312 476

Temple of Trajan, Pergamos

The conversion of Constantine

His vision of the cross would dramatically change the relationship the empire had with the church

The Edict of Milan

The edict, signed by Constantine and Licinius, would grant Christianity “toleration”

The Council of Nicea Presided over by Constantine, dealt with the Arian controversy. The council produced the Nicene Creed which would become the standard for Christian orthodoxy.

Julian the Apostate 360 AD

Tried to restore paganism to the empire

Theodosius – 391 AD

Made Christianity the official religion of the empire. Brought the issue of persecution full circle as he began the persecution and elimination of all non Christian cults and their temples.

With the conversion of Constantine, the persecuted church became the TOLERATED church then eventually the OFFICIAL RELIGION of the empire.

The response of Christians to the new found favor of the empire:

* Some were GRATEFUL that it was difficult to take a CRITICAL STANCE before government and society

* Others FLED to the desert and took up the MONASTIC life

* Others BROKE AWAY from the imperial church insisting they were the TRUE church

* There was a PAGAN reaction of people seeking to reestablish the former ancient religion

* It was also a time of bitter THEOLOGICAL controversies

* This period came to an end with the invasions of the BARBARIANS who in 410 sacked Rome and in 476 deposed the last Western Emperor.

APPLICATION1.Do not COMPROMISE with the

WORLD.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him

2. Finish STRONG

Col 2:8 Beware lest anyone disqualify you for the prize through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.