2. History-Birthplace of Christianity Christianity traces it’s roots back to a territory on the Eastern Mediterranean called Judea. It had once been a part of the kingdom of Israel ruled by ______ and ________. Judea came under the control of the Romans in 63BCE. They would have a series of rulers (usually they were Jewish and agreed with Roman rule) Herod was a well known ruler of Judea during this time period- He was not born Jewish, he converted and he rebuilt the Temple at Jerusalem.

4. History-Birthplace of Christianity Many Jews were not happy during this time and resented being under Roman control. A prefect (military governor)was put in place to maintian order and make sure taxes were paid. Local matters were left op to the Jews. Many still hated the Romans and in Jewish sacred writings they prophesized that God would send a savior (called the Messiah) to restore the kingdom of David back to the Jews.

5. History-Writings about Jesus Many Historians wrote about the Roman Empire and the lives of the emperors---Not many historians wrote about the life of Jesus. Most of the information written down about the life and teachings of Jesus were written by his followers-- -these writings became known as the New Testament. Among them are the gospels written by Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John- Gospels were written to spread news of Jesus' life and teachings, and stated that Jesus was the promised Messiah

6. Jesus’ Birth According to the gospel of Luke Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem and grew up in the town of Nazareth. Not much is known about Jesus’s childhood, but according to Luke Jesus studied Jewish laws and teachings and later started astonish Jewish rabbis with his knowledge. Jesus was baptized at the age of 30 in the Jordan River by John the Baptist- when Jesus was baptized John the Baptist John identified Jesus as the savior the Jews had been waiting for.

7. Teachings According to the gospels Jesus spent a lot of time with ordinary people, the poor, and the sick—not the wealthy and “important” Based his teachings on traditional Jewish belief with special emphasis on love and mercy Jesus preached that “You shall love your God with your heart and all your soul” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” were the most important Jewish laws Even those that suffer or are looked down upon have a place in the kingdom of God

8. Paul The Missionary Saul was originally against Christianity and believed it’s teachings to be wrong and dangerous. According to the New Testament, Saul became blinded when he fell from his horse and he heard the voice of Jesus. He was healed by a Christian healer. From that point forward Saul believed that Jesus was the Messiah and adopted Christianity. He spent his life spreading the teachings of Christianity in Greece, Rome, and Asia Minor, and built churches everywhere he went.

9. Jewish Response Christianity met resistance from Jew because: Christianity was growing and spreading and converting more Jews to Christianity They were not obeying Jewish law- declaring that Jesus was the son of God and worshiping him as the son of God was considered blasphemy to the Jews...since they did not believe this to be true. According to the gospels some of Jesus’ enemies claimed that Jesus called himself the king of the Jews.

10. Roman Response Romans opposed Christianity because: Christians did not act like Romans- kept to themselves, worshiped behind closed doors, denounced money and earthly pleasures, did not take part in public festivals (usually these festivals were in honor of Roman gods), refused to honor Roman gods, refused to accept the emperor as a god, did not believe in sacrifices, many would not fight in the military Many saw all of this as a threat to Roman patriotism.

11. Roman Response Cont’d Jesus was becoming influential and therefore powerful and therefore was a threat to Roman rule in Judea. Results: Jesus crucified Christianity outlawed in Rome Christians killed in barbaric ways in the arena, crucified, or set on fire

12. Christianity Prospers In way the brutality inflicted on the Christians had the opposite effect…it did not deter people from the religion and cause it to eventually die out Many were inspired by the bravery shown by the Christians Christianity people hope in that even the poor or slaves had a place in the kingdom of God.

13. Christianity Prospers Cont’d Emperor Constantine allowed for all religions to be practiced freely in Rome-ending the persecution of Christians, and later adopted Christianity himself helping it spread throughout the empire. By 395 CE Christianity was the official religion of the Roman empire.