Analysis Of The Barriers To The Spread Of Christianity During The Roman Empire

The purpose of this essay is to examine the barriers to the spread of Christianity during the Roman Empire. The relationship between Christians, Jews, and the Roman Empire was quite complicated. The Romans became involved with the Jews in 63 B.C.E. as part of their domination of the eastern Mediterranean. Christianity originated 6 B.C.E – 29 C. E. by a Palestinian Jew named Jesus, proclaiming to be the Messiah. The NIV Bible is the primary source for this essay. Leviticus from the Old Testament is written as a series of rituals or laws given to Moses by God. The book of Acts, I Corinthians and Galatians are from the New Testament. Acts was written by Luke, one of Jesus’ disciples, and outlines the spread of Christianity. I Corinthians and

The rituals, sacrifices, and consequences of sin are all in accordance with obedience to God. Christianity began as a religious movement within Judaism (143). Jesus taught that there was a new covenant between God and man. Rather than the legalistic rituals of Judaism, Christianity is based on the belief that Jesus was crucified, raised from the dead and that the Holy Spirit indwells in those who believe. The teachings of Jesus conflicted with Jewish customs and traditions. “He reassured his fellow Jews that he did not plan to undermine their traditional religion. Jesus presented the ethical concepts – humility, charity, and brotherly love—that would form the basis of the value system of medieval Western civilization (143). The majority of Jews felt their values and traditions were being attacked. They rejected Jesus as the Messiah and eventually he was crucified. One of the most influential missionaries in early Christianity was Paul, a Hellinistic Jew. Paul speaks to Jews in Acts 13.46, “We had to tell God’s message to you before we told it to anyone else, but you rejected the message! This proves that you don’t deserve eternal life. Now we are going to the Gentiles” (New International

Paul addressed his followers in letters to the churches of Corinth and Galatia. He taught Christians how to treat one another. He also discussed immorality, salvation and the proper way to worship. One of the main debates within the church was that Jews believed everyone should adopt Jewish law and customs to become a Christian. Even the leaders of the church could not agree. Paul reminded his followers in his letter to the Galatians, “With the sacrificial death of Jesus, God established a new covenant that liberated humanity from the law. Instead of needing to follow rules, you are guided by the Spirit…If you obey the Spirit, the Law of Moses has no control over you” (Acts 5.16-18). Paul also defends his commandment by God , to “announce his message to the Gentiles” (Acts 1.16). These principles are fundamental