The Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Pax Romana Context

• Pax Romana: Period of relative peace in Roman Empire
• Christianity: Emerges as a new religious tradition within the Jewish world
• Initially illegal in Roman state
• Over centuries, became major religion of Western civilization
• Significant cultural and historical impact

Early Christian Art

• Depictions of Jesus as a young shepherd, a symbol in early Christian religion

Jewish Origins of Christianity

• Initial Context:
  • Jesus of Nazareth began teaching during Pax Romana
  • Originates in the Roman province of Judea
  • Judea historically ruled by various empires (Babylonian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman)
  • Roman direct rule started in year 6, leading to heightened tensions

Key Jewish Sects During Jesus' Time

• Sadducees:
  • Jewish aristocracy, temple priests
  • Adhered strictly to Torah, rejected later oral traditions
• Pharisees:
  • Accepted Torah and oral traditions
  • Believed in resurrection of the righteous and individual salvation
  • Used parables to convey teachings
• Essenes:
  • Lived ascetic, monastic life, considered Sadducees and Pharisees corrupt
• Zealots:
  • Militant group, led rebellions against Roman rule
  • Believed in a military messiah

Jesus of Nazareth

• Teachings:
  • Apocalyptic preacher, taught love for God and neighbor
  • Emphasized ethical living and righteousness
• Conflict:
  • Challenged authority of Sadducees and Pharisees
  • Seen as a potential political threat by Roman authorities
• Crucifixion:
  • Accused of treason, claiming to be "King of the Jews"
  • Executed by crucifixion, a brutal and degrading punishment

Resurrection and Early Believers

• Resurrection:
  • Jesus rose from the dead three days after crucifixion
  • Appeared to apostles, instructed them to spread his teachings
  • Ascended into heaven
• Apostles' Beliefs:
  • Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God
  • Early followers saw themselves as Jews

Paul's Role

• Paul:
  • Former persecutor converted to follower of Jesus
  • Emphasized spreading teachings to non-Jews
  • Established Christian communities in the eastern Roman Empire
• Teachings:
  • Stressed Jesus' death and resurrection as atonement for human sins
  • Proposed a new covenant, minimizing old Jewish laws and customs

Formation of Christian Tradition

• Gospels:
  • Accounts of Jesus' life and teachings written decades later
  • Four canonical gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
• Spread of Christianity:
  • Teachings written in Greek, indicating Hellenized influence
  • Became separate from Jewish tradition

Hostility Towards Jews

• Historical Context:
  • Some early Christians hostile towards Jews for not accepting Jesus as Messiah
• Notable Figures:
  • John Chrysostom: Criticized Jews harshly, promoting anti-Semitic views

Conclusion

• Next video: Spread of Christianity in the Roman world despite initial illegality and dangers