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

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

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

Birth of Jesus

• Messiah = “anointed 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 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

• 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 (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

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

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

• 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• Temple and the money-

changers• Judas Iscariot• The Last Supper• Pontius Pilate

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?

Missionary Work of Paul• Originally named Saul• Greek-speaking Jew and Roman Citizen• Disagreed with Christianity• New Testament states:

• God appeared to him leaving him blind and paralyzed

• Healed by a Christian• Adopted Christianity• Began work as a missionary (one who tries

to convert others)• Gentiles = non-Jews

(HA- Pgs. 356-357)

Paul’s Teachings

• Stressed believing that Jesus was the Son of God

• Taught that ALL people were God’s children

• Preached throughout Asia Minor, Greece and Rome

• His visits sometimes caused riots• Jailed in Rome and killed in 65 C.E. by

Romans

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

Persecution &

Triumph • Christians

• Refused to worship Roman Gods• Preferred simple life• Refused to serve in the Roman army

• Christianity • Declared illegal & believers were

killed• Thrived anyway• Taught that even the poor & slaves

could look forward to a better life

Test Preparation

Use the notes from this presentation, your ISN pages and text book to prepare for the test.

You will have multiple choice and short answer questions. (No long essay.)