1. Origins and Spread of Christianity
History Alive: Chapter 36

2. Introduction: Essential Questions
When did Christianity originate?
How did Christianity originate?
How did Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire?

3. Birthplace of Christianity

5. Birthplace of Christianity
Judea: Remote territory on eastern end of Mediterranean Sea
Once a part of the ancient kingdom of Israel
Came under Roman rule around 63 B.C.E.
37 B.C.E. Herod came to a rule/puppet of the Roman government
Herod dies in 4 B.C.E.

6. Cont… Jews hated the Romans and were looking for a Messiah
Prefects put in place by Rome
Council of Jewish leaders dealt with local affairs, led by a high priest, outwardly peaceful
Prophecies in sacred writing for G-d to send a savior

7. Birth of Jesus Messiah = “annointed one” Augustus orders census
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem to be counted
The “Christmas Story”

8. The Nativity
“The Christmas Story”

9. Cont… Probably born in 6 B.C.E. during the reign of King Herod
Forced to seek shelter in a stable
Mary gave birth and wrapped him in strips of cloth laying him in a manger

10. The Three Kings

11. Very little known about Jesus’ childhood
Likely studied carpentry and lived in Nazareth

12. Gospels: New Testament
Four important writings/account of Jesus’ life
Written by his followers (disciples: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Statements of faith in Jesus as the promised “Messiah”
Greek word for Messiah was “Christos” or “the Christ”

13. Gospels: New Testament (cont…)
Written down from oral and written sources
Written 30 – 70 years after Jesus died
Tell of events of Jesus’ life: working miracles, healing the sick, befriending the poor and friendless
Preached of God’s mercy and love
Urged followers to love one another

14. Teachings:
Parable: a simple story that explains a moral or religious lesson

15. Jesus’ Teachings
Ministry consisted of teaching, healing and service to others
Preached in synagogues
As popularity increased, He began preaching in large, open spaces, towns and by the Sea of Galilee
He invited 12 men to become his disciples

16. John the Baptist Jesus is baptized at the age of 30
John identifies Jesus as the Messiah
Turning point in Jesus’ life
40 days of praying in the wilderness
Returned to Galilee and began preaching

17. Based on traditional Jewish beliefs
Special emphasis placed on:
Love
Mercy
“You shall love your God with all your heart and all your soul.”
“You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”
{Pages 352 – 353 in H.A.}

18. The Crucifixion Passover (Jewish festival commemorating Exodus)
Temple and the money-changers
Judas Iscariot (betrays Jesus)
The Last Supper (Jesus gathers with his 12 apostles/disciples)
Pontius Pilate (Roman prefect/sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion)
Pgs H.A.

20. The Resurrection Early converts to Christianity were Jews.
What does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ represent for Christians?
What holiday is celebrated by Christians to commemorate the Resurrection?
Why do eggs play a large role in the celebration of this holiday?
Early converts to Christianity were Jews.

21. Missionary Work of Paul:
One of the most important people in Christianity
Born in Tarsus, Turkey
Devoted his life to spreading the teachings of Jesus in (missionary) Asia minor, Greece and Rome

22. His letters to early churches are in bible
Missionary Work of Paul: (cont.)
His letters to early churches are in bible
Romans executed him in 65 C.E. (approximately)
After his death, Catholic Church named him a saint

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

24. Christianity Spreads:
Over time, people, of all classes, begin to adopt this faith
Edict of Milan
313 C.E. Emperor Constantine
grants Christians freedom of religion