Rise of Christianity

Chapter 1

Explain the Latin origin of the term “medieval”.

The term "medieval" originates from the Latin term "medium aevum," which translates to "the middle age.

List the three eras of history.

The three eras of history are the Ancient or Early Period, the Medieval or Middle Period and the Modern Period.

Explain the classification of the Medieval Period in India.

The Medieval Period in India spans the 8th century to mid-18th century CE, divided into Early Medieval (8th-13th century CE) and Later Medieval (13th-mid-18th century CE), which includes the Delhi Sultanate Phase (1200-1526 CE) and the Mughal Dynasty Phase (1526-mid-18th century CE).

Between which years did the Medieval period in Europe occur?

The medieval Period in Europe stretches from about 600 CE to around 1500 CE.

What was the socio-political situation in Palestine under Roman rule in the 1st century BCE?

• Roman Control: Romans conquered Palestine and appointed Herod as a puppet ruler.

• Oppression: The Jewish population faced severe injustice and loss of political freedom.

• Messianic Expectation: Based on Old Testament predictions, Jews believed a leader would come to liberate them from Roman subjugation and establish a new kingdom.

When did Herod die?

Herod died in 4 BCE.

Give an account of the birth and upbringing of Jesus.

• Around 6-4 BCE, in the tiny village of Bethlehem in Judea, Jesus, believed to be the son of God, was born to Mary.

• Her husband Joseph, a poor carpenter, was the descendant of King David, Israel’s most famous king who had liberated Israel from foreign rule 1,000 years ago.

• Jesus grew up in Nazareth, in northern Palestine, where he studied the Jewish scriptures. He realized that traditions and practices which violated the Law of Moses were being followed by certain Jewish religious groups such as the Pharisees.

What was the significance of the baptism of Jesus in his mission?

• The baptism of Jesus took place when he was about 30 years old.

• A divine revelation convinced him that the time had come for him to fulfil his mission.

• He had to free people from the bondage of evil and guide them on the path that would lead to the triumph of good over evil.

What happened after Jesus’s baptism?

Jesus gathered around him a band of twelve disciples and travelled through Galilee for 3 years, preaching, teaching, and healing the sick.

The teachings of Jesus were simple, yet revolutionary. Explain.

• Unconditional love for God: Jesus taught there was one God who was compassionate, loving, and forgiving. He believed that as children of God, we should mould ourselves in the image of God.

• True love for one’s neighbour: We should love our neighbours, including the sinners and even our enemies; we should help the needy and do good to even those who harm us; we should forgive our enemies and win them over with love.

Why did Jesus’s interpretation of Jewish laws clash with the ideas of the Jewish religious leaders?

Jesus’s interpretation of Jewish laws clashed with the ideas of the Jewish religious leaders because these leaders followed the scriptures literally, and not in spirit.

Discuss the reasons leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.

• Jesus’s strength of character, intelligence, wisdom, compassion, and simplicity attracted large crowds wherever he went.

• This greatly enraged the Jewish religious leaders who felt threatened by his growing popularity.

• They turned hostile and conviced Pontius Pilate, the Roman governer, that Jesus was a threat to the political authority of the Romans.

How did Jesus die?

• Jesus was put on trial and sentenced to death.

• He was nailed to a cross and crucified.

• He died a slow and painful death, firm in the belief that through suffering, he had fulfilled his mission as the Messiah or Saviour.

What event led to the belief that Jesus had been resurrected?

• Jesus’s body was placed in a sealed tomb.

• On the third day after his death, his disciples found the tomb empty.

• His followers believed that Jesus had been resurrected.

The enemies of Jesus had crucified him, but Jesus would live on. Explain.

The enemies of Jesus had crucified him, but he lived on in the hearts and minds of his followers, not only in Palestine, but far beyond its boundaries.

What are the Gospels?

The Gospels are a record of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ recorded by four of his disciples - John, Mathew, Luke and Mark.

Describe the role of Peter and Paul in the development of Christianity.

• Peter, who spread the teachings of Jesus most actively, was the foundational rock of Christianity.

• Paul, a convert to Christianity, became one of the most powerful and enthusiastic exponents of Christianity, who travelled extensively through the Roman Empire, preparing the grounds that would transform Christianity into a world religion in the future.

How were Christians treated after the death of Jesus?

Nearly for 300 years after the death of Jesus, Christians were a religious minority within the Roman Empire, oppressed and persecuted by their imperial masters.

When did the status of Christianity change?

313 CE.

How did the persecution of Christians come to an end?

• The Roman emperor, Constantine, won a major battle against his rival, Maxentius.

• He attributed this victory to the divine inspiration of Jesus and made Christianity a legal religion.

• Thus, the persecution of Christians came to an end.

What did Constantine declare himself as?

He declared himself as a Christian.

What was the new capital and what was the reason for its new naming?

• The capital was shifted from Rome to Constantinople, the site of the ancient city of Byzantium.

• It was named Constantinople in honor of Emperor Constantine and would endure as the Christian capital for 1,000 years.

When did Christianity become the official religion of the Roman Empire?

Towards the end of the 4th century CE.

What is St. Peter’s Basilica?

St. Peter’s Basilica, now situated in Vatican City, is the religious headquarters of the Christian world.

Who is a Pope and why is he important?

The Bishop of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope, became the spiritual head of Christians all over the world, and was acknowledged as the representative of Christ on Earth.

Write a short note on St Peter the Apostle.

• St Peter the Apostle was a disciple of Jesus Christ.

• He was recognized in the early church as the leader of the 12 disciples and by the Roman Catholic Church as the first of its unbroken succession of Popes.

• He received from Jesus the name Cephas which means a rock.

• Peter was crucified in Rome in 64 CE during Emperor Nero’s rule.

What was Peter’s occupation?

Peter was a fisherman.