Chapter 16 Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity

1. Chapter 16Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity

2. Roman Palestine

3. Early on in Pax Romana, a new religion, Christianityemerged in a distant corner of the Empire • Many different religions in the empire • By 63 B.C., Romans had conquered Judea where most Jewish people lived. Section 1:Christianity • Romans allowed Jewish people to worship their one god • Many Jews reluctantly lived under Roman rule, however, some wanted a revolt against Rome and believed a Messiahwould come to save their people; lead them to freedom

4. Life of Jesus -Born in 4 B.C. in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazarethin the province of Galilee. -Worshipped God and followed Jewish law, studied the Scriptures, or sacred writing -At 30 began preaching to villagers throughout Palestine (Judea), used parables-short stories with simple moral lessons to communicate his ideas -Roman authorities felt Jesus would lead the Jews in a revolt against their rule; many Jews refused to worship Roman gods and statues of the Emperor

5. The Life and Teaching of Jesus • Jesus of Nazareth • He is a carpenter until about the age 30 when he begins preaching. • According to the four Gospels (of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) Jesus is said to perform miracles. • He stresses a personal relationship with God, love for friends and enemies. Mosaic of Jesus at Church of San Apollinaire Nuevo in Ravenna, Italy.

6. The Life and Teaching of Jesus • A Growing Movement • Apostles-from the Greek word “apostolos” means literally “someone sent out.” These are twelve men who are close disciples of Jesus. • Jesus ignores wealth and status; his message appeals to the poor. • Some Jews in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus, many of the Jewish priests felt he threatened their leadership. Sermon on the Mount by Danish painter Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1890.

7. Death of Jesus -Rumors spread that Jesus had not died, but had risen from death and commanded his disciples to spread his teachings -After 40 days, disciples reported he ascended into heaven -According to the gospels, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, arrested by the Romans, and killed by crucifixion-a person was bound to a cross and left to die

8. Christianity Spreads -Followers called Christians, after Greek word for Messiah. -Disciples preach the messages of Christianity throughout the Roman world -Peter established Christianity in Rome itself -Paulplayed the most influential role in spreading Christianity and was its first Missionary. He spread his Christian religious beliefs throughout the Mediterranean. His letters became part of the New Testament in the Bible

9. Christianity Spreads Through the Empire • Paul’s Mission • Was originally named Saul, and was a member of the strict Jewish sect of Pharisees. • He persecutes Christians at first, but on his way to Damascus to arrest some Christians he has an experience where he claimed Jesus appeared to him calling him to be an Apostle to the Gentiles (non Jewish people). • Is made blind, but later is healed by an Apostle after he is baptized as a Christian. Saint Paul, by El Greco, circa 1608-1614

10. Christianity Spreads Through the Empire • Paul is the author of epistles or letters to the churches. All of these letters existing were included in the New Testament. • Romans • 1 and 2 Corinthians • Galatians • Ephesians • Philippians • Colossians • 1 and 2 Thessalonians • The Pastoral Epistles to Timothy and Titus • Philemon

11. St. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles

12. Christianity Spreads Through the Empire • Paul spends his life preaching and interpreting Christianity. • Paul stresses Jesus is the Son of God who died for people’s sins. • Paul declared that Christianity was open to all, Gentile as well as Jew. • The common languages of Latin and Greek, spoken throughout the empire, helps the spread of the Christian message. • The New Testament is written entirely in common Greek spoken by most people who live in the eastern Mediterranean region.

13. Christianity Spreads Through the Empire • Roman road system is instrumental in helping Christian missionaries spread the words of Jesus throughout the empire. • Jewish Rebellion • Jews rebel against Rome in 66 A.D. • Romans storm Jerusalem and destroy the Temple in 70 A.D. • Another Jewish rebellion occurs in 132 A.D., which the Romans crush. Jews and ethnically Jewish Christians are barred from Jerusalem and exiled.

14. The Jewish Revolt (66-70 C. E.) Masada: Jewish last stand before revolt is crushed by Rome

15. The Spread of Christianity

16. Section 2: Christianity and Rome-Christians Oppressed • Political Conditions: Romans were not tolerant towards Christians because: • They refused to honor the emperor with sacrifices or to worship his statues. • They refused to worship Roman gods to protect the state • They refused to serve in army or in public office • Criticized Roman festivals and games • Taught that all people would be equal in Heaven if they followed Jesus’ teachings.

17. Christians used asscapegoats, blamed and punished for social and economic problems such as disasters--plagues and famines, and a fire that destroyed much of Rome. • Christianity was made illegal and many killed. They are crucified, burned, and killed in the arena. Many became martyrs- or people who suffer or die for their beliefs • Christianity continued to spread. People liked the fact that all people were welcome. By 250 A.D. Romans grew tired of war and feared for the end of their Empire.

18. Constantine I and Theodosius • In 312 A.D., Constantine I was a general who claims to have seen a flaming cross in the sky • Wins the battle and throne of Rome; gives God credit for his win • Has soldiers place a cross on their shields • Converts to Christianity

19. Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313. • The Edict granted freedom of worship to all citizens of the Roman empire • He built Churches and Christian Schools • Excused Church leaders from paying taxes • By the end of the century, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire.

20. Section 3: The Church, A World Religion • Early Christian Church • Priests direct a single church (parish). • Bishops supervise numerous churches (diocese). This word originally meant a Roman Military District. • Apostle Peter is considered the first bishop of Rome, therefore, the clergy trace their authority to him. • Pope—means father or head of the Christian Church. Rome becomes the center of the Church. • Most important Bishops called Archbishops. • The five leading Archbishops called patriarchs.

21. Peter the Apostle • Many believed Peter founded Roman Church, was first bishop • Later bishops of Rome, popes, Peter’s spiritual heirs • Gospel of Matthew: Jesus gives Peter keys to kingdom of heaven • Therefore future popes inherit keys • By about 100, priests who were trained in these ceremonies became prominent within Christianity. The authority of the priests was based on the authority Jesus gave the 12 Apostles. This spiritual authority distinguished the priests from the general congregation of the church. • By AD 300, some 10 percent of Roman people were Christian

22. Structure of the Church

23. Separation of the Church • By 600 A.D., the Archbishop of Rome began to claim control over other archbishops. He was called Pope, Latin for “Father.” • Christians who spoke Latin followed him. • Christians who spoke Greek, followed the Archbishop of Constantinople. • In 1054 A.D., the two churches separated. • Latin Churches became known as the Roman Catholic Church; Greek churches became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church.

25. The New Testament • New Testament = Christian Scriptures • Towards end of 300s A.D., four accounts written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, John accepted. • Certain letters written by Paul and other disciples were also accepted into New Testament. • Bishops meeting discussed official doctrine, or statements of faith. Points of view not accepted were declared heresy, or false doctrines.

26. Fathers of the Church • Between 100-500 A.D., different scholars wrote works than influenced later Christians. • These scholars are known as “Fathers of the Church. • Jerome translated the Old and New Testaments into Latin, known as the Vulgate. • It became known as the official Bible of the Roman Catholic Church. • Augustine wrote the City of God in which he defended Christianity and said Rome fell because it became corrupt and persecuted Christians.

27. Monasteries • During early years of Christianity, many left the cities and lived in isolated areas and became known as hermits. • Bishop by the name of Basil said Christians should live in communities near cities to avoid the evils of the world, but still do good deeds for the people. • Christian men who did this were called monks, and lived in communities called monasteries. • Women were known as nuns and lived in convents. • Eastern Orthodox religious communities adopted the Basilian Rule.

28. There were men that followed Benedictine Rules set by an Italian scholar named Benedict . These followers led simple lives and had to obey the orders of the abbot, or leader of the monastery. • By 800 A.D., monks were playing an important role in spreading Christianity throughout Europe and preserving Roman and Greek writings. • They helped western civilization survive and progress through the Dark Ages.

29. Summary • The death of Jesus had the opposite effect that both Jewish religious leaders and the emperors of Rome desired. • Instead of crushing Christianity and silencing the words of Jesus, their actions led to millions embracing a religious movement that preached peace, acceptance, and salvation to all people, regardless of race, gender, or station in life.