Christianity in ancient Rome The Spread of Christianity

The promise of a messiah Jewish Background The promise of a messiah

The Kingdom of the Jews *Judea, the kingdom of the Jewish people was taken over by the Romans *Judea was made a province (state) of the Roman Empire in A.D. 6 *Many Jews believed God would send a Messiah who would come to restore their freedom

Just Historical or the Messiah? Who was Jesus?

Who Was Jesus? *Jesus was born in Nazareth around 6 - 4 B.C. *Started his teachings at the age 30 Nazareth *Did good works, performed miracles around the region *Taught beliefs connected to Jewish traditions: -Monotheism (one god) -10 Commandments

Jesus & His Teachings *Christianity started as a sect (or group) of Judaism *since there was a connection to Jewish traditions *However, some of Jesus’ teachings did not fit with the Jewish beliefs… -A personal relationship with God -Love for all people, not just people of Jewish faith -Eternal kingdom & life after death *Jesus told people he was the son of God, many people believed he was the Messiah that God has promised

Jesus & His Teachings *The Jewish leaders did not like Jesus’ teachings and they did not believe he was the son of God *Jewish leaders told Roman officials that Jesus was trying to create instability among the Roman Empire – they arrested him for this *The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, arrested Jesus and sentenced him to be crucified – considered to be the most disgraceful punishment for slaves and the worst criminals

Dedicated to Christ’s Message The Next Chapter

Spreading the Word *3 days after the crucifixion the Bible says that Jesus rose from the dead *Jesus’ 12 Apostles (pupils) believed even more that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God *The 12 Apostles & Jesus’ followers dedicated their lives to spreading His Word

Troubles Ahead *Christians refused to acknowledge & worship the Roman gods, this was seen as opposition to the Roman Empire *Persecution of Christians meant they were put in jail, fed to wild animals, burned *Christians became scapegoats for political & economic problems

The Spread Continues *By A.D. 200, over 1 million Christians in the Roman Empire *An attractive message: -Embraced all people (poor, rich, disabled) -Gave hope -Personal relationship with higher being -Eternal afterlife

The Spread Continues *A.D. 313 – Constantine the Great issued Edict of Milan – ended persecution of Christians, declared Christianity approved by the emperor *A.D. 380 – Emperor Theodosius the Great made it the official religion of the Roman Empire

Blues & purples = different sects of Christianity Christianity Today Blues & purples = different sects of Christianity *about 2 billion Christians today (1 in 3 people) *most live in Europe, the Americas, & Southern Africa