The Rise of Christianity Christianity Christianity was the

The Rise of Christianity

Christianity • Christianity was the official religion of the Roman Empire by the emperor Constantine. • Constantine- Edict of Milan in 313, which fully legalized Christianity in the Empire, for the first time • Christianity reshaped Roman beliefs and became the central institution of western civilization for nearly 1, 000 years

Religious Diversity • There was still a lot of religious diversity in the Roman Empire. Some people worshipped mystery religions where they had secret rituals. • However, despite these odd religions, the empire was still very accepting of Christianity. This was because they had been polytheistic for a very long time.

Judea • In AD 66 there was a revolt when the Jewish people in Judea went against Roman rule. They were squashed by the powerful Roman army and many Jewish people were killed.

Jesus • Jesus was born around 7 BCAD 4 and taught the message of the Jewish tradition. • However, He testified to the Trinity and salvation through grace by faith in Him, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. • He was ordered to death by the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. • After his death, he was seen, taught for a little longer, and then ascended into heaven.

Jesus’s Disciples • Following his death, his disciples began establishing Christian communities. After a while, Christianity became a central faith often associated with the Jewish religion. • Paul, a Jew from Asia Minor, had the largest influence on the spread of Christianity. He traveled all over the Roman Empire, explaining and expanding Jesus’s teachings.

Jesus’s Disciples • • • Judas Peter James John Matthew Mark • • Luke Thomas Simon Andrew Phillip Bartholomew Paul

Persecution of Christians • Christians were persecuted by some Roman officials. Many Roman leaders killed Christians. • These people were called martyrs- someone who suffers or dies for their beliefs. • Peter and Paul were both persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ by the Emperor Nero.

Early Christian Beliefs/Practices • A Christian community shared a common faith and began churches. – Baptism began as representation and a proclamation of believersthey were now forgiven of their sins • They also ate bread and drank wine in a sacred meal called the Communion. • Women were much more equal in this religion and were teachers and administrators in church.

Beliefs • Each church had a priest, with a bishop having authority over him. • The most important bishops of the Roman Empire were called patriarchs. They were in Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Constantinople. • After the Roman Empire declined, the Christian church took the place of ruling over the people in the area.