The Rise of Christianity

Who is pictured here?

A. Who was Jesus?

Born in 4 BCE., birthday in March.

Descendent of King David (line of Jewish kings)

Born during Roman census, raised in Nazareth (modern-day Israel).

Little is known about Jesus’ childhood

Began preaching at age 30

Jesus as he truly looked…

If Jesus looked like most pictures you’ve seen, his appearance would have made him stick out like a sore thumb in his society.

Judas Iscariot had to point out Jesus to the Romans because they could not pick him out of a crowd of his followers.

B. Jesus’ Message

Jesus is the Messiah (blessed king sent to free the Jews)

His mission is the complete salvation that God promised to the people of Israel.

He is the sin-bearer

People are taught to look for inner peace by practicing humility, charity, forgiveness and love toward others

Jesus was put to death by Romans for “revolutionary” ideas. Followers said he rose from the dead 3 days later.

C. Jesus’ Death

Crucified

One apostle betrayed him – Judas Iscariot

According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead & his tomb was empty

D. Spread of Christianity

Apostles spread Jesus’ message across Judea

Then began to preach and spread across the Roman worlda. Traveled on Roman roadsb. Used Roman religion to their advantagec. Appealed to the poord. Paul was the main missionary

i. Traveled all across Romeii. Bible – Holy book of the Christians;

Jewish Torah + Gospels about Jesus and his apostles

D. Spread of Christianity

3. Persecution (harassment to cause pain)a. Roman tolerance of religion not extended to Christianity

Christians refused to make sacrifices to the emperor or honor Roman gods

They were beheaded, crucified, and tortured

b. Despite this, Christianity spread

4. Persecution ends in 313 CEa. Edict of Milan passed by emperor Constantine (freedom

of worship to all citizens)b. 80 years later, emperor Theodosius made Christianity

official religion