The Israelites Chapter 6- Lesson 4

The Arrival of Greek Rule Alexander dies- empire divided among 4 generals Seleucids (KingAntioch) in SW Asia- required Jews to worship “Greek Way- polytheism- Jews refused to give up monotheism Maccabeus fought against the Seleucids – drove them out of Judah- removed all Greek statues (Army- the Maccabees) (Hanukkah- Festival of Lights- menorahs)) Judah remains center of Judea 331 B.C.- Alexander the Great defeats Persia Many move to Babylon, Egypt, Mediterranean areas- become known as the “Diaspora” (Greek for scattered) Hebrew Bible translated into Greek- called Septuagint- brought Hebrew Bible to non-Jews

Roman Rule in Judaea 63 B.C.- Rome conquers Judea- Renames it Judaea Sadducees- wealthy, noble families; priest and scribes; focused on applying Torah laws to temple ceremonies; opposed Pharisees & their teachings/ ways Essenes- Priest who had broken away from the Temple; lived in the desert; prayed for God to remove the Romans; followed only written law of the Torah; may have written the “Dead Sea Scrolls” Zealots- lived in Judaea; thought Jews should fight the Romans for their freedom 63 B.C.- Rome conquers Judea- Renames it Judaea King Herod chosen by Romans- built forts, cities and the Second Temple Second Temple- in Jerusalem was center of Jewish worship Herod dies- Jews disagree about how to practice their faith and how to interact w/ Romans Pharisees- taught in synagogues; had support of common people; applied Torah’s teachings to daily life; focused on written & oral law

Roman Rule in Judaea A.D. 66- Zealots revolt Drive Romans from Jerusalem 4 years Later- Romans return; kill many Jews; force them out; destroy the Second Temple (Wailing Wall) A.D. 132- Jews revolt again- Romans win- again; Jews kicked out- can’t even visit Jerusalem! Romans rename Jerusalem- Palestine Rabbis- Religious Jewish leaders; no temples or priests Zaccai- famous rabbi- persuaded Romans to spare city of Yavneh; set up a school to teach the Torah Talmud- teaching about Jewish laws in writing- Enabled Jewish ways to be recorded and carried on

The Rise of Christianity Chapter 13- Lesson 1

Judaism and Rome A.D. 700- Jews had settled as far west as Spain, and as far east as China Although scattered, Jewish faith was kept alive by studying and following tradition and laws of faith. A.D. 66- Zealots revolt Drive Romans from Jerusalem 4 years Later- Romans return; kill many Jews; force them out; destroy the Second Temple (Wailing Wall) Masada- an ancient Jewish fortress Mass suicide A.D. 132- Jews revolt again- Romans win- again; Jews kicked out- can’t even visit Jerusalem! Romans rename Jerusalem- Palestine

Jesus of Nazareth He spoke in “parables”- Stories told to help people understand using events and objects that were familiar. Parables helped “interpret” a deeper meaning or lesson. Examples: The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, etc. A few decades before the revolt, a Jesus grew up just north of Judaea (Nazareth & Galilee) Around A.D. 30, He began traveling and preaching to people re: his beliefs. A group of 12 Disciples traveled with him

How Did Christianity Begin? A.D. 33, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem w/ the 12 disciples to celebrate Passover Betrayed by one of the disciples, he was arrested, charged with treason, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. (Crucifixion was a common form of punishment) Resurrection??? Lead to the beginning of Christianity. Christo- from Greek meaning “anointed one”- Followers began calling themselves Christians Stories spread about Jesus’ messages and of times he had healed the sick Sermon on the Mount – Lord’s Prayer Many believed he was the “Chosen One”- His preachings gained in popularity Most Jews did not follow Jesus- feared him as a threat to law and order

Who were the Apostles? 2 important apostles- Peter- Jewish fisherman fr. Galilee One of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus Set up a Christian church in Rome after Jesus’ death (now the Vatican) Paul: Roman soldier, sent to stop the Christians; converted to Christianity after “hearing a voice & seeing a light” Traveled through eastern Med. Are, founded many Christian churches, wrote many letters. Basic Christian beliefs: Christian leaders who spread the message of Jesus (Apostles) First spoke in Judaea and Galilee Traveled to parts of the Mediterranean area The 1st Christians formed churches and local groups of worship. Prayed, studied the Hebrew Bible and early Christian writings Started tradition of “Last Supper” meal to remember Jesus’ deathand ressurrection

Christian Beliefs 2 Jesus is the son of God Monotheism Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)

Lesson 2- The Early Church Why Did Romans Mistreat Christians? Many of them Christians criticized popular Roman festivals that honored Roman Gods Monotheist They refused to serve in the military Burial services held outside of Rome Blamed for causing natural disasters Factors to explain the spread of Christianity: Peaceful environment of countries controlled by Rome Well constructed roads Message of Hope: Rome required people to honor the Emperor and the state Christianity gave promise of an afterlife

Lesson 2- The Early Church The Empire accepts Christianity Constantine’s dream Created the “Edict of Milan” This decree offered freedom of religion He created churches, with the assistance of his mother, Helena, in Rome and Jerusalem Succeeded by Theodosius- made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire Axum & Kush Trading centers (east Africa) for Mediterranean regions and east Asia. Axum defeats Kush- officially makes Christianity the official religion of Axum

Lesson 2- organizing the Church Church Leadership Hierarchy: Patriarchs Archbishops Priests Laity

Lesson 2- organizing the Church