Acts of Apostles in the Early Church 

Church in Antioch

The church began in Antioch when believers from Jerusalem were scattered because of the persecution arising from the preaching of Stephen.

These more Hellenized Christians brought the message of Jesus to Greeks, so that it was in Antioch that the new name "Christian" came into use. This new group of people included both Jews and Gentiles.

Church in Rome

Visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, are reported to have been present at Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus, and some may have carried the faith to Rome. 

Church in Ephesus

The beginning of the church in Ephesus is associated with the work of Paul and his companions. There were already disciples of John the Baptist in the city.

One of these, Apollos, was an eloquent speaker and became a powerful advocate of the new faith in Ephesus. 

Church in Syria

The New Testament is largely silent on the the eastern spread of the church. There were disciples in Damascus at the time of Paul's conversion, and he himself went to the province of Arabia for a time afterward. 

From second-century sources, it's evident quite early there was an expansion of Christianity east of Antioch as well as west as described by Luke. 

Church Life in Apostolic Age

These different regions and individuals point to a variety of expressions in the early Christian church. But you should not conclude that almost anything could be included under the Christian umbrella.

There was indeed a common faith in Jesus and a common core of apostolic teachings that set limits to the diversity of daily faith.

People frequently traveled and kept in touch by letters and messengers, preventing most communities from living in isolation from other believers.

Also, certain common practices of faith united followers of Christ in these different cities and regions. Among them were baptism, the Lord's supper, and Sunday assemblies.

Joining the Christian community of the early church required faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and baptism in his name. Accepting Jesus as the Messiah was the obvious doctrinal dividing line between Christians and Jews. 

Source: Church History (Volume One) From Christ to Pre-Reformation, by Everett Ferguson

Acts: 2: 42-47

A learning church: it persisted in listening to the apostles as they taught. One of the great perils of the church is to look back instead of forward. Because the riches of Christ are inexhaustible we should ever be going forward. We should count it a wasted day when we do not learn something new and when we have not penetrated more deeply into the wisdom and grace of Go.

A church of fellowship: it had what someone has called the great quality of togetherness. Lord Nelson explained one of his victories by saying, "I had the happiness to command a band of brothers." The church is a real church only when it a band of brothers and sisters.

A praying church: these early Christians knew they could not meet life in their own strength and they did not need to. They always went to God before they went out to the world; they were able to meet the problems of life because they had first met Him.

A reverent church: in verse 43 the word which the Authorized Version correctly translates "fear" has the idea of awe in it. It was said of a great Greek that he moved through this world as if it were a temple. The Christian lives in reverence because he knows the whole earth is the temple of the living God.

A sharing church: these early Christians had an intense feeling of responsibility for each other (verses 44, 45). A real Christian cannot bear to have too much when others have too little.

A happy church: gladness was there (verse 46). A gloomy Christian is a contradiction in terms.

A church where things happened: signs and wonders were there.  If we expect great things from God and attempt great things for God, then things happen. 

A church whose people are liked: There are two Greek words for good. Agathos describes a thing as good. Kalos means a thing is not only good but looks good; it has a winsome attractiveness about it.

Source: The Acts of the Apostles by William Barclay

Christians of the Early Church

Athanasius: c. AD 296-373

Augustine: AD 354-430

Barnabas: AD 70-130+

Clement of Alexandria: AD 150-215

Clement of Rome: AD 80s-90s

Cyprian: AD 200-258

Eusebius: AD 264-340

Hippolytus: AD 165/170-236

Ignatius: AD 50-170

Irenaeus: AD 130/150-202

Jerome: AD 340-420

Justin: AD 100-163

Marcion: AD 100-165

Origen: AD 185-254

Papias: AD 70-160

Polycarp: AD 69-155

Tatian: AD 110-180

Tertullian: AD 160-220 

Source: The Making of the New Testament by Arthur Patzia