1. Section 4: The Rise of Christianity

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. 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.

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

22. C. Imperial Approval
AD 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

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

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

25. 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 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

26. 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