Christianity & Roman Empire The Spread of Christianity

Roman Empire at the Time of Jesus http://www.nvcc.edu/home/dporter/images/101/roman_empire_map_117AD.jpg

Byzantine image of Jesus Christ Christianity Briefly Christianity is the world's biggest religion, with about 2.2 billion followers worldwide. Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago. Holy Land - The lands that make up ancient Palestine. Modern day Israeli and Palestinian lands (Israel, the Gaza Strip, & the West Bank). Byzantine image of Jesus Christ http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/jesus.htm

Origins: The Rise of Christianity Jesus: Born to a Jewish family in present day Israel & the Palestinian territories Becomes an itinerant teacher as an adult Teaches ethical concepts – humility, charity, love towards others Shapes value system for Western Civilization Gathers a following of disciples Eventually claims to be the Messiah (the promised savior of the Jewish people) and claims to be the “Son of God” Was very popular with the poor, common people, & slaves http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6dKQTchkJaA/R6q-OhBaP7I/AAAAAAAAC_I/Xz_4I9_g4Sc/s1600-h/Jesus+Preaching.jpg

Jesus’ preaching brings controversy It threatened the power of the Jewish establishment He was seen by some as a revolutionary who might lead a rebellion against Rome Jewish authorities persuaded Roman leaders to arrest Jesus Jesus was tried for blasphemy & treason He was convicted and put to death by crucifixion http://www.jesuspaintings.com/crucifixion_of_jesus.htm

Central Ideas of Christianity Christianity is a monotheistic religion that believes: God created the world. Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins Resurrection: Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his Crucifixion. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnNaRvPBy2w/TbXB2OluAXI/AAAAAAAACzI/1nSWFRVB1Ms/s1600/resurrection+painting+by+Ron+DiCianni.jpg

The Spread of Christianity Spread by followers of Jesus known as apostles Peter Leader of the apostles Paul Took the message of Jesus to Gentiles (non-Jews) Why do you think Paul decided to take the message to Gentiles? What effect did this have? This greatly increased the spread of Christianity Spread was eased by the favorable conditions of the “Pax Romana” in the empire. Why would this make the spread of Christianity easier? New roads & bridges made travel easier Roads connected numerous Roman cities Common language http://www.jesusneverexisted.com/lost-world1.html

The Spread of Christianity Roman Persecution At first, the Romans just saw Christianity as just another sect of Judaism They were tolerant of other religions as long as it did not threaten the public order Eventually Romans see Christians as a threat to the empire Christians refused to worship Roman Gods & emperors This is an act of treason punishable by death Official persecution begins under Nero 54-68 CE Christians were subjected to arrest, torture, & execution http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jAr-z0nLqt8/SYcvaS7sjUI/AAAAAAAABug/M6gNFhDKCnE/s1600-h/Colosseum.jpg

The Spread of Christianity http://www.reformation.org/en-emperor-constantine2.jpg The Spread of Christianity Despite persecution Christianity continues to grow throughout the Roman Empire The religion appeals to the poor & powerless Constantine-Emperor from 306-337 CE First Christian Emperor Edict of Milan, 313 CE Official tolerance of Christianity in the empire Christianity soon becomes the official religion of the Roman Empire Turn & talk: If the Romans persecuted Christians into the 4th century why do you think Constantine ended the persecution?

Spread of Christianity 325-600 CE http://www.philvaz.com/apologetics/JesusEvidenceHistorical.htm