In this Grade 6 lesson from History Alive! The Ancient World, students explore the origins and spread of Christianity within the Roman Empire, examining the life and teachings of Jesus, the role of Judea as Christianity's birthplace, and key vocabulary such as Messiah, Gospel, disciple, and Resurrection. The lesson traces how early Christians faced Roman persecution before Emperor Constantine's conversion at the Battle of Milvian Bridge helped transform Christianity into the empire's official religion by 380 C.E.
Section 1
Roman Rule Sparks Hope for a Messiah
In 63 B.C.E., the powerful Roman Empire took control of Judea, the homeland of the Jewish people. Many Jews resented Roman rule and the changes it brought to their lives.
During this challenging time, many Jewish people held onto a powerful hope from their religious prophecies. They believed that God would send a savior, known as the Messiah, to free them and restore their kingdom.
Section 2
Jesus Teaches a Message of Love and Is Executed
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.
Section 3
Disciples Proclaim the Resurrection
After Jesus’s crucifixion, his followers were frightened and in hiding. Their leader was gone, and it seemed his movement was over.
Soon after, his disciples began to share an astonishing message: they believed Jesus had risen from the dead. This core belief, known as the Resurrection, transformed their fear into courage and gave them a new purpose.
Section 4
Paul Spreads Christianity to Non-Jews
After Jesus's death, a man named Paul of Tarsus became a key leader. He was a Roman citizen who converted to Christianity and believed Jesus's message was for everyone, not just Jews. Paul decided to spread the faith to non-Jews, who were also known as Gentiles.
Around 50 C.E., Paul traveled thousands of miles across the Roman Empire, starting new Christian communities. He also wrote many letters to guide these new churches. These writings helped explain Christian ideas and became an important part of the New Testament in the Bible.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Roman Rule Sparks Hope for a Messiah
In 63 B.C.E., the powerful Roman Empire took control of Judea, the homeland of the Jewish people. Many Jews resented Roman rule and the changes it brought to their lives.
During this challenging time, many Jewish people held onto a powerful hope from their religious prophecies. They believed that God would send a savior, known as the Messiah, to free them and restore their kingdom.
Section 2
Jesus Teaches a Message of Love and Is Executed
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.
Section 3
Disciples Proclaim the Resurrection
After Jesus’s crucifixion, his followers were frightened and in hiding. Their leader was gone, and it seemed his movement was over.
Soon after, his disciples began to share an astonishing message: they believed Jesus had risen from the dead. This core belief, known as the Resurrection, transformed their fear into courage and gave them a new purpose.
Section 4
Paul Spreads Christianity to Non-Jews
After Jesus's death, a man named Paul of Tarsus became a key leader. He was a Roman citizen who converted to Christianity and believed Jesus's message was for everyone, not just Jews. Paul decided to spread the faith to non-Jews, who were also known as Gentiles.
Around 50 C.E., Paul traveled thousands of miles across the Roman Empire, starting new Christian communities. He also wrote many letters to guide these new churches. These writings helped explain Christian ideas and became an important part of the New Testament in the Bible.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter