1. Rise of Christianity in Rome

2. The Teachings of Jesus Jesus born in Bethlehem in Judea
He was both a Jew and Roman citizen
He was baptized by John the Baptist

3. Jesus’ Message
By age 30, he began preaching publicly and for 3 years he:
Preached
Taught
Did good works
Performed miracles
Contained many ideas of Judaism such as: Monotheism and the 10 Commandments
He emphasized God’s personal relationship with each human being.

5. Jesus’ Message
Stressed importance of love for God, neighbors, enemies and even their own selves.
He gathered 12 apostles or pupils = disciples
Main source of information about Jesus comes from the Gospels – the first 4 books of the New Testament of the Bible
Gospels written by one or more of the apostles (disciples).

6. Jesus’ Death The people called him the Messiah which means King.
This worried the Roman and Jewish leaders, Pontius Pilate a Roman governor arrested Jesus.
Sentenced to be crucified or nailed to a cross.

7. Resurrection
According to Gospels he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven
One of the first apostles, Peter, spread the teachings of Jesus throughout Palestine and Syria

8. Christianity Spreads
Another apostle, Paul had enormous influence of the development of Christianity
Spread during the Pax Romana where conditions were safe for travel on the Roman Roads.
Paul stressed that Jesus was the son of God who died for people’s sins.

9. Jewish Rebellion
The Jews eventually rebelled against control of Romans
About half million Jews died trying to break free from Roman control.
This caused a Diaspora – when mass Jews were driven from their homeland in Jerusalem into exile.

10. Persecution of the Christians
Christians would not worship Roman Gods = viewed as opposition to Roman rule
Some Romans blamed bad economic conditions on Christians
When a disastrous fire occurred in Rome, and Emperor Nero blamed the Christians and ordered them to be persecuted.
Thousands were exiled, imprisoned, crucified, burned or killed by animals in circus arenas

11. A World Religion
Christianity still survived because of widespread appeal:
1. Embraced all people
2. Gave hope to the powerless
3. Appealed to people who rejected the extravagances of imperial Rome
4. Offered a personal relationship with a loving God
5. Promised life after death.