2.  A. belief in Jesus as the messiah meant SALVATION  B. Christian missionaries- called apostles  1. Paul-converts many non-Jews to Christians  2. Paul's writing also become early basis for the new testament  3. peter- establishes a Christian church in Rome (the heart of empire)  4. churches popping up in cities means people have more access to this new religion (more people convert)

3.  A. Two reasons for persecution  1. refused to honor the emperor as a god  2. refused military service  B. Many Christians died as martyrs (someone who dies for a belief)  C. Christian began to compete for more popularity against two other religions  1.polytheism  2. Judaism  D. How did Christians increase popularity  1. establish churches in major cities  2. more churches and missionaries=more popularity

4.  A. brought Christianity to the roman Empire.  Why? Here is the story.  1. during battle, he has a vision of a flaming cross over the hill of the battlefield  2. this must be a sign from God, right?  3. he orders all soldier to paint the cross across their shields before the next battle AND THEY WIN!  4. he credits god and Christianity with the victory and he accepts Christianity as his new religion  B. later, emperor Theodosius makes Christianity the official religion of the Rome

5.  A. Pope  1. head of the church  2. lives in Vatican city (tiny country located in the city of Rome)  B. Patriarchs-the 5 highest bishops of leading cities  C. Diocese-bishops who led the groups of parishes (churches)-they interpret and write scripture  D. priests-local religious leaders who led and worked in local pariahs (they are the teachers of the Christian religion)