Bi 208 Christian beginnings

1. AIM: Why did people relate to Jesus Christ’s message?
Persecution – to cause suffering based on one’s beliefs.
Where have we seen persecutions before?

2. Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?
Do now:

3. *NOTES*
THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY / CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
1.Jesus Christ- believed to be the messiah (savior)
promised by GOD in the Old Testament
-born a Jew and Roman subject in Bethlehem (present-
day Israel)
-Freed believers from sin and offered resurrection in the
afterlife
(Resurrection: rise from the dead and enter Heaven)
-Age 30, Jesus taught, did good works and performed
miracles
-Crucified by Jews and Romans at age 33
-Rose from the dead after 3 days

4. Question 1
“Our Roman gods demand sacrifices from their subjects.
Without their blessings, the Roman Empire is doomed. Yet
those who follow the teachings of Christ refuse to make
sacrifices to the gods, claiming that their God is the only true
god. What nonsense!!! Those silly people and their silly
ideas. They should get on their knees and worship the
ground that Jupiter and Minerva have create.”
- Maximus, Roman Governor
According to Question 1 document, why did the Roman
government view Christians as a threat to the Empire?

5. Question 2
“The teachings of Christ tells us that ‘Thou shall not kill’ and
that ‘Those who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword.’
Therefore we shall not join the Roman legions and kill strangers
in a strange land. And if the Emperor decides that we must be
executed for upholding our beliefs, we gladly become martyrs.”
- Paulus, Roman Christian
According to question 2 document, why would the
Emperor execute Christians?

6. Question 3
“How dare they refuse to honor me!?! All good Romans must
burn incense before my statues and honor me as a god. Yet
these Christians refuse to do so. Well, if I have to feed every
last one of them to the lions, I will. If I have to sew them into
the skins of wild animals and have packs of dogs rip them to
shreds, I will. If I must crucify every last one of them, I will.
Sooner or later, they will acknowledge me as their superior
ruler.”
- Nero, Roman Emperor
According to question 3 document, how could Christians
in the Roman Empire have avoided a painful execution?

7. Why did Jesus’ followers think he was
the Messiah?
• After Jesus’ death, his body was placed in
a tomb. After 3 days he appeared to his
followers.
• This convinced his followers that he was
the Messiah.

8. Christianity Spreads
• All of Jesus’ followers spread his ideas.
• Teachings did not contradict Jewish law;
his first followers were Jews.
• A new religion is born based on the
teachings of Jesus.

9. A New World Religion
• The widespread appeal of Christianity:
– Embraced all people
– Gave hope to the powerless
– Appealed to those who were against the
extravagances of Rome
– Personal relationship with God
– Promised eternal life after death.

10. A New World Religion
• The widespread appeal of Christianity:
– Embraced all people
– Gave hope to the powerless
– Appealed to those who were against the
extravagances of Rome
– Personal relationship with God
– Promised eternal life after death.