Apostles Spread a New Faith
Apostles Spread a New Faith is a Grade 7 social studies topic in Pengi Social Studies, Chapter 1: The Roman and Byzantine Empires, covering how Jesus's followers spread Christianity after his death. Early apostles like Peter initially focused on sharing the faith with Jews, but Paul of Tarsus was the key figure who brought the message to Gentiles (non-Jews) throughout the Roman Empire. Their missionary journeys along Roman roads transformed a small Jewish movement into a global religion.
Key Concepts
After Jesus’s death, his followers believed he had been resurrected and began to spread his teachings. Early apostles, like Peter, first focused on sharing this message with other Jews. The new faith began as a small movement within Judaism.
A leader named Paul of Tarsus was key to the religion's growth. He traveled across the Roman Empire and taught that Christianity was for everyone, including non Jews, or gentiles . By welcoming all people, Christianity grew from a Jewish sect into a distinct religion that spread rapidly.
Common Questions
Who were the apostles?
The apostles were the close followers of Jesus who continued his teachings after his death. They believed in his resurrection and became the first missionaries of Christianity, traveling widely to spread the new faith.
What role did Paul of Tarsus play in spreading Christianity?
Paul was a crucial figure who expanded Christianity beyond its Jewish origins. He traveled thousands of miles preaching to Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire, and his letters became part of the New Testament. Paul argued Christianity was for all people, not just Jews.
How did Roman roads help spread Christianity?
Roman roads created a network of reliable travel routes across the empire that missionaries used to move quickly from city to city. This infrastructure dramatically accelerated the spread of Christianity from a small regional faith to an empire-wide religion.
How does Pengi Social Studies Grade 7 cover the apostles?
The Pengi Social Studies Grade 7 textbook covers the apostles spreading Christianity in Chapter 1: The Roman and Byzantine Empires, explaining how Peter, Paul, and other early missionaries transformed a small sect into a major world religion.
Why is Paul of Tarsus important in Christian history?
Paul is considered the most important missionary in early Christianity. His decision to preach to Gentiles rather than only Jews dramatically expanded Christianity's potential audience. His writings became foundational texts of the Christian faith.