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Church History
- Chapter 1: Introduction and General View
- Later Literature
- Third Period: From Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great (A.D. 311–590)
- Chapter 204: Eusebius, Lactantius, Hosius
- Chapter 203: Victorinus of Petau
- Chapter 202: Arnobius
- Chapter 201: Commodian
- Chapter 200: Novatian
- Chapter 199: Cyprian
- Chapter 198: Minucius Felix
Historical Periods
Category Archives: 1. Apostolic Era (30-100 AD)
Chapter 67: Unity of Apostolic Teaching
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
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Chapter 66: Theology of the Apostolic Church: Literature
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
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Chapter 65: The Church and the Kingdom of Christ
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
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Chapter 64: The Council at Jerusalem
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
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Chapter 63: Church Discipline
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
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Chapter 62: Deacons and Deaconesses
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
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Chapter 61: Presbyters or Bishops. The Angels of the Seven Churches. James of Jerusalem
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
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Chapter 60: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists
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
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Chapter 59: The Christian Ministry and Its Relation to the Christian Community
Christianity is not a formless spiritual ideal but a divine life embodied in history. Though animated by the power of the Spirit, it also assumes visible shape through Word, sacrament, and office. Christ, in founding his Church, did not establish a rigid legalism but a living organism—endowed with ministers, sacraments, and spiritual authority, yet governed always by the law of love, the liberty of the Spirit, and the shared priesthood… Read more
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Chapter 58: Literature
The rich and contentious development of Christian church polity has produced a vast and multifaceted body of literature—stretching from the apostolic era to the 19th century. This scholarship reflects not merely ecclesiastical theorizing but the living pulse of the Church as it struggled, adapted, and asserted its structure amidst changing historical and theological landscapes. From apostolic letters to episcopal treatises, from the fires of Reformation controversy to the calm analysis… Read more
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