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The early church — KCSE Christian Religious Education

KCSE Christian Religious Education · 71 practice questions · 8 syllabus objectives · 8 revision lessons

24 easy24 medium23 hard

Last updated · Aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Explain causes of disunity in the church today, how the church disciplines troublemakers, how CRE promotes national unity and how Christians prepare for the second coming

Describe the growth of the early church from Pentecost (Acts 2) through the work of the apostles in Jerusalem

Identify the challenges faced by the early church (persecution, false teaching, racial prejudice, poverty) and how they were overcome

Describe the characteristics of the early church (teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer) and apply them to the modern church

Describe the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, gifts and fruits of the Spirit, abuses of the gifts today and how to discern them

Explain the unity of believers — images of People of God, Body of Christ and Bride — and how unity was demonstrated in the early Church

Outline Paul’s teaching on the proper use of spiritual gifts, qualities of love (1 Cor 13) and problems faced by the church at Corinth

The early church

Revision Notes

Concise lesson notes for The early church, written to the KCSE Christian Religious Education marking standard. Read the first lesson free below.

Understanding Disunity and Unity in the Church

Disunity in the church today can be attributed to several factors:

  • Doctrinal Differences: Variations in beliefs and interpretations of scripture lead to divisions.
  • Cultural Conflicts: Different cultural practices and values can create misunderstandings among congregants.
  • Personal Conflicts: Individual disagreements and lack of forgiveness can cause rifts.

The church disciplines troublemakers to maintain order and unity. This is done through:

  • Reprimands: Private counsel for minor issues.
  • Public Rebuke: For persistent offenders, to deter bad behavior.
  • Excommunication: Removal from the church community for severe offenses.

Christian Religious Education (CRE) promotes national unity by:

  • Teaching Values: Instilling moral values that encourage coexistence and respect among different communities.
  • Community Engagement: Encouraging Christians to participate in community service and outreach programs.
  • Promoting Forgiveness: Teaching the importance of reconciliation and understanding.

Christians prepare for the second coming of Christ through:

  • Spiritual Vigilance: Staying spiritually alert and living a life that reflects Christian values.
  • Prayer and Worship: Engaging in regular prayer and worship to strengthen their faith.
  • Evangelism: Spreading the gospel to prepare others for Christ’s return.

Key points to remember

  • Disunity arises from doctrinal differences and personal conflicts.
  • The church disciplines through reprimands and excommunication.
  • CRE fosters national unity through value teaching and community service.
  • Christians prepare for the second coming by being spiritually vigilant.
  • Prayer and evangelism are key practices for readiness.

Worked example

Explain two causes of disunity in the church today.

  • Doctrinal Differences: Different interpretations of the Bible create misunderstandings.
  • Cultural Conflicts: Diverse cultural backgrounds lead to clashes in worship styles.

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Lesson 2: Growth of the Early Church After Pentecost

Objective: Describe the growth of the early church from Pentecost (Acts 2) through the work of the apostles in Jerusalem

The early church experienced significant growth beginning at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2. Pentecost marked the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, empowering them to preach boldly. This event led to the conversion of about 3,000 people in one day, illustrating the immediate impact of the apostles' ministry.

Following Pentecost, the apostles continued their work in Jerusalem, performing miracles and teaching about Jesus. They preached in the temple courts, attracting more followers. The early believers shared their possessions, fostering a sense of community and support among them. This unity was vital for their growth.

The apostles faced persecution from religious leaders, yet they remained steadfast in their mission. The growth of the church was also aided by the conversion of key figures like Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul the Apostle. His missionary journeys further expanded the church beyond Jerusalem.

In summary, the early church grew through the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles' preaching, communal living, and the conversion of influential leaders. This period set the foundation for Christianity's spread throughout the Roman Empire.

  • Pentecost marked the Holy Spirit's descent on the apostles.
  • 3,000 converts were added to the church on the first day.
  • Apostles preached boldly in Jerusalem despite persecution.
  • Community living strengthened the early church's bonds.
  • Paul's conversion and missions expanded the church's reach.

Explain the significance of Pentecost for the early church's growth. Pentecost empowered the apostles with the Holy Spirit, leading to 3,000 conversions and bold preaching.

Lesson 3: Challenges Faced by the Early Church

Objective: Identify the challenges faced by the early church (persecution, false teaching, racial prejudice, poverty) and how they were overcome

The early church encountered several significant challenges that threatened its growth and unity. Key challenges included:

  1. Persecution: Early Christians faced severe persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. This persecution often led to imprisonment, torture, and even martyrdom.
  2. False Teaching: The spread of heretical beliefs posed a threat to the core teachings of Christianity. Leaders like Paul and John addressed these issues in their letters, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine.
  3. Racial Prejudice: The early church was diverse, yet racial tensions existed, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers. The apostles worked to promote unity through teachings that emphasized equality in Christ.
  4. Poverty: Many early Christians were impoverished, which created challenges in community support. The church responded by establishing communal sharing of resources and caring for the needy.
    Through prayer, strong leadership, and adherence to the teachings of Jesus, the early church overcame these challenges and laid a foundation for future generations.
  • Persecution led to martyrdom and strengthened faith among believers.
  • False teachings were countered by apostolic letters emphasizing sound doctrine.
  • Racial prejudice was addressed through teachings of unity in Christ.
  • Poverty was managed by communal sharing and support among members.

Identify two challenges faced by the early church and how they were overcome.

  • The early church faced persecution, which was overcome through strong faith and martyrdom.
  • Racial prejudice was another challenge, addressed by promoting unity among believers.
Lesson 4: Characteristics of the Early Church

Objective: Describe the characteristics of the early church (teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer) and apply them to the modern church

The early church, as described in the Book of Acts, had several defining characteristics:

  • Teaching: The apostles devoted themselves to teaching the word of God. This included sharing the teachings of Jesus and interpreting the Scriptures.
  • Fellowship: Members of the early church engaged in close-knit relationships, supporting each other spiritually and materially. This sense of community was vital for their growth.
  • Breaking of Bread: This practice symbolized unity and remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. It involved sharing meals together, including the Eucharist, which reinforced their faith.
  • Prayer: The early church was characterized by constant prayer, both individually and collectively. This strengthened their relationship with God and each other.

In applying these characteristics to the modern church, we can observe:

  • Modern churches should emphasize teaching the Bible and sound doctrine.
  • Fellowship remains essential, encouraging community support and connection among members.
  • The breaking of bread can be celebrated through communion services, fostering unity.
  • Prayer should be prioritized, with opportunities for congregational and personal prayer.

By embodying these characteristics, the modern church can thrive and grow in faith and community.

  • The early church focused on teaching the apostles' doctrine.
  • Fellowship was crucial for community support and unity.
  • Breaking of bread symbolized remembrance and unity in Christ.
  • Prayer was a constant practice for spiritual strength.
  • Modern churches should emulate these early church characteristics.

Describe one characteristic of the early church and its relevance today.

  • The early church emphasized prayer, which fostered spiritual growth and unity. Today, churches should prioritize prayer meetings to cultivate community and strengthen faith.

Sample Questions

Read 3 questions and answers free. Sign up to access all 71 questions with full KNEC-style marking schemes and a personalised study plan.

1
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

State three ways in which the practice of prayer in the early church can be observed in modern churches. (3 marks)

Answer & marking scheme

Part (a) — 3 marks
Modern churches hold regular prayer meetings (1 mk)
Churches encourage personal and corporate prayer among members (1 mk)
Prayer is included in worship services as a communal activity (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

State four challenges faced by the early church related to false teachings. (4 marks)

Answer & marking scheme

Part (b) — 4 marks
Confusion among believers regarding true doctrine (1 mk)
Division within the church due to differing beliefs (1 mk)
Loss of members who were swayed by false doctrines (1 mk)
Difficulty in maintaining unity and fellowship among believers (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

State two ways in which the early church dealt with persecution. (2 marks)

Answer & marking scheme

Part (a) — 2 marks
They prayed for strength and guidance in facing persecution (1 mk)
They encouraged one another to remain steadfast in faith (1 mk)
4

State three ways in which the apostles' teaching influenced the growth of the early church in Jerusalem. (3 marks)

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Frequently asked questions

What does the KCSE Christian Religious Education topic "The early church" cover?

The early church covers Explain causes of disunity in the church today, how the church disciplines troublemakers, how CRE promotes national unity and how Christians prepare for the second coming; Describe the growth of the early church from Pentecost (Acts 2) through the work of the apostles in Jerusalem; Identify the challenges faced by the early church (persecution, false teaching, racial prejudice, poverty) and how they were overcome, and more, all aligned to the official KNEC KCSE Christian Religious Education syllabus.

How many practice questions are available for The early church?

HighMarks has 71 The early church practice questions for KCSE Christian Religious Education, each with a full marking scheme. The first 3 are free; sign up to access the rest, plus all KCSE mock exams and past papers.

Are these aligned with the KNEC KCSE syllabus?

Yes. Every objective on this page is taken directly from the official KNEC KCSE Christian Religious Education syllabus. Practice questions match the KCSE exam format and are graded against the standard KNEC marking scheme.

How should I revise The early church for the KCSE exam?

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