Author Archives: History of the Christian Church

The Epistle of James exemplifies Jewish Christianity by presenting the gospel as the fulfillment of the law—now a “perfect law of liberty.” While distinct from Paul’s doctrine of justification by faith alone, James stresses the essential unity of faith and works, addressing legalistic tendencies without contradicting apostolic truth. His writing reflects early Palestinian piety, rooted in Jesus’ teachings as recorded in Matthew. The Jewish Christian theology includes writings aimed chiefly… Read more

While the apostles taught a unified gospel, their individual teachings reflect distinct personalities, backgrounds, and missions. The New Testament contains multiple legitimate expressions of the same truth—Jewish and Gentile Christianity, faith and love, law and grace—all united in Christ. Peter, Paul, James, and John each present a unique doctrinal emphasis that contributes to the full harmony of apostolic witness. Christianity, though one in essence, appears in diverse forms in the… Read more

The apostolic teaching of the New Testament is united by a common source—Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not first a doctrine but a divine life, which necessarily produces doctrine as truth lived and experienced. The New Testament, though unsystematic in form, reflects deep inner harmony, centering on Christ’s person and work, and reveals one consistent gospel through diverse voices. All apostles testify to the same salvation, and… Read more

I. Works on the Theology of the Whole New Testament August Neander (d. 1850): Geschichte der Pflanzung und Leitung der christlichen Kirche durch die Apostel. Hamburg, 1832; 4th ed. 1847, 2 vols. English trans. by J. A. Ryland, Edinburgh, 1842; revised by E. G. Robinson, New York, 1865. An early historical analysis of apostolic doctrine types. Samuel Lutz: Biblische Dogmatik, edited by R. Rüetschi. Pforzheim, 1847. Christian Friedrich Schmidt (d.… Read more

The apostolic church, in its essential character, is a supernatural organism empowered by divine life, fully equipped to sustain and govern itself apart from the state. Though not perfect, it reflects the holiness, freedom, and unity of Christ’s spiritual kingdom—and stands as his visible body on earth, growing toward the full measure of divine maturity. The Apostolic Church as a Self-Governing Organism The early church was marked by independence from… Read more

The Council at Jerusalem, convened around A.D. 50, marks the first authoritative gathering of the apostolic Church to address a theological and practical crisis—whether Gentile converts were subject to the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. This event illustrates not only the Spirit-guided discernment of the early Church but also her early commitment to synodical cooperation, open discussion, and pastoral sensitivity. Background and Composition This council was occasioned by intense debate over… Read more

Holiness is the radiant heart of the Church—the fruit of her union with Christ and the pledge of her future perfection. Yet, like unity and catholicity, it is only imperfectly realized in time. The Church on earth is the Church militant, still waging war against sin within and without, still advancing toward that spotless Bride whom the returning Lord shall present in glory. Church discipline is the means by which… Read more

The Church’s ministry of mercy was embodied not only in its apostolic preaching but in its compassionate service. The diaconate arose early to meet the growing needs of the Christian community—needs of charity, justice, and practical care. Rooted in the precedent of synagogue philanthropy and inspired by apostolic priorities, deacons and deaconesses became indispensable channels of God’s grace in both public service and private consolation. The Institution of the Diaconate… Read more

The early Christian Church, expanding beyond the apostolic nucleus, entrusted its daily governance and pastoral care to local leaders known as presbyters or bishops. Originally synonymous, these titles signified elders who shepherded their congregations in the wake of the apostles’ departure. While extraordinary offices ceased, these ordinary ministers ensured the Church’s ongoing vitality, gradually evolving—under historical and spiritual necessity—into a more defined and hierarchical episcopate. 1. Presbyters and Bishops: One… Read more

The earliest ministries of the Christian Church did not arise from organizational ambition, but from the urgent necessity of gospel mission and spiritual care. Flowing organically from the apostolate, the offices of apostle, prophet, and evangelist represented not fixed bureaucratic roles, but divinely inspired callings marked by extraordinary spiritual authority, flexibility, and missionary zeal. Though largely confined to the apostolic age, their echoes persist in every era through reformers, revivalists,… Read more