The Rise of Christianity

Religion in Rome Roman religion shifted from the worship of

pagan Gods to the worship of Christianity, which emphasized a more personal relationship between God and people

Born as a movement within Judaism

Religion in Rome Roman empire spreads to Judea (home of

the Jews) around 63 B.C.

Rise of Christianity Rome takes control of Jewish kingdom in

A.D. 6

Many Jews believed they would once again be free

According to biblical tradition, God promised that a savior known as the Messiah would arrive and restore the kingdom of the Jews.

Jesus of Nazareth Around 6-4 B.C.E., a Jew named Jesus was

born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea

Jesus emphasized God’s personal relationship to each human being.

He taught people the importance of love for God, neighbors, enemies, and themselves

Apostles wrote about Jesus’s teachings in the Gospels

Jesus of Nazareth As he became more popular, Jesus was seen

as a threat to older religious traditions and the authority of Rome.

Roman Governor Pontius Pilate sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion.

Jesus of Nazareth According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from

his tomb three days after his death and appeared to his followers.

Hereafter: Jesus Christ (Christos = Greek for ‘messiah’ or ‘savior’

Rise of Christianity Despite religious and political opposition,

Christianity spreads steadily throughout the Roman Empire

NOTE: The Pax Romana provided the ideal conditions for Christianity to spread

Why do you suppose this is true?

Rise of Christianity A.D. 66: Rome defeats a Jewish rebellion

(Masada, Jewish Fortress)

Rise of Christianity ‘The various modes of worship, which

prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true; by the philosopher, as equally false; and by the magistrate, as equally useful.’

- Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Rise of Christianity Despite the increasing popularity of

Christianity, Romans continued to persecute Christians

Reason: Christians didn’t worship Roman gods.

Roman rules took this as opposition to them.

Persecute – to eliminate, discriminate, or subjugate a group of people based on their religion, race, or beliefs.

Other examples?

Why did Christianity thrive in Rome?

1. Embraced all people

2. Gave hope to the powerless

3. Appealed to those who were repelled by the extravagances of Rome

4. Offered personal relationship with loving God

5. Promised eternal life after death

Rise of Christianity By third century, there are millions of

Christians living in the Roman empire.

Constantine 312 A.D.: Constantine was fighting three

rivals for leadership of Rome

Constantine marches to Rome and prays for divine help before the battle (Milvian Bridge)

Constantine sees image of a cross in the sky

Wins battle, credits his success to help of Christian God

Constantine 313 A.D.: Constantine announces an end to

the persecution of Christians

‘Edict of Milan’ – declares Christianity one of the religions approved by the emperor.

380 A.D.: Christianity becomes empire’s official religion

Rome becomes seat of the papacy and center of the Christian Church

Who am I?