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11. From the history of Christianity.
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11. From the history of Christianity.
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11. From the history of Christianity582. How did the first Christian congregations come into being?
The first Christian congregation came into being on Pentecost (cf. Acts 2: 37 et seq.). This
congregation consisted only of Jews. Owing to the persecutions that followed, many of the believers
fled from Jerusalem (cf. Acts 8: 1; 11: 19). In their new surroundings they continued to preach the
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gospel, which also met with faith there. So it was that Christian congregations began to form in other
places.
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583. How did the gospel come to the Gentiles?
The Apostles at first worked under the assumption that the gospel was only to be preached to the
Jews. In a vision, however, God made it clear to Apostle Peter that the gospel is also intended for the
Gentiles (cf. Acts 10 and 11).
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At the Apostles’ council in Jerusalem, questions concerning the mission to the Gentiles and the
significance of the Mosaic Law for baptised Gentiles were clarified (cf. Acts 15: 1-29). These
decisions were contributing factors in helping the Christian congregations to eventually shed many
traditions of the Jewish faith.
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Gentiles: see explanation of Question 256. Mosaic Law: see Questions 272. et seq.
In special cases, God uses a “vision” to reveal His will to human beings whom He chooses for this
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purpose.
584. Which Apostle primarily proclaimed the gospel to the Gentiles?
Apostle Paul primarily proclaimed the gospel to the Gentiles. To this end he travelled, at times
together with Apostle Barnabas, to present-day Turkey, as well as Greece, Cyprus, and finally even to
Italy.
, 585. Where did the designation “Christian” come into being?
The followers of Jesus were first referred to as Christians in Antioch (cf. Acts 11: 26).
586. How long were the Apostles active?
The Apostles were likely active until the end of the first century AD. John is thought to be the last
Apostle of the early church. After this began the period in which the Apostle ministry was no longer
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personally occupied, even though it did not cease to exist. It was not until the nineteenth century that
the Apostle ministry came to be personally occupied again.
Personal occupation of the Apostle ministry: see Question 450. and explanation Continuation
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of the Apostle ministry: see Questions 447. et seq.
587. How did the activity of the Holy Spirit reveal itself after the death of the early
Apostles?
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The Holy Spirit ensured that the binding collection of writings from the Old and New Testaments
(canon) could come into being.
Through the activity of the Holy Spirit, important fundamentals of Christian doctrine were formulated
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in large church assemblies (ecumenical councils). These include, for example, the doctrine that God
is triune, that Jesus Christ is both true Man and true God, and the recognition of the decisive
significance that the sacrifice of Jesus and His resurrection hold for the salvation and redemption of
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mankind. It can also be attributed to the activity of the Holy Spirit over the centuries that the Christian
faith was able to spread around the world.
Bible, canon: see Questions 12. et seq. Council: see explanation of Question 33. Triune God:
see Questions 61. et seq. Dual nature of Jesus Christ: see Questions 103. et seq.
588. How was salvation imparted throughout this period?
Salvation was primarily imparted in that the gospel was proclaimed and Holy Baptism with water was
dispensed.
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