Early Church
Following Christ's ascension the Holy Spirit falls upon the disciples at Pentecost, empowering them to proclaim the gospel and forming the church as God's new covenant people. This community expands from Jerusalem throughout the empire by the missionary work of the apostles, who write letters to guide believers in sound doctrine and godly practice amid opposition. On Patmos the apostle John is granted the Revelation, revealing Christ's sovereign triumph and the hope of the age to come.
Books
Acts, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude, Revelation
Did You Know?
The church was born on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out.
The gospel spread from Jerusalem to Rome within one generation, despite intense persecution.
The New Testament letters were written to address real problems in real churches during this period.