Christianity The Historical and Cultural Context of Jesus. Jesus’ life and death. The early Christian communities. © Karen Devine 2008

The Historical and Cultural Context of Jesus Christianity grew out of Judaism in the first century CE. Initially it was a sect of “Jewish Christians” and over time this became Christianity as it is known today. Jesus lived in Palestine between 6 BCE and 30 CE (approx).

The Historical and Cultural Context of Jesus During this time Palestine displayed the following: It was occupied by the Romans. Rome allowed the practicing of Judaism and Palestine had a Jewish context. The Jews claimed they were in “The Promised Land” due to their Covenant with God. Jews suffered deprivation and hardship under Roman rule. One of the burdens on the Jews were the harsh Roman taxes.

The Historical and Cultural Context of Jesus Palestine had suffered oppression by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Russians and the Greeks. There was no central Jewish authority, yet there were many different Jewish sects. There was a range of religious politics from conservatism to militant Messianism.

The Historical and Cultural Context of Jesus The Temple was the central place of worship for the Jews. Palestine was very multicultural. Jews lived side by side with Greeks, Aramaeans, Canaanites, Phoenicians and Samaritans. The predominant occupation was farming.

The Historical and Cultural Context of Jesus Many occupations were craft based such as tent makers, potters, goldsmiths, carpenters and sandal makers. Women worked at home grinding corn and making clothes. The early first century saw the emergence of a sect called the Christians.

Jesus’ main life events Jesus’ life is reported in the Gospels, yet the writers of these were not historians. Hence, they are not to be taken literally as historical narrative. Other historians, Josephus, Pliny, and Eusebius make references to Jesus in their works. Jesus’ birth occurred circa 6 BCE, as determined by the Gospels.

Jesus and Bethlehem His birth is reported as being in Bethlehem. Yet, many scholars believe that Jesus was probably born and lived in Nazareth.

Jesus: birth to adolescence Herod the Great was the Roman ruler at the time and Caesar Augustus was the Emperor. Jesus’ mother was Mary and his legal father was Joseph. Jesus was circumcised 8 days after his birth. The family then returned to Nazareth.

Jesus: birth to adolescence He grew up in a largely agricultural community and spoke Aramaic. Every year the family returned to Jerusalem for Passover. At age 12 Jesus has his Bar Mitzvah

Jesus the adult Jesus was an artisan. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus had a ministry which involved him wandering around the countryside. The Gospel writers report that he performed miracles. His ministry lasted for 3 years. He eventually ends up in Jerusalem.

The last tragic hours He is arrested (possibly for being a religious and social agitator). He is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Emperor’s Procurator in Jerusalem and he imposes a death sentence. Jesus is executed via crucifixion at age 33 (approximately).

Why is Jesus a model for Christian life? Jesus’ ways were Jewish. He addressed Jews and his ideas, language and imagery were Jewish. Jesus used parables as a form of story telling. He used them to challenge authorities.

Why is Jesus a model for Christian life? Jesus focused on the notion that all are welcome in the Kingdom of God. His “words” and deeds were reported in the Gospels and the letters of Paul. These writings act as a framework for how future Christians should behave and believe. Jesus’ birth, life and death have formed the basis of the Christian calendar. The Gospels are testimonies to the early Christian’s faith. They were written in Greek between 70 CE and 100 CE, long after Jesus had died.

Why is Jesus a model for Christian life? Jesus is the “Christos”, the anointed one, the one chosen to be the Messiah and hence the saviour of the world. His acts and deeds illustrate how all peoples should live and relate to others. Jesus demonstrates the forgiveness of God and the possible relationship with God after death.

The early Christian communities After Jesus’ death the Apostles and other converts recounted his life to others and the message of Jesus spread. The 12 Apostles were led by Simon (Peter). The 12 were the first to carry on the traditional words and deeds of Jesus.

Peter and Paul Peter eventually travelled to Antioch, Ephesus and Rome. James was the Christian leader in Jerusalem until his execution in 62 CE. Saul of Tarsus converted to Christianity after having a vision of Jesus. He changed his name to Paul and became a missionary and converted Jews and gentiles through his journeys into Turkey and Greece. Paul’s founding of the Christian communities and letter writing probably established Christianity. It is the letters of Paul and the Acts of the Apostles which allows us to see the development of Christianity after Jesus’ death.

Question Time Research the development of Christianity from Jesus death until the 4th century.