Section 4: The Rise of Christianity

Section 4 - The Rise of Christianity Main Idea A new religion called Christianity developed within the Roman Empire and gradually spread throughout the Roman world. Objectives How was Christianity rooted in the teachings of Judaism? What were the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth? How did Christianity spread throughout the Roman world? What was the early Christian Church like?

I. Christianity and Judaism The teachings of Jesus were rooted in Judaism but developed into new religion - Christianity The Chi (X) Rho (P) means Christ, from the Greek word for Messiah, Christos

A. Judaism in the Roman World 63 BC - Romans conquered Judea, installed a new ruler as king Pompey in the Temple of Jerusalem 63 BC – after the Roman victory, Judea was incorporated into the Roman Republic

A. Judaism in the Roman World Jews allowed to practice their religion if they paid a tribute and maintained order

A. Judaism in the Roman World Zealots urged rebellion; others believed God would send a Messiah to free them

B. Reactions to Roman Rule AD 66–70: Zealots revolt; Romans sack Jerusalem, kill thousands, & destroy the Second Temple The Western Wall of the Second Temple is the most holy place of the Jewish people. Known as the "Wailing Wall,“ was used by Herod the Great as the retaining wall of the Temple Mount complex.

The Jewish Diaspora (diaspora = dispersion, scattering) B. Reactions to Roman Rule AD 130s: Another revolt, Romans banned all Jews from Jerusalem – start of the Diaspora The Jewish Diaspora (diaspora = dispersion, scattering)

II. Jesus of Nazareth A spiritual leader emerged: Jesus of Nazareth

A. Life and Teachings of Jesus Our knowledge of Jesus comes from the Gospels, the first four books of New Testament

A. Life and Teachings of Jesus The New Testament and books of the Hebrew Bible make-up the Christian Bible

A. Life and Teachings of Jesus Jesus was born in Bethlehem; learned carpentry and studied the writings of Jewish prophets

A. Life and Teachings of Jesus He taught a message of redemption, gathered disciples, performed miracles, and defended the poor and oppressed

A. Life and Teachings of Jesus Jesus taught repentance, to love God above all, and to love others as much as one’s self

B. Death and Resurrection Jesus' popularity alarmed authorities; they had him arrested, tried, and sentenced to death

B. Death and Resurrection Jesus arose (the Resurrection), spent 40 days teaching his disciples, then ascended into heaven

B. Death and Resurrection Followers believe the Resurrection and Ascension revealed Jesus was the Messiah

III. The Spread of Christianity His disciples began teaching that all people could achieve salvation The Last Supper - Leonardo Da Vinci 

A. The Apostles 12 specially chosen disciples - the Apostles - were the earliest missionaries to spread Jesus' message

A. The Apostles Paul of Tarsus – opposed Jesus’ teachings at first but became a Christian, converted Gentiles, and established churches While Saul was traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him in a great light. He was struck blind, but after three days his sight was restored. Paul began to preach that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish Messiah and the Son of God, spreading Christianity outside the Jewish community.

B. Persecution Christianity spread, rulers saw it as a threat and arrested and killed many (martyrs)

C. Imperial Approval AD 313 - Constantine made Christianity legal with the Edict of Milan The Roman emperor Constantine created a new military standard to be carried before his army which displayed the first two Greek letters of the word Christ - Chi (χ) and Rho (ρ) - which came to be known as the labarum

Emperor Theodosius (347 – 395) C. Imperial Approval A.D. 391 - Theodosius made Christianity the empire’s official religion Emperor Theodosius (347 – 395)

IV. The Early Christian Church Ceremonies developed, conducted by priests to inspire faith and feel closer to Jesus The Seven Sacraments

IV. The Early Christian Church Peter founded the Roman Church; bishop had authority over priests, patriarchs over bishops Saint Peter, the 1st Pope. The Papacy began in 30 A. D. upon the declaration by Jesus Christ that Simon would be called Peter (rock) upon which the Catholic Church was to be built. Saint Peter was pope for 37 years

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City IV. The Early Christian Church The patriarch of Rome took the title of pope, became supreme over the other patriarchs St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City