Jewish Roots of Christianity

1. The beginnings of the church.

2. Apostolic message to the Jews.

3. Apostolic message to the Gentiles.

4. Apostolic Council.Capernaum Synagogue, 4th c.

Pentecost

• What was the Jewish feast of Pentecost all about?

• What happened in Acts 2?• What is the significance of

Pentecost for Christians?

The Temple of Herod the Great. Destroyed in 70 A.D.

Arch of Titus

Spoils of the Jerusalem Temple

Display of the Spoils from the Capture of Jerusalem in 70 AD

Acts 17: Mars Hill (Areopagus) in Athens.

Acts 17: Mars Hill (Areopagus) in Athens.

• Compare Peter’s speech in Acts 3: 11-26 with Paul’s speech in Acts 17: 22-34.

Jerusalem conference (48/51? A.D.)• Crisis: conflict between Paul and Christians from Judea (sent by James); Peter hesitates to

take sides (Galatians 2: 11-12)• Issue: the rules for the admission of Gentiles into the Christian community• Apostolic council summoned in Jerusalem (Acts 15)• Decision (James): Gentiles do not have to observe all ritual purity laws (incl. circumcision).

Map 2nd c.