Apostolic and Early Church
Primary passage: Acts 2:37-47
Acts depicts the earliest Jerusalem church. Post-apostolic writers such as Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp show later churches wrestling with unity, persecution, doctrine, and leadership.
Intermediate · ABOUT 210 MINUTES
Christian History Essentials
The apostolic church, Fathers, councils, Reformation, awakenings, missions, and the modern global church.
Course Outline
Councils and Creeds
Primary passage: Matthew 28:19
Nicaea and Constantinople addressed disputes about the Son and Holy Spirit. Creeds are historical doctrinal summaries, not additional Scripture.
Reformation
Primary passage: Romans 1:17
The Reformation involved authority, justification, sacraments, translation, and church reform while also producing political conflict and lasting division.
Awakenings, Missions, and Global Christianity
Primary passage: Matthew 28:18-20
Awakenings, missionary movements, abolition campaigns, Bible societies, and global expansion reshaped Christianity. Responsible history includes faith, courage, controversy, colonial entanglements, racism, and reform.