Christianity and the Roman Empire In this lesson

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Christianity and the Roman Empire In this lesson, students will identify characteristics of the

Christianity and the Roman Empire In this lesson, students will identify characteristics of the Christian religion and the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: Christianity Jesus of Nazareth Emperor Constantine

The Romans had conquered the Jews. The Jewish people believed that their God would

The Romans had conquered the Jews. The Jewish people believed that their God would send them a great King or Messiah to lead them to political freedom.

Some Jews believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.

Some Jews believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.

Jesus • Jesus was a carpenter. • At the age of 30, he began

Jesus • Jesus was a carpenter. • At the age of 30, he began preaching. • He preached that God loved all people equally and that his followers should love even their enemies.

His followers believed that Jesus performed miracles like raising the dead and healing the

His followers believed that Jesus performed miracles like raising the dead and healing the sick.

Trouble with the Government • After three years of preaching, Jesus’ popularity frightened some

Trouble with the Government • After three years of preaching, Jesus’ popularity frightened some Jewish leaders. • It was rumored that Jesus’ followers would rebel against the Roman authorities. • Such a rebellion would cause suffering and hardship among the conquered people.

Rebelling against the Romans would only cause hardship and suffering.

Rebelling against the Romans would only cause hardship and suffering.

One of Jesus’ followers, Judas, betrayed Jesus.

One of Jesus’ followers, Judas, betrayed Jesus.

The Crucifixion • Jesus was betrayed, crucified, and died. • His followers believed that

The Crucifixion • Jesus was betrayed, crucified, and died. • His followers believed that he rose on the third day after his death. • His followers believed that Jesus was resurrected.

The Romans crucified Jesus.

The Romans crucified Jesus.

Cultural Diffusion and Christianity • After Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers spread his teachings. •

Cultural Diffusion and Christianity • After Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers spread his teachings. • Paul brought Jesus’ teachings to the Gentiles or non-Jewish people. • Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Paul brought Christianity to the Gentiles.

Paul brought Christianity to the Gentiles.

Emperor Constantine • Initially, the Romans persecuted and even killed Christians. • However, over

Emperor Constantine • Initially, the Romans persecuted and even killed Christians. • However, over time, even some of the Roman elite became Christians. • Emperor Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.

Questions for Reflection: • Who was Jesus of Nazareth and what did he preach?

Questions for Reflection: • Who was Jesus of Nazareth and what did he preach? • Why were some government officials concerned about Jesus? • What did the Romans do to Jesus? • Define resurrection. • What happened to Christianity after the death of Jesus? • Who was Constantine and why was he a significant Roman Emperor?