I'm not a history buff, but as I have been studying Early Church history I realise how important this knowledge is—and helpful as a tool for evangelism.
Understanding Early Church history (from the time of Pentecost in approximately 30AD through to the Reformation, which is often dated as 1517) gives us a quick reference to defend our faith and identify false teaching.
Evidence, through written records, of how the Church was run, what doctrine the Church believed and how they responded to false teaching and persecution provides Christians with a tool to use in discussion with Roman Catholics, Jehovah Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists and more.
Myth: The day of worship was a Saturday
Justin Martyr (100AD-165AD) is one example of an Early Church father who recorded the details of a church service. Justin specifically notes that the day of gathering for worship was a Sunday, and describes a service as including: Bible reading, a sermon, corporate prayer and an offering.
For Seventh Day Adventists, they have become legally bound to taking a day of rest on Saturday (among other things), as was prescribed in the Old Testament. They claim Sunday became the day of worship because of Roman authorities and pagan rituals, and not until the 4th century.
However, the Bible mentions gathering together on the first day of the week (Acts chapter 20, verse 7) and as mentioned, this is also specifically noted by Justin Martyr in the 2nd century.
Myth: The word 'Trinity' was created in 325AD
The word 'Trinity' does not appear in the Bible, although this should not be a startling fact. However, while this specific term does not appear in the Bible, the teaching of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is obvious throughout the scriptures, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Jehovah's Witnesses, who deny the existence of the God in three Persons doctrine, claim the church made up the Trinity at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.
However, Tertullian (~155-230) actually developed this term during his lifetime as he attempted to explain the obvious biblical concept of three in unity. It's likely he also coined the phrase 'three Persons, one Substance'. This was about 100 years before the JWs claim it was introduced.
Myth: The Roman Catholic Church's additional doctrine
Some believe Peter and Paul may have established the church in Rome together and were both martyred in Rome. This and more provides a proud history for the church in Rome; however the beliefs of the current Roman Catholic Church have become steeped in tradition and are un-biblically founded.
Consider concerning ideas such as these: Mary was a virgin her whole life (Mary had other children), that she was perfect, and that she intercedes for Christians as Christ does; the Pope has the same authority as the scriptures in his teaching, and the Catholic Bible contains additional books.
Citing scriptural evidence and Early Church support for many of these ideas, the biblical references they cling to are largely misinterpreted, and historical writings from Early Church fathers show an overwhelming majority against their current theology.
The writings they do propose in support of some of these beliefs are generally taken out of context or—in at least one case, the teaching of an author who was condemned as a heretic. The Reformation clarified these issues.
Be warned and be aware
The New Testament writers warned Early Christians of false teaching, as it already existed at the time their letters were written. We must continue to be on the watch for false teaching, both within the Church and from outside the Church.
A thorough knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures provides us with the authoritative Word of God to respond to false doctrine, and Early Church history provides additional evidence to reaffirm the current beliefs and practises of God's Church.
While Church history and their early written records are not as authoritative as the Word of God, they can prove to be an extremely valuable tool in conversation with other people about what they believe, especially when those people are giving you an incorrect version of history to support their beliefs.
Tim Wilson is an Australian currently living in Canada with his wife (also a comment writer) and their three children. He is passionate about the Church living according to the Word of God and authors a blog to inspire and challenge men and women of faith.www.abrokenmanblog.com
Tim Wilson's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-wilson.html