Unity Church of Tucson

The first division in what could be called “Early Christianity” probably began a few years after Jesus’ crucifixion and lasted into the second half of the second century. Out of it has come what might be thought of as two distinct branches of the “tree” which is now known as Christianity. One branch was led by the disciple Peter and might be called the Judeo-Christian group. The other was led by the apostle Paul and might be referred to as Pauline Christianity. In addition, there was a third branch which we might refer to as “Gnostic Christianity” even though Gnosticism had been a part of Judaism prior to Early Christianity.

Some scholars say that until around the year 70 CE the majority of the followers were of the Judeo-Christian branch. Apparently the disciples and followers regrouped in Jerusalem after the Jesus’ crucifixion, headed by Peter (later by James, a relative of Jesus) and considered themselves to be a reform movement within Judaism. In the early stages of their growth they met in homes for prayer and the sharing of common meals in addition to worshiping as Jews.

The Judeo-Christian branch that represented the majority of the followers of Jesus’ teachings has been described as being the traditionalists. Peter, in the beginning, insisted on the compliance with Mosaic Law because he saw Jesus’ teachings as being for the Jews and not necessarily for anyone else. They continued to live by Mosaic Law which included the dietary restrictions, worshiping at the temple in Jerusalem, observing the Sabbath as well as other Jewish customs and traditions. And, they felt it was important for any and all converts to comply with the same laws and customs that they did.

“The home community in Jerusalem endeavored to maintain a general oversight of the new ‘churches.’ Visits were paid them by Peter and John, and other less eminent leaders, to see that the new communities were in full possession of God’s Spirit, and to encourage them in prayers and exhortation. Contributions to the poor fund of the Jerusalem church, collected from time to time, helped to maintain a bond of sympathy with the mother-community. At the head of the church in Jerusalem was James, a brother of Jesus, who was highly respected by the Jews for his piety and sanctity. With him were associated a council of elders, including the twelve companions of Jesus known as ‘apostles.’ The decisions and counsels of these men carried great weight in all the churches.” (A Short History of Christianity edited by Baker)

The Judeo-Christian branch was not just one community but it had several communities within it due to the fact that each of the disciples founded a group and the teachings received by each individual group was based on the founder’s memory and interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. Each community was unique and diverse and some would even have felt that they had more claim to the truth because of their perception of the founder’s association with Jesus. By the end of the first century many of the Judeo-Christians were receiving their teachings from teachers who had studied with one or more of the disciples.

“The death of the original leaders who had known Jesus in the flesh or who had enjoyed intimate association with his companions created a host of problems for the surviving and growing churches. How were the norms of religious belief and moral behavior to be preserved in the preaching and teaching of the communities? What persons were to exercise authoritative judgments in such matters? How were the churches to keep in close touch with one another to consolidate their efforts and prevent disruptive tendencies caused by innovators from within and opponents from without?” (A Short History of Christianity edited by Baker)

Early on the Judeo-Christian group had the largest group of people in it and apparently they considered Paul to be a traitor to Jesus and to his family. However, there are others who think of Paul’s branch as having rescued Christianity from extinction because he took the message further. He not only physically traveled beyond the local Jewish communities but he also took the message to multi-cultural people who had little or no interest in Jewish law, customs or traditions.
To be continued.