Even as Jesus observed the traditions and habits of his received culture, he subverted it.  In subtle ways, he planted an adjusted worldview in the minds and hearts of his followers, and undermined many of the cherished assumptions, as well as the political powers, of his society.  This subversion, though subtle, was significant and apparent enough that it led to his death.  It was also effective enough that the result was a distinct culture, a new community, that over the course of a few hundred years, in the face of persecution and poverty, proceeded to permeate and transform the collection of cultures known as the Roman Empire.