Church History
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a prayer and a brief personal update before moving into lesson two, part three of the church‑history series. Teacher Art Clark traced the early church’s development by examining the apostles, noting that beyond the twelve, Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) was later added and became the most prolific writer and missionary. He recounted traditional accounts of Thomas’s journey to India in 52 AD, where Thomas allegedly founded several churches and left a lasting legacy, and contrasted this with the better‑documented ministries of Peter, Paul, John, and Matthew. The instructor highlighted the varied strength of apostolic traditions, mentioning martyrdom stories in Rome, John’s supposed survival of boiling oil, and the relic‑cult surrounding Thomas’s bone in India. Clark also shared colorful historical episodes, such as Mark’s supposed rise to patron saint of Venice through the theft of his relics, and the broader role of relics in early Christianity. He clarified that the New Testament provides detailed information about only a handful of apostles, while most other figures are known primarily through later traditions recorded by writers like Eusebius. The class concluded with a reminder to study these traditions responsibly and to anticipate the next lesson on early Christian scriptures and leaders beyond the apostles.
Key Scriptures
Then came the disciples to Jesus into a house where he was; and they said unto him, Lord, remember that we said unto thee, that we had no power to cast out devils: but now, behold, these men cast out devils in thy name; and they do them things that we could not do. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go, ye know, and where I go, ye know. Thomas, called Didymus, said unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Thomas said unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Thomas said unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.