Pagan, from Latin paganus, "country-dweller" with pejorative connotations, like "hick" or "redneck." Term used by Christians to describe practitioners of traditional polytheist religion.

Martyr, from Greek martus, martyria. One who "bears witness." As used by Christians, "one who dies for the faith."

Priest, from presbyter, "elder."

Bishop, from episkopos, "overseer."

Orthodoxy, from orthos "straight" + doxa "teaching."

Heresy, from hairesis, "point of view" or "opinion."

 

Chronology:

4BC: probable birth of Jesus.

23-36 AD: Pontius Pilate governor of Judaea.

Early 30s AD: ministry and death of Jesus.

30s AD: Apostles begin preaching. Conversion of Paul.

c.40-60 AD: Paul’s Letters.

64 AD: Nero persecutes Christians in Rome; Peter and Paul killed.

66-70 AD: Jewish War and destruction of Jerusalem.

c.70-100 AD: Composition of Gospels.

c.95 AD: Persecution under emperor Domitian, possibly the inspiration for the Antichrist in Book of Revelation.

112: Roman governor Pliny writes to emperor Trajan asking what to do with suspected Christians.

c.190-212: Career of Tertullian, in Roman North Africa. Wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom, Apology, and numerous other texts. First significant Christian author to write in Latin.

203:  Martyrdom of Perpetua.

235-284: Third-Century Crisis. Rome in political and military chaos.

249-251: Emperor Decius begins first systematic and empire-wide persecution of Christians.

284: Diocletian becomes emperor, restores order.

303-305: The "Great Persecution" under Diocletian. Persecution continues in parts of empire until 312.

312: Constantine comes to power in western half of empire. Constantine’s "vision" and conversion.