Early Church of Jerusalem
The Early Church of Jerusalem is widely regarded as the first organized community of early Christianity. This nascent church was formed in Jerusalem shortly after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It played a pivotal role in the spread and development of Christian doctrine and practice.
Formation and Leadership
The Early Church of Jerusalem was established by the apostles, particularly Peter and James the Just, who were key figures in the apostolic age. According to the Acts of the Apostles, the believers in Jerusalem gathered together for prayer, teaching, and the breaking of bread, forming a close-knit spiritual community.
The Council of Jerusalem
One of the most significant events in the history of the Early Church was the Council of Jerusalem, which took place around 48-50 AD. The council addressed the critical issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to observe Jewish laws, such as circumcision. The decision made at this council, largely influenced by Paul the Apostle and Peter, was that Gentiles were not required to follow all Jewish laws, which was a major step in distinguishing Christianity from Judaism.
Practices and Community Life
The Early Church in Jerusalem was characterized by its communal lifestyle. Believers shared their possessions and goods, ensuring that no one among them was in need. This practice is often referred to as the community of goods of the early church. The communal living arrangement allowed the early Christians to support one another both spiritually and materially.
Worship and Gatherings
The early Christians in Jerusalem met in homes for prayer, worship, and the Eucharist. They also continued to participate in the Jewish temple rituals, showing the close connection between early Christianity and Judaism. Over time, they developed distinct Christian practices and theological understandings, which were disseminated through the epistles and missionary journeys of the apostles.
Challenges and Persecution
The early Christian community in Jerusalem faced significant challenges and persecution. After the Great Revolt and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, many Jews, including Jewish Christians, were expelled from Jerusalem. This diaspora had a profound impact on the church, leading to the dispersal of its members and the spread of Christianity to other regions.
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
The legacy of the Early Church of Jerusalem is preserved in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. This autocephalous Orthodox Church traces its origins back to the early Christian community led by the apostles. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in Christianity, is under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. This church serves as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the early Christian community in Jerusalem.