From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians

From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians recounts the story of the epic rise of Christianity and the life and death of Jesus. It presents historical evidence to challenge commonly held notions and assumptions about the origins of Christianity. Various archaeological findings are drawn upon to offer clearer interpretations of the identity and social status of Jesus and the early Christians.

The documentary explains the role of Judaism and the Roman Empire in shaping Jesus’ life. Jesus was born, lived, and died a Jew, influenced by debates and tensions within Judaism, and was executed by Roman authorities through crucifixion. The film then moves forward to examine the early years of the Jesus movement that emerged after his crucifixion, with the mission of spreading Christianity to Gentiles, or non-Jews.

Tensions between Jews and Rome eventually spiralled into a Jewish revolt, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This period was followed by efforts to write the life of Jesus, reflecting on the experiences and challenges faced by early Christians. It is during this time that the major separation of Jewish groups is witnessed, triggered by the Jewish–Roman wars and the Bar Kokhba revolt.

From Jesus to Christ concludes by depicting the spread and influence of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Despite widespread persecution, the movement persisted, and the empire that had crucified Jesus ultimately embraced Christianity as its official religion.