 Christianity was the official new religion of the Roman Empire  Rome was very tolerant of people practicing other religions if they worshiped the Roman gods too.

 In 63 B.C., Rome had conquered Judea, where the majority of Jews lived.

 Majority of Jews adopted and absorbed many Roman religious customs/ideas

 The Jewish community did not like this and called for a strict interpretation of their religion.  These people were called zealots and wanted Jews to revolt against Rome.

 Rebellion was not successful.  Roman forces destroyed city of Jerusalem.  Jews were forced to leave their city.  Spread of Judaism occurs.

Jesus Proclaims His Teachings  Jesus was born around 4 B.C. in Bethlehem, Jerusalem.  He worshiped God and followed the Jewish law.

Jesus Proclaims His Teachings His parables, or short stories, had a simple moral lesson to them.

Jesus Proclaims His Teachings  He recruited 12 disciples, or close followers, to help him in his missions.  He called them apostles, or Greek meaning “a person sent forth”

Jesus Proclaims His Teachings  His teachings came from the Jewish traditions…justice, morality and service to others.  He believed in one God and accepted the 10 Commandments

Jesus Proclaims His Teachings  Roman authorities saw Jesus as a threat to the Roman empire.  Romans arrests, tried and condemned Jesus to death by crucifixion.

The Message of Christianity Spreads  The apostle Paul is credited with the spread of Christianity by traveling all around the world.  His letters he wrote along the way are part of the New Testament.

The Message of Christianity Spreads  Rome was not tolerant towards Christianity because they did not honor their Gods/traditions.  People were often persecution and suffered/died for their beliefs.  Martyrs

Bell Work!

The Message of Christianity Spreads  Edict of Milan  Granted freedom of worship to all of Roman Empire.  Christianity is now accepted.