Christianity Origins

Christianity Origins

Judea under Roman rule

• Jews in Judea were under Roman Rule.

• Prayed a Messiah would come to free them from Roman oppression

• Zealots used violence and protests to fight back.

• One group, Pharisees, believed good people would be resurrected after death.

Life and Teachings of Jesus

• Gospels- early Christian writings

• Belief Jesus was the descendant of King David.

• Travelled around Judea teaching Jewish scripture.

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More Life and Teaching

• Jesus was known as a champion of the poor and outcasts.

• Words spread he could heal sick people

• He preached about living a good life by focusing on passages in the Hebrew Bible.

Opposition, Arrest, and Death

• Jesus was in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover.

• Rome feared he would cause riots and destroy city.

• Arrested, beaten, and crucified in order to be made an example of.

Resurrection

• According to Gospels, Jesus rose from the grave 3 days after his death.

• It was believed that God resurrected him and he was the Messiah

• Early followers of Jesus were Jews, while new followers became Christians.

Christians and Jews

• Peter became the new leader of the church when Jesus died.

• Helped to spread teachings throughout the world.

• Peter preached the teachings of Jesus in Rome.

Rebellion

• Zealots rebelled against Rome

• Were eventually defeated

• As punishment, Romans destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem

• Jews left to other countries or became slaves.

Spread of Christianity

• Paul began preaching the word of Christ.

• Founded Churches, wrote letters

• Ideas of Christianity appealed to many of the poor and slaves in Rome

• This led to persecution of Christians by angry Romans

Persecution

• A massive fire destroyed Rome, and Emperor Nero blamed the Christians

• Romans killed thousands of Christians.

• Martyr- people who died for their faith

• Persecution continued until Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity.

• This made Christianity the official religion of the empire.