jewish prophets predicted a savior or messiah, would arrive & lead the jews to freedom many...
TRANSCRIPT
The Rise Of Christianity
Jewish prophets predicted a savior or Messiah, would arrive & lead the Jews to freedom
Many believed that the Messiah was a Jew from Nazareth named Jesus
Historical Background
Not born in 1 CE! Born 6-4 BCE Died 30-36 CE
Story of his birth to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem is basis of Christmas tradition
Little known of early life. Most writings focus on the last few years of his life
Life of Jesus of Nazareth
Gospels: Much of what we know about Jesus’ life comes from the Gospels.Of many books written after his
death, 4 Gospels were chosen as the accepted stories of his life and work.
Life of Jesus of Nazareth
About age 30, he began teaching in Judea
Teachings included many ideas from Judaism monotheism Ten Commandments laws of Moses belief in the prophets
Teachings
Called himself the Son of God & the promised Messiah (Savior) who would rescue the Jews
He preached about:personal relationship w/ God for all
peoplelove of friends/enemiesforgiveness of sinseternal life after death for those who
repent their sins
The Message of Jesus
Jewish leaders felt challengedRomans were afraid he could lead a rebellionVisited Jerusalem in 29 CE and greeted by some
as a King who would rescue the Jews He was betrayed by a Disciple and arrested by
Roman soldiersPontius Pilate, Roman governor of Judea,
sentenced him to death by crucifixion for treason against the Roman Empire.
Death of Jesus
Gospels say he died, was reborn after 3 days, ascended to heaven to be with God.
The disciples became even more convinced that Jesus was the Messiah
They called him Jesus ChristFrom Greek word Christos,
meaning ‘savior’New religion formed, called
ChristianityThe cross becomes the
symbol of Christianity
From Jesus to Christ
Christians would not worship the Emperor as a God
Suspected of disloyalty to the Empire, evil practices
Blamed for the troubles of the Empire1st Christians are executed if caught,
killed in arenas for sport- crucified, burned, or fed to animals
Christians became Martyrs- those who have lost their lives for a cause
Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire
Despite persecution, Christianity continues to grow
Widespread appealIncluded all people – men, women, rich, poor,
slavesPersonal relationship with a loving GodMessage of hope to powerless & eternal life
Growth of Christianity
From Persecution to Religion of the Empire
313 CE - The Edict of Milan, Emperor Constantine legalizes Christianity & ends the persecution
380 CE – Emperor Theodosius makes Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire
Formal Church structure createdChurch influenced by Roman hierarchy
Priests – led small groups at local levelBishop – supervised several local
churchesPope – eventually the Bishop of Rome
became the head of the ChurchApostle Peter, the first Bishop of Rome,
“the rock” on which the Church would be built
Growth of the Church
Christian Holy TextThe Bible combined:
Old Testament: Jewish Torah and other writings
AndNew Testament: 4 Gospels, letters of Paul and other books about life and teaching of Jesus