Origins and Spread of

ChristianityHistory Alive: Chapter 36

When did Christianity

originate? How did Christianity originate? How did Christianity spread

throughout the Roman Empire?

Introduction:Essential Questions

Birthplace of Christianity

Birthplace of Christianity

Judea: Remote territory on eastern end of Mediterranean Sea• Once a part of the ancient kingdom of

Israel• Came under Roman rule around 63

B.C.E.• 37 B.C.E. Herod came to a rule/puppet

of the Roman government• Herod dies in 4 B.C.E.

Cont…

• Jews hated the Romans and were looking for a Messiah

• Prefects put in place by Rome• Council of Jewish leaders dealt with

local affairs, led by a high priest, outwardly peaceful

• Prophecies in sacred writing for G-d to send a savior

Birth of Jesus

• Messiah = “annointed one”• Augustus orders census • Mary and Joseph travel to

Bethlehem to be counted• The “Christmas Story”

The Nativity“The Christmas Story”

Cont…

• Probably born in 6 B.C.E. during the reign of King Herod

• Forced to seek shelter in a stable• Mary gave birth and wrapped him

in strips of cloth laying him in a manger

The Three Kings

• Very little known about Jesus’ childhood

• Likely studied carpentry and lived in Nazareth

Gospels: New

Testament• Four important writings/account

of Jesus’ life• Written by his followers (disciples:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)• Statements of faith in Jesus as the

promised “Messiah”• Greek word for Messiah was

“Christos” or “the Christ”

Gospels: New Testament

(cont…)

• Written down from oral and written sources

• Written 30 – 70 years after Jesus died

• Tell of events of Jesus’ life: working miracles, healing the sick, befriending the poor and friendless

• Preached of God’s mercy and love

• Urged followers to love one another

Teachings:Parable: a simple story that explains a moral or religious lesson

Jesus’ Teachings

• Ministry consisted of teaching, healing and service to others

• Preached in synagogues• As popularity increased, He began

preaching in large, open spaces, towns and by the Sea of Galilee

• He invited 12 men to become his disciples

John the Baptist

• Jesus is baptized at the age of 30

• John identifies Jesus as the Messiah

• Turning point in Jesus’ life

• 40 days of praying in the wilderness

• Returned to Galilee and began preaching

• Based on traditional Jewish beliefs• Special emphasis placed on:

• Love• Mercy

“You shall love your God with all your heart and all your soul.”

“You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”

{Pages 352 – 353 in H.A.}

The Crucifixion

• Passover (Jewish festival commemorating Exodus)

• Temple and the money-changers• Judas Iscariot (betrays Jesus)• The Last Supper (Jesus gathers with his

12 apostles/disciples)• Pontius Pilate (Roman prefect/sentences Jesus

to death by crucifixion)Pgs. 354-355 H.A.

The Resurrection1. What does the

Resurrection of Jesus Christ represent for Christians?

2. What holiday is celebrated by Christians to commemorate the Resurrection?

3. Why do eggs play a large role in the celebration of this holiday?

Early converts to Christianity were Jews.

Missionary Work of Paul:

•One of the most important people in Christianity•Born in Tarsus, Turkey•Devoted his life to spreading the teachings of Jesus in (missionary) Asia minor, Greece and Rome

Missionary Work of Paul: (cont.)

•His letters to early churches are in bible•Romans executed him in 65 C.E. (approximately)•After his death, Catholic Church named him a saint

Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?Do now:

Christianity Spreads:•Over time, people, of all classes, begin to adopt this faith•Edict of Milan

• 313 C.E. Emperor Constantine • grants Christians freedom of religion