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63 BCE
Roman Rule of Israel Beginning
Throughout the book of Acts, Israel was under Roman rule, which had been the case since Rome wrested the land from Syria in 63 BC. During the New Testament era, the Roman Empire ruled most of the known world. By the time Rome took occupation of Israel, the Empire was large but spread thin. Israel’s location was strategic and essential to Rome's empire. It lay at the crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Ruling Israel meant Rome would be able to move freely between the continents. -
4 BCE
The Life of Paul the Apostle
Paul was a leader of the first generation of Christians, considered being the most important person after Jesus in Christianity. In his day, he was a major figure within the very small Christian movement. He also had many enemies and critics, and his peers did not give him as much respect as they gave Paul and James. Paul was compelled to prove his own worth and power. His surviving letters had a large influence on future Christians and secured his place as one of the greatest religious leaders. -
4 BCE
The Birth and Life of Jesus Christ
Jesus, the son of God, lead a righteous and sinless life. Jesus performed many miracles throughout his life, such as raising a child from the dead, making a blind man see, walking on water, and allowing a paralyzed man to walk again. Jesus was a preacher of the Christian religion from his youth to after his death and resurrection. The entirety of the New Testament is based on his life, teachings, death, and resurrection. -
30
The Death of Jesus Christ
Jesus was falsely accused of being an anti-government rebel and was crucified. His persecution met many Bible prophecies that had been written several years before. Days before the Passover, Jesus predicted his death. He told his disciples that he would be crucified. Community leaders plotted to have Jesus arrested so they could kill Him. After beating him, they hung him upon the cross. Jesus resurrected three days later and told his believers to make disciples before ascending to Heaven. -
64
The Great Fire of Rome
On July 19, 64 CE, a fire started in the large Circus Maximus stadium in Rome. The fire lasted for six days, leaving 10 out of Rome's districts in ruins. Many historians attribute the Great Fire of Rome to the infamous ruler at the time, Nero. Many historians believe he started the fire in a multitude of ways, but ultimately he blamed Christians for the fire and began persecuting them. -
203
The Martyrdom of Perpetua
Perpetua was a Christian martyr who was accused of practicing Christianity and had to die. On the day of her death, she was thrown into the arena with Felicitas. The audience was touched by the sight of these two young and valiant women. After miraculously surviving the encounters, the two were led off to the headsman's block. The swordsman struck Perpetua once and failed to sever her head. The second time she guided his sword with her own hands. This event converted many people to Christianity. -
303
The Great Persecution of 303
The Great Persecution was the final and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. In 303, the four emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of laws rescinding Christians' rights and demanding that they comply with traditional Roman practices. Christians, however, still refused to worship multiple gods or worship the Emporer. Those who refused to confine to tradition were either killed or tortured for public entertainment. -
Period: 306 to 337
Constantine the Great's time of rule
After receiving a supposed "vision from God", Constantine put the cross on his soldier's shields the night before a battle. Under this emblem, his army won the battle and he became the new Emporer of Rome. The new emperor then issued the Edict of Milan, which allowed Christianity to be practiced throughout Rome. After becoming a Christian himself, he moved the capital of Rome to Constantinople, which worshiped the Christian God with churches. -
312
Battle of Milvian Bridge
The Battle of Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine and Maxentius. The Milivian Bride crossed the Tiber River. It is recounted that Constantine had a vision, said to have been sent from the Christian God, telling him how to win the battle. With this vision, Constantine ordered the cross to be painted on the shields. The outcome of the battle left Constantine victorious, and the overarching Emporer of Rome. Because of the victory, Christianity was now allowed in Rome. -
313
The Edict of Milan
The Edict of Milan was a proclamation that allowed Christianity to be practiced freely through Rome, without fear of persecution. It also granted personal freedom to worship whatever god preferable, assured Christians legal rights (including the right to organize churches), and directed the return of confiscated Christian property. -
Period: 379 to 395
Emperor Theodosius' time of rule
Emporer Theodosius solved the Gothic problem, union of the empire and his championship of faith. An illness urged his early baptism, which Christian Roman emperors usually delayed until their deathbeds. This made him susceptible to the pressures of the Church, and he was influenced by Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, who placed him under heavy suffering when his justice was rash or severe. Theodosius was a persecutor of Christian sins, and in 391 he closed Rome's temples and forbade pagan cults.
