Christianity: The Early Years

This quiz will take you back to the origins of Christianity, a time when dedicated followers spread the message amid persecution, theological debates, and monumental historical events. You'll explore fascinating aspects of the early church: key figures like Peter, Paul, and Constantine; councils that shaped doctrine; and symbols and traditions that carried deep meaning. Whether you're a history buff, a theology enthusiast, or simply curious, these questions will challenge your knowledge of Christianity’s formative years. Ready to test your insight into one of history’s most influential movements?
 
1 of 15
Which Roman Emperor is credited with issuing the Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance to Christians in the Roman Empire?
Diocletian
Constantine the Great
Augustus
Nero
 
2 of 15
Hint
In early Christian art, the peacock was often used as a symbol of...
The soul’s journey
Resurrection and immortality
Divine wrath
Sacrifice
 
3 of 15
Which of the following cities became an important center for early Christian thought and was home to one of the earliest Christian schools?
al-Qāhirah (Cairo)
Alexandria
Rome
Nazareth
 
4 of 15
Who was known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles” for his work spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities?
Peter
James
John
Paul
 
5 of 15
Hint
Early Christians in Rome often met in secret and worshipped in...
Synagogues
Sepulchers
Basilicas
Catacombs
 
6 of 15
Hint
Which early Christian bishop of Smyrna is remembered for his martyrdom and his famous words, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong”?
Clement of Rome
Justin Martyr
Polycarp
Ignatius of Antioch
 
7 of 15
The Didache is an early Christian document that outlines:
Church order and practices
A collection of Paul’s letters
The life of Jesus Christ
Apocalyptic prophecy
 
8 of 15
According to Christian tradition, which disciple was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus?
Paul
James
John
Peter
 
9 of 15
In which city were followers of Jesus first called "Christians"?
Alexandria
Ephesus
Jerusalem
Antioch
 
10 of 15
The Apostle Thomas is traditionally believed to have traveled as far as which modern-day country to spread Christianity?
India
Ethiopia
France
Sweden
 
11 of 15
Who was the first Christian martyr, as recorded in the New Testament?
James
Philip
Stephen
Peter
 
12 of 15
Hint
In Christian iconography, which animal often symbolizes the gospel writer Luke?
Eagle
Lamb
Ox
Lion
 
13 of 15
Which saint is traditionally considered the founder of the monastic movement in Christianity, credited with establishing the first Christian monastic communities?
Basil the Great
Benedict of Nursia
St. Anthony the Great
Augustine of Hippo
 
14 of 15
The Gospel of Thomas is a well-known example of a type of early Christian writing known as:
Apocrypha
Parable
Septuagint
Codex
 
15 of 15
What was the main purpose of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD?
To clarify the nature of Christ as both fully human and fully divine
To address the practice of circumcision
To unify the Roman and Eastern churches
To compile the New Testament canon
 
Aspiring Scholar
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History Buff
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Stellar Scholar
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