Rise of Christianity

Judea

• Romans conquered Judea– Excused Jews from

worshipping Roman gods

• Zealots wanted to revolt against Rome– Messiah would soon

appear to lead to freedom

Rebellion

• Jewish rebellion defeated– Roman armies leveled

Jerusalem– Jews killed and enslaved– Jews decided to leave

Judea

Main Book

• Bible– Old and New Testament

• Gospels= first 4 books of New Testament– Matthew– Mark– Luke– John

» Tell about Jesus

Jesus

• Son of God– Son of Mary and Joseph– Descendant of King

David of Israel

• Life documented in the Gospels

Apostle

• Follower of Jesus– 12 of Jesus’ disciples

(close followers)• Went with Jesus to

Jerusalem to spread the message of God’s word

Dangerous troublemaker?

• Welcomed by some– Priests thought he

challenged their leadership

– Revolutionary to Roman authorities

• Betrayed by one of his disciples– Condemned to death by

crucifixion

Beliefs

• Ten Commandments• Anyone that believes in

him will have salvation (eternal life in heaven)

• Love God, your neighbor and your enemy

Paul

• Originally persecutor of Christians– Converted to Christianity

• Spread God’s word all around the Mediterranean– Letters became part of

New Testament

Martyr

• Person willing to die for his/her religious beliefs

• Roman persecution– Met in secret– Peter and Paul were

martyrs