Transcript Jesus Christ - Thompson's History Class

Jesus Christ
And the Origins of
Christianity
The Rise of Christianity
• Roman power spread into Judea by 63 BC
– Jews revolted against Roman rule
– Romans eventually took complete control
• Jews revolted due to two reasons
– Did not want to be controlled by Romans
– Felt worshiping Roman gods was impersonal
• Jews try to rebel again later but were forced
to leave their lands by Romans in 132 AD
– Known as the Diaspora
Control of the Roman Empire
Gaul
Spain
Judea
Middle East /\
Egypt
Roman Empire during Pax Romana
Jesus is Born
• Jesus born 6 or 4 BC (unsure exactly when)
– Born in Nazareth
– Was considered both a Roman and Jew
• Born on Roman soil, but was Jewish in religion
• Started his ministry at the age of 30
– Reportedly preformed miracles, taught, and did
good works for people
• Many of his ideas were from Judaism
– Belief in monotheism & the 10 Commandments
– Personal relationship w/ God, love for all people
– Taught God would end wickedness and evil
The Followers of Jesus
• Followers of Jesus called disciples
– Later would also be known as apostles
• Had 12 disciples and much of our history of
Jesus comes from their stories
– Evidence comes from the Gospels
• Thought to have been written by disciples
– Gospels make up the 1st 4 books of the Bible
• Known as the New Testament
• Most famous of disciples are Peter and Paul
• Peter responsible for spreading religion after
Jesus’ death
Jesus’ Popularity Grows
• Followers of Jesus were Jewish
– Judaism speaks of a Messiah returning
– Some thought Jesus was the Messiah
• Other Jews didn’t believe he’s the Messiah
• Romans jokingly called him “King of the Jews”
– Both groups feared his growing popularity
• Pontius Pilate has Jesus arrested
– Arrested for challenging power of Rome
– Jesus was then crucified on a large wooden cross
• Very popular way to be killed/punished at this time
• The cross becomes the sign of Christianity
Jesus is Born Again
• After his death, he was placed in a tomb
– 3 days later his body was gone
• His followers said they saw a “living” Jesus
– They then said they saw him ascend into heaven
• Became known as Jesus Christ
– Christos- Greek word for messiah or savior
• Referred to in two ways in Christianity
– Referred to as the “son of God”
– Also referred to as the incarnation of God
The Disciples – Peter and Paul
• Peter- first person to spread the word of god
– Tells stories and teaches beliefs of Jesus
• Paul also a disciple of Jesus
– Did not believe in Jesus at first
• Came to him in a vision, and he believed
– Will spread word just as Peter did
• Both will be killed by the Roman government
• Early Signs of Christianity
– Cross/ crucifix and churches
Legalization of Christianity in Roman Empire
• Legalized by Constantine in
313 AD
– Asked for divine help in
battle and won
– Painted crosses on his
shield before the fight
• Signed the Edict of Milan
– Allowed all men to choose
their own religion