When did Christianity Began?

Christianity, as a distinct religious movement, began in the 1st century CE, originating from the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It initially emerged as a sect within Judaism, but over time it developed into a separate religion that would spread across the Roman Empire and eventually become one of the world’s largest religions. Understanding when Christianity began involves examining several key moments and developments in the early history of the Christian faith, from the ministry of Jesus to the apostolic activities that helped establish the foundation of Christian doctrine, practice, and identity.

This article explores the origin and development of Christianity, focusing on the life and mission of Jesus, the role of his apostles, the spread of the faith, and the establishment of Christian communities. It also addresses the challenges and changes that led to Christianity becoming a distinct religion, as well as the factors that contributed to its eventual global spread.

1. The Historical Context of Jesus’ Ministry

Christianity’s origins are deeply rooted in the context of 1st-century Judaism. The political and religious environment in Judea was marked by Roman occupation, religious tensions, and expectations of a Messiah—an anointed leader who would deliver the Jewish people from oppression and establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be the Messiah, was born around 4 BCE to 6 CE, during the reign of King Herod the Great. His ministry, which lasted for approximately three years, focused on preaching the coming of the Kingdom of God, repentance, and the transformation of lives through faith and love.

1.1 Jesus’ Mission and Teachings

Jesus’ teachings focused on themes such as love, forgiveness, mercy, and the importance of inner spiritual transformation. He often taught in parables, using everyday stories to convey profound truths about the nature of God, human relationships, and the Kingdom of God. Some of his key messages included:

• Love and forgiveness: Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God and loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-40). He taught that forgiveness was central to God’s will and that individuals should forgive others as God forgives them (Matthew 6:14-15).
• The Kingdom of God: Jesus frequently proclaimed the arrival of the Kingdom of God, a reign characterized by justice, peace, and the fulfillment of God’s will on earth. This theme was central to his ministry, and he taught that the Kingdom was both a present reality and a future hope (Luke 17:21).
• Salvation and repentance: Jesus preached repentance and a turning away from sin. He called people to repent for the Kingdom of God was at hand (Matthew 4:17). His message of salvation was inclusive, extending beyond the Jewish community to include Gentiles, outcasts, and sinners.

While Jesus’ teachings resonated with many, they also provoked opposition from religious leaders who saw him as a threat to their authority and to the established order. This opposition eventually led to his arrest and crucifixion by the Roman authorities.

1.2 Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

According to Christian belief, the pivotal event in the history of Christianity is the death and resurrection of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus’ crucifixion was a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, and that his resurrection from the dead three days later affirmed his identity as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The resurrection is considered the foundation of the Christian faith, as it demonstrated Jesus’ victory over sin and death and provided hope for eternal life for all believers.

Jesus’ death and resurrection occurred during the Passover festival in Jerusalem, around 30-33 CE. The Gospels describe how Jesus was arrested, tried by the Jewish authorities, and handed over to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, for crucifixion. After his death, Jesus was buried in a tomb, but on the third day, his disciples found the tomb empty, and he appeared to them alive. The resurrection of Jesus became the central message of the early Christian movement, leading to the proclamation that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God.

2. The Apostolic Age: The Spread of Christianity

Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, his apostles and early followers began to spread his teachings throughout the Roman Empire. The Apostolic Age, which spans roughly from 30 to 100 CE, marks the beginning of Christianity as a distinct movement. During this time, the first Christian communities were established, and the foundations of Christian doctrine were developed.

2.1 The Role of the Apostles

The apostles were the closest followers of Jesus, and they played a crucial role in spreading his teachings and establishing the early church. The most prominent of the apostles was Peter, who is often regarded as the leader of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Peter’s role as a leader of the early church is highlighted in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles.

Another key figure was Paul of Tarsus, originally a persecutor of Christians, who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, Paul became one of the most influential missionaries and theologians in early Christianity. He undertook several missionary journeys throughout the Mediterranean world, establishing Christian communities in cities such as Antioch, Corinth, and Ephesus. Paul’s letters (epistles), many of which are included in the New Testament, address theological issues and provide instructions for Christian living. Paul’s missionary work and theological contributions were instrumental in shaping Christianity’s identity and spreading it beyond its Jewish roots to Gentile (non-Jewish) communities.

2.2 Early Christian Communities

The early Christian communities were typically small and scattered across the Roman Empire. These communities gathered for worship, prayer, and the breaking of bread (the Eucharist), and they shared a common belief in the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of salvation. The early Christians often faced persecution from both Jewish authorities and Roman officials, yet they continued to grow in number.

The spread of Christianity in the first few decades was largely confined to Jewish communities, as many of the earliest followers of Jesus were Jews. However, as the apostles and missionaries like Paul reached out to Gentiles, Christianity began to expand beyond its Jewish origins. The decision to welcome Gentiles into the Christian community without requiring them to follow the full Jewish law (including circumcision and dietary restrictions) was formalized at the Council of Jerusalem around 50 CE. This decision was a key moment in the development of Christianity as a distinct religion, separate from Judaism.

2.3 The Development of Christian Doctrine

As Christianity spread, the need for theological clarification and organization became evident. The early Christian communities wrestled with questions about the nature of Jesus, the relationship between God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the role of the law in Christian life. These issues were addressed through letters, teachings, and debates among early Christian leaders.

One of the earliest formulations of Christian doctrine was the Apostles’ Creed, which summarizes core Christian beliefs, including the belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son of God, his death and resurrection, and the coming judgment. The Nicene Creed, developed in the 4th century, further defined the nature of Jesus and the doctrine of the Trinity (the belief in one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

Christianity’s development was also influenced by its interactions with Greco-Roman philosophy, especially the ideas of Greek philosophers like Plato and Stoicism. Early Christian thinkers, such as Justin Martyr, Origen, and Augustine, engaged with these philosophical traditions to articulate Christian beliefs in a way that would resonate with the broader intellectual culture of the time.

3. The Separation from Judaism

Although Christianity began as a Jewish sect, over time it became increasingly distinct from Judaism, especially as Gentiles began to join the movement. The early church grappled with questions about the relationship between the new Christian faith and Jewish traditions.

One of the pivotal moments in the separation between Christianity and Judaism occurred after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE by the Roman Empire. This event marked the end of the sacrificial system and the central place of the Temple in Jewish worship. For many Jewish Christians, this was a moment of reflection on the new role of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. The Apostle Paul’s emphasis on salvation by faith rather than works of the law was a significant theological development that distinguished Christianity from Judaism.

As Christianity grew, it developed its own liturgical practices, scriptures, and identity. The Christian Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, came to be distinct from the Jewish scriptures (Tanakh), and early Christian communities began to establish their own worship practices, such as the Eucharist and baptism.

4. The Rise of Christian Persecution

As Christianity grew, it faced increasing persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. The Romans initially viewed Christians as a sect of Judaism and allowed them some degree of tolerance. However, as Christianity spread and became increasingly distinct from Judaism, Roman authorities began to view it as a dangerous and subversive movement. Christians were often accused of atheism, as they refused to worship the Roman gods and the emperor.

The first major wave of persecution occurred under Emperor Nero (54–68 CE), following the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE. Nero blamed Christians for the fire, leading to widespread arrests and executions. Persecution continued intermittently throughout the 1st and 2nd centuries, and Christians were often used as scapegoats for various societal problems.

Despite persecution, Christianity continued to grow, and its message of hope, salvation, and eternal life resonated with people across the Roman Empire.

5. The Official Adoption of Christianity

Christianity’s growth was further solidified when Emperor Constantine (reigned 306–337 CE) became a patron of the faith. In 313 CE, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity and granted religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire. This marked the beginning of Christianity’s rise to prominence within the Roman world.

In 325 CE, Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea, which sought to address theological disputes and establish orthodox Christian doctrine. The Nicene Creed, which affirmed the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity, was adopted, marking a key moment in the establishment of Christian orthodoxy.

By the end of the 4th century, under Emperor Theodosius I, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, and pagan worship was officially banned. This marked the final step in Christianity’s transition from a persecuted sect to the dominant religious force in the Roman world.

Conclusion: Christianity’s Beginnings

Christianity began in the 1st century CE, rooted in the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, who is considered by Christians to be the Messiah and Son of God. After his death and resurrection, his apostles and early followers spread his teachings, leading to the establishment of Christian communities across the Roman Empire. The early Christian movement faced challenges, including persecution, doctrinal disputes, and the struggle to define its identity as a distinct religion. Over time, Christianity developed its own scriptures, liturgies, and theology, and by the 4th century, it became the dominant religion in the Roman Empire.

Christianity’s origins in the life and teachings of Jesus, along with its early development and spread, laid the foundation for one of the world’s most influential religions, which continues to shape the course of history to this day.