![[Broad_overview_of_geography_relevant_to_paul_of_tarsus.png]] *Geography relevant to Paul's life, stretching from [Jerusalem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Jerusalem "Early centers of Christianity") to [Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Rome "Early centers of Christianity")* Christianity was especially attractive to people who lacked social standing and wealth. The new religion focused on building communities that would support their members, and on embracing all believers regardless of their status as free or enslaved. So, although the new faith attracted some educated members of the elite, who, for example, appreciated the similarities between its theology and the Platonic ideal of a world of perfect forms; it also attracted the poorest and more desperate members of society, with both assistance and support in the current world and hope for a better afterlife. This possibility of an eternal life in a better place mitigated some of the misery and horror of the present, for many converts. This may have worried some of christianity's opponents, who depended on fear and punishment to control society and maintain their standing. ----- Next: [[8.3 - Martyrs]] Back: [[8.1 - Apostle to the Gentiles]]