Early Christianity and the Rise of Islam

After Herod’s death, Rome divided his kingdom: Archelaus ruled Judea until replaced by Roman

prefects like Pilate; Antipas ruled Galilee and executed John the Baptist; Philip ruled Gentile regions.

Later, Agrippa I reunified the kingdom before Rome again installed procurators.

Christianity spread through Jewish synagogues across the Mediterranean where proselytes and God-fearing

Gentiles formed a key base. Paul wrote to churches in Thessalonica, Corinth,

Ephesus, Colossae, Galatia, and Rome; early Christians met in

both synagogues and household gatherings, creating diverse “Christianities” and tensions with

Judaizers. Antioch was the first place believers were called Christians. Romans often viewed