Development of Christianity Pt I Bellringer Match the person on the left with the corresponding item on the right. You may use your text, Chapter 5, section 4 if necessary. Paul of Tarsus A. Christian martyr Simon Peter B. Fisherman and follower of Jesus Perpetua C. Issued the edict of Milan Constantine D. Wrote epistles and founded communities in the eastern Mediterranean

Background: Roman Religions Official state religion focused on the worship of many gods and goddesses Emperors were sometimes made ‘honorary’ gods by the Roman Senate Believed that observation of proper ritual guaranteed peace and prosperity Tolerant of other religions as long as those religions recognized the superiority of the Roman empire. Jewish History The religion of Judaism differed from the other religions of the time in that it was monotheistic (meaning its followers believed in one god, God), whereas other religions were polytheistic (meaning their followers believed in many gods). When Cyrus the Great captured Babylon, he allowed the Jewish that had been brought there to return to Jerusalem. 

The Jewish Background The “Children of Israel” Spiritual Dimensions Migrated from Mesopotamia to Palestine (Canaan) Lifestyle based on grazing flocks and herds Migrated to Egypt and were enslaved until Moses led them out Wandered for forty years in the desert before returning to Palestine to establish a united kingdom known as Israel. Spiritual Dimensions Monotheistic There is but one God, called Yahweh (Yhwh), the creator of the world and everything in it Exodus 34:6 - 7

The Jewish Background Three aspects of Judaism Covenant Law Murder Jews believed that God made a promise to lead the Israelites out of bondage into the promised land Law Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20: 1-17) There are 613 Commandments (subdivided into 248) including diet, Sabbath observance, circumcision Murder

The Jewish Background Prophets Certain religious teachers sent by God to serve as His voice to the people Embraced a concern for all humanity Cried out against social injustice Warned of dire punishments for committing sins against humanity By 6 AD, Judaea was made a Roman province and placed under the direction of a Roman official called a procurator

The Jewish Background Jews differed in opinion about Roman rule Sadducees priests favored cooperation with Rome Pharisees scholars close observance of religious law would protect Jewish identity from Roman influence Essenes lived apart from society awaited a Messiah to save Israel from oppression Zealots called for violent overthrow of Roman rule Jewish revolt began in 66AD and was crushed four years later by the Romans Jewish temple in Jerusalem was destroyed