Explain the factors involved in the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire both before and after the conversion of Constantine.

Before Constantine
issued the Edict of Milan in
313 CE, making Christianity an accepted religion in the Roman
Empire, the
religion spread in part because its message of salvation appealed greatly to
people
who lived disenfranchised lives, particularly on the borders of the
Roman Empire. Women,
children, and slaves were particularly drawn to
Christianity, as it promised equality that was
not present in the social
hierarchy of the Roman Empire. For example, women could serve as
deaconesses
in the early Christian church.

In addition, apostles such as
Paul
journeyed across the Roman Empire, preaching to poor people in cities
such as Ephesus and
Athens, where the poor were particularly receptive to his
message. Paul hastened the spread of
Christianity by preaching not only to
Jews, but also to non-Jews, broadening the base of
potential converts. In
addition, Christianity relaxed many of the Jewish laws regarding diet and

other religious practices, making it more appealing to converts. Upheavals during the
third
century CE continued to enhance Christianity's appeal, as Rome was
rocked by invasions and
political problems.

After
Constantine converted to Christianity and made
Christianity legal, he
constructed churches and promoted Christians to high offices. He was a
patron
of the religion and used the power of the state to spread Christianity. He also
provided
incentives, such as tax breaks, to members of the Christian clergy.
Though Christians still
faced persecution after Constantine, Christianity
eventually became the religion of the Roman
Empire.