Understanding how Christianity was originally practiced is a complex task, as it evolved significantly in the first few centuries. There's no single monolithic "original" practice, but rather a diverse range of expressions influenced by Jewish roots, local cultures, and the leadership of early apostles and church figures. Here's a summary of key aspects, keeping in mind that sources are limited and interpretations vary among historians and theologians:
Key Characteristics of Early Christian Practice:
* Jewish Roots:
* Temple Worship: Early Christians, especially those in Jerusalem, continued to participate in Temple worship.
* Synagogue: They also attended synagogues, where they would often preach about Jesus as the Messiah.
* Torah Observance: Many early Jewish Christians continued to observe Jewish law (Torah), leading to ongoing debates about its necessity for Gentile converts.
* Sabbath: Many early Christians observed the Sabbath.
* Emphasis on Community and Fellowship (Koinonia):
* Sharing of Resources: Acts describes a community where believers shared their possessions to meet the needs of others. This was likely a practice within specific communities in Jerusalem, not a universal mandate for all Christians everywhere.
* House Churches: Worship and fellowship often took place in private homes. This allowed for more intimate gatherings and easier concealment during times of persecution.
* Mutual Support: Providing for the poor, widows, orphans, and other vulnerable members was a central practice.
* Worship and Rituals:
* The Lord's Supper (Eucharist/Communion): A central practice, commemorating Jesus's last supper and his sacrifice. It likely began as a shared meal (agape feast) combined with the ritual of breaking bread and drinking wine.
* Baptism: A ritual of initiation into the Christian faith, symbolizing cleansing from sin and new life in Christ. Typically performed by immersion.
* Prayer: Personal and communal prayer was vital. They likely prayed using Jewish prayers and Psalms, as well as new prayers focused on Jesus.
* Singing Hymns and Psalms: Singing was a common expression of worship and praise.
* Preaching and Teaching:
* Apostolic Teaching: The teachings of the apostles (those who had been directly commissioned by Jesus) were highly valued.
* Evangelism: Sharing the "good news" (Gospel) of Jesus Christ with non-believers was a core mission.
* Scripture Reading: The Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament) were read and interpreted in light of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
* Spiritual Gifts:
* Belief in the Holy Spirit: Early Christians believed in the active presence and power of the Holy Spirit, manifested in various spiritual gifts (e.g., prophecy, healing, speaking in tongues).
* Organizational Structure:
* Apostles: Initially, the apostles held significant authority, leading and guiding the early church.
* Elders/Presbyters (Bishops): As the church grew, elders or presbyters were appointed to oversee local congregations. The terms "elder" and "bishop" were often used interchangeably in the early period, though the role of bishop would eventually evolve into a more distinct leadership position.
* Deacons/Deaconesses: Servants or assistants who helped with practical needs of the community.
* Relationship with the Roman Empire:
* Persecution: Early Christians faced periods of persecution from the Roman authorities, often due to their refusal to worship Roman gods and the perception that they were a threat to social order.
* Underground Movement: Christianity often operated as an underground movement, meeting in secret and using symbols (e.g., the fish) to identify themselves.
* Diversity of Practices:
* It's crucial to remember that early Christian practices were not uniform across all regions or communities. Different cultural contexts and theological interpretations led to variations in worship styles, organizational structures, and approaches to evangelism. For example, the practices of Christians in Jerusalem differed from those in Corinth or Rome.
Challenges in Reconstructing Early Practices:
* Limited Sources: Our primary sources are the New Testament, early Church Fathers, and archaeological evidence. These sources are often fragmented, biased, and open to interpretation.
* Development Over Time: Christian practices evolved and changed over the first few centuries. What was practiced in the first decade after Jesus's death might look quite different by the end of the first century or the second century.
* Influence of Local Cultures: Christianity spread into diverse cultural contexts, and its practices were inevitably influenced by those cultures.
In Conclusion:
Early Christian practice was characterized by a vibrant community life centered on faith in Jesus Christ, sharing resources, celebrating the Lord's Supper, engaging in prayer and worship, and spreading the Gospel. It was a dynamic movement shaped by its Jewish roots, the teachings of the apostles, and the challenges and opportunities of its historical context. There was no single "original" practice, but rather a diversity of expressions that reflected the unique circumstances of different communities. Trying to understand this period requires careful consideration of the available sources and an awareness of the complexities of historical interpretation.