The Apostolic Age

What Was the Apostolic Age?

The Apostolic Age refers to the period of Church history beginning with the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and continuing through the ministry of the Apostles.

During this time, the Gospel was first preached throughout the world, churches were established, bishops were appointed, and the foundations of Christian doctrine and worship were laid.

It is generally considered to span from approximately AD 30 to AD 100.

Pentecost: The Birth of the Church

The Apostolic Age began in a special way at Pentecost.

Fifty days after the Resurrection, the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Filled with the Holy Ghost, the Apostles boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ, and thousands were converted.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 2:4

The Mission of the Apostles

Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus commanded the Apostles to preach the Gospel to all nations.

They carried the message of salvation throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

Through their preaching, baptisms, and celebration of the Eucharist, local churches began to flourish.

Saint Peter and the Church of Rome

Saint Peter held a unique leadership role among the Apostles.

Jesus entrusted him with the keys of the Kingdom and commanded him to strengthen his brethren.

Peter eventually traveled to Rome, where he served as bishop and was martyred under Emperor Nero.

The bishops who succeeded Peter became known as the Popes.

Saint Paul and the Spread of Christianity

Saint Paul became one of the greatest missionaries in Church history.

Through multiple missionary journeys, he established churches throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and beyond.

Many of his letters were preserved and became part of the New Testament.

The New Testament Begins to Take Shape

During the Apostolic Age, the books of the New Testament were written.

The Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Revelation were composed to preserve apostolic teaching and strengthen the growing Church.

These writings would later be recognized by the Church as inspired Scripture.

Life in the Early Church

The first Christians devoted themselves to:

• The teaching of the Apostles.
• The breaking of bread (the Eucharist).
• Prayer.
• Fellowship among believers.

The Church already possessed bishops, priests, deacons, sacramental worship, and organized communities.

Persecution and Martyrdom

The Apostolic Age was marked by persecution.

Christians were often opposed by both religious and political authorities.

Many Apostles ultimately died as martyrs for the faith they preached.

Their witness helped spread Christianity throughout the world.

Apostolic Succession

The Apostles knew they would not remain on earth forever.

Therefore they appointed successors to continue their ministry.

This handing on of authority from bishop to bishop is known as Apostolic Succession.

Catholics believe this succession continues today.

The End of the Apostolic Age

The Apostolic Age traditionally ends with the death of Saint John, the last surviving Apostle, around the end of the first century.

By that time Christian communities existed throughout much of the Roman Empire, and the foundations of Catholic Christianity had been firmly established.

Key Events of the Apostolic Age

• The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• The Ascension of Christ.
• Pentecost.
• The missionary journeys of the Apostles.
• The conversion of Saint Paul.
• The writing of the New Testament.
• The growth of the Church throughout the Roman Empire.
• The martyrdom of many Apostles.

Why the Apostolic Age Matters

Everything in Catholic Christianity traces back to this period.

The Apostles received the faith directly from Jesus Christ and handed it on to the Church.

Catholic doctrine, Scripture, the Sacraments, the hierarchy, and Apostolic Succession all have their roots in the Apostolic Age.

What Does This Mean For Me?

The Apostolic Age reminds us that the Catholic faith is rooted in real history.

The same Gospel preached by Peter, Paul, John, and the other Apostles continues to be proclaimed by the Church today.

By learning about the Apostles, we better understand the origins of our faith and our connection to the earliest Christians.

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