1. Christianity and the Roman Empire
Glory of Ancient Rome
Christianity and the Roman Empire
Chapter 9, Section 2

2. Rise of Christianity
Romans were tolerant towards people in conquered lands, as long as they were loyalty to Roman gods and the emperor.
Christianity was one of many religions in the Roman Empire.
The Romans conquered the Jewish homeland of Judea in 63 BC.

3. Rise of Christianity
At first they respected the Jewish right to worship their God.
The Jews did not like foreign rule.
They believed a messiah, or savior, would come to bring justice and freedom.

4. Rise of Christianity Romans struck back with harsh punishments.
In 37 BC, Herod was appointed as the new ruler of Judea.
It was during this time that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

5. Rise of Christianity
Stories about the life of Jesus are found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
His disciples, or followers, told stories about his life and teachings.
Between 40 and 70 years after his death, they were written down.

6. Rise of Christianity
People believe that four stories were written by four disciples – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
These became know as the Gospels.
According to the New Testament, Jesus began teaching when he was about 30.
Christian tradition states that Jesus traveled and taught for 3 years.

7. Rise of Christianity
Jesus’ teaching was similar to the Jewish traditions.
He preached there is only one God.
His teachings became known as Christianity.
Jesus taught that God was loving and forgiving.

8. Rise of Christianity
Jesus also taught that people had a responsibility to love their neighbors as they loved themselves.
He taught that people who followed his teachings would have everlasting life.
His followers believed that he was the Messiah promised in the Jewish teachings.

9. Rise of Christianity
Jesus’ teachings caused problems in the Roman Empire.
Concern was Jesus was teaching God was greater than the Emperor.
Romans feared he was going to lead a revolt.

10. Rise of Christianity
Jesus was crucified, or put to death by being nailed to a cross.
According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead and spoke to his disciples.
Told them to spread his teachings.

11. Christianity Spreads The Greek word for Messiah was Christos.
Many educated people spoke Greek.
As they accepted the teachings of Jesus, they started calling him Christ.
His followers then became known as Christians.
After his death, the new religion spread across the empire and eventually to Rome itself.

12. Christianity Spreads
One of the most devoted followers of Jesus’ teachings was a man originally known as Saul.
He originally rejected the teachings of Jesus.
One day, he believed he had a vision in which Jesus spoke to him.
Changed his name to Paul.
Traveled around the Mediterranean spreading the teachings.

13. Christianity Spreads
Paul’s writings helped turn the Christian faith into an organized religion.
He wrote many epistles, or letters, to Christians in different cities.
Some of these epistles became part of the Christian Bible.

14. Christianity Spreads
By 100 AD, the new religion had moved into many cities in the Roman empire.
Early Christians used the word paganus for anyone who did not share their belief.
Paganus means “country dweller.”
Today, pagan is used to describe someone who is not Christian, Jewish, or Muslim.

15. Christianity Spreads
Christians shared a common faith and common worship practices.
Many were from Jewish worship traditions.
Christians set aside Sunday as their day of worship.
Sunday is the day they believe Christ rose from the dead.

16. Christianity Spreads
As Jesus had instructed, Christians practice two rites, or holy acts.
Baptism
Lord’s Supper

17. Rome Reacts The new religion was a concern for the Roman government.
Christians refused to worship Roman gods and show the emperor the respect that was required.
Many Roman officials started to view Christians as enemies of the empire.

18. Rome Reacts In 64 AD, a fire started in Rome and burnt for nine days.
Nero blamed the Christians.
Christians were arrested and killed.
Some were killed in the Colosseum
Some were soaked in oil and burned alive.
Some were crucified.

19. Rome Reacts Christians were persecuted for another 250 years.
Persecute – treat repeatedly in cruel or unjust way.
During this time, the Roman Empire began to lose its power.
Again Christians were blamed.
Despite the persecution, Christianity continued to grow.

20. Rome Reacts Many emperors tried to eliminate Christianity.
Many Romans admired the Christians.
Saw them as heroes or martyrs – someone who dies for a cause.
By 300 AD, 10% of the Roman population had accepted the Christian faith.

21. Homework Read p. 259-265 Answer #1-3 Read p. 266-267
Answer the 2 Assessment questions