Early Church Chronicle

The Jerusalem Chronicle speaks out on the incredible phenomenon that has taken place over the last few years. Though reluctant to tell the real story until now, many people- poor and rich, men, women, and children, slaves and free-have come to the front with eye witness accounts of the amazing happenings since the resurrection of the Jesus Christ. We can no longer ignore this story for thousands of the Christ-followers have chosen to die for their faith rather than recant. Though the Jewish leaders are still skeptical and the Roman government cautious, the  new Christian Church, also known as The Way, has made it’s mark not just here in Jerusalem but throughout the Greek and Roman provinces. Here are the highlights….

 

If Jerusalem had a newspaper or news broadcast, that is what the story might have been like.

Let’s look at the real timeline of the early Church as seen in the Book of Acts. Remember that the word “church” has two meanings. It can mean a building where Christians worship. But if it is spelled with a capital C it means all the true Christians around the world, those who have asked Jesus to forgive their sins and be their Savior, those who have chosen to follow Him.

The book of Acts is in the New Testament right after the Gospels. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John—Acts!) Check it out. It’s full of exciting stories of brave Christians and best of all, God’s great plan for the world.

Early Church Time Line

Jesus Gives the Disciples Their Mission:

Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus Goes Back to Heaven:

Acts 1:8-10

The New Church:

Acts 2:42-47

The Disciples Preach and Heal in God’s Power:

Acts 3:1-10

Acts 4:33

 

 

 

 

The Disciples In Trouble:

Acts 4:1-4

Acts4:13

More Persecution:

Acts 8:1-3

Philip Shares God’s Word with an African Man:

Acts 8:26-39

 

 

 

 

 

Saul is Transformed:

Acts 9:1-19

Saul Escapes From His Enemies:

Acts 9:19-31

Saul’s Name is Changed to Paul and He Preaches Everywhere:

Acts chapters 13,14

Peter Escapes From Prison:

Acts 12:1-17

After Three Journeys, Paul is Arrested in Jerusalem:

Acts 21:27-36

Paul’s Nephew is Brave:

Acts 23:11-2 4

Adventures on the Voyage to Rome

Acts chapters 27,28

There’s lots more true stories about the early Christians in the Book of Acts.  The Epistles (letters) in the New Testament tell more and give lots of help and advice for living the way God wants us to.

 

 

 

Why not take two weeks to focus on the early Church and during your Quiet Time, read and think about one of these stories each day. Or read and discuss them with your parents.  It’s well worth it!

 

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119: 105

 

 

Definitions

Phenomenon: great, incredible event

Recant: to turn away from your faith, especially  if you are threatened