The Rise of Christianity

1. Christianity spreads through the empire

1.1. Paul's Mission- The apostal Paul had enormous influence on Christianity's developement. Reported that he had a vision of Jesus.

1.2. Jewish Rebellion- In A.D. 70, a band of Jews rebelled against Rome. The Romans stormed Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple complex. About half a million Jews were killed.

1.3. Romans exiled, imprisoned, or executed Christians for refusing to worship Roman deities. Thousands were crucified, burned, or killed by wild animals in the circus arenas.

2. The life and teachings of Jesus

2.1. Jesus of Nazareth- born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea. Jesus was raised in the village of Nazareth in northern Palestine.

2.2. A growing movement- apostals

2.3. Jesus' Death- The Roman governor Pontius Pilate accused Jesus of defying the authority of Rome. He was sentenced to be crucified. His body was placed in a tomb.

3. A world religion

3.1. Constantine Accepts Christianity- he announced an end to the persecution of Christians on A.D. 313. He reported that he saw an image of a cross.

3.2. Early Christian Church- Every major city had its own Bishop. The apostle Peter was the first pope, the father or head of the Christain Church.

3.3. A Single Voice- As Christianity grew, disagreements about beliefs developed among its followers. These beliefs were compiled in the New Testament. The New Testament was added to the Hebrew Bible, which Christians called the Old Testament.

3.4. The Fathers of the Church- Also influential in defining Church teachings were several early writers and scholars who have been called the Fathers of the Church. Augustine became bishop of the city of Hippo in North Africa in 396.