1. Warm-up 1.How has religion impacted your life? In a good or a bad way? Explain. 1

2. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity 2

3. 1. Rome and the Jewish People A.Romans treated Jewish people badly, (conquered Judea where most Jewish people lived) B.The Jewish people wanted a revolt against Rome. C.They believed a messiah would come to lead them to freedom. 3

4. 2. Jesus A. Born in 4 B.C. in Bethlehem B. He worshipped his god and followed Jewish law C. At age 30, began preaching to villagers 4

5. 5

6. 3. The Mission A. He recruited 12 disciples (or apostles)  they helped spread Jesus’ teachings B. Roman authorities were scared that Jesus would lead the Jews in a revolt against Rome. C. Jesus = revolutionary/rebel to the Roman Empire. 6

7. 4. Death of Jesus A. The bible says Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples (Judas), arrested by the Romans, and executed by crucifixion. B. Ppl started saying that Jesus had resurrected (risen from death) and commanded his disciples to spread his teachings C. It was then said Jesus ascended into heaven 7

8. 5. Christianity Spreads A. Paul played the most influential role in spreading Christianity 8 B. His letters became part of the New Testament in the Bible

9. 6. Christians Oppressed Romans were not tolerant towards Christians because: A. Christians refused to honor the Roman emperor B. They refused to worship Roman gods to protect the state. (Jews/Christians = monotheist) C. Christians were used as scapegoats, blamed for social and economic problems D. Many Christians became martyrs - or people who suffer or die for their beliefs 9

10. Homework Using your notes, finish the booklet on Jesus and Christianity. Divide your notes into 6 parts. Each part will become a page in your booklet. Draw and create captions for each of the 6 parts in your booklet. 10