The Ante-Nicene Problems (100-325 AD)

ANTE-NICENE PERIOD: 100-325 AD

I. CONSIDERING THE HISTORICAL PROBLEMS

A. Heresies of the Ante-Nicene Period
- 1. Legalistic heresies
--- a. Judaism
--- b. Ebonism
- 2. Philosophical heresies
--- a. Gnostism
--- b. Manicheanism
--- c. Neoplatonism
- 3. Theological Errors
--- a. Montanism
--- b. Monarchism
- 4. Ecclesiastical Schisms
--- a. "Easter" controversy
--- b. Donatism
B. Heresy Factors to Keep in Mind
- 1. Scripture must be copied by hand & circulated
- 2. shelf-life of Scripture limited because of frailty of materials used, viz., hides, papyrus, parchments, etc.
- 3. Scripture destroyed by Roman empire (under Domitian especially), as well as letters of antiquity of early church fathers
- 4. schisms, factions, & heresies grew where leadership was weak

II. CHALLENGED BY HISTORY'S DARK LESSONS

A. Heresy is a Work of Flesh, Not Spirit
- 1. distinct yet accompanies other fleshly work, Gal 5:19-21
- 2. divides where unity is desired, 1 Cor 11:17-20
B. Heresy Will Occur
- 1. 1 Cor 11:19a
- 2. expect heresies to arise, Acts 17:11
- 3. eradication of heresies only at the Lord's return
C. Heresy Will Ultimately Glorify God
- 1. 1 Cor 11:19b
- 2. proof of man's depravity
- 3. provides manifestation of approved ministers; they...
--- a. exalt the Christ of Scripture, John 3:30; 5:39
--- b. embrace the authority of Scripture, Eph 2:20; 2 Tim 3:16
--- c. establish themselves in the Scriptures, 2 Tim 2:15
--- d. encourage the church from the Scriptures, John 17:17; 2 Tim 3:17
--- e. entrust faithful men with the Scriptures, 2 Tim 2:2