Ch. 10 The Rise of Christianity10.1 – The First Christians

I. The Jews and the Romans

Jerusalem was the capital of the kingdom of Israel.

During the 900s B.C., Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah

Emperor Augustus made Judah into a Roman province called Judaea in 65 B.C.

The Zealots were Jews who rebelled against the Romans in A.D. 66 to take back their kingdom. The Zealots were defeated and the temple was destroyed in A.D. 70.

The Jews rebelled again in A.D. 132 and were defeated again. In retaliation, the Romans forced the Jews to leave Jerusalem and banned them from ever returning.

II. The Life of JesusJews believed God would send

a messiah to restore their kingdom.

Jesus grew up in the city of Nazareth.

He traveled throughout Judaea preaching his ideas.

Jesus’ message was contained in a group of sayings called the Sermon on the Mount.◦Jesus preach repentance because

the kingdom was at hand.◦Jesus believed in love and

forgiveness, not simply following religious laws.

His message continued◦Mt. 23:3 – Follow the law even if the

leaders don’t◦Mt. 5:17 – I came not to destroy the

law but fulfillParables

◦Earthly stories with heavenly meanings

◦Everyday events were used to express spiritual truths.

◦Why parables? Mt. 13:11-15 So some would understand and some

would not.

Famous parables◦Good Samaritan – Lk. 10:30-37◦Prodigal Son – Lk.15:11-32◦Sower - Mt. 13:3-23; Mk 4:3-20; Lk

8:5-15◦Rich Fool – Lk 12:13-21◦The Tares – Mt. 13:24-30; 36-43◦Fish Net – Mt. 13:47-50◦Unmerciful Steward – Mt. 18: 23-35◦The Talents – Mt 25:14-30; Lk 19:11-

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Leaders in Jerusalem charged Jesus with treason and crucified him.◦ Why crucifixion?

Incredibly painful Lingering death Deterrent to others

Jesus’ followers believe in Jesus’ resurrection, or rising from the dead. They founded a new religion called Christianity.

III. The First ChristiansPeople who accepted Jesus as the

messiah were called Christians.The Apostles were early Christian

leaders who helped establish the church and spread the words of Christ.

There were 12 original apostles ◦ Mathias (Acts 1) and Paul (Acts 9)

were added later Compare your textbook to the primary

source “he saw a great light and heard Jesus’ voice.

Paul became a Christian on the spot.” p. 348 Acts 9:1-18 – It was over a period of 3 days

Christians have different beliefs from Jews.◦ Jesus is the Son of God the savior of the

world. Jews are still looking for the Messiah

◦ Christians believe that people can gain salvation, or be saved from sin and allowed to enter heaven, by accepting and obeying Jesus.

◦ Belief in the Trinity or the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) Jews believe that there is one God (Deuteronomy

6:4)◦ Jews worship on the Sabbath (Saturday)

and Christians worship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday)

◦ Jews do not eat certain foods like: pigs, catfish, and shrimp. Christians can eat anything except blood and things strangled (Acts 15:20).