Final answer:
The majority of early Christians came from the lower classes of Roman society, as Christianity's message of spiritual equality appealed particularly to these individuals. The correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of what socioeconomic strata did the majority of early Christians come from can be explored within the context of Roman society and the spread of Christianity in its formative centuries. The spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire was markedly significant among the lower classes. Early Christianity struck a chord particularly with the less privileged because of its message of spiritual equality and universalism. This was at odds with the highly stratified Roman society, where class distinctions were sharply drawn and legal status dictated one's opportunities and treatment in society.
Many of the first Christians were poor and came from humble backgrounds, including slaves and laborers who found solace and hope in the teachings of Jesus, which emphasized love, kindness, and compassion regardless of social stand. Christianity did not recognize social distinctions, challenging the existing Roman hierarchy. The early Christian Church thrived as a social and economic entity, especially in eastern parts of the empire, as it acted as a community center for the lower strata of society. Christian missionaries, in spreading these teachings, further entrenched these ideas among various socioeconomic groups across the empire.