The Rise of Christianity

Historical Background – First Century AD

Palestine was under Roman rule Roman legions (troops) maintained control Roman emperors saw themselves as

“divine” - “son of God” Caesar Augustus was emperor at the time

of Jesus’ birth (Luke chapter 2) the Pax Romana- Roman Peace

Time of growth and expansion

The Emperor Tiberius ruled during Jesus’ ministry and time of his death

Roman governors (such as Pontius Pilate) were sent to oversee the provinces

Rome used local rulers to help govern example: King Herod was ruler of

Palestine

Caesar Augustus

The base of statue includes the image of the Greek god Cupid riding a dolphin. This expresses Augustus’ supposed ancestry to the goddess Venus (Cupid's mother) by way of his adopted father Julius Caesar.

Temple in Jerusalem- 1st Centurybuilt by King Herod

Focal point of Jewish life and religion

Historical Background Rome often allowed people in

conquered regions to maintain their traditional religion and culture As long as it did not conflict with Rome

Example: Jewish Passover in Jerusalem Rome also granted Roman citizenship

to some who lived under Roman rule Example: Paul was a Roman citizen

Historical Background The Jews in Palestine resented Roman rule

and sought to change the political status of Israel (zealots) Many Jews wanted to reestablish a Kingdom

of Israel under the leadership of a Messiah – king (like David)

Messiah (Hebrew) means “anointed one” Christ is Greek for Messiah

Rome was very concerned about Jewish uprisings and rebellions Fear of losing control Fear of violence

Example: Pilate went in Jerusalem during Passover to make sure there were no uprisings or problems in the city

Jewish Revolt AD 66-73 In AD 70 Rome put down a Jewish

revolt in Palestine (Judea) Thousands of Jews were killed by

Roman soldiers The Temple in Jerusalem was

destroyed by the Romans and much of the city was burned

The Arch of Titus (Titus was the Roman general who led the attack on Jerusalem ) was erected in Rome to commemorate the victory

Rome and the Destruction of the TempleAD 70

The Roman historian, Josephus, claimed that more than 1 million Jews died as a result of Rome’s brutal crackdown.

 Roman troops burned and sacked the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Arch of Titus in Rome has a frieze showing the menorah and silver trumpets from the Temple being paraded into the city.

Jewish prisoners were paraded through the streets of Rome and strangled at the Forum.

Roman troops also raised a standard with the image of a pig on the ruins of the Temple in Jerusalem

Thousands of Jews fled Palestine to other regions of the Roman world (Europe, North Africa, other parts of the Middle East) This is known as the diaspora Judaism and Christianity continued to

spread as a result

Languages of the period Greek and later Latin were the universal

languages of the region New Testament was written in Greek

Jews often spoke many languages Hebrew Aramaic Greek Latin

Key terms Messiah (Christ) – anointed one Gospel – means good news

– the message of Jesus Apostles- those who knew and

worked with Jesus – early leaders of the Church

Peter – leader of the first century Church – one of the 12 disciples

Paul- missionary to the Gentiles – spread the gospel around the Roman world

Both Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome (during the reign of Nero)

The spread of the gospel and Christianity Roman roads, ships, and mail allowed

for the gospel message to be spread throughout the Empire

Greek and Latin were universal languages of the time The New Testament was written in

Greek

Jesus’ message was very attractive to many people Love Compassion Humility Justice Morality Salvation for all – Jew and Gentile alike Hope Promise of eternal life- the kingdom of God Respect for women

Jesus’ message was in stark contrast to Roman values of power, wealth, personal glory, and conquest Jesus to Pilate before his death- “my kingdom

is not from this world…”

Early Christians were often persecuted and killed in the Roman arenas

Christianity and Constantine Constantine - ruled as emperor 306-

337 AD Converted to Christianity

Christianity officially legalized as a religion in 313 AD – Edict of Milan

Council of Nicaea was called in 325 AD to unify the Christian Church

Nicene Creed – statement of faith 27 books of the New Testament

were compiled and became official

Emperor Constantine

Constantine and the Chi Rho

Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Empire in 395 AD

Christianity became the only legal religion in the Empire

Other religions were banned

How did the Christian Church impact the Roman Empire and Western Civilization Sunday became the official day of rest

and worship Slavery was abolished Roman (pagan) holidays were

transformed into Christian holidays – example: Easter

The gladiator sports ( blood sports) were abolished

Family ties were encouraged and grew stronger

Hospitals and orphanages were established Rome became center of the Roman

Catholic Church and papacy

St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

Pope Francis

Vatican unveils bone fragments of St. Peter