Church History 1

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 1: The Origin and Meaning of the Church

Objective:

To understand what the “church” means, its origin, and how God’s people have gathered for worship throughout the Bible, leading up to the church in the New Testament.

1. What Is the Church?

Definition of "Church" in Different Languages:

Hebrew (קָהָל - qahal) – means an “assembly” or “gathering.” It referred to the people of Israel when they assembled before God (e.g., Deut. 9:10).
Greek (ἐκκλησία - ekklēsia) – literally means “called out ones” or “assembly.” Used in the New Testament to refer to the community of believers in Christ (Matt. 16:18).
Latin (ecclesia) – adopted from Greek, keeping the same meaning.
English (Church) – comes from the Greek word kyriakon meaning “belonging to the Lord.” So the Church is “the people who belong to the Lord.”

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Matthew 16:18 – “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

2. Worship Structures Before the New Testament Church

a. Altar (Genesis to Exodus)

First form of worship space (Genesis 8:20; Genesis 12:7).
Built by patriarchs like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
A place of sacrifice and fellowship with God.

b. Tent of Meeting / Tabernacle (Exodus to Judges)

Portable place of worship used during Israel’s wilderness journey (Exodus 25–27).
God met His people here. Priests offered sacrifices.
Divided into the Outer Court, Holy Place, and Holy of Holies.

c. Temple (1 Kings to Jesus' time)

Built by Solomon, later rebuilt by Zerubbabel and expanded by Herod.
Central place of worship in Jerusalem.
Became more structured and hierarchical.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Exodus 25:8 – “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”

3. Synagogue (From Exile to Jesus’ Time)

Emerged during Babylonian exile when the temple was destroyed.
Local places for teaching, prayer, and reading Scriptures (Luke 4:16).
Foundation for early church gatherings.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Acts 15:21 – “For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.”

4. The Church in the New Testament

Jesus founded the Church (Matt. 16:18).
Early believers met in homes (Acts 2:46), broke bread, prayed, and heard the apostles’ teaching.
The Holy Spirit empowered the Church on Pentecost (Acts 2).
No longer a building—but a people indwelt by the Spirit.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Acts 2:42 – “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

5. The Church After the Bible Was Completed

The apostles died, but the Church continued to grow.
Persecution scattered Christians and spread the gospel.
Church leaders began writing to preserve apostolic teaching (Church Fathers).
False teachings began arising, leading to the need for doctrinal clarity.

6. Church in Modern Times (Preview)

The Church has gone through:
- Growth (Expansion in Acts and Early Church)
- Corruption (Medieval Church)
- Reformation (1500s: Return to the Bible)
- Revival (Evangelism and Missions)
- Confusion (Modern Errors and Movements)
Today, the Church still faces challenges but continues Christ’s mission.

Review & Reflection:

What does the word "Church" mean, and how is it used in the Bible?
What worship places did God’s people use before the New Testament?
How did the synagogue prepare the way for the early Church?
In what way is the New Testament Church different from the Old Testament temple?
How does the modern Church still reflect its biblical origin?

LESSON TWO

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 2: The Church in the Old Testament – Shadows and Prophecies of the Body of Christ

Objective:

To understand how the Church is rooted in God’s eternal plan, foreshadowed in the Old Testament through people, events, and prophecies that point to the coming of Christ and His Church.

1. The Church Was Not an Afterthought

Some people think the Church started by accident after Israel rejected Christ. But that’s not true. The Church was always part of God’s plan.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Ephesians 3:10–11 – “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God planned the Church before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).

2. Types and Shadows of the Church in the Old Testament

These are people or objects that pictured future truths about the Church.

a. Adam and Eve – A Picture of Christ and the Church

Eve came from Adam’s side (Gen. 2:21–24).
Christ “slept” in death, and from His side (John 19:34), His bride (the Church) was born.

✅ Ephesians 5:32 – “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”

b. Noah’s Ark – A Picture of Salvation in Christ

All who entered the ark were saved (Genesis 7).
The ark represents Christ and His Church as a safe place from judgment.

c. The Tabernacle – A Picture of God Dwelling with His People

The tabernacle was a shadow of God's presence with Israel (Exodus 25:8).
Christ “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14), and the Church is now His dwelling (Ephesians 2:21–22).

d. Israel – A Nation Called to Reflect God's Glory

While Israel is not the Church, it foreshadowed how God gathers a people for Himself (Deut. 7:6).
The Church is now made up of all nations, both Jew and Gentile (Gal. 3:28–29).

3. Old Testament Prophecies About the Church

Many prophets spoke of a future time when God's people would be gathered from all nations.

a. Isaiah

Isaiah 2:2–3 – “All nations shall flow unto” the house of the Lord.
A picture of Gentiles joining in true worship.

b. Joel

Joel 2:28–29 – Promised that God would pour out His Spirit on all people.
Fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16–17).

c. Daniel

Daniel 2:44 – God would set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.
Refers to the kingdom of Christ and His Church.

d. Hosea

Hosea 2:23 – “I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people.”
Fulfilled in the Gentiles being included in the Church (Romans 9:24–26).

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Isaiah 49:6 – “I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

4. The Church in God's Redemptive Plan

God always planned to bless the whole world through Abraham (Genesis 12:3). That promise was ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ and the Church.

The Church is not a replacement of Israel but the fulfillment of God’s plan to include all nations.
One Body, One Spirit, One Lord, One Faith (Ephesians 4:4–5).

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Galatians 3:8 – “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.”

Review & Reflection:

Was the Church an accident or part of God’s eternal plan?
How does Adam and Eve’s relationship point to Christ and the Church?
What does the ark of Noah teach us about the safety of being in Christ?
What role did the Old Testament prophets play in foretelling the Church?
How is the Church a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham?

LESSON THREE

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 3: Jesus Builds His Church – The New Testament Foundation

Objective:

To help students understand how the Church began through the ministry of Jesus Christ and was empowered through the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s eternal purpose.

1. Jesus Promised to Build His Church

The Church was not built by Peter or Paul—it was built by Jesus Himself.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Matthew 16:18 – “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Jesus was not talking about building on Peter (a man), but on Himself—the Rock (1 Cor. 10:4).
The confession Peter made (“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”) is the true foundation (Matt. 16:16).

2. The Church is Empowered at Pentecost

✅ Acts 2:1–4 – The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost.

This is considered the official birth of the Church.
People from many nations heard the gospel in their own languages.
Peter preached (Acts 2:14–36), and about 3,000 souls were saved and added to the Church (Acts 2:41).

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Acts 2:47 – “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

The Church was now alive, filled with the Spirit, and spreading the gospel.

3. The Early Church’s Identity

The early Church was:

a. A Worshiping Community

Continued in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42).
They worshiped God, praised Him, and lived in unity (Acts 2:44–47).

b. A Witnessing Community

They obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20).
Every member was expected to share the gospel.

c. A Persecuted but Growing Church

Persecution came quickly (Acts 4–8).
Yet the Church multiplied (Acts 6:7; 8:4).

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me… unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

4. The Apostles Laid the Foundation

Jesus is the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20), but He used the apostles and prophets to lay the foundation.
The writings of Paul, Peter, James, and others in the New Testament formed the doctrine and practice of the Church.

✅ Ephesians 2:19–22 – The Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

They appointed pastors, elders, and deacons (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3).

5. The Church is a Spiritual Body

The Church is not a building—it is the people of God joined together in Christ.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

All believers are united by one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13).
Every member is important and has a role in the body (1 Cor. 12:14–26).

6. The Marks of a True New Testament Church

According to Scripture, a true church should have:

Biblical doctrine (Acts 2:42)
Baptized believers (Acts 2:41)
Practices the ordinances – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38, 1 Cor. 11)
Biblical leadership (pastors/elders and deacons)
Discipline and holiness (Matt. 18:15–17; 1 Cor. 5)
Mission-focused – Spreading the gospel (Matt. 28:19–20)

Review & Reflection:

Who is the true builder of the Church?
What happened on the day of Pentecost?
What marked the life of the early Church?
How did the apostles lay the foundation of the Church?
What is the Church called in 1 Corinthians 12?

LESSON FOUR

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 4: The Church in the Book of Acts and the First Century

Objective:

To help students trace how the early Church grew and spread across the Roman world through preaching, persecution, and missionary journeys, especially under the leadership of the apostles.

1. The Spread Begins in Jerusalem

After Pentecost (Acts 2), the Church in Jerusalem grew rapidly.
Peter and John were arrested but continued preaching (Acts 4–5).
Many believers were added, and the Church cared for one another (Acts 4:32–35).

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Acts 5:42 – “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

2. Persecution Leads to Expansion

The first Christian martyr was Stephen (Acts 7).
A great persecution scattered believers (Acts 8:1–4).
But instead of stopping the gospel, it multiplied it!

✅ Acts 8:4 – “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

Philip preached in Samaria (Acts 8), showing the gospel was for all—not only Jews.

3. Conversion of Saul (Paul)

Saul was a persecutor of the Church (Acts 9:1–2).
He was saved on the road to Damascus and called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Acts 9:15 – “...for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”

Paul would become the most prominent missionary of the early Church.

4. The Church Spreads Beyond Israel

Antioch became a new center for missionary work (Acts 11:19–26).
Believers were first called Christians at Antioch.

✅ Acts 11:26b – “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

Paul and Barnabas were sent from Antioch (Acts 13–14).

5. Paul’s Missionary Journeys

Paul took three major missionary journeys, recorded in Acts 13–21:

➤ First Journey (Acts 13–14):

Preached in Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

➤ Second Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22):

Took Silas. Preached in Philippi (jailer converted), Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.

➤ Third Journey (Acts 18:23–21:14):

Strengthened churches. Longest time in Ephesus (Acts 19).

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Acts 20:24 – “But none of these things move me… that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry… to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

6. The Gospel Reaches Rome

Paul was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21), tried before Roman officials, and appealed to Caesar.
Taken to Rome under guard (Acts 27–28).
The book of Acts ends with Paul preaching in Rome under house arrest.

✅ Acts 28:30–31 – “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house… Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ…”

7. The Nature of First-Century Churches

New churches were planted in cities like:

Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth, Thessalonica, Rome, and Colossae.
Most churches met in homes (Rom. 16:5).
They had pastors/elders and deacons (Titus 1:5; Phil. 1:1).
They practiced baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38, 1 Cor. 11).

8. Christian Living Under Roman Rule

Christians were viewed with suspicion—many refused to worship Roman gods or Caesar.
Some were persecuted, imprisoned, or killed—yet they remained faithful.

✅ Romans 8:35–39 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress… Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors…”

Review & Reflection:

How did persecution help the early Church grow?
Who was the first Christian martyr?
What was Paul’s mission and how did he fulfill it?
Name three cities where churches were planted in the first century.
What were the characteristics of first-century churches?

LESSON FUVR

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 5: The Apostolic Age Ends and False Teachings Begin
(From the End of the First Century to Early Second Century)

Objective:

To help students understand what happened after the original apostles died, how early Christians defended the faith, and how errors began to creep into the churches.

1. The Death of the Apostles

The apostles, especially Paul and Peter, were martyred under Roman persecution (ca. A.D. 64–67).
John, the last apostle, lived the longest and wrote the Book of Revelation around A.D. 95.
When John died (around A.D. 100), the Apostolic Age ended.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

2. Preserving Apostolic Teaching

As apostles died, false teachings started to spread (Gnosticism, legalism, denying Christ’s humanity or deity).
Early Church leaders (called Church Fathers) began to defend the truth passed down from the apostles.

✅ 2 Thessalonians 2:15 – “...hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”

3. Rise of False Teachings

False doctrines started rising in several ways:

Heresy	Description
Gnosticism	Taught that salvation came through secret knowledge; denied Jesus’ humanity.
Legalism	Mixed Old Testament law with the gospel.
Docetism	Claimed Jesus only “seemed” to have a body—denied His real suffering.
Early Modalism	Taught that God appeared in different “modes” (not 3 persons).

✅ 1 John 4:2–3 – “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God…”

4. Faithful Men After the Apostles

Some faithful teachers helped protect truth:

Clement of Rome – wrote letters encouraging unity and godliness.
Ignatius of Antioch – warned churches against heresy while on the way to martyrdom.
Polycarp – disciple of John, burned at the stake for refusing to deny Christ.

✅ Revelation 2:10 – “...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

5. Church Structure Became More Defined

As false teachings grew, churches began appointing strong bishops (overseers) to protect doctrine.
However, this later led to bishops becoming too powerful, especially in cities like Rome, Antioch, and Alexandria.

⚠️ Note: At this stage, the structure was still biblical—elders and deacons—but danger of centralizing power began.

6. Worship in Early Churches

Christians still met in homes, read Scripture, sang Psalms, took the Lord’s Supper, and prayed.
Baptism followed conversion (Acts 2:41).
There were no cathedrals or rituals yet—worship was simple and Scripture-based.

✅ Acts 2:42 – “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

7. Persecution Continued

Rome considered Christianity a threat to unity because Christians refused to worship Caesar.
Many were executed publicly, but their courage inspired more believers.

✅ Philippians 1:29 – “For unto you it is given… not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.”

Review & Reflection

Who was the last living apostle, and what book did he write?
What false teachings arose after the apostles died?
Who were some early faithful church leaders?
Why did churches begin to develop stronger leadership structures?
How did early Christians worship during this period?

Summary:
The time after the apostles was filled with challenges and courage. Even though heresies tried to creep in, faithful Christians preserved the truth and passed it on. The gospel continued spreading—even as persecution increased. This period laid the foundation for all future church history.

LESSON SIX

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 6: The Rise of Roman Influence and the Shift Toward Church Tradition
(2nd to 3rd Century A.D.)

Objective:

To understand how Christianity spread and changed during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, including the rise of church traditions, increased Roman influence, and the danger of departing from apostolic doctrine.

1. Rome Becomes a Leading Church

As the Roman Empire was the center of the world, the church at Rome gained influence.
Many churches looked to Rome for decisions—not because of Scripture, but due to political importance.
This marked the early roots of Roman Catholicism, though not fully developed yet.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Colossians 1:18 – “And he [Christ] is the head of the body, the church…”

2. Tradition Begins Replacing Scripture

With the apostles gone, some leaders began to add human ideas to Christian teaching.
Oral teachings (called traditions) were treated as equal to Scripture.
This laid the foundation for later unbiblical doctrines, such as prayers to saints and baptismal regeneration.

⚠️ Mark 7:13 – “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition…”

3. Church Hierarchy Develops

The biblical structure of elders and deacons began to be replaced with bishops ruling over many churches.
Big cities like Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch had powerful bishops.
Some began to claim authority over others, and the bishop of Rome began being seen as “first among equals.”

✅ 1 Peter 5:3 – “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

4. False Teachings Grow Stronger

Heresies spread further because Scripture was not yet available to all.
Common false teachings included:
- Baptismal regeneration – teaching that baptism itself saves.
- Prayers for the dead – started to appear in some areas.
- Purgatory concepts – early ideas that the soul must be cleansed after death.

✅ Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works…”

5. Apologists Rise to Defend the Faith

Some early church writers defended Christianity from Roman attacks and heresies:

Justin Martyr – wrote to Roman leaders explaining Christian beliefs.
Irenaeus – fought against Gnosticism, emphasized apostolic doctrine.
Tertullian – defended the doctrine of the Trinity (though later joined a heretical group).

✅ Jude 1:3 – “...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

6. Continued Persecution

Persecution increased under emperors like Marcus Aurelius and Decius.
Christians were blamed for natural disasters, fires, and plagues.
Many were tortured, fed to lions, or burned—but they stayed faithful.

✅ Romans 8:35 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation… or sword?”

7. Worship Practices Continue Changing

Church services began becoming more formal and symbolic.
The Lord’s Supper became a mystical ceremony.
Use of incense, liturgies, and rituals started to grow—modeled after Roman customs.

⚠️ This was not commanded in Scripture, and it distracted from Christ-centered worship.

✅ John 4:24 – “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Review & Reflection

Why did the church at Rome gain influence?
What is the danger of adding tradition to Scripture?
How did church leadership structures change during this time?
What new false doctrines began to appear?
Who were the defenders of the faith in this period?
How did Roman culture affect Christian worship?

Summary:
The 2nd and 3rd centuries were a time of growth but also of serious compromise. Church leaders meant well but began adding traditions and Roman customs. Though many remained faithful, these changes opened the door to bigger errors in the centuries to come.

LESSON SEVEN

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 7: Constantine, Legal Christianity, and the Beginning of Compromise
(4th Century A.D.)

Objective:

To understand how Emperor Constantine’s conversion and legalization of Christianity changed the church’s position in the world—and how it led to compromise between church and state.

1. Constantine Becomes Emperor

In 312 A.D., Constantine claimed to see a vision of a cross with the words: “By this, conquer.”
He won the battle and credited Jesus Christ.
In 313 A.D., he issued the Edict of Milan, giving freedom of religion to Christians for the first time in Roman history.

✅ Key Verse (Memory):
Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD… he turneth it whithersoever he will.”

2. Christianity Becomes Legal—Then Favored

Persecution ended, churches were reopened, and Christians gained government positions.
Constantine gave gifts, money, and privileges to bishops and churches.
Being a Christian became popular, and many false converts entered the church.

⚠️ This created a dangerous mix of state power and spiritual leadership—something the apostles never taught.

✅ John 18:36 – “My kingdom is not of this world…”

3. Church and State Unite

Constantine began to call and preside over church councils.
He believed it was his duty to unite and organize the church.
For the first time, the government ruled the church, instead of the Bible guiding the church.

⚠️ This shift led to political bishops, state-approved doctrine, and a loss of spiritual purity.

✅ Acts 5:29 – “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

4. Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.)

Called by Constantine to settle a major dispute: Was Jesus truly God?
A man named Arius taught Jesus was created, not eternal.
The Nicene Creed was written to affirm: Jesus is “very God of very God.”

✅ John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.”

The council was right to defend Christ’s deity—but this event showed that emperors could influence theology, not just bishops or Scripture.

5. The Church Becomes Politicized

Bishops now had power, wealth, and status.
Many ambitious men became church leaders for money and fame.
Church buildings grew in size and beauty, but spiritual depth declined.

⚠️ Outward glory replaced inner truth. The true gospel began to fade from view.

✅ 2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I fear… your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

6. Some Remained Faithful

Even during compromise, faithful believers continued:
- Preaching salvation by grace.
- Living holy lives separate from political corruption.
These often met in small groups, rejected worldly wealth, and kept the Bible as their final authority.

✅ Matthew 7:13–14 – “Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

7. The Cost of Popularity

With Christianity now popular and protected, the cross was no longer a symbol of suffering—but of politics.
People joined churches without conversion.
The seeds of a corrupt religious system—what would later become the Roman Catholic Church—were sown.

✅ 2 Timothy 4:3–4 – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…”

Review & Reflection

What was the Edict of Milan?
How did Constantine help Christians—and also hurt the church?
What changed about church leadership after Christianity became legal?
Why is it dangerous when church and state unite?
What was the Council of Nicaea, and why was it important?
What signs show a church is compromising truth for power?

Summary:
Though Constantine’s actions ended persecution, they also introduced compromise, false conversions, and state control of the church. This lesson teaches us that true Christianity is not about earthly power, but about faithfulness to Christ and His Word.

LESSON EIGHT

CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES

Lesson 8: The Rise of the Roman Catholic Church and the Fall of the Western Roman Empire
(5th–6th Century A.D.)

Objective:

To understand how political collapse and spiritual compromise led to the rise of the Roman Catholic system, and how this shaped the church for the next 1,000 years.

1. The Fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 A.D.)

The mighty Roman Empire began to fall apart from corruption, war, and weakness.
In 476 A.D., barbarian tribes (like the Goths and Vandals) overran Rome and removed the last Western Roman emperor.
There was now no central political power in the West.

⚠️ Without a political leader, people began to look to bishops, especially the bishop of Rome, for order and leadership.

✅ Psalm 146:3 – “Put not your trust in princes…”

2. The Bishop of Rome Gains Power

Among all bishops, the bishop of Rome (later called “the Pope”) claimed the most authority.
He said he was Peter’s successor—the rock on which Jesus built the church.
Other cities had bishops, but Rome’s bishop became the most powerful.

⚠️ This claim is false—Christ is the Rock, not Peter (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:4).

✅ Matthew 16:18 – “Upon this rock I will build my church…”
(This refers to Peter’s confession, not Peter himself.)

3. The Roman Catholic Church Begins to Form

As Rome’s bishop gained control, new teachings and practices entered the church:
- Salvation through baptism, not faith alone.
- Prayers to Mary and the saints.
- Belief in purgatory (a place to suffer after death).
- The Mass (re-sacrificing Christ).
These had no support in Scripture but became church tradition.

⚠️ These errors grew slowly and were accepted by many who did not study the Bible.

✅ Mark 7:13 – “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition…”

4. From Simple Church to Religious System

In the early church, Christians met simply, prayed, and studied the Bible.
Now, the church had:
- High-ranking bishops, cardinals, and popes.
- Beautiful cathedrals and golden altars.
- A priesthood that claimed to stand between man and God.

⚠️ The church became a system of control, rather than a body of believers.

✅ 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

5. The Pope Becomes “King of the Church”

By the 6th century, the Pope began acting like a king—ordering armies, making laws, and ruling over kings.
People feared and obeyed the Pope more than the Bible.
Salvation was no longer taught by faith in Christ, but by obeying the Church.

⚠️ This marked the beginning of the Dark Ages, when few had the Bible, and many were spiritually blind.

✅ Galatians 1:8 – “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel… let him be accursed.”

6. True Christians Still Remained

Despite corruption, some Christians stayed true:
- They rejected false teachings.
- They secretly read and copied Scriptures.
- They were often persecuted and called heretics.
These groups, later known by names like Waldensians, Paulicians, and others, kept the true gospel alive.

✅ John 8:31–32 – “If ye continue in my word… ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

7. Key Differences Between the Bible and the Growing Roman System

Bible Christianity	Roman Catholic System
Salvation by grace through faith	Salvation through sacraments and works
One mediator: Jesus	Many mediators: priests, saints, Mary
Authority: Scripture alone	Authority: Church + Tradition
Christ is the Head of the Church	The Pope is head of the church

✅ Colossians 1:18 – “That in all things he [Christ] might have the preeminence.”

Review & Reflection

What happened to the Roman Empire in 476 A.D.?
Why did people begin to look to the bishop of Rome?
Name three false teachings that entered the church during this time.
What danger is there when tradition replaces Scripture?
Who is the only true mediator between God and man?
Were there still true Christians during this period?

Summary:
The fall of Rome gave the bishop of Rome power, and over time he became the Pope. A religious system full of traditions and false teachings grew, which turned people away from the Bible. Yet even in darkness, God preserved a faithful remnant who followed Christ by His Word.

Title: “Tracing God’s Church Through the Ages – A 3-Month Introduction”

Duration: 12 Weeks (1 lesson per week)
Target: Beginners
Purpose: To stir interest, give foundational understanding of the Church’s journey from Genesis to now, and prepare learners for deeper Church History studies.

Lesson 1: The Origin of the Church — God’s Eternal Plan

Key Concepts: The Church was not a human idea, but God’s eternal purpose in Christ.
Explanation:
Though the word “church” appears in the New Testament, the plan of gathering a people for God began before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4–5). The Church is not an accident, but God's unfolding plan through redemptive history.
Memory Verse: “…according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” — 2 Timothy 1:9

Lesson 2: The Church Foreshadowed in the Old Testament

Key Concepts: The Church is typified in the congregation of Israel, but distinct from national Israel.
Explanation:
In the Old Testament, God called His people a “congregation” (Hebrew: qahal). This assembly foreshadowed the Church, though it was tied to the covenant at Sinai. The Church is not Israel but shares in the blessing of being God’s people.
Hebrew Word: Qahal — assembly/congregation.
Memory Verse: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel…” — Numbers 11:16

Lesson 3: Worship Places in the Old Testament

Key Concepts: Understanding how God's people worshipped: altar, tent of meeting, tabernacle, and temple.
Explanation:
- Altar: First seen in Genesis (e.g., Noah, Abraham) — a place of sacrifice.
- Tent of Meeting/Tabernacle: Movable dwelling for God’s presence.
- Temple: Permanent structure in Jerusalem (Solomon’s).
  These represent God's presence and how He communed with His people, but they were temporary and ceremonial.
Memory Verse: “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” — Exodus 25:8

Lesson 4: From Synagogue to Church

Key Concepts: Synagogues prepared the way for the church gatherings.
Explanation:
- Synagogue: A Jewish place of teaching and prayer during and after the exile.
- The Church inherited the gathering concept but centered it on Christ and the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42).
Greek Word: Synagōgē — gathering; Ekklesia — called-out assembly.
Memory Verse: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” — Hebrews 10:25

Lesson 5: The Church in the New Testament

Key Concepts: Christ established the Church during His ministry.
Explanation:
Jesus used the term “church” (Matthew 16:18). The Church was born through His ministry, empowered at Pentecost. It became the body of Christ, composed of believers in Him from every nation.
Greek Word: Ekklesia — called-out assembly, distinct from political gatherings.
Memory Verse: “…upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18

Lesson 6: The Early Church After the Apostles

Key Concepts: After the Bible was completed, the Church spread through persecution and missions.
Explanation:
The apostolic era ended with the death of John. The Church faced intense persecution under Rome but spread widely. House churches, oral teaching, and early creeds helped preserve truth.
Memory Verse: “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” — Acts 2:47

Lesson 7: Key Differences – Altar, Temple, Synagogue, Church

Summary Table (explained simply):

Term	Use	Location	Focus
Altar	Sacrifice	Anywhere	Worship through offering
Tent/Tabernacle	God’s dwelling	Mobile	God’s presence in wilderness
Temple	Permanent structure	Jerusalem	Ceremonial worship
Synagogue	Teaching/prayer	Local towns	Law & prophets
Church	Christ's body	Worldwide	Fellowship, worship, teaching

Memory Verse: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God…” — 1 Corinthians 3:16

Lesson 8: The Church and God’s Mission

Key Concepts: The Church is God's tool for evangelism and discipleship.
Explanation:
The Great Commission defines the Church’s primary role (Matthew 28:19–20). Local churches gather for worship and scatter for witness.
Memory Verse: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

Lesson 9: How the Church Grew in History

Key Concepts: The Church advanced through missionaries, martyrs, and Scripture.
Explanation:
Despite opposition, the gospel reached Europe, Africa, and Asia. Church fathers defended the faith. Ordinary believers carried truth from house to house.
Memory Verse: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me… unto the uttermost part of the earth.” — Acts 1:8

Lesson 10: Challenges the Church Has Faced

Key Concepts: Heresies, persecutions, false teaching, and corruption threatened the Church.
Explanation:
From early Gnosticism to political entanglements, the Church has faced many battles. God's truth prevailed through reformers, faithful pastors, and the preserved Word.
Memory Verse: “That ye should earnestly contend for the faith…” — Jude 3

Lesson 11: The Church in Modern Times

Key Concepts: The Church is now global but also facing compromise.
Explanation:
In the modern era, the Church grew rapidly through revivals and missions. But it also faces dangers of liberalism, false gospels, and persecution.
Memory Verse: “Preach the word… reprove, rebuke, exhort…” — 2 Timothy 4:2

Lesson 12: God’s Faithful Church — Then and Now

Key Concepts: The Church has always had a faithful remnant.
Explanation:
No matter the era, God preserves a people who are faithful to His Word and Christ-centered. We are part of that same story today.
Memory Verse: “…the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 3:15

Additional Notes: Definitions of the Word “Church”

Hebrew: Qahal — assembly, congregation.
Greek: Ekklesia — called-out ones.
Latin: Ecclesia — derived from Greek, same meaning.
English: Church — from Old English cirice, related to kyriakon (belonging to the Lord).

By Kenneth Malenge