day” (Sunday)

( 4 ) Controversy about Jewish Laws (e.g., dietary and circumcision)

( 5 ) Sacramental Signs Increased (Baptism and Eucharist celebrated in more places, more often, Anointing of the Sick)

( 6 ) Expulsion from the Synagogues and the Temple in AD 67

( 7 ) Centre of Influence moved from Jerusalem to Rome

Question 25

When was the defining moment of separation?

Answer 25

AD 67: Christians are expelled by Jews from the synagogues and the Temple.

Led to an adapted ritual, and
circulation of the “memoirs of the apostles” which became the NT (Paul’s letters were being passed around, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were circulating in Christian communities).

Question 26

Christianity evolves as a Creedal religion. What is the earliest creed?

Answer 26

Creed (Crego): “I believe”

The earliest forms of creeds were found in Baptisms. The earliest creed was prayed and recited in Baptismal ceremonies. It became known as the Apostle’s creed, not because the Apostle’s wrote it, but because it was based in the Kerygma (basic teachings of the Apostles).

Question 27

4 Essentials of Early Chirstianity (in Acts)

beliefs expressed in the earliest creed

Answer 27

1. Koinonia (communion): communion of fellowship (with a hierarchy).
2. Prayers (trinitarian; God, Jesus, Holy Spirit).
3. Eucharist (Lord’s Supper, Breaking of the Bread, Thanksgiving, Communion).
4. Kerygma (proclamation): the basic teachings of the apostles.

These 4 essentials distinguish Christianity from Judaism.

The 4 essentials became the “ideal” for followers of Jesus.

Question 28

The Roman Empire: Church & Roman Empire Blossomed Together

Answer 28

Empire became the most important area for evangelization (e.g., Paul’s journeys).

Aside from the political and military barrier formed by the Persians (Iran), the Empire was allowed for free movement of people, goods and ideas ways of thinking
These expressions influenced the Church

Question 29

Roman Empire Stretched from Jerusalem to London, England

Answer 29

By the 1st c. BC, the entire Mediterranean basin (from modern-day London to Jerusalem) was under Roman control.

Political and administrative unity led to the Pax Romana (Roman Peace).

Question 30

Religion in the Empire:

Answer 30

Emperor Cult: until the 1st century A.D. “divinization” was voted by Senate after an Emperor’s death, but then some emperors demanded the title during their life-time.
Mystery Cults (from the East): centred on questions of fate in the next world; largely private or individualistic
Popular Religions (Religions of the People): included astrology, magic, interpreting dreams, and belief in miracles
In this context, Christianity was “launched”, but it was not easily accepted…

Question 31

Decline of Religions Helps to “Launch” Chirstianity

Answer 31

A decline in Greek and Roman religions (Emperor Cult, Mystery Cult, Popular Religions) contributed to the acceptance of Christianity.

Greeks were becoming more philosophical, questioned traditional beliefs such as polytheism, and became open to reason (led to Paul’s success).

Migration led to the influence of Greeks on Romans (Hellenization) and meant many shrines were abandoned.

Competition with Roman state “machinery” resulted in a decline in morality.

There was also a growing tendency to monotheism.

People were hungering for something new/more, and mystery cults began searching for redemption.

All of these things led to openness to Christianity which offered it answers

Question 32

Origins of the Church at Rome

What do we know about early Christians in Rome?

Answer 32

The origins of the Church at Rome are obscure.

We know Roman Jews experienced the first Pentecost, and Christianity sprang from that. But we do not know how, when, and through whom. Roman Church likely maintained links to the Church at Jerusalem until it was scattered in AD 70).

LETTER TO THE ROMANS
Paul wrote to Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome. The first Jewish Christians there converted many Gentiles.

DECREE OF EMPEROR CLAUDIUS
Roman Christians were affected by decree of Emperor Claudius, who expelled Jews because of the turmoil over a certain “chrestus” (“christus”?). Jews and Christians were debating about the identity of Jesus. Some Jewish Christians were expelled but not all, among the most zealous of those who were expelled were Prisca and Aquila, leaders of a house church.

…Gentile Christians probably became the majority group in the Church because of the expulsion.

Question 33

Eusebius of Caesarea (260-339)

Answer 33

Bishop of Caesarea; Father of the Church. The first Christian historian; he was a historian and biblical scholar. Wrote the first history of the Church in 320 (first published in 325).

Took the name Pamphilius (because Pamphilius was one of his patrons).

He had a great friendship with Constantine (which makes us think some of the things he said about Constantine were biased).

Referred to other libraries (Pamphilius had a library at Antioch, the library at Jerusalem, and the Church archives in Constantinople and Rome).

Question 34

Who was Peter?

Answer 34

Peter was one of “the Twelve” disciples
He was head of the Church in Antioch in Syria, then he went to Rome and headed the Church in Rome (we cannot give exact date of Peter’s arrival in Rome). A Christian community was already there, but Peter became the local leader.

He’s not called “pope” or the first bishop of Rome, he was an apostle (bishops are their successors). The title ‘pope’ came later, perhaps he was called ‘father’ (honourary title among Jews, especially for teachers).

Two references in Sacred Scripture regarding Peter’s importance:
Matthew 16: the keys to the kingdom of heaven
John 21: Jesus appears to the apostles, and asks Peter to take care of his sheep

Question 35

Writings and archaeological findings attest to Peter’s presence in Rome…

Answer 35

Clement’s Letter to the Corinthians (95 CE): Clement was Peter’s third successor as bishop of Rome. How letter refers to the martyrdoms of Peter and Paul, happened during Nero’s persecution (mid 60s).

Ignatius of Antioch’s Letter to the Romans: Romans is an important historical record. It refers to Ignatius’ upcoming martyrdom in Rome, and shows that Peter and Paul were already honoured there. Also, the honour was given to the local Church in Rome.

Gaius’ Testimony in Eusebius’ History of the Church

Question 36

Location of Peter’s Tomb

Answer 36

c. 67: Peter was killed in Nero’s circus on the Vatican hill. He was buried nearby, in a pagan necropolis.

3 things were outside of walls of Roman cities:
1. Circuses
2. Cemeteries
3. Dumps
Burials were not allowed in the city limits; both the circus and necropolis were outside.

Constantine re-built the basilica on top of where Peter was buried as a monument.

Question 37

When did Peter die?

Answer 37

Peter died during the reign of Nero between 64-67.

Question 38

Augmentation of Peter’s Tomb

Answer 38

1ST C: SIMPLE INSCRIPTION
Before the end of the 1st century, a simple inscription marked Peter’s tomb. (We believe that the disciples would have had some kind of special marking over his tomb; his tomb was probably marked with an inscription.)

2ND C: CLETUS
We have a document in the 2nd century from Peter’s 2nd successor (Cletus) which states that the tomb was well-marked.

2ND C: TROPHY OF GAIUS
By the 2nd century, we have record of the “trophy (or tropaion) of Gaius.”

RED WALL
At one point with invasions from vandals, the bones of Peter were removed to a catacomb to keep them safe from vandalism and, when they were returned, they were placed in niche (a hole in the wall) because there was water in the tomb. This came to be known the Red Wall.

Question 39

Building the Basilicas

Answer 39

324: Emperor Constantine built St. Peter’s basilica over Peter’s grave.

Pope Gregory (I) the Great

• Added an altar for the celebration of the Mass over the tomb
• Expanded the monument, adding new pillars
• Built an Altar there to celebrate Mass

846: The Saracen Invasion
- The tomb was sealed off for security from vandalism
- It was decided that it would be sealed for ever for protection

Pope Callistus II
- Erected a new altar encasing Gregory’s

1506: Pope Julius II
- Started a new basilica
- Raised the floor again

Question 40

Modern-Day Excavations (discovery of the bones of Peter)

1939-1945

Answer 40

Pope Pius XI wanted to be buried next to Pope Pius X, so workers were making room for him and they hit the roof of the necropolis with their hammers; they discovered the necropolis and the bones.

Kirschbaum (archaeologist) & Ludwig Kaas (caretaker of Vatican) were involved in constant disagreement about uncovering the tomb.

Between 1939 and 1945 the Germans took over Rome, and surrounded the Vatican, so Pope Pius XI kept the discovery a secret. At night, workers would take wheelbarrows full of rubble to the Vatican garden

The tomb was uncovered in 1941, and in 1942 the hole was opened in the Red Wall, but it was empty. Kirschbaum was disappointed

Ludwig Kaas was always cautious about all the bones that the archaeologists left around, and would go pick them up.

Question 41

Modern-Day Excavations (discovery of the bones of Peter)

Answer 41

Dr. Margherita Guarduci

Archaeologist and an expert on graffiti, researched the excavation and focused on the graffiti on the Red Wall.

The Red Wall graffiti said things like “Peter is here”, “Peter pray for us”, “Jesus and Mary pray for us.”

She found a worker who had been one of the custodians, working under Ludwig Kaas.

Ludwig Kaas cleaned up all the bones, put them into marked boxes, and stored them in a room in the Vatican

The custodian showed Guarducci to the bones in the Red Wall…7 factors point to the remains being Peter’s bones.

28 June 1968: Pope St. Paul VI (1963-1978) declared bones to be those of Peter.

Question 42

What are the 7 factors that point to the remains being Peter’s bones?

Answer 42

( 1 ) There was marble on the Red Wall (Constantine covered the Red Wall with marble when he rebuilt the basilica to preserve the Trophy of Gaius)

( 2 ) There was marble inside the niche.

( 3 ) Human skeletal remains found in the box fit what we know was St. Peter.
Male in his 60s, descriptions of Peter represent him as a big, strong fisherman. There were no foot bones as traditionally, Peter was crucified upside down. The bone fragments in the bust of Peter match what is missing from bones in the box.

( 4 ) There was soil adhering to the bones, and it was the same soil from the area around the tomb of Peter.

( 5 ) There were remnants of royal purple cloth with threads of gold. It is believed that, when building his basilica, Constantine was made aware of the bones in the Red Wall and stipulated they be returned there, but not before he wrapped them in a “royal” purple cloth with gold thread.

( 6 ) Inscriptions in the graffiti
“Peter is here”, “Peter pray for us”, “Jesus and Mary pray for us”

( 7 ) Off-centred location of the repository where the bones were held.

Question 43

Provenance

Answer 43

The history of a piece of art.

From the historical point of view, the provenance of the bones of Peter is a supposition. As historians, we do not have 100% proof. It could have been another man’s bones returned after the catacomb, but everything points to it being Peter.

Question 44

Who was Paul?

Answer 44

Paul and Peter were equally honoured in Rome (statues in both basilicas).

Born a Jew and a Pharisee in Tarsus, and had Roman citizenship (bestowed on his father).
Began a persecution of Christians; feared throughout the Church for many arrests
BUT then had experience of seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Resurrection Experience led to his conversion to Christ.

He is considered the “apostle to the Gentiles.” Responsible for much of the spread of the Church in the 1st century (3 missionary journeys)

Near the end of Paul’s life, he took his final journey to Rome, spent 2 years imprisoned there and continued teaching and writing from prison.

It is possible that he was released at the end of two years, continued teaching but was eventually arrested and taken to Rome for trial before the emperor (the right of Roman citizens).

He was martyred under Nero c. 64 to 67, allowed execution by the sword since he was a Roman citizen.

His letters give profound and deep insights into the mystery of Jesus Christ; his incarnation, death and resurrection; redemption; and lordship. His theology os later recognized as part of the Revelation. His letters were written before the gospels, and his account of the Last Supper is the oldest written account among other things

Question 45

When was Paul martyred?

Answer 45

He was martyred under Nero c. 64 to 67, allowed execution by the sword since he was a Roman citizen.

Question 46

Location of Paul’s Tomb

Answer 46

A Church was built on the site of Paul’s execution → referred to in Eusebius’ History and Clement’s Letter to the Corinthians as seen earlier
324: Constantine I built the first basilica on site over the tomb
386: Expanded
Gregory the Great: elevated floor to add altar to say Mass as he did at St. Peter’s
9th century: destroyed by the Saracens and rebuilt
1823: destroyed again by fire in 1823, rebuilt again in 1840 and included gifts from the viceroy of India (a Muslim) and the Tsar of Russia (an Orthodox Christian)

Question 47

Uncovering for the Year of Paul

Answer 47

2005: There was a desire to see Paul’s tomb as pilgrims see Peter’s, so his tomb was opened up from below the altar and is now visible to public.

Pope Benedict XVI declared the “Year of Paul”:
28 June 08 to 29 June 09
(to celebrate Paul’s contribution alongside Peter’s)

Question 48

Significance of the Tombs of Peter & Paul in Rome

Answer 48

1. Papal Primacy
   The papal primacy continues from Peter to the bishop of Rome of the day. We recognize that our faith is based on people who really lived and really died. The primacy of Peter and his successors chosen in the city where he died.
2. Apostolic Foundation and Succession
   “One, Holy, Apostolic Church”: The Church is built on the Apostles, and it is the same Church of the Apostles (not changed, or new).
3. Roman Succession
   Rome is the centre of the Church (shifted from Jerusalem, after Peter and Paul were martyred in the early 60s CE and the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE).