The Beginning of Christianity

The Life of Jesus Augustus ordered that people had to return to towns that

they were born in A carpenter named Joseph and his wife Mary returned to

Bethlehem Mary gave birth to a son named Jesus

Jesus’ Childhood

Jesus grew up in a village called Nazareth (located in Judea) Jesus spent much of his time teaching crowds of people Jesus also performed miracles According to Jewish belief, the Messiah is a special leader to

be sent by God in order to guide the Jewish people and set up God’s rule on earth Messiah in Greek means Christos People who followed Jesus became known as Christians

Their religion became known as Christianity

Twelve Apostles

Jesus’ closest followers were called apostles (12 men Jesus had chosen to help save him and his teachings)Peter was a fisher and Levi was a tax collector in Rome

Apostles had little in common before they had met Jesus

Teachings of Jesus New Testament states that Jesus often used parables (short

stories) that contained a message or truth

A Growing Following

Jesus had performed many miraclesAs a result the number of followings grew

Trouble With RomeJesus’ popularity troubled many people. They questioned if he

wanted to be king

Soldiers Arrested Jesus

A Roman governor sentenced him to die by crucifixion (“ putting to death by cross”) Commonly used to punish slaves, rebel leaders and criminals

Bible tells us that he rose from the dead 3 days later

A Christian Church After the death of Jesus, Christians set up churches Romans were angry at Christians for not worshiping the emperor

Christianity in Rome

Apostle Peter helped bring Christianity to Rome Christians call Peter the first Bishop (regional church leader) Later, the Bishop of Rome was called the Pope (father) Leader of the branch of Christianity Is known as Roman Catholicism