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Published byMoses Fowler Modified over 9 years ago
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Romans conquered Judaea in 63 BC › Allowed the Jews to worship God Jewish people thought a Messiah was going to come liberate them › Led to opposition to Roman rule › Romans made life harsher for the Jewish people Roman Senate appointed Herod ruler of Judaea in 37BC
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Jesus born in Bethlehem (in Judaea) circa 0AD › Public ministry began when he was 30 years old › Crucified circa 33AD Apostles spread teachings of Christ › 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Written 40-70 years after Jesus’ death › Jesus was called Christ by His followers Christos (Greek) – Messiah Followers were first called followers of the Way Later called Christians
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Originally a devout Jew named Saul Spent his life persecuting Christians Experienced Christ in a vision › “Why are you persecuting Me?” Changed name to Paul Apostle to the Gentiles › Spread Christ to non-Jewish people Wrote epistles (letters) to communities he founded
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Christianity arose in cities by 100AD › Alexandria, Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica, and Rome The poor in cities liked the message of hope › That God cared for them was “Good News” Non-Christians became known as “pagans” › Paganus = country dweller (Latin)
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Originally the Church was composed of scattered communities › Because the Apostles had spread out Church developed a structured system › Worship Borrowed from Jewish practices Liturgy of the Word (Readings) Liturgy of the Eucharist (Sacrifice of Christ) 7 Sacraments › Leadership Hierarchy (order in the Church)
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Romans worried by Christianity › Christians didn’t pay tribute to Roman gods, thereby disrespecting the emperor › Some Christians quit the army › Many Romans saw Christianity as a threat to their order and power Great Fire of 64AD › Under Emperor Nero › Fire started in a shop, burned down city in 9 days › Christians blamed, persecution began Fed to lions, burned alive, crucified St. Paul beheaded after 2 years of imprisonment Persecutions lasted 250 years Off and on Empire started losing power, blamed that on Christians Christianity was a crime punishable by death
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Church grew, even though persecuted Church helped the poor › Almsgiving › Provided for widows and orphans Church taught of a better life to come Gospels helped spread stories of Christ’s life › Simple style of writing, easy level for reading Emperors increased persecution › Domitian, Marcus Aurelius, Decius, Valerian, Diocletian › The Church was watered with the blood of the martyrs › The Romans were inspired by the bravery of the martyrs Public executions led to more conversions 1/10 Romans were Christian by 300 AD
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