Rise of Christianity in Rome

The Teachings of Jesus Jesus born in Bethlehem in Judea He was both a Jew and Roman citizen He was baptized by John the Baptist

Jesus’ Message By age 30, he began preaching publicly and for 3 years he: Preached Taught Did good works Performed miracles Contained many ideas of Judaism such as: Monotheism and the 10 Commandments He emphasized God’s personal relationship with each human being.

Jesus’ Message Stressed importance of love for God, neighbors, enemies and even their own selves. He gathered 12 disciples or pupils Main source of information about Jesus comes from the Gospels – the first 4 books of the New Testament of the Bible Gospels written by one or more of the apostles (disciples).

Jesus’ Death The people called him the Messiah which means king savior. This worried the Roman and Jewish leaders, Pontius Pilate a Roman governor arrested Jesus. Sentenced to be crucified or nailed to a cross.

Resurrection According to Gospels he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven One of the first apostles, Peter, spread the teachings of Jesus throughout Palestine and Syria

Apostles spread Christianity Jesus had disciples, or followers Apostles spread his teachings around the Mediterranean. Pax Romana helped spread Christianity Most important apostle was Paul, whose letters are the oldest (e.g. Corinthians)

New Testament The apostles’ letters and writings became the New Testament of the Bible Old Testament (Torah) New Testament Christian Bible

Jewish Rebellion The Jews eventually rebelled against control of Romans About half million Jews died trying to break free from Roman control. This caused a Diaspora – when mass Jews were driven from their homeland in Jerusalem into exile.

John The Baptist John The Baptist was beheaded by Herod. (Matthew 14:1-12) (see Herod The Great and The Herods) Stephen The account of Stephen is very well documented in the Bible (Acts chapters 6 and 7). He is generally regarded as the first Christian martyr. It has been estimated that about 2,000 Christians, along with Nicanor, one of the seven deacons (Acts 6:5), also suffered martyrdom during the great persecution that arose after Stephen (Acts 8:1). James, the brother of John James was "put to death with the sword" by King Herod (Acts 12:2) Philip Reportedly suffered martyrdom at Heliopolis, in Phrygia. He was severely flogged, imprisoned, and later crucified. Matthew The former tax collector, he was killed with a halberd (a pike fitted with an ax head) in Nadabah. James Stoned and clubbed to death in Jerusalem. Matthias He was stoned, then beheaded at Jerusalem. Andrew, the brother of Peter He was crucified on an X-shaped cross, two ends of which were in the ground. Hence the origin of the term, "St. Andrew's Cross". Mark Mark was reportedly torn to pieces by a mob in Alexandria after he told them that their god, a statue carved from stone, was worthless (see Images and Idols). Peter Peter was reportedly crucified, upside down, during the reign of Emperor Nero. Paul Beheaded, or torn to pieces by wild animals in the arena, during the time of Nero. See On The Road To Damascus, Paul In Athens, Paul In Rome, Paul's First Missionary Journey, Paul's Journey To Rome, Paul's Second Missionary Journey and Paul's Third Missionary Journey. Jude The brother of James, often called Thaddeus. He was crucified at Edessa. Bartholomew Tortured and crucified in India. Thomas Thomas was reportedly killed with a spear in India. Luke Luke was the author of the Gospel which is called by his name, and also probably the Book Of Acts. One account states that he died of old age, while another says that he was hanged in an olive tree in Greece. Simon the Zealot He traveled widely, and is believed to have been crucified in what is today Britain. John John took care of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ (not the mother of God), after the Crucifixion (John 19:26-27). He went on to write the Book of Revelation while a prisoner on Patmos. He may be the only apostle who escaped a violent death.

Persecution of the Christians Christians would not worship Roman Gods = viewed as opposition to Roman rule Some Romans blamed bad economic conditions on Christians When a disastrous fire occurred in Rome, Emperor Nero blamed the Christians and ordered them to be persecuted. Thousands were exiled, imprisoned, crucified, burned or killed by animals in circus arenas

A World Religion Christianity has become the world’s most prevalent religion: 1. Embraced all people 2. Offers hope to the powerless 3. Appealed to people who were uncomfortable with the extravagances of imperial Rome 4. Offered a personal relationship with a loving God 5. New beliefs Son of God Eternal life--promised life after death.

Jesus the Jew Link

Jewish Diaspora- scatter, disperse In 66 AD, the Jews in Israel rebelled against Rome To end the rebellion, Romans stormed Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and exiled the Jews who scattered around the Roman Empire

Persecution The Romans were suspicious of the Christians because they didn’t worship Roman gods Thousands were crucified, burned, or forced to fight in the Coliseum

Martyrs Early Christians who died for their beliefs are called martyrs. Other Christians saw them as an example of strong faith.

Christianity grows- Map page 171 Reasons for the popularity of Christianity Embraced everyone Gave hope Promised an afterlife Personal relationship with God

Emperor Constantine In 312 AD….. Finish the sentence In 313, he issued the Edict of Milan which said Christians could worship in the Roman Empire Constantine video: #2 2:30

The Holy Trinity Father (God) Holy Ghost Son (Jesus) (after Resurrection)

Christianity grows- Map page 171 Reasons for the popularity of Christianity Embraced everyone Gave hope Promised an afterlife Personal relationship with God

The Church- Christians gave their religion a structure First pope comes from the Apostle Peter (“The Rock”) Bishops Priests “The people”

St. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles

The Spread of Christianity