As we come to this first study in Church History and in particular this series on the Early Church, a few words of introduction will be in order. This series is an introduction to the early church, for it cannot be by any measure exhaustive in its scope. This series is aimed at whetting the appetite, so that you might go away inspired as it were, to further reading and study of not just the early church, but of church history in general.
This current series on church history will cover the period between the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This is the period generally regarded as the Ante-Nicene Period or the period prior to the Council of Nicaea.
It is intended that this current series will be continued to eventually cover the entire period of the church, even to the current day. This rather ambitious plan will obviously take some time to complete and during this time all the studies will be constantly reviewed with updated versions of studies being made available from time to time when warranted.
There will of course be prepared notes from which we will be working. These notes will provide an introduction to the subject area being considered, it being impossible to provide exhaustive treatment of each subject area. It is therefore suggested that other Church History resources be read and studied in conjunction with these studies.
As an aid to study various attachments will be provided with the studies to further enhance our understanding of the era or subject under consideration. These will take the form of early church documents, such as creeds, letters or portions of books.
Throughout the studies questions will be asked. These questions printed in the study notes themselves will provide opportunity for further study and reflection, as well as opportunities for group discussion and reflection (if the study is being used in a small group situation).
1. DEFINITIONS
It will perhaps be helpful to consider at the outset just what we are studying as ‘church history’ and ‘historical theology.’
QUESTION: What do you understand by ‘church history’ and ‘historical theology?’
1.1 Defining Church History
Church History is ultimately a study of the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit, for the Lord says, ‘and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Mt 28:20).’ Because this promise is given to the church throughout the ages in the great commission (Mt 28:18-20), via the apostolate who formed the foundation of the young church (Mt 16:17-19; 28:16; Lk 24:33-49; Acts 1:1-8; Eph 2:20), church history can rightly be called a history of the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit. This history covers the church through ‘all nations (Mt 28:19)’, and through all times (Mt 28:20), being limited to no single nation or group. It must of course be remembered that behind all history is the sovereign hand of God. As such, the study of Church History can be a mighty stimulant to the Christian faith and walk.
By studying church history then, we are able to see the working out of the purpose of God in history, and the fulfillment of God’s purpose in the salvation of the elect, both Jews and Gentiles (Rom 9-11).
The study of New Testament Church History should begin with the study of Acts, as this is primarily the purpose of Acts (Acts 1:1-3), though the study of the Gospels would not be entirely out of place as the beginning of the New Testament Church period. External to the Scriptures, the study of Church History roughly begins around the year 70 AD, which is the date for the fall of Jerusalem, clearly marking the end of the Old Testament Jewish Church (though this was done with the death of Christ).
1.2 Defining Historical Theology
Historical Theology logically comes before that of Systematic Theology, for systematic theology is in one sense the current understanding of Biblical truth as it has been developed and classified throughout the centuries, especially in response to various errors and heresies. In this way historical theology can be likened to progressive revelation, as the truth is gradually unfolded over time (Mt 16:17-19).
It must not be thought however that the Church is constantly adding to the faith, for this is not so, but rather that it is becoming increasingly able to understand the revelation of God and to put it together into a system of truth. In this way Systematic Theology can be understood as the backbone of Scripture, for it is the system of truths interrelating with each other in the Bible that allows the existence of systematic theology and the correct interpretation of the Bible. Historical Theology is the gradual development and understanding of doctrines and systematic theology over time.
QUESTION: Can you describe any specific examples of this development of theology in church history?
2.WHY STUDY CHURCH HISTORY AND HISTORICAL THEOLOGY
2.1 The Scriptures Command It
As Christians we are to study the Lord and all His ways, for this is what the Scriptures, and therefore God, expects of us (Ps 105:1-7; 111:2). This is a requirement for all Christians and not just for those studying for pastoral ministry. Because of this requirement, it is necessary for us to study church history and historical theology.
May it not be said of us that ‘there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel (Judges 2:10).’
2.2 The Study of Biblical Doctrines and Their Development in Church History
By spending time studying the history of the church, we find ourselves also studying Biblical doctrine and it’s true development. Though church history is certainly not Scripture and does not rise to anywhere near the position of Scripture (despite the claims of Roman Catholicism), it nonetheless sheds much light on the work of the Spirit throughout the ages and because the Spirit has so worked, much help and learning can be gained through what has gone before us.
Of course the corresponding is also true, that the subsequent development of error within the history of the church can also be followed and lessons can be learnt here. How did the church fall into specific errors and heresy in the past? A study of Church History will help us to avoid these pitfalls in our time and to identify them as they rise up again in modern garb. We will then be better equipped to preserve the truth and to protect it from the emergence of unbiblical traditions and other teachings of men.
With these things in mind, we also see the development of the various Christian denominations and also the various cults and sects associated with Christianity.
QUESTIONS: What sort of help can be gained through the study of what the Holy Spirit has worked in the history of the church? Give examples.
Discuss how an understanding of Arianism in the early church would prove helpful for Christians today?
Another reason for studying church history is that we are able to also present the facts regarding our own spiritual heritage and in so doing defend it from the assaults of the present day upon it.
3. EARLY CHURCH HISTORIANS
The study of Church History is not something confined to the latter centuries of the church. Even within the period of the early church there arose church historians who now provide important links to the past. Though their work is not as advanced or as well presented as historians of our day, they are still most important in our knowledge of the early church.
Hegesippus was one of the earliest of the church historians writing five books of what he called ‘Memoirs.’ These were written between the years of 175-189 AD. Sadly this work no longer exists, except for what is quoted in the work of Eusebius.
Eusebius of Caesarea (260-340 AD) is the most important early church historian for his history covers the entire period of the Ante-Nicene Church (1-324 AD). His important work is a major link to the early church for it contains many quotes from works that are no longer extant.
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Updated - 14/10/2006
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