The Rise of Christianity Chapter #1 – Section #4

Key Terms Define: Jesus messiah apostle Paul tolerance clergy

Judaism Turmoil Early in the Pax Romana, Judaism experienced a period of turmoil that created deep divisions in the religion. - Jews in Canaan absorbed Greek customs and ideas during the Hellenistic age. - Conservative Jews rejected these influences and called for strict obedience to Jewish laws and traditions. - Amidst the disorder of the Jews, Christianity and a man named Jesus arose among them.

Jesus of Nazareth Information on the life of Jesus comes from the Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament of the Bible. 1. Matthew 2. Mark 3. Luke 4. John Gospel comes from the Old English word for “good news”

Early Life of Jesus Jesus was born about 4 B.C. in Bethlehem, not far from Jerusalem. His parents, Mary and Joseph had traveled there from their home in Nazareth. Through his parents, Jesus was a descendant of King David of Israel. David had lived in Bethlehem.

The Messiah When Augustus Caesar of Rome called for a census, Jesus’ parents returned to their ancestral city to be counted. An angel, the Gospels say, had told Jesus’ mother, Mary that she would give birth to “the Son of the Most High God.” Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerard Von Honthorst, 17th century Jesus would be the messiah, the savior sent by God to lead the Jews to freedom.

The Ministry At the age of 30, Jesus began preaching in the provinces of Galilee and Judea. To help him on his mission, he chose twelve close followers known as the apostles, “a person sent forth.” Peter was the leader among the apostles. Large crowds gathered to hear Jesus’ teachings and see him perform miracles of healing. Jesus used parables, or short stories with simple moral lessons, to communicate his ideas. After three years, he and his disciples, or loyal followers, went to Jerusalem to spread his message.

Sermon on the Mount Recorded by Matthew: Jesus’ ethical message of mercy and sympathy for the poor and helpless.

Jesus’ teaching were firmly rooted in the Jewish tradition. The Message Jesus’ teaching were firmly rooted in the Jewish tradition. He called himself _________. Jesus proclaimed that his mission was to bring ________ and _________________. Jesus emphasized God’s _____ and taught the need for _____, ______, and ____________. According to Jesus, a person’s major responsibilities were to “ ___________” and to “_________________.” Jesus also emphasized the importance of _________.

Death on the Cross

According to the Gospels Jesus arrives in Jerusalem near the time of the Jewish festival of Passover, a celebration of the exodus from Egypt. Thousands of Jews gathered in the city

Jesus attracts conflicts Some welcomed Jesus as the messiah. Chief Jewish priests regarded Jesus as a dangerous troublemaker. John 18:19 And so the Chief priest questioned Jesus about his disciples And about his teaching. The Roman authorities saw Jesus as a threat because his speeches could inflame those eager to end Roman rule.

Betrayal The Gospels say that one of Jesus’ disciples betrayed him by leading a group of armed men to him. After his arrest, Jesus was crucified.

Crucifixion Crucifixion, a Roman method of executing criminals, a person was nailed to or hung on a cross and left to die.

Christianity Spreads Following Jesus’ death the apostles and other disciples spread his teachings. The disciples preached only among the Jews of Judea. Jews who accepted the teaching that Jesus was the messiah became the first Christians, or followers of Jesus Christ. Christ comes from the Greek word, for “the anointed one.” Another word for messiah. Peter, the apostle established Christianity in the city of Rome.

The Work of Paul Assignment: - Create a concept web of Paul and his contributions in spreading Christianity. - Read pg. 35 to 36. - 5 points!

Paul is the second most prolific contributor to the New Testament

A New Covenant Christianity differed from Judaism because it focused on Jesus as the messiah. To Christians, the New Testament represents the establishment of a new covenant with God and faith in Jesus. This new covenant replaced strict observance of the law as the way to fulfill the covenant.

Persecution Rome had a long history of tolerance, or acceptance, of varied religious traditions. EXCEPT for Judaism and Christianity; because they did not make sacrifices for the emperor, nor did they honor the gods, who Romans believed, had brought so much success to the empire. Roman officials suspected them of disloyalty to Rome. They began to persecute Christians.

Persecution of Saint Ignatius

Christian Martyrs Roman rulers like Nero used Christians as scapegoats, blaming them for social or economic ills. Over the centuries, thousands of Christians became martyrs, people who suffer or die for their beliefs. Both Peter and Paul were killed in Rome during the reign of Nero.

Christianity’s Appeal Despite attacks, Christianity spreads Reasons for Christianity spreading: Christian ethics generated broad interest. Jesus welcomed all people, especially the humble, poor, and oppressed. Belief in equality and dignity brought support from common people. A better life after death. Christian missionaries, like Paul added ideas from Plato, the Stoics, and other Greek thinkers to Jesus’ message.

Triumph - Roman persecution of Christians finally ended in A.D., 313 - Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan - It granted freedom of worship to all citizens of the Roman empire. - Constantine’s mother, Helena was a devout Christian and influenced his decision.

Church Gains Power Group work pg. 37 –39 5 points Causes Effects