This study will examine the first 500 years of the church in order to illuminate the impact of the early church so that the church today might know itself and its God better. This particular study lays the historical context for the most dynamic moment in the history of the church and the world: ...

Unbeknownst to many Christians in the twenty-first century, people around the Greco-Roman world of the first century viewed Christianity as nothing more than an offshoot of Judaism, with some going as far as believing the two possessed no inherent difference. Surprisingly, even many within Judais...

Heresies, in a real way, are just repetitions of similar sinful, rebellious worldviews presented earlier in time. As the author of Ecclesiastes says, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun" (Eccl. 1:9). Nonetheless, the ...

Origen of Alexandria provides a striking case of an individual seeking to discover the truth about the nature of reality and faith aside from God's revelation in Scripture. Despite his commendable efforts to defend the church and to preserve her orthodoxy, Origen could not distance himself from P...

Protestants often times scoff at the hierarchical nature of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the concept that a special class of saints wields greater influence over Jesus than others. Yet, before we point the finger too quickly, we should evaluate our own hearts and rid ourselves of our o...

Although the understanding of the office of bishop eventually became perverted and corrupted in the ancient church, the office as defined in Scripture possesses biblical support and apostolic precedent. The church needs leaders, but these leaders, like Christ before them, must serve with wisdom a...

Emperor Constantine the Great has received much attention throughout the history of the church—and rightfully so. His conversion to Christianity and the sweeping changes it brought to the church and the empire instituted a new era in history, one that would change the church forever. Whether for ...

The fourth century witnessed some of the most critical Christological controversies in the history of the church. Despite the solid, Biblical determination that originated from these debates, heresies continued to abound about the person and nature of Jesus Christ, and many of these heresies stil...

As members of the Reformed faith, it is easy to slip into a position of arrogance and superiority on account of our rich tradition of learning and study. Sadly, as today's lesson demonstrates through the example of Cyril and his interaction with Nestorius, the presentation of right theology can c...

The multitude of denominations within the Christian church today leads many to view the church as schismatic and contentious. A large contingent of these people calls for a reunification of Christianity, resembling the church of ancient times. While unity should always be a primary goal amongst t...

As Augustine wrestled with Christianity and whether or not to embrace it, he struggled with sexual immorality. Possessing a long time concubine, through whom he fathered a son, Augustine refused to end this affair. Even after his amazing conversion, which, at least in Augustine's mind, only occur...

As this study has shown, the ancient church was not perfect. It committed errors, did not always provide theological specificity where it might be desired, and laid the foundation for serious ecclesiastical misunderstandings. Nonetheless, it accomplished an amazing amount for the people of God by...