6.3 The Rise of Christianity Mr. Marijanovich from: Mr. Schabo

Summarize the life of Jesus. 6.3 OBJECTIVES Summarize the life of Jesus. Trace the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Analyze Christianity’s appeal.

The Life and Teaching of Jesus Romans take control of Judea in 63 B.C. Judea becomes part of the Roman Empire in 6 A.D. A Savior will come to restore the land of the Jews.

Jesus of Nazareth Born 6 to 4 B.C. Born in Bethlehem Raised in Nazareth Baptized by John the Baptist Occupation: Carpenter Began preaching at the age of 30 Stressed love, (God, neighbors, enemies) Eternal kingdom for those who repent

A GROWING MOVEMENT Main source about his life came from Gospels First 4 books of the New Testament Some are written by Jesus’ disciples 12 men later called ‘apostles’ Became popular Ignored wealth and status; appealed to the poor

Jesus Preaching the good word 

Jesus’ Death Rulers were concerned, both Jewish and Roman leaders In Jerusalem, people greeted him as a savior and messiah, or king. Jewish priests disagreed Pontius Pilot, Roman leader, accused Jesus of breaking Roman law Sentenced to crucifixion Nailed to a wooden cross

Jesus’ death cont…

Jesus’ Death cont… Jesus died on the cross Placed in a tomb Body was gone three days later Gospels say, he ascended to heaven Because he was believed to be the messiah or “savior”, he was called Jesus Christ What was the name of the 4 books that teaches us about Jesus’ early life? What did Jesus stress?

Christianity Spreads Through the Empire Disciples carried on his teachings Did not contradict Jewish law First followers were Jews New religion began Christianity spread throughout the empire

What did Jesus Teach? Forgiveness Repentance – feeling bad about your actions Turn the other cheek Do you know anymore of the teachings of Jesus? What are they? Could you at least guess what he preached?

Paul’s Mission Paul Never met Jesus Enemy of Christianity Had a vision of Jesus Spent the rest of his life spreading Jesus’ message

Paul’s Mission Cont. Christianity spread Paul wrote letters, Epistles Pax Romana made the spread ideas easy Common language - Latin Paul wrote letters, Epistles Stressed that Jesus was the son of God who died for people’s sins Christianity welcomes converts Jew of Gentile

Jewish Rebellion Jewish rebellion in 66 A.D. against Rome Temple destroyed by Romans in 70 A.D. Only western portion remains Jewish fortress, Masada, held until A.D. 73, half million dead Tried again in A.D. 132, half million died Diaspora - dispersal of Jews

Persecution of Christians Christians would not worship Roman gods Crucified, exiled, imprisoned, executed Sent to the gladiator games Looked at as martyrs Willing to sacrifice their lives for their belief Used as scapegoats of economic and political trouble

A World Religion Christianity was growing rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond Why? 1. Embrace all people 2. Gives hope to the powerless 3. Appealed to those who were repelled by the extravagances of imperial Rome 4. Offered personal relationship with a loving God 5. Promised eternal life after death

Constantine Accepts Christianity Constantine - Emperor of Rome A.D. 312 Fighting 3 rivals of the Rome Battle was at the Tiber River Prayed for divine help Saw the image of a cross Put the cross on the shields of his soldiers THEY WON

Constantine Accepts Christianity cont. Through the Edict of Milan, Constantine made Christianity an accepted religion of the empire Emperor Theodosius made it the official religion of the empire.

Early Christian Church Priest led small groups of Christians Bishop supervises local churches Peter Became first bishop of Rome Apostle “rock” on which the Christian Church will be built First “pope” (head) of the church

A Single Voice Many disputed the beliefs that developed amongst believers, which became intense Church officials tried to set the standards of belief Combine the Old Testament (Jewish Torah) + New Testament (Story of Jesus)= The Holy Bible Met and created the Nicene Creed- define the basic beliefs of all Christians “I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth…

The Fathers of the Church Early writers who also defined the teachings Augustine Bishop from N. Africa Humans need the grace of God Can not get God’s grace without being a member of the Church Wrote “City of God”