History of Christianity

Lecture 13October 9, 2009

HIST 101 History of World Civilizations to 1550University of Montevallo, Fall 2009

Adjunct Instructor Jill Cooley

Lecture 13: Outline

• Rise of Christianity– Roman Religious Culture– Life of Jesus of Nazareth– Early Christian Church

• Roman Reaction– Diocletian’s Persecution– Constantine, Theodosius

and the Triumph of Christianity

Lecture 13: Key Terms

• Imperial Cult of Rome and Augustus

• Jesus of Nazareth• Judea• Messiah• Jerusalem• Gentiles• Paul of Tarsus• Christian persecution

• Diocletian• Constantine• Constantinople• Edict of Milan• Arianism• Council of Nicaea• Nicene Creed• Theodosius

Life of Jesus of Nazareth• NOW it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar

Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth…. And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7. The Bible. New American Standard Version.

Roman Empire at Jesus’s Birth

Spread of Christianity

Early Christian Symbols

Baptism of Constantine

The Nicene CreedWE BELIEVE in one God,the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made,of one Being with the Father.Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvationHe came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirithe became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,and was made man.

For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

He suffered death and was buried.On the third day He rose againin accordance with the Scriptures;He ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Lecture 13: TimelineTime Period Historical Event Important Points

ca. 4 BC - 30 AD Life of Jesus of Nazareth Ministry and crucifixion

ca. 38-67 AD Ministry of Paul of Tarsus Conversion of Gentiles; Writing of the Epistles

ca. 70-100 AD Gospels written Documented the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth

ca. 2nd century AD Christian community predominately comprised of Gentiles

Result of Paul’s travels

284-305 AD Diocletian’s reign Christian Persecution; Reorganization of Empire

306-337 AD Constantine’s reign Constantine’s baptism, 312 AD

313 AD Edict of Milan Legalized Christianity

325 AD Council of Nicaea Nicene Creed

395 AD Christianity recognized as the official religion of the Empire

Emperor Theodosius