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The Rise of Christianity and its Impact on the Roman Empire
• Christianity began as an offshoot of Judaism.• Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the
son of God and that by following his message their souls will be saved.
• Christianity was very appealing to poor, powerless people.
• Christianity spread rapidly through the Roman empire, and eventually became the official religion of Rome.
Jews under Roman Rule
• By 63 BCE – Judea controlled by Rome
• Some cooperate with Rome • Zealots – seek to kick Rome
out• Messiah – was a savior who
was predicted to arrive soon
• Many small movements at the time looking for Messiah
• Followers of Jesus Christ believed he was the Messiah
Jesus Christ as a Historical Figure• Carpenter who became
public teacher / preacher around 30 yrs
• Message = – 1. Personal relationship with
loving God,– 2. God would establish eternal
kingdom of heaven for repentant sinners
• 12 Disciples / Apostles – Most info from them
• Message is well received by poor, etc
Death of Jesus
• Arrives in Jerusalem – Seen as threat by Roman and Jewish leaders
• Arrested, executed (Pontius Pilate)
• Body disappears – followers claim he appeared to him
• After “resurrection” many come to believe he was Messiah (Christos = Messiah)
• Apostles spread message – led by Peter
How did Christianity spread so fast?
• Example of Paul – Before – enemy of
Christianity, claims a vision– Later – spends his life
spreading message of Christ• Pax Romana – Makes
travel safe, easy – allows for rapid spread of ideas
• Universal Appeal of the message helps spread it
• Jewish Rebellion and Diaspora contributes to spread
Persecution of Christians
• Refusal to worship Roman gods = opposition to Roman authority
• Christians used as scapegoats – Nero example
• Martyrs• Persecution did little to
slow growth of Christianity
Organization of Christian Church
• Very hierarchical• Priest• Bishop• Bishop of Rome (Pope) • Rome is center of
power SO.. Becomes center of Church
Emperor Constantine becomes a Christian
• While preparing for battle, Constantine prays, has a vision of a cross
• Constantine starts to practice Christianity, but doesn’t officially convert until just before death
• Constantine ends persecution
• Edict of Milan – makes it an official religion
• 380 – becomes official religion of Rome
Issues faced by the early church
• Codification of beliefs – Heresy – New Testament– Council of Nicea
• St. Augustine and the “City of God”