1. Coach Smith Key Terms Christianity Jesus of Nazareth Emperor Constantine

2. Coach Smith The Romans had conquered the Jews. The Jewish people believed that their God would send them a great King or Messiah to lead them to political freedom.

3. Coach Smith Some Jews believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.

4. Jesus  Jesus was a carpenter.  At the age of 30, he began preaching.  He preached that God loved all people equally and that his followers should love even their enemies. Coach Smith

5. His followers believed that Jesus performed miracles like raising the dead and healing the sick.

6. Trouble with the Government  After three years of preaching, Jesus’ popularity frightened some Jewish leaders.  It was rumored that Jesus’ followers would rebel against the Roman authorities.  Such a rebellion would cause suffering and hardship among the conquered people. Coach Smith

7. Rebelling against the Romans would only cause hardship and suffering.

8. Coach Smith One of Jesus’ followers, Judas, betrayed Jesus.

9. The Crucifixion  Jesus was betrayed, crucified, and died.  His followers believed that he rose on the third day after his death.  His followers believed that Jesus was resurrected. Coach Smith

10. The Romans crucified Jesus.

11. Cultural Diffusion and Christianity  After Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers spread his teachings.  Paul brought Jesus’ teachings to the Gentiles or non-Jewish people.  Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. Coach Smith

12. Paul brought Christianity to the Gentiles.

13. Emperor Constantine  Initially, the Romans persecuted and even killed Christians.  However, over time, even some of the Roman elite became Christians.  Emperor Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. Coach Smith

14. Questions for Reflection:  Who was Jesus of Nazareth and what did he preach?  Why were some government officials concerned about Jesus?  What did the Romans do to Jesus?  Define resurrection.  What happened to Christianity after the death of Jesus?  Who was Constantine and why was he a significant Roman Emperor? Coach Smith