Religion 10 - Chapter 24 - The Birth of the Church (Peter's Authority and the Martyrdom of Stephen)

The first Christians worshiped in two ways. They also began gathering in...

Private homes, every Sunday, the Eucharist, 2nd Half - Liturgy of the Eucharist

What happened at the Temple gate?

A lame beggar asked Peter for some change

Key characteristics of the first Christians:

Following the teachings of the Apostles Communal life Observing the Eucharist Praying and praising God

When did the Ascension occur?

40 days after his resurrection

How many were converted on Pentecost?

About 3000

Jesus Christ now sits enthroned as King. Thus,

the Ascension is also a royal enthronement

Stephen's last words

"Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60)

Jesus then ascended Body and Soul into heaven, aka

"The Ascension"

Significance of Pentecost to Christians

"The Birthday of the Church" because the Apostles received the Holy Spirit

Pentecost

"fifty days"

After Stephen's martyrdom, many Christians left Jerusalem,

which spread the faith to Judea and Samaria

Jews came from everywhere for Jewish Pentecost

All heard in their own native tongue

Saul

Approved and oversaw Stephen's execution

Successors of the Apostles

Bishops

Where did Peter receive his authority?

From Jesus

One convert was Stephen.

He became quite popular

What did Peter do after healing the lame beggar?

He taught the crowds the Good News

Stephen was debating with others

He was accused of blasphemy and was stoned to death without a trial

Why those four places?

Jerusalem - the capital of David's kingdom Judea - the faithful kingdom after the division of David's kingdom Samaria - the lost kingdom of Israel To the ends of the earth - the Gentiles

Where did Peter receive the power to heal?

Jesus

Candidates to replace Judas

Joseph called Barsabbas Matthias

The Apostles were:

Leading the disciples Preaching Performing miracles Appointing helpers Baptizing Forgiving sings Celebrating the Eucharist

Judas' successor

Matthias

What happened at Pentecost?

Miraculously, they could speak in "tongues" or "other languages"

Pentecost 1

Opposite of the Tower of Babel

Who holds the keys to the kingdom?

Peter

What did Peter give the begger?

Peter did not give the beggar silver nor gold, but he healed him

The crowds were "cut to the heart" and asked, "What shall we do?"

Peter responds, "Repent and be baptized."

They gathered in the Upper Room.

There were about 120 disciples.

The Holy Spirit is described as

Rushing wind Tongues of fire

Before stoning him, they tossed their garments in front of a young, prominent, and devout Pharisee named...

Saul

Who lead the persecution against the Christians?

Saul

They were brought before the Sanhedrin against (without force).

They refused to renounce Jesus.

Why were Peter and John arrested for the first time?

They were preaching the Resurrection in the name of Jesus

The large crowds were confused by this miracle

Some were amazed Others thought they were drunk

The Holy Spirit is the

Spirit of God, and is a divine mystery that animates the Church

Two years after the Resurrection,

Stephen became the first Christian martyr

The first Christians worshiped in two ways. They continued gathering in...

Synagogues, every Sabbath (Saturday), the Word of God, 1st Half - Liturgy of the Word

The Apostles were flogged and released with orders to stop preaching

The Apostles did not stop Rather they rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of Jesus They kept proclaiming Jesus both at the Temple and in their homes

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Third Person of the Holy Trinity. Catholics believe the Holy Spirit is generated from all eternity by the love between the Father and the Son.

The keys to the kingdom are a sign of what?

The authority to govern the Church, the House of God

The Sanhedrin could do nothing against the Apostles

The man who had been healed was standing right beside them on his own two feet. Thousands of people had seen him.

Many people kept converting. It was called "The Way"

The term "Christian" won't be coined and become popular until later

Why do Jews celebrate Pentecost?

To celebrate the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai

Examples of Peter's Authority and Primacy:

Took the initiative to replace Judas and decided the criterion Addressed the crowds during Pentecost Healed a lame beggar at the Temple gate Peter addressed the crowds after healing the lame beggar Spoke to the Sanhedrin when arrested

Peter addressed the crowd

We aren't drunk (it's morning) Jesus is the Messiah and fulfillment of the Scriptures

The following day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin

and asked, "By what power or by what name did you do this?"

The chief priests knew that Peter and John were "uneducated, common men"

but Peter was assuming the authority to teach the teachers

The Apostles were thrown in jail (for the second time),

but they miraculously escaped

The Apostle's ministry (mission)

was to restore the kingdom of David; first to Israel then the rest of the world

Reigning from Heaven, Jesus as King leaves the apostles on earth to

handle the earthly affairs of the kingdom

Martyr

one who dies for the faith

They were found again

preaching in the Temple

If the authorities arrested the Twelve, there might be a riot;

so they let them go with a warning not to speak in the name of Jesus

The death of Stephen

started the persecution against the Christian

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit ushers in

the "Age of the Church"