Lesson 3: Early Christianity

Key Idea

In 63 BCE, the Roman Empire conquered the Jewish homeland of Judaea, making it a Roman province. Although the Romans permitted Jews to practice their monotheistic religion, they maintained strict political control and collected heavy taxes. This foreign occupation was deeply resented by many Jews, who viewed Roman rule as a violation of their covenant with God.

Amidst this growing tension, many Jews clung to the belief that a savior, known as the Messiah, would be sent by God. They believed this anointed leader would drive the Romans out of their land and restore the independent kingdom of Israel. This widespread hope for a messianic figure created a climate of intense religious and political expectation into which Jesus of Nazareth was born.

Key Idea

In the Roman province of Judea, a Jewish teacher named Jesus of Nazareth began to attract many followers. He taught messages of love, mercy, and forgiveness. He often used simple stories called parables to explain his ideas about God and how people should treat one another.

Jesus's growing influence concerned some local leaders and the Roman government, who viewed him as a potential threat to their authority. As a result, Roman officials arrested Jesus and sentenced him to death by crucifixion around 30 C.E.

Key Idea

At the heart of Christianity is the belief in one God. This God is understood as three distinct persons in one being: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This concept is known as the Trinity.

Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth. His death and Resurrection—rising from the dead three days later—are the most important events in the Christian story.

Key Idea

After Jesus’s death, his apostles began spreading his teachings. While Peter was an important early leader, the apostle Paul was most responsible for the faith’s expansion across the Roman Empire.

Paul traveled widely and taught that non-Jews, also called Gentiles, could become Christians without following all Jewish laws. This was a revolutionary idea at the time.