Jewish-Christian & Aramaic Traditions (1st–2nd Century AD)

The earliest followers of Yeshua (Jesus) were Jewish believers, often referred to as the Nazarenes or the Ebionites. They continued to worship in synagogues and followed Torah while believing in Yeshua as the Messiah.

The Aramaic-speaking churches, such as those in Judea, Galilee, Edessa (modern-day Turkey), and Mesopotamia, developed independently from Rome. Their Scriptures were in Aramaic (the Peshitta) rather than Greek or Latin.

They maintained strong ties to Jewish customs long after Gentile Christianity grew.

Greek-Speaking Churches (1st–3rd Century AD)

The early Greek churches (e.g., in Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi) spread through Paul's missionary work but were not under Roman authority.

Greek theology and traditions shaped early Christianity, producing writings from Polycarp, Ignatius, Clement of Alexandria, and Irenaeus.

The Greek churches often resisted Roman influences, especially regarding doctrine and church hierarchy.

The Church in Rome Was Just One Among Many (Pre-4th Century AD)

Before Constantine (early 4th century), the church in Rome was just one of many Christian communities. It was not supreme over the others.

Churches in Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople had equal (or greater) influence.

There was no "pope" as understood today—leadership was more decentralized, with bishops and elders leading local congregations.

Roman Catholicism Did Not Form Until the 4th–5th Century

Emperor Constantine (4th century AD) fused elements of Christianity with Roman power, favoring the Roman bishop.

The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) marked a turning point, giving Rome more influence.

The formal structure of the Roman Catholic Church developed after 400 AD, long after the Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek churches had already established their traditions.