The Early Christians & The New Faith Romans followed a number of religions and also allowed a great deal of freedom to other religions. Jews and Christians began to disagree on religious grounds, and Christianity slowly became a separate religion. Jews and early Christians shared the same basic beliefs, but differed on the idea of the messiah. At first, Christians concentrated on trying to convert other Jews. After serious debate, the early Christians decided to preach Christianity to the Gentiles.

Christianity might have remained a purely Jewish sect had it not been for Saul of Tarsus

St. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles

Paul of Tarsus a Jewish Roman citizen converted to Christianity and took the name Paul made three long journeys throughout Asia Minor and along the coast of the Aegean to spread Christianity and establish Christian communities.

The Works of Paul Paul's Roman citizenship, the good roads, and listeners open to new ideas helped Paul spread Christianity in the Greek-speaking world. Emphasized that Christianity was not just a sect of Judaism

The Works of Paul Taught that Jesus, by his death and resurrection, had fulfilled the prophecy of Judaism and initiated a new age. Taught that Jesus was the son of God, the giver of a new law, and preached that Jesus’ teachings were open to all

The Works of Paul Made a significant break with Judaism Seek converts According to tradition, while in Rome, Paul preached and taught for two years before being executed.

Rome's Early Response At first the Romans paid little attention to the Christians. Some Romans were quite suspicious of Christians, and Nero blamed them for starting a major fire that destroyed much of Rome. Although by A.D. 100 there was a law condemning admitted Christians to death, it was seldom enforced.

PERSECUTION Great persecutions of Christians began in 3rd century AD Christian intolerance of pagan beliefs bred powerful retaliatory hatred of Christians Accused Christians of cannibalism, atheism, and of being haters of mankind Charged with being sneaky and with dishonoring the emperor Also blamed with all the evils that afflicted the state

The Attack on Christianity In A.D. 250 Emperor Decius ordered the execution of all Christians who refused to worship the Roman gods. Up until A.D. 311, Christians suffered two more waves of persecution under two different emperors. Roman mobs destroyed Christian churches and sacred books. Christians were fired from jobs, forced to leave the army, attacked, and killed.

REVERSAL OF FORTUNE In the end, the persecutions did not succeed in eliminating Christianity Too many Christians protected each other Persecutions also created martyrs who inspired others Came to an end with death of Galerius and then Constantine officially protected them Constantine credited with being the first Christian emperor Constantine

Constantine In Hoc Signo Vinces Leading his army into battle when he saw a blazing cross in the sky. Beneath were the words: In Hoc Signo Vinces

“In this sign, conquer”

Constantine Placed himself and his army under the protection of the Christian God After his victory, he declared himself a Christian and supported Christianity throughout the empire. Baptized on his deathbed in A.D. 337

Constantine and the growth of Christianity issues the Edict of Milan allowing for religious toleration made it legal for Christians to worship, gave money to the church, and became involved with church decision-making. gave Christianity the support of the Roman authorities, but also combined religion and government.

VICTORY Theodosius became emperor in 379 AD and proclaimed Christianity to be the official religion of the state Christians immediately begin to persecute pagans Destroyed temples or converted them into churches Church firmed up its organization and settled disputes with powerful intellectual strength

How did the Roman Empire help spread Christianity? During Pax Romana, missionaries traveled safely Roman Roads helped to spread quickly Constantine converted Constantine built churches in Rome and Jerusalem Religious freedom Christianity becomes official religion of the Roman Empire

The Spread of Christianity by 600