Overview and Objectives

Jerusalem, as the center of Jewish religion and culture, was probably one of the least likely places for a new religion to find focus and gain momentum. Yet, it was exactly here that the church was formed by a sovereign act of the Spirit of God who gave energy and direction to that first generation of believers. This lesson explores the distinctively Jewish context of the church’s first days and ears and the sequence of events that brought the church into being.

When you complete this lesson, you should be able to do the following:

• Describe the political and economic character of the religious establishment of Jerusalem.
• Explain two reasons why Jesus was perceived as a threat to the religious establishment.
• Explore ways in which the Pentecost festival provided a positive occasion for the birth of the church.
• Identify ways that the temple and Jewish religious worship served as the foundation for the faith and early life of the Church.
• Identify the four types of Jews and Jewish proselytes who became Christians.
• Explain the significance of having Galilean Christians in the leadership of a church full of Judeans.

As you proceed through this lesson have the following question in mind.
What was the significance for Christianity of the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus?