The Rise of Christianity and its Impact on the Roman Empire

• Christianity began as an offshoot of Judaism.• Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the

son of God and that by following his message their souls will be saved.

• Christianity was very appealing to poor, powerless people.

• Christianity spread rapidly through the Roman empire, and eventually became the official religion of Rome.

Jews under Roman Rule

• By 63 BCE – Judea controlled by Rome

• Some cooperate with Rome • Zealots – seek to kick Rome

out• Messiah – was a savior who

was predicted to arrive soon

• Many small movements at the time looking for Messiah

• Followers of Jesus Christ believed he was the Messiah

Jesus Christ as a Historical Figure• Carpenter who became

public teacher / preacher around 30 yrs

• Message = – 1. Personal relationship with

loving God,– 2. God would establish eternal

kingdom of heaven for repentant sinners

• 12 Disciples / Apostles – Most info from them

• Message is well received by poor, etc

Death of Jesus

• Arrives in Jerusalem – Seen as threat by Roman and Jewish leaders

• Arrested, executed (Pontius Pilate)

• Body disappears – followers claim he appeared to him

• After “resurrection” many come to believe he was Messiah (Christos = Messiah)

• Apostles spread message – led by Peter

How did Christianity spread so fast?

• Example of Paul – Before – enemy of

Christianity, claims a vision– Later – spends his life

spreading message of Christ• Pax Romana – Makes

travel safe, easy – allows for rapid spread of ideas

• Universal Appeal of the message helps spread it

• Jewish Rebellion and Diaspora contributes to spread

Persecution of Christians

• Refusal to worship Roman gods = opposition to Roman authority

• Christians used as scapegoats – Nero example

• Martyrs• Persecution did little to

slow growth of Christianity

Organization of Christian Church

• Very hierarchical• Priest• Bishop• Bishop of Rome (Pope) • Rome is center of

power SO.. Becomes center of Church

Emperor Constantine becomes a Christian

• While preparing for battle, Constantine prays, has a vision of a cross

• Constantine starts to practice Christianity, but doesn’t officially convert until just before death

• Constantine ends persecution

• Edict of Milan – makes it an official religion

• 380 – becomes official religion of Rome

Issues faced by the early church

• Codification of beliefs – Heresy – New Testament– Council of Nicea

• St. Augustine and the “City of God”