The Spread of Christianity Entry # 7

The Spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire

The Apostles on the Move Peter spreads the news in Judea and Rome Peter is killed for his beliefs Martyrs-those willing to die for their beliefs

Paul of Tarsus Was a persecutor of Christianity Converted to Christianity while on the road hunting for Christians Wrote letters to Christian communities across the Empire Ex: Ephesians, Corinthians

The Roman Response: One of fear Mass spread of Christian ideas led to mass conversions Christians no longer worshipping Roman Gods Leads to massive persecutions, the seeking out and punishment of Christians…many Christians become martyrs Roman Emperor Nero torches Rome…Christians Great fire breaks out in Rome…Nero blames Christians Mass persecutions for a couple of centuries

Constantine Constantine the Great The Battle of Milvian Bridge Battled with other generals for power The Battle of Milvian Bridge Before battle, Constantine believed he saw something in the sky Greek words chi and rho (Christos) Constantine heard, “By this sign you will conqueror” Constantine has shields painted with crosses Wins battle…believes the Christian God is powerful

The big decisions that changes history Issues the Edict of Milan in 313 CE Ends all persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire Council of Nicea 325 CE Gathering of Bishops called by Constantine to help organize and systemize Christian beliefs

The end of Constantine’ reign Dies a Christian on his death bed Constantine’s legacy Endorsed Christianity as a major religion in the Roman Empire…ended persecutions Moved capital city from Rome to Byzantium…begins of the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople) Rome becomes even more vulnerable to barbarian invasions

Christianity becomes official 392 CE, Theodosius I makes Christianity the official religion of the Empire Makes worshipping Roman Gods illegal (mass persecutions) Christianity becomes organized The New Testament (Paul’s letters and Gospels) Church hierarchy created Bishop of Rome becomes head of all Christendom (Pope)

Question Describe the impact Constantine made when he issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE