The Rise of ChristianityAncient Rome - Lesson 4

Important PeopleConstantine - Christian emperor who made Christianity equal to all other religions in Rome (275 - 337)

Jesus - a young Jewish man who taught in Palestine and founded Christianity (4 B.C. - A.D. 29)

Paul - disciple of Jesus who helped spread his teachings (died A.D. 68)

Important PeoplePeter - disciple of Jesus who helped spread his teachings (died A.D. 67)

Theodosius - Ancient Roman emperor who made Christianity the official religion of Rome (347 - 395)

How do we know about Jesus?

★ The Gospels (New Testament)★ Roman historians wrote about him

Summary:A New Religion

Jesus, born in Palestine, began to spread Christian ideas throughout the Roman Empire.

What ideas in Jesus’ teachings came directly from his Jewish upbringing?

★ There is only one God★ People should follow the Ten Commandments

Based on the quotation, what personal qualities were desirable for Christians?

★ Humility★ Mercy ★ Peacefulness

What does Leonardo da Vinci suggest about Jesus’ relationship with his disciples?

★ They were close★ They respected him

How did Jesus’ teaching differ from what the Romans believed?

The Romans believed in many gods. Jesus taught about 1 god and the following of the Ten Commandments.

Summary:What Jesus Taught

Jesus taught and reached about basic principles of Christianity.

What do the Gospels say happened to Jesus after he was crucified?

He rose from the dead

What effect did the travels of Peter and Paul have?

Their travels helped spread Jesus’ teachings

Summary:Jesus’ Message Spreads

After his death, some of his disciples continued to spread the word of Christianity, and the religion gained many followers.

Why were Christians punished?

They refused to worship the emperor as a god.

What types of punishment were they subjected to?

★ They were killed for their beliefs★ They were forced to fight in the Colosseum

What was the importance of making Christianity equal to other religions?

Christians could worship as they chose and would not be persecuted.

Summary: Toward Acceptance

Christianity continued to spread. In A.D. 313 Constantine made the religion equal to others. Emperor Theodosius later made Christianity the official religion of Rome.

Map Skill: Which areas accepted Christianity earlier?

Areas near cities and coastlines

In what ways are some Christians different?

★ Beliefs★ Practices★ Customs

Why do Christians believe Jesus was sent into the world?

To help people reach salvation

Summary:Christianity Today

Christianity is widely practiced throughout the world. Although each Christian group differs in some way, all Christians consider Jesus central to their beliefs.