THE R

ISE O

F

CHRISTI

ANITY

Rome conquered Judea in 63 BCE

Roman religious tolerance allowed Jews to maintain their religion

A few groups resisted Roman control

ROMAN CONTROL OF JUDEA

Zealots wanted to drive the Romans out and restore the Kingdom of Israel

The MessiahSome were waiting for the prophesied Messiah who would restore the Kingdom of Israel

JEWISH RESISTANCE

The teachings of Jesus gained him many followers

Jesus’ following alarmed authorities

Jesus was executed by the Romans to ease political tensions

JESUS OF NAZARETH

Christianity was originally a branch of Judaism

The most loyal followers spread the message to Jewish communities

Paul removed some Jewish traditions from the message to wider appeal

SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Christianity was at first resisted because it was monotheistic

Appealed to the masses because salvation was available to all

Constantine converted and made it legal

Theodosius made it the official religion of the empire

ROMAN ACCEPTANCE

Priests were trained in rituals important to Christians

Bishops were the head of the church in cities

Patriarchs were the leaders in the most important cities

Pope (bishop of Rome) claimed authority from Peter

THE EARLY CHURCH