Christians in the 3rd-4th Century & Constantine

1. Christians in the 3rd-4th Century & Constantine Group 9 97322004 Tiffany 96121345 Natalia 94121231 Clare 96121357 Judy 96121353 Tanya 96121134 Bonnie

2. Christianity

3. Early Christianity • Early Christian beliefs and creeds • Post-Apostolic Church • Persecutions • Structure and the episcopacy

4. A widespread church: 3rd century AD • By the mid-3rd century there are about 100 bishops spread throughout Italy, each in his own see. The most important see is Rome, for which precise figures survive. • In the year 251 the church in Rome has on its books the bishop (in other words the pope), 46 priests, 7 deacons, 7 subdeacons, 42 acolytes, 52 exorcists, readers and doorkeepers, and the very large number of 1500 widows and paupers being 'fed by the grace and kindness of the Lord'.

5. A widespread church: 3rd century AD • Carthage Cyprian • Alexandria Origen

6. A widespread church: 3rd century AD • In Europe, Lyons is a major centre from early times. The Christians of Lyons feature in history sooner than most because they are savagely persecuted (the precise reason is not clear) in 177 by Marcus Aurelius, who orders them to be tortured to death. • Even Britain, further removed from both the Christian and imperial centres of power, is becoming organized by the middle of the 3rd century. When a council at Arles is called, in 314, three British bishops attend - one from London, another from York, and the third either from Colchester or Lincoln.

7. Christian murals: 3rd century AD • By the 3rd century the Christians are also leaving extensive physical evidence, not only of their presence but also of their ideas and practices. One example is in the eastern extremity of the empire, at Doura-Europos. Here there has been unearthed the earliest known house adapted for Christian worship.

8. DouraEuropos

9. Christian murals: 3rd century AD • The building, a simple one from the 1st century AD, is adapted for Christian use in 232. Only fragments of the murals survive, but they include such Gospel images as Christ carrying a sheep (the Good Shepherd), the paralytic taking up his bed and walking, and St Peter walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee.

10. Rome, Catacombs of Priscilla – The Good Shepherd

11. Christian murals: 3rd century AD • More detailed evidence of Christian ritual survives in Rome's famous catacombs. These are underground burial chambers, used by members of the various communities of the capital - pagan Romans as well as Jews and Christians.

12. Rome's famous catacombs

13. Christian murals: 3rd century AD • In the first half of the 3rd century the Christians decorate the walls of their tomb chambers with New Testament scenes and with depictions of the Eucharist, the ritual communal meal at the centre of the faith. Members of the Christian community are shown sitting round a table together to break bread, and to share their food and drink, much like later Christian representations of the Last Supper.

14. Rome, Catacombs of Priscilla – Our Lady with the Prophet

15. A Legal Religion in the 4th

16. Introduction • History of late ancient Christianity • Stopped persecutions • Spread of Christianity • Ecumenical Councils • Constantine the Great

17. History of late ancient Christianity • Time: Christianity under Emperor Constantine (313)until the fall of the Roman Empire in the West (476) • dominated by Constantine the Great • establish a unified Christendom

18. Christian persecutions come to an end • Galerius (206 – 311) - He was Roman Emperor from 305 to 311 - Issued an edict permitting the practice of theChristian religion under his rule • Constantine the Great proclaimed the Edict of Milan, Christianity was officially recognized as a legal religion within the Roman Empire.

19. Spread of Christianity Spread of Christianity to AD 325 (4th) Spread of Christianity to AD 600 (7th)

20. Ecumenical Councils in 4th ＊Definition :these large meetings of bishops. ＊Background : • 1.Christianity became a legal religion.(A.D.312) • 2.The bishops of the Christian communities throughout the Mediterranean world could more easily meet to discuss important issues. ※4th-First Ecumenical Council、 Second Ecumenical Council

21. First Ecumenical Council-- Nicaea I ※Content: 1.The Nicene Creed was approved, the date of Easter was fixed, and the Arian heresy was condemned. 2.The contents of holy scripture were decided.

22. Second Ecumenical Council ※Content： 1.The Nicene Creed was reaffirmed and expanded, with the clauses referring to the Holy Spirit added. 2.The heresies of Macedonianism and Apollinarianism were condemned.

23. Constantine the Great, c.274-337

24. Constantine the Great, c.274-337 • Constantinus Chlorus, the western emperor, dying in 306 • A war between Constantine and Maxentius • A vision having assured Constantine that he should conquer in the sign of the Christ, and he won. • First Christian Emperor

25. Constantine and Christianity • Policies • Edict of Milan • Financial support for building church • Privileges of clergy • Forbiddance for owning Christian slaves • About Constantine’s policies • About Constantine’s baptism

26. ~ Thank You ~