Global Studies I

Global Studies I

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The Life of Jesus of Nazareth  Christianity was founded on his life and teachings Jesus’ birth and early life  Born of a virgin, Mary and a carpenter from Bethlehem named Joseph (Mt 1:18; Lk 1:26-38)

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The Message of Jesus Begins ministry around age 30  Baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist, a charismatic and ascetic figure 

(Mt 3:13-17;Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-23; Jn 1:29-39)

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The Message of Jesus Jesus selected a group of 12 men who became disciples to travel with him as he taught  Jesus then spent from one to three years teaching and working miracles among his disciples and before large crowds. 

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The Message of Jesus Jesus’ teachings focused primarily on the "the kingdom of God" and were usually relayed through parables.  rebuked the hypocrisy of some Jewish leaders  taught the importance of humility, charity, love and kindness, even to one's enemies 

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The Message of Jesus 

Jesus' popularity grew quickly, but so did opposition from local leaders.  Roman rulers were uncomfortable with the

common perception that he was the Messiah who would liberate the Jews from Roman rule.  Jewish leaders were disturbed by Jesus' shocking interpretations of Jewish law, his power with the people, and the rumor that he had been alluding to his own divinity.

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Betrayal and Execution Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples and possibly the group's treasurer, led Roman soldiers to Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.  Jesus was turned over to procurator Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. 

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The Resurrection 

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Jesus’ followers proclaimed that He had risen from death and had appeared to them. (Mt 28:1-10; Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-12; Jn 20:1-10) This belief is central to the Christian church as well as a major source of courage shown by early Christian martyrs

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Apostles  

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Apostle – Greek; “one who is sent out” Formed churches for worship, fellowship, and instruction Simon Peter  Previously a Jewish

fisherman  Leader of the apostles

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Paul of Tarsus  Highly educated 

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Roman citizen Once known as Saul and persecuted Christians Converted to Christianity Spread the gospel (“good news”) to Gentiles and Jews Founded Christian communities throughout Asia Minor and along the shores of the Aegean Sea

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Between AD 40 and 100, written accounts and personal memoirs giving a record of Jesus’ life and teachings became the basis of the written Gospels and form the core of the New Testament, the second part of the Christian Bible.

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Many Romans viewed Christians as harmful to the Roman state: 

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Christians refused to worship state gods and emperors Romans saw this as treason, punishable by death Official persecution (harassing to cause suffering) began during the reign of Nero.

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Roman persecution forced Christians to become more organized. 

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Only the most committed individuals would choose to follow

Why was Christianity able to attract so many followers? Christianity was personal and offered salvation and eternal life to individuals.  Christianity seemed familiar.  Christianity filled the human need to belong 

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Christianity developed from a persecuted religion to the state religion of Rome. The last great persecution of Christians took place under emperor Diocletian  Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which proclaimed official tolerance of Christianity.  Under Theodosius the Great, the Romans adopted Christianity as their official religion. 