DR. BAMBANG NOORSENA - KEMANAKAH 12 DAN 70 MURID YESUS ???

Summary

This transcript explores the historical and theological aspects of early Christianity, focusing on the roles and fates of Jesus' 12 apostles and the 70 disciples. It delves into their relationships, including whether they were married or had children, and touches on various church fathers' writings that provide insights into their lives and teachings. The discussion also covers early Christian martyrs, the formation of church doctrines such as the Trinity, and the differences between Eastern and Western branches of Christianity. The narrative emphasizes the importance of historical continuity and the preservation of church traditions, making it clear that understanding Christian roots is essential to understanding modern faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 12 disciples of Jesus had varying marital statuses, with some having wives and children, while others, like the apostle Paul, did not.
• 😀 Historical records such as those by Papias help explain the differences in the accounts of Judas' death in the Gospels, reconciling apparent contradictions.
• 😀 Early Christian writings like 'Didache' provide important insights into the practices and teachings of the early Church, dating back to the 1st century.
• 😀 The concept of the Trinity was present in early Christian hymns and martyrdoms, long before the Nicene Creed formalized it in the 4th century.
• 😀 Ignatius, an early Christian bishop of Antioch, was pivotal in shaping the early Church's teachings and governance, highlighting the role of bishops or 'episkopos'.
• 😀 The history of the Church can be traced through writings from the 'Apostolic Fathers', which link early Christian beliefs directly to the apostles themselves.
• 😀 Peter, who traveled from Antioch to Rome, was martyred by crucifixion, while other apostles faced different forms of martyrdom, reflecting the Roman legal distinction for citizens.
• 😀 The early Christian community in Antioch was unique in its mixture of Jewish and non-Jewish believers, necessitating a dual leadership structure.
• 😀 The term 'Catholic' originally referred to the universal Church, encompassing both Jewish and Gentile believers, and was later formalized in different branches of Christianity.
• 😀 The Church's theological developments, such as the understanding of Christ's dual nature (fully human and fully divine), were central to early ecumenical discussions, particularly during the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon.

Q & A

Did the 12 apostles of Jesus have wives and children?

Some of the 12 apostles were married, like Peter, who had a wife and even a mother-in-law mentioned in the Gospels. However, others were not married. The specifics of the apostles' family lives are not clearly detailed in the Bible but can be supplemented with writings from early church fathers.

Why is there a difference in the accounts of Judas's death in the Gospels?

The Gospels describe Judas's death differently. In Matthew, Judas hangs himself, while in Acts (written by Luke), his death involves falling and his body rupturing. Church father Papias explains the discrepancy by suggesting Judas initially hanged himself, but the rope broke, causing him to fall.

What is the significance of Papias's writings in understanding the Gospels?

Papias, a disciple of John, is crucial for understanding the chronology of the Gospels. His writings confirm that Matthew, Mark, and Luke were the first three Gospels, providing context for their order and content. His works also clarify some of the ambiguities in the Gospel accounts.

What was the role of Polycarp and how does he connect to the early Christian church?

Polycarp was a disciple of John and became the bishop of Smyrna. His martyrdom in 156 CE is significant because he died affirming the doctrine of the Trinity and the authority of the church. His writings and actions played a pivotal role in shaping early Christian beliefs.

How did the early Christian church divide between Jewish and Gentile believers?

In Antioch, the church had a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers. To address their different needs, Peter appointed two bishops: one for the Gentiles (Evodius) and one for the Jews (Ignatius). This was part of the early church’s strategy to include both groups within the same Christian community.

Why did Peter die by crucifixion in Rome, and what is the significance of this method of execution?

Peter was crucified in Rome in 64 CE, and according to tradition, he requested to be crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. His death by crucifixion reflects the common Roman practice for criminals, but his upside-down crucifixion signifies humility and devotion.

How does the church view the concept of the Trinity historically?

The doctrine of the Trinity, while formalized in later councils, was always central to early Christian faith. Early church fathers, including Polycarp and others, believed in the Trinity, but it was the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE that definitively formalized the belief. The historical perspective emphasizes that the Trinity is not just a theological concept but a lived faith expressed through martyrdom and worship.

What is the significance of Ignatius of Antioch in early church history?

Ignatius of Antioch, a disciple of John, is significant because he was one of the first to articulate the need for a unified, hierarchical church structure. His writings, particularly his letters, provide insights into early Christian theology and the development of the bishopric, as well as his strong defense of the divinity of Christ.

What role did the 70 disciples play in the early church?

The 70 disciples, mentioned in Luke 10, were sent by Jesus to spread his message. These disciples were distinct from the 12 apostles and played a significant role in the early Christian community, as seen in historical records by church fathers like Hippolytus. Cleopas, a member of this group, is one example of a 70 disciple.

How does the concept of the 'catholic church' relate to the early Christian understanding of the church?

The term 'catholic' (meaning 'universal') was used in early Christian writings to describe the unified church that embraced both Jewish and Gentile believers. This understanding of the church as universal was integral to the early church’s identity and has persisted in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions, even after the Great Schism.