The Early Christian Church and its Relationship to the Roman Empire

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I. Date: 10/11/00

  Subject: World History

  Grade Level: Freshmen

  Teacher: Swagman

2. Main Focus:  The Early Christian Church and its relationship to the Roman Empire

3. Objectives:  To have the students learn about early persecution of Christians, and acquire a greater appreciation for what the Church founders suffered.

4. Prerequisite Skills: Basic knowledge of Bible stories and elements of the Christian faith.  It is hoped (but not assumed) that the students might even have a general knowledge of Church History.  Reading skills, and auditory learning skills.

5. Lesson Mode: Lecture, Reading.

6. Procedure

Teacher Activity   Student Activity

Finish up lesson from previous day       Students will finish their reports

Threaten students with a quiz                 Students will hopeful prepare for quiz

Go over homework from  previous day  Students will provide answers

Lecture     Students will take notes

Lecture:

Ask students what they already know about the Early Church.  The lecture should be tailored to the responses (if any), but the following points should certainly be highlighted.

1. First Persecution of Early Christians

1. Rome caught on fire, Nero blamed Christians
2. Christians killed in Arena, Paul beheaded, Peter crucified upside down

2. Destruction of Jerusalem

1. Long antagonism between Romans and Jews.  Remind students of Bible stories
2. Jews and Christians scattered throughout Empire.  God used this to help spread gospel

3. Continued Persecution of Christians

1. Sporadic persecution: Christians refused to swear allegiance to Caesar.  Refused to deny Christ
2. Catacombs
3. Diocletian

4. Constantine

1. Dream:  In this sign conquer.
2. Constantine truly a Christian?
3. Christianity becomes mixed with politics

Assignment:  Pass out selection from “Flames of Rome” by Paul Maier.  Give students the rest of period to work on reading it and half page summry.

VIII.  Materials:  None (students should have paper and pen to take notes).