Christianity Origins

Jews in Judea were under Roman Rule.

Prayed a Messiah would come to free them from Roman oppression

Zealots used violence and protests to fight back.

One group, Pharisees, believed good people would be resurrected after death.

Gospels- early Christian writings

Belief Jesus was the descendant of King David.

Travelled around Judea teaching Jewish scripture.

Jesus was known as a champion of the poor and outcasts.

Words spread he could heal sick people

He preached about living a good life by focusing on passages in the Hebrew Bible.

Jesus was in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Rome feared he would cause riots and destroy city.

Arrested, beaten, and crucified in order to be made an example of.

According to Gospels, Jesus rose from the grave 3 days after his death.

It was believed that God resurrected him and he was the Messiah

Early followers of Jesus were Jews, while new followers became Christians.

Peter became the new leader of the church when Jesus died.

Helped to spread teachings throughout the world.

Peter preached the teachings of Jesus in Rome.

Zealots rebelled against Rome

Were eventually defeated

As punishment, Romans destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem

Jews left to other countries or became slaves.

Paul began preaching the word of Christ.

Founded Churches, wrote letters

Ideas of Christianity appealed to many of the poor and slaves in Rome

This led to persecution of Christians by angry Romans

A massive fire destroyed Rome, and Emperor Nero blamed the Christians

Romans killed thousands of Christians.

Martyr- people who died for their faith

Persecution continued until Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity.

This made Christianity the official religion of the empire.