Papyrus 33 (P33) is a fourth/fifth-century manuscript of the Acts of the Apostles, containing only a portion of the text. Along with Papyrus 58, it formed part of a codex that contained a version of the Greek New Testament in the Alexandrian text-type. This chapter explores the significance of Papyrus 33 for the study of early Christianity and the textual history of the New Testament, and provides insight into its physical characteristics and current location at the Austrian National Library in Vienna.
Early Christians Under Roman Rule
The early Christians lived under the rule of the Roman Empire during a time when paganism was the dominant religion. Despite facing persecution and opposition, these Christians remained faithful to their commission to spread the gospel and make disciples of people from all nations.
What Was the Apostolic Age?
The phrase Apostolic Age is derived from ἀπόστολος, G693, (Ezra 7:14; Dan 5:24). Meaning: that period of Early Church history during the life and work of the original apostles, which extended from the day of Pentecost (c. A.D. 33; Acts 2, to the death of John, c. A.D. 100). The main sources for the period are the Book of Acts and the NT letters.
The Problems of the Early Church as Reflected in Paul’s Epistles
It may aid us in making these epistles of Paul seem like real and living messages to recall, in general, some of the peculiar conditions and problems which called them forth.
The Apostle Paul before His Conversion
We approach the apostle of the Gentiles who decided the victory of Christianity as a universal religion, who labored more, both in word and deed, than all his colleagues, and who stands out, in lonely grandeur, as the most remarkable and influential character in history.
The Character of the Apostle Peter
Simon, as he was originally called, or, as he was afterward named, Peter, was the son of the fisherman Jonas. He was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee, and a resident of Capernaum, where he followed his father’s occupation.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: The Church at Antioch, Origin of the Christian Name
Antioch of Syria is located along the Orontes River in modern-day Turkey. At one time, this Hellenistic city was one of the largest in the Roman world. Antioch of Syria played an important role in the book of Acts.
THE APOSTLE PETER: A Fisher of Men
It was quite befitting, therefore, that our Lord should explain to his fisher friend the momentous and glorious ministry that awaited him, through the calling in which he had been engaged from boyhood, and which had so many points of resemblance with the work of winning souls.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: Internal Problems: Controversies and Heresies
The church faced internal problems, which began at least as early as A.D. 49.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: External Problems: Persecutions
In its early days, as throughout most of its history, the church faced both external and internal problems. The external problems mostly took the form of persecutions. Before A.D. 250, persecutions were local, sporadic, and often the result of mob action rather than of civil policy.