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At the height of its power, the Roman Empire conquered the territories around
Mediterranean Sea. Some parts of Asia were also under its dominion such as Judea in 63 BCE. In
this Roman province, in the town of Bethlehem, one of the most prominent personalities in the
world history was born---Jesus, the Messiah.
Jesus was born around sixth to fourth century BCE. In his youth, Jesus lived as an ordinary
carpenter in the town of Nazareth. When he turned 30, he started to preach the Word of God.
Among his teachings were: the belief in one God; to love oneself; to love ones fellowmen;
to love ones enemies; the promise of eternal life those who believe in God. Aside from preaching,
it was also said that he cured the sick and performed miracles. The number of his follower grew.
The most recognized were the 12 apostles. To some Jews, Jesus was the Messiah they had been
waiting for.
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, he was warmly welcomed by the Jews. Some called him
the King of Jews. Roman and Jew leaders became concerned by Jesuss increasing popularity.
They saw it as a threat to the imperial power in Judea.
In 33 CE. Jesus was arrested and brought to trial in front of Pontius Pilate, the governor of the
Roman Empire in Judea. He was sentenced to death by nailing him to the cross.
SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY
When Jesus died, his disciples continued to preach the Word of God. They also taught
that Jesus is the Son of God who would bring salvation to mankind. Two of Jesuss disciples who
spread Christian beliefs in the Roman Empire ----Paul and Peter.
The warm acceptance of Jesuss teachings by many Jews and Gentiles was caused by the
following Christian beliefs:
PAUL
- Born with the name Saul, in Tarsus( present-day Turkey), Paul was not a Jew but a Gentile.
- Spread Christianity in the Roman Empire especially the Gentiles.
- Paul did not meet Jesus. He used to persecute Christians before he converted to
Christianity.
- He become a Christian after witnessing a sign from God.
PETER
- Born as a Simon in Bethsaida (present-day Israel). Peter was one of Jesuss 12 disciples.
- Spread Christianity in Judea and Syria.
- He is considered as the first bishop of Rome.
- He eventually became known as the first pope of the Catholic Church.
12 Disciples of Jesus
Peter, James, John, Andrew, Bartholomew, James(the Lesser), Judas Escariot, Jude, Matthew,
Philip, Simon(the Zealot), Thomas.
According to legend, in 312 CE, Constantine prayed to God for the victory of his army in
war. A flaming cross appeared in the sky as well as the inscription in hoc signo vinces, which
means by the sign, you will conquer.
Inspired by the omen, Constantine ordered to have the symbol of the cross inscribed on
the shields of his army. This was believed to have brought their triumph in the Battle of the
Milvian Bridge. The event made Constantine a defender of Christianity.
In 313 CE. Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which allowed the citizens to choose
their own religion. In 380 CE., under the Edict of Thessalonica, Emperor Theodosius made
Christianity the official religion of the empire. This edict also prohibited traditional Roman beliefs.
DOCTRINE AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Many churches were built by the followers of Jesus. The regional head of the church was
called bishop. From 100 to 500 CE., scholars who became known as the Church Fathers, compiled
the teachings of Christianity together.
It was also during this period when Church hierarchy was organized thus strengthening
the Church as an institution.
In 400 CE., Roman bishops claimed themselves as the heirs of Peter. According to them,
the bishop of Rome should also be the pope, or the highest official of the Catholic Church.
The first Christians also faced challenges. The Romans were angered by the Christians
refusal to worship the emperor as god. They also feared their gods retribution because of the
Christians faith.
The Christians became scapegoats for the sins and misfortunes the empire. They were
persecuted, punished, and killed.
In 64 CE, for instance, Emperor Nero accused the Christians of setting the fire that
destroyed Rome. He ordered to kill them as punishment.
In 250 CE, Emperor Decius ordered the massacre of Christians when they rejected to
worship the Roman gods and to offer sacrifices. Amidst these challenges, they were Christian
martyrs who chose death over renouncing their faith in God.
STUDY ENRICHMENT
Christianity
Pope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge
Mario Bergoglio;(17 December 1936) is the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic
Church, a title he holds ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and sovereign of Vatican City. He
chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the
first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and
the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory III, who reigned in the 8th
century.