How the Earliest Christians Worshipped (In their own words)

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In this video, we examine writings of the early Christians from C. 50AD to C. 155 AD to ask: How did they worship? What were some of their practices? and How were their churches structured?

After a brief look at some of the New Testament books, we dive into non-biblical writings of other ancient Christians. I tried to let these ancient authors speak for themselves as much as possible, to tell us what they were like, in their own words.

Timestamps
00:00 Pliny the Younger
04:20 Church, not Churches
10:08 Background
12:39 Acts
16:37 First Corinthians
21:49 First Timothy
26:47 Titus
28:16 James
29:38 First Clement
48:20 Ignatius of Antioch
1:11:29 Epistle of Polycarp
1:16:08 Papias
1:17:51 Hermas
1:22:04 Barnabas
1:26:50 Didache
1:35:50 Justin Martyr
1:51:10 Conclusions

Sources (in order of appearance):
Music: Vivaldi's Et Incarnatus Est, Advent Chamber Orchestra
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As a Assyrian Christian Orthodox, my ancestors died for their faith during the "Armenian" genocide in Adana, Turkey. My great grandfather was a holy man who prayed on a hill alone everyday. He was also the towns healer. I am grateful for all our ancestors who always remained faithful in the face of evil. God bless all.

chandraadam
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*I was Muslim and converted to being a follower of our lLord Jesus Christ..I prayed to God one time with all my heart and asked him to show me if he’s real then Jesus came into my life. The holly spirit is guiding me and I will start preaching in God’s name one day to bring this gift of true love and happiness to less fortunate and lost souls.Amen ❤❤❤❤🙏😇*

FavoriteHillsongWorshipMusic
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Just listening, it's a miracle in itself that we are able to read and listen to the Bible and all things Christian today. So much was overcome to get to today. Thank you Lord Jesus, and every single Christian that got us here and beyond.

metoo
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I am always amazed how faithful the early Christians were, especially those who suffered martyrdom. There are so many stories of the early Saints that show their strength and belief in the face of persecution.

LivesofOrthodoxSaints
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Early Christians openly confessed to being followers of Christ…even when they knew they would be killed.

NASkeywest
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I would like to say a prayer to my orthodox brothers and sisters in the east being persecuted : Lord I pray that you protect not just your children but all human beings being persecuted. Fill them with your strength to keep their faith and stay strong in your name. You are great and just and we know you will deliver us. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.

Rubydrawz
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Imagine being put to death for pledging to not steal or lie or cheat or be a bad person.

guidedmeditation
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🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:15 🕊️ Early Christians were referred to as "Christians, " and they faced interrogation and persecution for their beliefs in the early days.
01:20 🙏 Early Christians met on a fixed day to sing hymns to Christ, took solemn oaths to lead righteous lives, and shared ordinary and innocent meals.
02:54 🌍 The early Christian faith spread not only in cities but also in villages and rural areas, affecting people of all ranks, ages, and both sexes.
03:09 📖 Christianity has seen various interpretations and denominations over time, but understanding the early Christian practices and beliefs can help usconnect with our heritage.
03:51 🏛️ The early Christians met in secret, and purpose-built churches didn't emerge until much later due to persecution.
05:41 🏛️ Early Christian churches had defined roles such as episcopoi (bishops), presbyteroi (elders or priests), and diaconoi (deacons).
06:47 🙌 Early Christian practices were subject to variations and interpretations, leading to differences in how denominations view their connection to the early church.
08:55 📚 Early Christian communities had limited access to scripture, which was in the form of scrolls, and there was no standardized Bible as we have today.
10:17 💒 The practice of ordination through the laying on of hands was a significant aspect of early Christian leadership, and it continues in apostolic churches.
19:06 🍞🍷 The early Christians practiced the Eucharist, and different denominations have varying interpretations of its significance, ranging from a symbol to a literal transformation.
25:26 📜 The early Christian Church had structured leadership, with bishops (episcopoi) and priests (presbytery) appointed to lead and guide the community.
28:42 🙏 Early Christians practiced confessing their sins to one another and believed in the power of communal prayer and confession for healing.
31:05 📅 The dating of the First Epistle of Clement is debated, but it suggests that the Church in Rome asserted some authority over other churches, even in the apostolic age.
44:30 ⛪ The First Epistle of Clement indicates that there was a chain of apostolic succession, with bishops succeeding other bishops appointed by the apostles themselves.
49:53 👥 Saint Ignatius of Antioch emphasized the importance of unity and obedience within the Church, recognizing the authority of bishops (episcopoi) and presbyters.
51:15 📜 Ignatius emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians and obedience to the bishop.
51:46 🏛️ The early Christian church was hierarchical and organized, with the bishop as a central figure.
52:14 🍞🍷 Ignatius refers to the Eucharist as the "medicine of immortality, " highlighting the real presence belief.
54:35 ✝️ Ignatius reaffirms core Christian beliefs, including the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
55:31 🌅 Some early Christians observed the Lord's Day (Sunday) instead of the Sabbath, indicating a shift in worship day.
56:13 🙏 Ignatius stresses the importance of obeying thebishop and presbytery for a proper Christian assembly.
01:05:05 📝 Ignatius writes a unique letter to the Church in Rome, addressing their greatness and avoiding naming individuals to protect them.
01:10:32 🦁 Ignatius eagerly anticipates martyrdom for his faith, emphasizing his willingness to die for Christ.
01:12:47 📖 Polycarp quotes and paraphrases scripture, indicating the widespread recognition of Christian texts.
01:14:20 🚫 Polycarp warns against lust, covetousness, and unseemly behavior and calls for obedience to presbyters.
01:15:45 ✉️ Polycarp mentions Ignatius' letters and the request to send them to other churches for their benefit.
01:16:00 📜 Saint Papius sheds light on the early teaching of Christianity before written Gospels, and he mentions receiving Ignatius' epistles.
01:17:29 📜 Early Christians believed that teachings coming directly from the living voice were more valuable than written texts, providing insights into their faith.
01:19:10 📖 The Shepherd of Hermas, once considered inspired scripture, offered a unique perspective on early Christian beliefs, later losing its scriptural status.
01:20:59 🧔 Hermes, an early Christian and former slave, spread the message of his visions within the structured church, emphasizing the roles of bishops, teachers, and deacons.
01:27:06 📜 The Didache, an early catechism (c. 50-70 AD), outlined ancient Christian practices and moral living guidelines, stressing the way of life over the way of death.
01:35:20 🙏 The Didache describes early Christian gatherings on the Lord's Day, focusing on the Eucharist and the sanctity of reconciliation among believers.
01:39:56 💧 Justin Martyr's First Apology (c. 150 AD) defends Christianity and addresses key elements of the faith, including baptism and the prophetic fulfillment by Jesus.
01:42:10 💧 Baptism in the early church was considered a means of regeneration, linked to the forgiveness of sins and administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
01:43:21 🕊️ The early Christian understanding in the mid-second century emphasized that being born again is closely associated with baptism.
01:44:04 🙏 After baptism, there was a common gathering where prayers were offered for the baptized, themselves, and others in different places. The aim was to live according to Christ's teachings for salvation.
01:45:28 🥖🍷 The Eucharist, the Christian practice of taking bread and wine, was believed to be truly transformed into the body and blood of Jesus, a belief held by early Christians.
01:46:50 📖 On Sundays, early Christiansgathered for communal worship, reading the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets. This practice continues today in various Christian traditions.
01:57:08 💒 The early church structure included the roles of episcopas (bishops), presbyteros (priests), and diakonoi (deacons), and they believed in the importance of apostolic succession.

iqgustavo
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What an incredible and detailed information. I was raised Catholic in Spain, and not much information about other denominations and there existence were given. Is when I moved to the United States; and stoped practicing, that I learned about it, and with heavy heart saw accusations, insults and sometimes vitriolic hate between Christians from different denominations; specially for Catholics (or so it seemed to me).
After years of lost faith and practice, I decided to study and learn as much as I could; hoping to find answers to many of the questions I had when young that never got answer and that probably made me abandon my faith. With all respect for any other denomination, I came back to Catholicism. This great talk has serve to explain many parts of my church's tradition. Thanks again for a great work.

loremipsum
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The earliest Christians were so pure And straight in their warship No line no adultery No to all things bad They died for the love of Christ Jesus And all mighty father

blackwidowspider
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Above 70-90% of history is lost, but biblical history hasn't been lost but prevailed. It's truly incredible.

leoashura
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I am converting to Eastern Orthodox Christianity after I started to research the history of Christianity.

bonnie_gail
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After all my research and asking the Lord where he wants me and not what i want, the Holy Spirit has guided me to the Catholic Church. It is the most beautiful action i have ever done. I still struggle with sin and take my first communion march 31st of 2024, im so excited to receive the body of Christ. Aside from that, I encourage everyone to ask the Holy Spirit to guide them, to come to him without an hardened heart because its not about our will, its about Gods will.

MikeyAGoGo
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This is pure gold. Thank you for taking the time to narrate this for all of us. God bless and keep you.

tamararutland-mills
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I watched this video about a year ago and I am now becoming a Catholic. I cannot thank you enough for helping me leave my sinful life and embrace Christ's Church.

AntonVShokolov
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What an insightful study. Thank you for bringing this study to us. The “church” in America is in trouble, the flock led in so many directions so far from the pure Gospel of Christ. I thank you many times over for sharing the deep commitment of the early servants of Christ.

jyi
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Please pray for my family to be saved. They are very hard to talk to.. they’ve had ministers in their life and haven’t believed in Jesus yet. I can’t have a relationship with them because of trauma in my family. It’s very difficult at times even to be alone and think about them. Please pray for peace of mind for me, and also for my family to be saved and have a revelation from Jesus Christ.

frankjosephdaniels
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I appreciate this study, Ever since l became a believer in Vietnam at the age of 19, it began a deep hunger and search for me which continues to this day, l believe we have not yet scratched the surface of the real truth of the Gospel and the early Christians, we still lack their power and integrity, they were really like him, their Master, meaning the the nature of the Messiah Christ Jesus

IvanProsvirninSR
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This was an AMAZING lecture. You have got to make more content, your writing, organization, and presentation is very well done.

JuliusCaesar
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A superb distillation of early Church belief about the Eucharist and the Mass. Many thanks and God bless.

garyhaynes