Why Christianity took hold in the ancient world?

Ehrman attributes the rapid spread of Christianity to five factors: (1) the promise of salvation and eternal life for everyone was an attractive alternative to Roman religions; (2) stories of miracles and healings purportedly showed that the one Christian God was more powerful than the many Roman gods; (3) Christianity …

How many years are there between Christianity and Islam?

Christianity developed out of Second Temple Judaism in the 1st century CE. It is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and those who follow it are called Christians. Islam developed in the 7th century CE.

Which person was the most responsible for the spread of early Christianity?

Paul, an apostle of Jesus, was the man most responsible for spreading Christianity. He established churches in many cities throughout the Roman Empire and wrote letters to them, advising them in spiritual matters. These letters can be found in 2/3 of the New Testament in the Holy Bible.

Which of the first kingdoms adopted Christianity?

Armenia is considered the first nation to have adopted Christianity as the state religion, a fact of which Armenians are justifiably proud. The Armenian claim rests on the history of Agathangelos, who states that in 301 A.D., King Trdat III (Tiridates) was baptized and officially Christianized his people.

How did the Christians overcome persecution?

The keys to overcoming any kind of persecution are revealed also in the Book of Revelation. Jesus said, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11, KJV).

Who is responsible for spreading Christianity?

After Jesus, the two most significant figures in Christianity are the apostles Peter and Paul/Saul. Paul, in particular, takes a leading role in spreading the teachings of Jesus to Gentiles (non Jews) in the Roman Empire.

Who caused Christianity to spread?

The spread of Christianity was made a lot easier by the efficiency of the Roman Empire, but its principles were sometimes misunderstood and membership of the sect could be dangerous. Although Jesus had died, his message had not. Word of his teachings spread to Jewish communities across the empire.

Why was Christianity forbidden in the Roman Empire?

Before the Edict of Milan, Christianity was forbidden by the Roman law. The practice of Christianity could result in execution or other severe punishments. But as the Christian religion began to gain popularity and influence both in society and government, the Roman Empire allowed the religion to be practiced freely.

How did the Roman Empire treat the spread of Christianity?

The practice of Christianity could result in execution or other severe punishments. But as the Christian religion began to gain popularity and influence both in society and government, the Roman Empire allowed the religion to be practiced freely.

What culture influenced the development of Christianity?

The Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures of the first two centuries of the Common Era had deep and lasting influence on the new faith during this formative time. Jesus, his disciples, and the first Christians were all Jews who kept Jewish laws and customs and studied the Jewish scriptures.

How did Christianity become a distinct religion?

With them the Jewish monopoly in the new movement came to an end. Jewish and gentile Christianity was born.” As gentiles joined the Jesus movement, focus on Jewish law decreased and we start to see the origin of Christianity as a distinct religion.