1. Origins and Spread of Christianity
History Alive: Chapter 36

2. Introduction When did Christianity originate?
How did Christianity originate?
How did Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire?

3. Birthplace of Christianity

4. Birthplace of Christianity
Judea: Remote territory on eastern end of Mediterranean Sea
Once a part of the ancient kingdom of Israel
Came under Roman rule around 63 B.C.E.
37 B.C.E. Herod came to a rule/puppet of the Roman government
Herod dies in 4 B.C.E.

5. Cont… Jews hated the Romans and were looking for a Messiah
Prefects put in place by Rome
Council of Jewish leaders dealt with local affairs, led by a high priest, outwardly peaceful
Prophesies in sacred writing for G-d to send a savior

6. Birth of Jesus Messiah = “anointed one” Augustus orders census
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem to be counted
The “Christmas Story”

7. The Nativity
“The Christmas Story”

8. Cont… Probably born in 6 C.E. during the reign of King Herod
Forced to seek shelter in a stable
Mary gave birth and wrapped him in strips of cloth laying him in a manger

9. The Three Kings

10. Very little known about Jesus’ childhood
Likely studied carpentry and lived in Nazareth

11. Gospels Four important writings/account of Jesus’ life
Written by his followers (disciples: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Statements of faith in Jesus as the promised “Messiah”
Greek word for Messiah was “Christos” or “the Christ”

12. Gospels (cont…) Written down from oral and written sources
Written 30 – 70 years after Jesus died
Tell of events of Jesus’ life: working miracles, healing the sick, befriending the poor and friendless
Preached of God’s mercy and love
Urged followers to love one another

13. John the Baptist Jesus is baptized at the age of 30
John identifies Jesus as the Messiah
Turning point in Jesus’ life
40 days of praying in the wilderness
Returned to Galilee and began preaching

14. Teachings:
Parable: a simple story that explains a moral or religious lesson

15. Jesus’ Teachings
Ministry consisted of teaching, healing and service to others
Preached in synagogues
As popularity increased, He began preaching in large, open spaces, towns and by the Sea of Galilee
He invited 12 men to become his disciples

16. Based on traditional Jewish beliefs
Special emphasis placed on:
Love
Mercy
“You shall love your God with all your heart and all your soul.”
“You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”
{Pages 352 – 353 in H.A.}

17. The Crucifixion Passover Temple and the money-changers Judas Iscariot
The Last Supper
Pontius Pilate
Pgs H.A.

19. The Resurrection
What does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ represent for Christians?
What holiday is celebrated by Christians to commemorate the Resurrection?
Why do eggs play a large role in the celebration of this holiday?

20. Missionary Work of Paul
Originally named Saul
Greek-speaking Jew and Roman Citizen
Disagreed with Christianity
New Testament states:
God appeared to him leaving him blind and paralyzed
Healed by a Christian
Adopted Christianity
Began work as a missionary (one who tries to convert others)
Gentiles = non-Jews
(HA- Pgs )

21. Paul’s Teachings Stressed believing that Jesus was the Son of God
Taught that ALL people were God’s children
Preached throughout Asia Minor, Greece and Rome
His visits sometimes caused riots
Jailed in Rome and killed in 65 C.E. by Romans

22. Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?
Do now:

23. Persecution & Triumph Christians Refused to worship Roman Gods
Preferred simple life
Refused to serve in the Roman army
Christianity
Declared illegal & believers were killed
Thrived anyway
Taught that even the poor & slaves could look forward to a better life

24. Test Preparation
Use the notes from this presentation, your ISN pages and text book to prepare for the test.
You will have multiple choice and short answer questions. (No long essay.)