1. E. Napp Christianity and the Roman Empire In this lesson, students will identify characteristics of the Christian religion and the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: Christianity Jesus of Nazareth Emperor Constantine

2. E. Napp The Romans had conquered the Jews. The Jewish people believed that their God would send them a great King or Messiah to lead them to political freedom.

3. E. Napp Some Jews believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.

4. E. Napp Jesus Jesus was a carpenter. At the age of 30, he began preaching. He preached that God loved all people equally and that his followers should love even their enemies.

5. E. Napp His followers believed that Jesus performed miracles like raising the dead and healing the sick.

6. E. Napp Trouble with the Government After three years of preaching, Jesus’ popularity frightened some Jewish leaders. It was rumored that Jesus’ followers would rebel against the Roman authorities. Such a rebellion would cause suffering and hardship among the conquered people.

7. E. Napp Rebelling against the Romans would only cause hardship and suffering.

8. E. Napp One of Jesus’ followers, Judas, betrayed Jesus.

9. E. Napp The Crucifixion Jesus was betrayed, crucified, and died. His followers believed that he rose on the third day after his death. His followers believed that Jesus was resurrected.

10. E. Napp The Romans crucified Jesus.

11. E. Napp Cultural Diffusion and Christianity After Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers spread his teachings. Paul brought Jesus’ teachings to the Gentiles or non-Jewish people. Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

12. E. Napp Paul brought Christianity to the Gentiles.

13. E. Napp Emperor Constantine Initially, the Romans persecuted and even killed Christians. However, over time, even some of the Roman elite became Christians. Emperor Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.

14. E. Napp Questions for Reflection: Who was Jesus of Nazareth and what did he preach? Why were some government officials concerned about Jesus? What did the Romans do to Jesus? Define resurrection. What happened to Christianity after the death of Jesus? Who was Constantine and why was he a significant Roman Emperor?