Matthew 16:18 - "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

The New Testament - A Brief Overview

Map of the Spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire

The Growth of Christianity

Jesus came to this world and chose a group of men who would be the beginning of his "church", the ones called out of this world to serve him and spread the "gospel" good news about his life, death, and resurrection. Their message began to spread especially when Saul of Tarsus, who later because Paul the Apostle to the gentiles made a lifetime commitment evangelize the world. He went on three missionary journeys to plant and grow churches in major cities throughout the Roman Empire. After Paul died his work was established in fertile ground and "Christianity" became a dominant force even recognized by Rome. The Christians were persecuted by many of the Roman Emperors but the more that were martyred the more that would accept Jesus and multiply. The Holy Spirit was promised by Jesus as a gift to the church to empower them. Before Jesus left this world he told his followers that he would be with them even unto the end of the world.

Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Important Cities in the Roman Empire (12 Cities)

1. Alexandria, the commercial metropolis of Egypt.
2. Jerusalem, the religious capital of the Jewish world.
3. Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea.
4. Damascus, in the southern part of Syria.
5. Antioch, the capital of Syria, in the north.
6. Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, in Cilicia.
7. Ephesus, the metropolis of Asia Minor, in the province of Asia.
8. Philippi, in Thrace, where the gospel was first preached in Europe.
9. Thessalonica, the principal city in Macedonia.
10. Athens, the literary center of Greece.
11. Corinth, the political capital of Greece.
12. Rome, the imperial city.

Places Mentioned in the Bible

Italy
Rome
Three Taverns
Appius Forum
Puteoli
Neapolis
Buxentum
Croton
Rhegium
Messana
Syracuse

Greece
Neapolis
Philippi
Amphipolis
Apollonia
Thessalonica
Berea
Mount Olympus
Athens
Cenchreae
Corinth
Nicopolis
Apollonia

Asia Minor
Seleucia
Antioch
Tarsus
Salamis
Paphos
Selinus
Derbe
Lystra
Iconium
Antioch
Perga
Attalia
Colossae
Hierapolis
Laodicea
Philadelphia
Sardes
Ephesus
Miletus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Rhodes

Israel
Bethlehem
Bethphage
Bethsaida Julias
Caesarea Philippi Paneas
Cana
Capernaum
Chorazin
Decapolis
Gennesaret
Jericho
Jerusalem
Nain
Nazareth
Sidon
Sychar
Tyre

The Bible Mentions the "Churches"

Revelation 2:17 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

Romans 16:16 - Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1 Corinthians 7:17 - But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

1 Corinthians 16:19 - The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Revelation 1:11 - Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Acts 9:31 - Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Revelation 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

Revelation 2:7 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

2 Corinthians 8:19 - And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:

2 Corinthians 8:23 - Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:14 - For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

Revelation 2:23 - And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

1 Corinthians 14:34 - Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

Revelation 2:11 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

2 Corinthians 8:24 - Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Thessalonians 1:4 - So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

Revelation 1:4 - John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Acts 16:5 - And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Romans 16:4 - Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Acts 19:37 - For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

1 Corinthians 14:33 - For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 16:1 - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2 Corinthians 8:1 - Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 Corinthians 11:8 - I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them], to do you service.

2 Corinthians 11:28 - Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2 Corinthians 12:13 - For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

Galatians 1:22 - And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

Revelation 2:29 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:6 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:13 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.