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Key Moments in Church History
Aaron Erhardt
1st century — Church of
Christ established; fire of Rome, resulting in first persecution by Roman
emperors (64 A.D.); destruction of Jerusalem (70 A.D.)
2nd century — Distinction
between bishops and presbyters (or elders); holy water introduced; infant
baptism debated; first Easter observance
3rd century — Distinction
between clergy and laity; sprinkling for baptism
4th century — The Great Persecution, which was the last and most severe
in Roman Empire (303-311 A.D.); Christianity legalized in Roman Empire by
Emperor Constantine (Edict of Milan, 313 A.D.); council convened to settle
doctrinal issues (Council of Nicea, 325 A.D.), resulting in first human creed;
Lord’s Supper observed on days other than Sunday; first Christmas observance;
Christianity made the official religion of Roman Empire by Emperor Theodosius
(380-381 A.D.)
6th century — John the Faster assumed title “universal
bishop” for himself and was strongly opposed by Gregory the Great
7th century — Boniface III officially crowned “universal bishop” by
Emperor Phocas (606-607 A.D.), resulting in papal supremacy; beginning of Islam;
first instrument introduced by Pope Vitalian (666 A.D.)
11th century — Beginning of the Crusades (1095-1291 A.D.)
15th century — Printing press invented (Johannes Gutenberg), resulting in
mass production of Bibles
6th—16th centuries — Dark Ages
16th century — Protestant Reformation
19th century — Restoration Movement
20th century — Discovery of Dead Sea Scrolls
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