7th Test Lesson 2 Spread of Christianity

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Questions and Answers

What event is referred to as the Resurrection in Christianity?

Jesus's final meal with his disciples

Jesus's crucifixion

Jesus rising from the dead (correct)

Judas betraying Jesus

Christians were initially embraced by Roman society without any challenges.

False

Who was the Roman governor that ordered the execution of Jesus?

Pontius Pilate

According to Christian beliefs, after Jesus was buried, he rose from the dead on the _____ day.

third Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events to their descriptions:

Last Supper = Jesus's final meal with his disciples Crucifixion = Jesus was nailed to a cross until dead Edict of Milan = Allowed Christians to practice their religion openly Martyrdom = Christians faced death for their beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Which emperor declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire?

Theodosius I Signup and view all the answers

What event caused Emperor Constantine to favor Christianity?

A vision of a cross and a dream about Jesus Signup and view all the answers

Christianity began in Judea, which was part of the ancient kingdom of Israel.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was Jesus sentenced to death by?

crucifixion Signup and view all the answers

By 380 C.E., Christianity was the official religion of the __________.

Roman Empire Signup and view all the answers

Why did some Romans perceive Christianity as a threat?

It challenged Roman order and traditions Signup and view all the answers

The Battle of Milvian Bridge resulted in a defeat for Constantine.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who were appointed to govern Judea under Roman rule?

Jewish rulers Signup and view all the answers

The first two letters of the word Christ were used by Constantine's soldiers on their __________.

shields Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Crucifixion = Execution method involving a cross Constantine = Emperor who favored Christianity Judea = Birthplace of Christianity Milvian Bridge = Battle leading to Constantine's victory Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed as the king of Judea in 37 B.C.E.?

Herod Signup and view all the answers

Herod was well-respected by all Jews during his reign.

False Signup and view all the answers

What did the Jews believe would one day come to restore the kingdom of David?

The Messiah Signup and view all the answers

Jesus was born in ________.

Bethlehem Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of Jesus's mother?

Mary Signup and view all the answers

Jesus's teachings emphasized love and mercy.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who recognized Jesus as the Messiah?

John the Baptist Signup and view all the answers

Jesus began preaching in ________, which is present-day Israel.

Galilee Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Gospel writers with their names:

Matthew = First Gospel Mark = Second Gospel Luke = Third Gospel John = Fourth Gospel Signup and view all the answers

What event is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Passover?

God's rescue of the Jews from Egypt Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origins of Christianity

Christianity originated in Judea, a Roman territory at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.
Judea was once ruled by King David and King Solomon as part of the ancient kingdom of Israel.
Jews in Judea were devoted to their homeland and belief in one God, distinguishing them from their neighbors.
Judea came under Roman rule in 63 B.C.E and faced several Jewish rebellions against Roman control.
Herod, appointed King of Judea in 37 B.C.E., was not Jewish by birth but embraced the religion and rebuilt the Temple of Jerusalem.
Herod's death in 4 B.C.E led to unrest and division of his kingdom among his sons.
Rome eventually sent soldiers to regain control and replaced Herod's sons with a military governor.
The military governor enforced order and ensured taxes were paid to Rome, often leaving local affairs to Jewish leaders.
A council of Jewish leaders governed Jerusalem, headed by a high priest.
Despite outward peace, many Jews despised the Romans.
Jewish sacred writings prophesied the arrival of a Messiah to restore the kingdom of David.

The Birth of Jesus

Jesus's birth date is uncertain, though modern calendars mark the start of the Common Era from his supposed birth year.
Historical records suggest Jesus's birth occurred around 6 B.C.E., during Herod's reign.
Primary information about Jesus comes from the writings of his followers, composing the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
The New Testament includes four Gospels, accounts of Jesus's life written in Greek years after his death, attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus's birth in Nazareth, Galilee, where an angel told Mary she would have a child named Jesus.
A Roman census ordered by Emperor Augustus prompted Joseph, Mary's husband, to travel from Nazareth to his hometown of Bethlehem, in Judea.
Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, and the family later returned to Nazareth.
The New Testament offers limited information on Jesus's childhood, he likely grew up in Nazareth and learned carpentry.
At 12 years old, Jesus impressed rabbis at the Temple of Jerusalem with his wisdom and knowledge of Jewish law.
At around 30, John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Messiah.

The Life and Death of Jesus

Jesus began preaching in Galilee after 40 days of prayer in the wilderness.
He preached in synagogues and open spaces, drawing large gatherings.
Jesus chose a small group of disciples, primarily laborers and fishermen, who were closer to the poor and sick than the wealthy and powerful.
Jesus's teachings were based on Jewish beliefs but emphasized love and mercy.
The two most important laws according to Jesus were: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul" and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Jesus proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God, not as an earthly kingdom of power and riches, but a time of living according to God's will.
Jesus taught through parables, simple stories with moral or religious messages.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan portrays an outsider as a true neighbor through compassion and help to a traveler in need.
Jesus didn't directly preach revolt against the Romans, but some Judeans feared his growing following would cause trouble.
Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover, facing potential Roman unrest, and warned his disciples of his impending death.
Judas betrayed Jesus, leading to his arrest and eventual execution by crucifixion.
Jesus's final meal with his disciples is referred to as the Last Supper.
The Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, ordered Jesus's execution by crucifixion, a common form of execution in Roman times.
Jesus was crucified on a hill outside Jerusalem, between two other condemned men.
His body was buried in a tomb after being removed by faithful followers.

The Resurrection and Spread of Christianity

Three days after his burial, Jesus rose from the dead, appearing to his disciples, an event known as the Resurrection.
Belief in the Resurrection solidified Jesus's disciples' belief in him as the Son of God.
Jesus left his disciples to join his Father, God, in heaven.
Jesus's disciples began spreading his teachings, attracting attention from the Romans.
Christian preachers traveled throughout the Roman Empire, gaining converts.
Paul and Peter, a close friend of Jesus, preached in Rome.
Initial Roman tolerance towards Christians shifted as they refused to worship Roman gods and the emperor.
Christians were seen as a threat to Roman order and patriotism, leading to their persecution and being declared illegal.
Christians faced severe punishments, including crucifixion, burning, and being devoured by wild animals.
Despite persecution, brave Christians faced death, gaining new followers through their unwavering faith.
Christianity offered hope and purpose for those in the empire, especially the poor and enslaved.
By 300 C.E., millions of Christians inhabited the Roman lands of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
Christian communities expanded beyond the Mediterranean, reaching Persia and Central Asia.
Emperor Constantine's victory in battle, attributed to a vision of a cross, led him to favor Christianity.
The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 C.E., granted Christians religious freedom.
Successive emperors embraced Christianity.
Emperor Theodosius I banned pagan sacrifices, ultimately leading to Christianity becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire by 380 C.E.

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Description

Explore the historical background of Christianity's origins in Judea, a Roman territory. This quiz covers the critical events, rulers, and sociopolitical issues that shaped early Jewish beliefs and the formation of Christianity. Test your knowledge of key figures, rebellions, and the impact of Roman governance on the region.