1. The Spread of Christianity
Entry # 7

2. The Spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire

3. 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

4. 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

6. 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

8. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

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