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Chapter 15: Christianity in Its Opening Phase
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter, the student should be able to:
• Explain the conditions in the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus’s birth.
Chapter Summary
Christianity appears unique in the doctrinal centrality it has placed on the incarnation of
God among humans in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. However, clarifying the differences
between the faith of Jesus himself from what was written about him by his disciples remains
contentious among historical scholars. The chapter first explores the political climate in which
Jesus was born including the new Roman rule and the contribution of the Zealots, Pharisees,
Sadducees and the ‘Am ha’aretz, or common people, to which Jesus belonged. The themes of
Jesus’ teachings emerge as a transformation of the apocalyptic view current at the time and his
Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
II. The World Into Which Jesus Came
A. The Political Divisions of Palestine in Jesus’ Time
B. The Situation in Galilee
1. A Zealot Rebellion: Judas the Galilean
4. Conservatism: The Sadducees
5. The Common People
III. The Life of Jesus: The First Phase
A. Birth
IV. The Themes of Jesus’ Teaching
A. “The Kingdom of God is Near”
B. “The Kingdom of God is in Your Midst”
V. The Climactic Events
A. The Growth of Opposition
B. A Messianic Banquet
C. A Declaration at Caesarea Philippi
VI. The Apostolic Age
A. The Resurrection
B. Pentecost
C. Confrontations
1. Gamaliel’s Counsel
D. The Apostle Paul
1. The Conversion of Paul
b. “The Lordship of Christ”
c. Love with Understanding
4. The End Paul’s Mission
VII. The Early Church (50-150 CE)
A. The Spread of the Early Christian Communities
B. Roman Suspicion, Perplexity, and Persecution
Discussion Questions
1. There is ambiguity about whether Jesus believed he was the Messiah during his life. What
writings or evidence supports each side of the issue? How different would the response be in
today’s world if someone were to announce they were the Messiah? How different, if any,
would it have been in Jesus time for someone to make the same announcement.