Rise and Spread of Christianity Christianitys Jewish Roots

Rise and Spread of Christianity

Christianity’s Jewish Roots Objective: Discuss st emergence of Jesus in 1 C. Palestine.

• Christianity emerged at a time of widespread unrest in the Roman province of Judaea (Palestine). • Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth • Christ comes from the Greek word “christos” which means “messiah” or “anointed one”

Sacred Writings • The Christian sacred text includes the Hebrew sacred texts as well as 27 books about Jesus’ life and teachings • To Christians, the sacred Hebrew text became known as the Old Testament. • The 27 books about Jesus’ life and teachings became known as the New Testament. • “Testament” means “covenant” or “contract” • Together, the books are known as the Bible. • The Bible Includes

Roman Judea

emergence of Jesus in 1 C. Palestine. 10/12/17

Looking for a Messiah • Christianity grew from Judaism and ideas of Jesus—a Jewish teacher • Romans conquered Jewish kingdom of Judah (Judea) in 63 B. C. • Jewish kings had to be approved by Rome • Many Jews sought freedom from foreign rulers • Sacred writings promised a Messiah who would free them • Some believed the ruler would be descended from King David

Birth and Early Life • There are few written historical accounts of Christianity's early history. What we know comes from the writings of disciples (followers) • Writings are called Gospels (good news) Gospels accounts of Jesus’ life by Matthew, Mark, Luke, John • Along with other writings, they make up New Testament • Read “The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah” • Highlight/circle terms or names that are familiar from our previous discussions. • Why would a follower of Jesus choose this information as the VERY first thing that is written in the New Testament?

• Gospels say Jesus was born in Bethlehem • Raised in Nazareth by Mary and by Joseph, a carpenter • Christians later celebrated his birth on Christmas

The Teachings of Jesus • Jesus preached justice, compassion, coming of God’s kingdom • Delivered teachings in parables - stories with morals • Asked people to love and pray for enemies; to live simply, humbly • Some Jewish leaders angered by Jesus’ teachings • Were upset that some followers claimed Jesus was the Messiah

The Death of Jesus

Arrest and Trial • The claim that Jesus was the Messiah was a threat to Roman rulers • Power, authority of Roman rulers was questioned • Followers called Jesus “king” when he came to Jerusalem • During Passover, Jesus criticized running of Jerusalem Temple • Jewish leaders appointed by Rome arrested Jesus • Turned him over to Romans for punishment

The Story of the Resurrection • Jesus was executed by Roman governor Pontius Pilate • Executed by crucifixion—hanging on cross until suffocated • Buried in tomb with stone blocking entrance • The Bible Film Clips – Answer the Questions

emergence of Jesus in 1 C. Palestine. 10/13/17

The Story of the Resurrection • Jesus was executed by Roman governor Pontius Pilate • executed by crucifixion—hanging on cross until suffocated • buried in tomb with stone blocking entrance • Gospels say that the third day after death, followers went to tomb • Tomb was empty; some followers say Jesus walked, talked with them • Account of resurrection proved to followers that Jesus was divine • Resurrection—return to life • Followers believed Jesus gave life to create new world • in new world sin and death are defeated • Christians believe crucifixion was on Good Friday • Resurrection was on Easter Sunday

The Resurrection • The apostles belief in the physical resurrection of Jesus was the foundation of a church to promote his teachings. • The message of the apostle Peter’s first sermon was that Jesus had died and risen to be with Yahweh and that baptism marked the adherence of those who accepted his resurrection.

The Early Christians & The New Faith • Romans followed a number of religions and also allowed a great deal of freedom to other religions. • Jews and Christians began to disagree on religious grounds, and Christianity slowly became a separate religion. • Jews and early Christians shared the same basic beliefs, but differed on the idea of the messiah. • At first, Christians concentrated on trying to convert other Jews. • After serious debate, the early Christians decided to preach Christianity to the Gentiles.

Now • Read annotate World Religions: Christianity • Complete the Key Ideas Synthesis Handout > Finish for Homework (if necessary) • Christianity’s Jewish Roots: The Life of Jesus Objective: Discuss emergence of Jesus in 1 st C. Palestine. 10/13/17