Colin. H Roberts tells us that there was a notable 'degree of organization, of conscious planning, and uniformity of practice' in the early church. (Roberts, Manuscripts, 41) Do not let someone offer some exception as a means to undermine the organization of early Christianity.
PAPIAS (c. 60-130 A.D.) and the Gospels of Matthew and Mark
There is much in-depth information in this article: The Synoptic Gospels in the Ancient Church: The Testimony to the Priority of the Gospel of Matthew. We have a brief introduction to papyrus from Tyndale Bible Dictionary. We have a lengthy apologetic article on Papias and the arguments from higher critics by F. David Farnell. This is followed by Papias' writings from two leading scholars on the Apostolic Fathers, Michael W. Holmes, and J. B. Lightfoot.
Clash of Culture Christianity vs. Rome
First Century AD Christianity found itself at odds with the culture, which dominated the Roman Empire at the time. Just as the Jewish Maccabees rejected the Greek culture two centuries before, so did the early Christians who would not pay homage to other gods or to the Roman Emperor. This brought about a clash of... Continue Reading →
THE APOSTLE PAUL His Missionary Travels
James Stalker and Updated by ... The First Journey From the beginning, it had been the customary behavior of the preachers of Christianity not to go alone on their expeditions, but two and two. Paul improved on this practice by going generally with two companions, one of them being a younger man, who perhaps took charge... Continue Reading →
The Disciples Were First Called Christians
Acts 11:26 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the congregation[1] and taught quite a crowd;[2] and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. The Latinized Greek term Christianos (Christian) appears only in Acts 11:26; 26:28, and 1... Continue Reading →
The Great Apostasy Began in First Century Christianity
2 Thessalonians 2:1a, 3 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 2 Now we request you, brothers, with regard to the coming[1] of our Lord Jesus Christ … 3 Let no one deceive[2] you in any way, for it will not come unless the apostasy[3] comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, On this text, New Testament... Continue Reading →
What Do We Know About the Early Christian Copyists?
Today there are about two billion people who call themselves Christians, who own or are aware of the Bible. Most are unaware of just how that book came down to them, yet many if not most would acknowledge that it is inspired by God and free of errors and contradictions.