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Global Studies I

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The Life of Jesus of NazarethChristianity was foundedon his life and teachings

Jesus birth and early lifeBorn of a virgin, Mary anda carpenter fromBethlehem named Joseph(Mt 1:18; Lk 1:26-38)

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The Message of Jesus

Begins ministryaround age 30Baptized by hiscousin, John theBaptist , acharismatic andascetic figure(Mt 3:13-17;Mk 1:9-11; Lk3:21-23; Jn 1:29-39)

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The Message of Jesus Jesus selected a group of 12 men who becamedisciples to travel withhim as he taught

Jesus then spent fromone to three yearsteaching and workingmiracles among hisdisciples and beforelarge crowds.

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The Message of Jesus Jesus teachings focused primarily on the "thekingdom of God" and were usually relayedthrough parables.rebuked the hypocrisy of some Jewish leaderstaught the importance of humility, charity,love and kindness, even to one's enemies

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The Message of Jesus Jesus' popularity grew quickly, but so didopposition from local leaders.

Roman rulers were uncomfortable with thecommon perception that he was the Messiahwho would liberate the Jews from Roman rule.

Jewish leaders were disturbed by Jesus' shockinginterpretations of Jewish law, his power with the

people, and the rumor that he had been alludingto his own divinity.

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Betrayal andExecution

Judas Iscariot , one of his disciples andpossibly the group'streasurer, led Romansoldiers to Jesus for30 pieces of silver.

Jesus was turnedover to procuratorPontius Pilate , whosentenced Jesus todeath by crucifixion.

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The Resurrection Jesus followersproclaimed that He hadrisen from death and hadappeared to them. (Mt

28:1-10; Mk 16:1-8; Lk24:1-12; Jn 20:1-10)

This belief is central to theChristian church as well asa major source of courageshown by early Christianmartyrs

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ApostlesApostle Greek; onewho is sent outFormed churches for

worship, fellowship,and instructionSimon Peter

Previously a Jewishfisherman

Leader of the apostles

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Paul of TarsusHighly educatedRoman citizenOnce known as Sauland persecutedChristiansConverted toChristianitySpread the gospel (good news) toGentiles and JewsFounded Christiancommunitiesthroughout Asia Minorand along the shoresof the Aegean Sea

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Between AD 40 and 100, writtenaccounts and personal memoirs giving arecord of Jesus life and teachings

became the basis of the written Gospelsand form the core of the New Testament ,the second part of the Christian Bible.

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Many Romans viewedChristians as harmful tothe Roman state:

Christians refused toworship state gods andemperorsRomans saw this astreason, punishable bydeathOfficial persecution

(harassing to causesuffering) began duringthe reign of Nero.

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Christianity developed from a persecutedreligion to the state religion of Rome.

The last great persecution of Christians took

place under emperor DiocletianConstantine issued the Edict of Milan , whichproclaimed official tolerance of Christianity.Under Theodosius the Great , the Romansadopted Christianity as their official religion.