AIM: Why did people relate to Jesus Christ’s message? DO NOW: Persecution – to cause suffering based on one’s beliefs. Where have we seen persecutions before? HW: Create a venn diagram comparing Christianity, Islam & Judaism.

Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message? Do now:

*NOTES* THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY / CHRISTIAN BELIEFS 1.Jesus Christ- believed to be the messiah (savior) promised by GOD in the Old Testament -born a Jew and Roman subject in Bethlehem (present- day Israel) -Freed believers from sin and offered resurrection in the afterlife (Resurrection: rise from the dead and enter Heaven) -Age 30, Jesus taught, did good works and performed miracles -Crucified by Jews and Romans at age 33 -Rose from the dead after 3 days

Document 1 “Our Roman gods demand sacrifices from their subjects. Without their blessings, the Roman Empire is doomed. Yet those who follow the teachings of Christ refuse to make sacrifices to the gods, claiming that their God is the only true god. What nonsense!!! Those silly people and their silly ideas. They should get on their knees and worship the ground that Jupiter and Minerva have create.” - Maximus, Roman Governor According to document 1, why did the Roman government view Christians as a threat to the Empire?

Document 2 “The teachings of Christ tells us that ‘Thou shall not kill’ and that ‘Those who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword.’ Therefore we shall not join the Roman legions and kill strangers in a strange land. And if the Emperor decides that we must be executed for upholding our beliefs, we gladly become martyrs.” - Paulus, Roman Christian According to document 2, why would the Emperor execute Christians?

Document 3 “How dare they refuse to honor me!?! All good Romans must burn incense before my statues and honor me as a god. Yet these Christians refuse to do so. Well, if I have to feed every last one of them to the lions, I will. If I have to sew them into the skins of wild animals and have packs of dogs rip them to shreds, I will. If I must crucify every last one of them, I will. Sooner or later, they will acknowledge me as their superior ruler.” - Nero, Roman Emperor According to document 3, how could Christians in the Roman Empire have avoided a painful execution?

Why did Jesus’ followers think he was the Messiah? After Jesus’ death, his body was placed in a tomb. After 3 days he appeared to his followers. This convinced his followers that he was the Messiah.

Christianity Spreads All of Jesus’ followers spread his ideas. Teachings did not contradict Jewish law; his first followers were Jews. A new religion is born based on the teachings of Jesus.

A New World Religion The widespread appeal of Christianity: –Embraced all people –Gave hope to the powerless –Appealed to those who were against the extravagances of Rome –Personal relationship with God –Promised eternal life after death.