Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire- Zander Reese

Paul of Tarsus

4

Paul who began in his early life persecuting Jesus' followers and no matter what Paul tried to do the faith spread. While traveling one day to persecute more Christians he was struck by a blinding light and was spoken to by Jesus. Jesus ordered him into the city and was blessed by Jesus and baptized. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and became an advocate of the Christian faith. His story showed just how powerful the Christian God was and helped spread the word of Christianity.

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus who proclaimed to be the son of the Christian God spread Christianity with his devote followers, the 12 Disciples. He spread the Word of Christianity and taught all over Rome and around Rome. Jesus of Nazareth was eventually arrested, persecuted, and eventually crucified by the Roman leaders. Although he was crucified, his story and teachings grew Christianity greatly.

The Grear Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome was a fire that ravaged through the city of Rome and was set by Emperor Nero burning almost 2/3 of the city. As fingers were being pointed at Nero, he used the Christian community to be blamed. Upon orders from Nero, Christians were torn apart by dogs and used as human torches. This was the start of a stretch of 100's of years that Christians were persecuted throughout Rome.

Roman Rule Over Israel

64

Pompey a Roman general took over Israel in the 1st century. This invasion not only gained land for the Romans, but it also exposed Rome to Christianity. Christianity began to spread throughout Rome and eventually led to persecution which then led to Constantine's reversal of these persecutions, but this is where all of Christianity first started and how it spread into Rome.

Murder of Perpetua

203

A Christian noblewoman who was imprisoned by the Romans, because of her Christian beliefs. Her father, a pagan came to see her in jail and saw an easy way for her to be freed. Simply proclaim she was a pagan, but she refused. On the day of her trial when she was asked to sacrifice something for the Roman Gods she refused and proclaimed she was a Christian. She was eventually slain by the sword. This had crucial and lasting effects by showing her bravery, many Romans saw this and were awed.

The Great Persecution

303

This persecution was the most severe of any of the Roman persecutions of the past. The Roman leader Diocletian destroyed temples and places of worship, bibles were burnt, and organized meetings were not allowed. His efforts to squash out Christianity were ultimately unsuccessful. The persecution consisted of a series of Edict's throughout Rome. This persecution was the last before Constantine the Great became emperor and turned around Rome forever.

Constantine the Great

312

He was in the middle of a Roman Civil War when he had a vision the night before the crucial battle. (Milvian Bridge) In that vision was the Christian God, he ordered him to complete these certain tasks so that he would become victorious in the battle. He obeyed the orders and the next day rose to victory and eventually controlled Rome. He wrote the EOM and was the first Roman leader who had Christian values and respected the Christians. He stopped the persecution of Christians in Rome

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This battle is where Christianity is first shown by leaders of Rome. After Constantine had a vision with the Christian God involved, the troops of Constantine fought with Christian symbols on their shields and fought for the Christian values. After becoming victorious Constantine became Roman leader and changed the course of Christianity. Without this battle Christianity may not be where it is at in today's world

Edict of Milan

313

Issued by Constantine and Licinius. The Edict of Milan allowed religious tolerance in Rome. It made the persecution of Christians or any other religion illegal and was the first step towards religious freedom in the modern world. This was the first major step that Constantine made to help the Christians recover from years of persecution.

Emperor Theodisius

379

Theodosius a Roman emperor sought to get rid of the paganistic belief system and make Christianity the sole religion of Rome. He created the term Catholic Christians or believing in God the father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also formed the Nicene Creed which is what is now known as mainstream Christianity. He was a huge proponent in the growth of Christianity with Rome.