Paul of Tarsus and the spread of Christianity

Paul of Tarsus and the spread of Christianity Students will use a map to cite evidence as to how Christianity spread

Warm Up: • Recall: What are the holy books of Judaism and Christianity?

Homework • Page 174 use the map to complete the 2 map skills questions.

Early years after Jesus’ death • As we learned from analyzing the chart the other day Jesus’ followers dropped at first because many people felt they were lied to since he didn’t save himself and/or they were afraid to admit they followed his teachings.

Along comes Paul of Tarsus • Paul of Tarsus never met Jesus, but heard about him. • Originally fought to stop the word of Jesus from spreading. • Born Jewish, but became Christian.

Turn and Talk • If Paul worked trying to stop the spread of Christianity why do you think he later became a Christian?

Then something happened • One day while walking in Damascus Paul was confronted with a blinding light. • This light was said to be Jesus calling to him and teaching him about his ways. • That led to Paul’s conversion.

A change of heart • Paul quickly became one of the biggest supporters of Jesus and traveled throughout Asia to spread Jesus’ message

Paul’s Journeys

Rome and Christianity • For hundreds of years despite the travels of Paul it was a crime to be a Christian in Rome. • People who chose to be Christian had to do so in hiding. • Even though it was illegal there was a slow, but there was an increase in the number of Christians in Rome.

Turn and Talk: • Why do you think a religion was outlawed?

Constantine • Emperor of Rome who spent many years making sure Christians were punished one day had a change of heart • As he prepared for fight a battle he sees a cross in the sky. • He took this as a sign that if he converted to Christianity he would win. • So he converted and he won the battle

A huge difference • After Constantine converted to Christianity he decided to call together Christian leaders from all over the empire to help in the spread of Christianity • 60 years after the death of Constantine all non. Christian religions are outlawed in the Roman Empire.

Work Time: • Using the provided graph and map answer the assigned tasks for your group.