Question

Following the death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostles wrote down and spread his teachings. One man, Paul , traveled throughout much of the Roman empire, and attracted many new followers to Jesus's message. As more non-Jews adopted the idea of Jesus as the Messiah, Christianity became a religion distinct from Judaism./

Answer 1

This process of the differentiation of Christianity from Judaism was marked by several key developments. The Apostle Paul, in particular, played a crucial role in this transition. He emphasized that salvation through Jesus was available to all people, not just Jews. His letters, which form a significant portion of the New Testament, articulated the belief that faith in Christ, rather than adherence to Jewish law, was the path to salvation.

As Paul traveled and established churches, he often engaged with Gentile (non-Jewish) communities, teaching them about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He advocated for a more inclusive approach, which allowed Gentiles to join the Christian community without fully adopting Jewish customs, such as circumcision or strict dietary laws. This message resonated with many, leading to a rapid expansion of Christianity among the Gentile population.

The Council of Jerusalem, held around 50 AD, was another pivotal moment. The leaders of the early Church, including Peter and James, met to discuss the issue of whether Gentile converts should be required to follow Jewish laws. The decision they reached—allowing Gentiles to become Christians without following the full observance of Jewish law—marked a significant shift and helped define the identity of Christianity as separate from Judaism.

Over time, as more non-Jewish believers joined, various Christian communities began to form their own practices, beliefs, and interpretations of scripture. The establishment of church structures, the development of distinct theological positions, and the formulation of creeds further solidified Christianity as a distinct faith.

By the early centuries AD, Christianity had spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, leading to its recognition as a major world religion. The eventual acceptance of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine marked a further transition for the faith, leading to a legacy that has shaped Western civilization for millennia.