Rise of Christianity

Jesus• Born: during Caesar’s reign• Died: during Tiberius’ reign• Title: Son of God; Messiah• Duty: establish spiritual kingdom of God on earth• Political leaders thought he was dangerous• Trial: condemned to death by Roman governor, Pontius

Pilate• Fate: crucified, buried, 3rd day after death, body disappeared

(Easter celebrates his resurrection); apostles said Jesus appeared to them to tell them to teach & baptize in his name

• Christianity grew: desire for personal savior & belief in life after death

• Persecution: Nero; refused to worship emperor as god; thrown to lions, roasted, beheaded

Followers of Jesus• 12 Followers: called apostles to carry message

of love (of God & fellow man) = gospel =“good news”

• Peter: 1st Pope• Paul: missionary• Gospels: written by Matthew, Mark, Luke,

John

Beliefs

• Old Testament: Hebrew scripture• New Testament: 27 Christian

books• Eucharist: Lord’s supper• Sacraments: solemn ceremonies