The First Christians
How did Jews react to Roman rule?
In 63 BCE the Roman took over Judah, at first they ruled through Jewish Kings. But in 6 AD emperor Augustus turned Judah into a Roman Province now called Judea. To replace the king the new province was ruled by a Roman governor called a procurator. The Jews could not decide what to do about the Romans, some wanted to work with the Romans, others opposed Roman rule and followed Jewish traditions, and others turned their bak on the Romans.
Were Jewish rebels successful?
Jews called the Zealots believed that in order to get there kingdom back they needed to fight the Romans. So they convinced many other Jews to take up arms against the Romans and begin a rebellion. This did not last long and resulted in diaspora, or the scattering of Jews. But not only were Jews scattered but their temple was destroyed.
What happened during the life of Jesus?
Many Jews believed that God would send them a Messiah to help them win back their freedom, they believed that the Messiah was going to be a great king like David. Decades before the Jewish rebellion Jesus left his home in Nazareth, he traveled throughout Judea and Galilee preaching his ideas. Crowds would gather to hear him preach, he soon assembled 12 followers called disciples.
What did Jesus teach?
Jesus taught that God was coming soon to rule the world, and that people needed turn away from their sins and focus on their relationship with God. Jesus made it very clear that a person had to love and forgive from the heart, not just because they were following religious laws. The main point of Jesus' message was given in a group of sayings known as the Sermon on the Mount. His message of love and forgiveness helped to shape many people's values today. To teach his message Jesus often used stories that used events from everyday life, called parables.
What was the crucifixion?
Jesus and his message drew strong responses from people. His followers spread word that he had healed the sick and performed other miracles, they believed that he was the Messiah that they had waited for. Judea's Roman rulers feared that the effects of Jesus' preaching would threaten law and order. To solve this problem they arrested Jesus and charged him with treason. As punishment Jesus was crucified or hung on a cross until he was dead. Jesus' followers soon spread news that Jesus had risen from the dead and used his empty tomb as proof. His resurrection led to a new religion called Christianity.
Who were Peter and Paul?
Peter and Paul were early Christian leaders who helped set up churches and spread the message of Jesus. Peter was a Jewish fisherman who was apart of the original 12 disciples. After the death of Jesus he set up the Roman Catholic Church that still stands today. Paul was another important Christian leader, at first he hated Christians and was sent to stop them from spreading their faith. He became a Christian after he saw a great light and heard Jesus' voice. He spent the rest of his life traveling widely preaching Jesus' message and founding many churches.
What do Christians believe?
Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God, and he sent to save us from our sins and allow us passage into Heaven. Like Jesus we will be resurrected and join God in Heaven in everlasting life. Most Christians believe that God exists in a trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.