The Spread of Christianity: Through the Roman Empire

1. The Spread of Christianity: Through the Roman Empire Ronald Starcher, Jr. West Virginia State University

2. Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth • Judea under Roman rule in 6 A.D. • Jesus arrives in Jerusalem A.D. 30 • Jesus already has a large following in the Jewish community. • Ministry dates back to A.D. 30. • Jesus' body is turned over to Nicadeemus and apostles

3. Jesus’ Death & Resurrection • Three days after Jesus’ death, Mary Magdalene visits his tomb and finds it empty. • Mary brings the message of Jesus’ resurrection back to the apostles. • After forty days he gives his apostles their mission and ascends to heaven.

4. Paul of Tarsus • Born A.D. 5 • Persecutor of Christians • Saw vision of Jesus on Road to Damascus • Chosen to bring the gospel to the Gentiles • Most influential Christian missionary

5. ACTS 9:1-8 • And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, • 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. • 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: • 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

6. ACT 9:1-8 • 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. • 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. • 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. • 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

7. Road to Damascus • No one went further than Paul • Celibacy • Theory of Divine Grace • Salvation • Brought the gospel to the Gentiles • No Circumcision • Could eat pork

8. Paul’s Influence on The New Testament • Works attributed to Paul • Romans • 1 & 2 Corinthians • Galatians • Philippines • 1 Thessalonians • 1 & 2 Timothy • Titus • Considered the earliest Christian Writings

9. St. Augustine of Hippo • Born A.D. 354 • Died A.D. 430 • Writings developed Western Christianity • Bishop of Roman province in Africa • Adopted Paul’s salvation through Faith not works

10. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 • 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,  • 19that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. • 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

11. Death of Paul Paul is held in prison awaiting trial in Jerusalem . Paul elects to go to trial in Rome. Tradition tells that Paul was beheaded in Rome A.D. 67. Tradition tells that Paul was beheaded during the Christian persecutions under the emperor Nero.

12. Christianity in Rome • Appealed to the poverty stricken population • Offered Hope • Rebirth & Salvation • Promise of Heaven • Replaced Roman Gods • Citizens became uninterested in Roman traditions

13. Martyrs in Early Christianity • Began with Christian persecutions • Told to denounce their faith or suffer death • Life is but a vapor on Earth compared to the Kingdom of Heaven • Paul’s message of love

14. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 • 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  • 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. • 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  • 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.