History of Christianity Lecture 13 October 9, 2009 HIST 101 History of World Civilizations to 1550 University of Montevallo, Fall 2009 Adjunct Instructor Jill Cooley

Lecture 13: Outline Rise of Christianity – Roman Religious Culture – Life of Jesus of Nazareth – Early Christian Church Roman Reaction – Diocletian’s Persecution – Constantine, Theodosius and the Triumph of Christianity

Lecture 13: Key Terms Imperial Cult of Rome and Augustus Jesus of Nazareth Judea Messiah Jerusalem Gentiles Paul of Tarsus Christian persecution Diocletian Constantine Constantinople Edict of Milan Arianism Council of Nicaea Nicene Creed Theodosius

Life of Jesus of Nazareth NOW it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth…. And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7. The Bible. New American Standard Version.

Roman Empire at Jesus’s Birth

Spread of Christianity

Early Christian Symbols

Baptism of Constantine

The Nicene Creed WE BELIEVE in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Lecture 13: Timeline Time PeriodHistorical EventImportant Points ca. 4 BC - 30 ADLife of Jesus of NazarethMinistry and crucifixion ca ADMinistry of Paul of TarsusConversion of Gentiles; Writing of the Epistles ca ADGospels writtenDocumented the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth ca. 2 nd century ADChristian community predominately comprised of Gentiles Result of Paul’s travels ADDiocletian’s reignChristian Persecution; Reorganization of Empire ADConstantine’s reignConstantine’s baptism, 312 AD 313 ADEdict of MilanLegalized Christianity 325 ADCouncil of NicaeaNicene Creed 395 ADChristianity recognized as the official religion of the Empire Emperor Theodosius