9 - The Middle Ages

Introduction

It is not our aim to give a comprehensive account of church history during the ‘Middle Ages’. There is neither the time nor capacity to do so on this timeline. For the purpose of this study, we will treat the ‘Middle Ages’ as spanning from AD 350 to 1500.

Apart from some prophetic passages, Scripture remains relatively silent on this extended period of time from the latter stages of the Early Church through to the Reformation period, and indeed on into the present time of the Modern Day Church.

From the time of the early church until now, God has extended his offer of free salvation by faith in Christ his Son, through grace alone, and hence, this period of human history has become known as ‘ The Age of Grace’.

The gospel has been spread across the world to all nations in fulfilment of God’s original promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This great commission was first given by Christ to the Apostles and has been advanced through the church under the supervision of God the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28 v 18-20.

How often have you heard the saying, “History repeats itself.”? Well it often does. More precisely, what does have a habit of repetition is this; one generation fails to pass on to the next generation valuable lessons and truths to maintain standards that have been established and valued.

This is precisely what happened in the years following the deaths of the first Apostles. The church grew and spread northwards across Judea, Asia and into Europe. It also spread eastwards and southwards into Arabia and Africa.

Cosmopolitan influence played its part in the success and growth of the church, but it would also prove to be a source of danger with external influence eventually defiling the pure and simple nature of the church which once met at Jerusalem and in particular - Antioch.

This is the unfolding tragedy of the ‘Middle Ages’.

For an in depth survey of Church History from the first to twentieth century I would point the reader to ‘Miller’s Church History’ by Andrew Miller, published by Pickering and Inglis. His volume is comprehensive in scope and an easy – albeit protracted read.

Regarding the Middle Ages...

This timeline covers circa 6000 + years of human history and delves into a wide spectrum of subjects, some of which have proved to be controversial over many years. You might not agree with every detail.

It is my hope that you will be challenged to consider this subject and how it impacts your life both now and in the future. I hope that you will learn something new about 'The Middle Ages' and perhaps be inspired to read the bible for yourself in order to shape your views on this interesting subject.

On this page we will discuss the following topics; A perspective on earth's ages in history. The seven churches of Revelation and the dispensations in the Age of Grace. Further Roman persecution. Teachings and Traditions of the Catholic Church. Clericalism and Ecclesiasticism in the church.