Church History and Theology

Today's episode gives a conceptual dealing with the type of persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire at its height. Additionally, the responses of the church to preserve its faith by rightly expressing their beliefs, practices, and dispelling of myths give us a direct window into the early church in the wake of the Apostles' deaths. Title: Persecutions and Defenses of the 2nd Century Date: 100s AD Place: Roman Empire Key Figures and Events: Trajan, Pliny, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Marcus Aurelius Contact: [email protected] License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Here we look into the effects and introduce some of the difficulties of Ignatius of Antioch. Which letters are authentic is still a matter of debate but his outsized influence is not. How should a Christian weigh such matters? Title: Ignatius of Antioch Date: 11o AD Place: Antioch to Rome Key Figures and Events: Trajan, Ignatius, Martyrdom. Contact: [email protected] License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

A quick update about life, CHT, and some big news! Links from this episode: https://www.suvel.org [email protected]

The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian work from around AD 100. Attributed to Paul's companion but likely anonymous, it reinterprets the Old Testament through allegory, claiming the Mosaic Law was never meant to be kept literally. Rich in symbolism and sharp in tone, Barnabas offers a bold vision of Christian identity in contrast to Judaism. It is a glimpse into how some in the early church read Scripture and saw itself in God's plan. Have a question? Send me an email: [email protected] All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.

In the second century, the post-apostolic church learned to read its emerging Scriptures, shape its practice, and endure episodic Roman persecutions that claimed witnesses such as Ignatius and Polycarp. Confronted by gnostic, Marcionite, and Montanist movements, they clarified orthodoxy and fostered the monarchical episcopate, laying the structural and theological foundations for the centuries to come. Title: Overview of the 2nd Century Date: 100 - 200 AD Place: Roman Empire Key Figures and Events: Heretics, Gnosticism, Martyrs, Emperors, and Theologians Contact: [email protected] License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Herein we explore what church gatherings looked like in 50–150 AD—early believers met before dawn (and sometimes after work) in private homes rather than dedicated buildings. We'll look at how worship was understood as a "sacrifice" of praise, alms, and service, and why the Roman eight-day week made keeping the Jewish first day of the week a logistical puzzle. Finally, we'll correct common misconceptions and show why no modern church needs to replicate this exact model. Title: Going to Church in 100 AD Date: 50 - 150 AD Place: Random place in the Roman Empire Key Figures and Events: Everyday Christians Contact: [email protected] License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Why did the Apostles write the New Testament at all? In this episode, we explore how the New Testament is not just inspired—it's the official, covenantal documentation of the New Covenant. We show why its existence dismantles apostolic succession by office and establishes Scripture as the Church's lasting foundation. Title: The Inevitable New Testament Date: 30 - 100 AD Place: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Uttermost Parts of the Earth. Key Figures and Events: Jesus, Apostles, Christians. Contact: [email protected] License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

The epistles of Ignatius in the Short recension are preserved for us in this form only in the Syriac. If they are more representative of the original writings of Ignatius, then they are some of the earliest Christian documents, offering a glimpse into the mind and heart of an early martyr of the church who was centered in Antioch. The current scholarly opinion is that these are an abridgement of the Middle Recension, but it is included here because that view has received challenge in the recent quarter century, some theorizing that the short recension is actually closer to the form of the original letters. Both the Short and the Middle Recensions will have their own resource episode. Have a question? Send me an email: [email protected] All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.

When we open our Old Testaments, are we looking at the same books that Jesus and the Apostles were looking at and considering divinely inspired? The answer to that question and so many more as we look into this issue. Title: The OT Canon in the 1st Century Date: 200 BC - 100 AD Place: Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem Key Figures and Events: John Contact: [email protected] License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

The life and legacy of the Apostle John—the last surviving eyewitness of Jesus' ministry. From his early days as a fisherman in Galilee to his pivotal role in the Jerusalem church, and finally to his later years in Ephesus, John's journey is one of faith, endurance, and profound testimony. We'll examine his possible familial connection to Jesus, his close relationship with Peter and James, his exile to Patmos, and the enduring themes of his writings. Here we will sift through history, Scripture, and early church testimony to reconstruct the life of the disciple whom Jesus loved. Title: John, the Last Apostle Date: AD 6-98? Place: Jerusalem, Ephesus, Patmos Key Figures and Events: John Contact: [email protected] License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating yet problematic world of hagiography through the lens of The Acts of Paul and Thecla. Who was Thecla, and why has her story captivated Christian imagination for centuries? We'll explore the origins of her legend, the glaring historical and theological errors in the text, and how her tale became a cornerstone of ascetic devotion in the Eastern Church. From miraculous self-baptism to 72 years in a cave, Thecla's story is equal parts inspiring and misleading. Join us as we examine why truth matters in both faith and practice and discuss the dangers of treating religious storytelling as historical fact. Title: Thecla, the Saint Who Never Existed Date: AD 47 - ? Place: Iconium, Antioch, Seleucia Key Figures and Events: Thecla, Paul. Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

In this episode, we dive into the life and legacy of James, the brother of Jesus. Often overshadowed by hagiography and theological embellishments, James emerges from the New Testament as a devout follower of Christ, a key leader in the early church, and a voice of wisdom in his epistle. From skepticism to leadership, and finally to martyrdom, we explore James' journey and debunk the myths that have clouded his story. Title: James, the Lord's Brother Date: 0 - AD 62 Place: Jerusalem Key Figures and Events: James, Paul, Peter, the Council of Jerusalem Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

The Didache, one of the earliest Christian documents, offers a rare glimpse into the worship, instruction, and practices of a local church in the late 1st or early 2nd century, emphasizing themes of ethical living, communal unity, and eschatological hope. In this episode, we explore this ancient text in its entirety, reflecting on its significance as a snapshot of early Christian life and its enduring lessons for the church today. Philip Schaff's translation can be found here: https://earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html Want to Support the Show? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory Have a question? Send me an email: [email protected] All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.

Special links! The interview on "Two Creations One Creator" is found on Spotify at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6fBBumuP8DngBzRCBp8cXT On to the episode! Rome! City? Empire? Church? Why, yes. This episode deals with all three. Join in for an overview of the significant moments of Rome in the first century for church history. Title: Rome of the First Century Date: 0 - AD 100 Place: The City of Rome, the Province of Judea Key Figures and Events: Nero, Vespasian, Domitian, Clement, Peter, and Paul. Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

How is it that the Holy Spirit guided His people to recognize His writings? Did they vote? Hold a council? What was it? Join today as we discuss the concept of inspiration, preservation, and recognition of the Word of God. Title: NT Canon and the Church Date: AD 45 - 200 Place: Everywhere! Key Figures and Events: Apostles, NT Prophets, Didache, Clement, Mathetes, Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Epistle of Barnabas, and the Muratorian Fragment. Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

1 Clement is a first-century letter from the Roman church to the Corinthian church, written after Corinth dismissed its elders. Known for its extensive use of Scripture, the letter reflects a deep familiarity with the New Testament, employs a collegial, respectful tone, and illustrates a presbyterian structure without a single ruling bishop. The text of the letter was lost to the Western church until rediscovered in the 17th century. Philip Schaff's translation can be found here: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.html Want to Support the Show? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory Have a question? Send me an email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.

Today we're diving into the story of one of the most influential cities in early Christianity—Antioch. A bustling hub of culture, trade, and power, earning the title "Rome of the East." But it wasn't just a political giant—by the 1st century AD, Antioch became a crucial center for the spread of Christianity, the very place where believers were first called "Christians" and where Paul and Barnabas set out on their groundbreaking missionary journeys. Plus, we'll explore the Antiochene School's lasting legacy on biblical interpretation and theology. Title: Antioch - the Rome of the East Date: 4th century BC - 7th century AD Place: Antioch Key Figures and Events: Christological Debates, Nestorius, Theodore of Mopsuestia Documents of Significance: Letters of Ignatius, Canon 6 of Nicea. Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Before we go any further into church history, it is important to take a clarifying theology break. Many are those who have seen Saints as a special class of Christians who, through their own personal and practical holiness have attained levels of holiness that other Christians have not. Is this consistent with the teachings either of Christ or the Apostles? No. No it isn't. All Christians are saints, and that fact of identity spurns us on to being further conformed to the image of Christ. What a grace! Title: All Christians are Saints Date: Yes Place: Everywhere Key Figures and Events: All Christians Documents of Significance: Psalms, Daniel, Luke, Acts, 1 Corinthians, Philippians, Ephesians, and Hebrews. Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

As the Apostles and Elders meet in Jerusalem to discuss a false gospel floating around the Gentile church, they come to a conclusion that has important ramifications for us today. Let's go learn from them! Title: The Jerusalem Council Date: AD 49 Place: Jerusalem Key Figures and Events: Paul, Peter, James, the believing Pharisees, the Apostles, and the Elders. Documents of Significance: Acts 15 Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Ephesus is perhaps one of the more fascinating cities of the ancient world. The magical arts being performed there were arguably second to none and made for a unique beginning of the church there. The first years were not without growing pains as we shall see. Title: The Church in Ephesus and Its Mystical Culture Date: AD 51-56 Place: Ephesus Key Figures and Events: Paul, Priscilla, Aquilla, Apollos, Ephesian Church Documents of Significance: Acts 18-19 Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

CHT | S2E9: Wolves Will Arise As Paul nears the end of his life and ministry, he warns the church leaders in Ephesus that false teachers (wolves) will arise from even among their own number. In this episode, we look into Paul's presentation to the church in Ephesus about how to identify them, avoid them, and keep watch over yourselves. False teachers wander away from revealed truth, true teachers stand firm. As do all Christians who keep watch over their faith. Title: Wolves Will Arise Date: AD 57-67 Place: Miletus, Ephesus Key Figures and Events: Paul, Timothy, Ephesians Elders, Ephesian Church Documents of Significance: Acts 20, 1 & 2 Timothy, Ephesians Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

CHT | S2E8: Paul - the Apostle to the Gentiles No other person outside of Jesus Christ has affected so much of the development and theology of the church than Paul. His writings make up nearly half of the books of the New Testament and his leadership helped found the churches of Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. He helped align the focus of missions, theology, and gentile relations in the Church of Jerusalem. Join the study this evening as we construct his story and timeline, appreciating the wisdom that has come down to us from Paul. Title: Paul - the Apostle to the Gentiles Date: AD 33-67 Place: Jerusalem, Antioch, Syria, Asia minor, and Rome Key Figures and Events: Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Titus, the Church in Corinth Documents of Significance: Acts, Galatians, 2 Timothy, 1 Clement Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Today's episode takes a look into the character and life of the Apostle Peter. Much is made of his ministry that has no home in either Scripture or authentic history, but we will dive into what can be known regarding him and his ministry God gave him. While he is clearly NOT the bishop of Rome or the first pope, what we learn of him is even more impressive: a humble man who has learned through his own fallibility to depend on the Lord all the more. Title: The Real Peter - the Apostle to the Jews Date: AD 30-65 Place: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Asia minor, and Rome Key Figures and Events: Peter, Simon Magus, Justin Martyr Documents of Significance: Acts, Galatians, 1st and 2nd Peter, Justin Martyr's 1st Apology Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Today's Episode finds us all throughout the New Testament delving into the question of offices and roles in the leadership structure of the First Church. After that we see what the enduring offices and roles are for the church, including the surprising centrality of the Scriptures in the governing of those in the offices and roles of the church. Title: The Leadership of the Apostolic Church Date: AD 31-70 Place: Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria Key Figures and Events: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers, Elders, Deacons Documents of Significance: Acts, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians 4, and The Pastoral Epistles Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

In today's episode we join the first Church in Jerusalem about a year after the Resurrection of Christ. The apostles create a new office in the church that has far reaching ramifications for the future. The first two deacons are Stephen and Philip and their stories are part of the expanding infant church as the Holy Spirit spreads the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. Title: The First Deacons - Stephen and Philip Date: AD 31-60 Place: Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria Key Figures and Events: Stephen and Philip Documents of Significance: Acts 6-8 Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Today's episode centers in on the first church from the day of Pentecost onwards. Who was the church made up of? What were its characteristics? Its habits? What a tremendous grace that God has shown us the starting description of His NT people. Buckle up! As the Gospel goes out into the world you will see its adaptability throughout time and space. Title: The NT Church is Born Date: AD 30 or 33 (debatable) Place: Jerusalem Key Figures and Events: Jesus, Peter, the Apostles, those who heard the word. Documents of Significance: Acts 2 and 4 Contact: [email protected] Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/. Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Today's episode has us talking about headship and leadership. Both in the Invisible Church and the Visible Church. And wouldn't you know it? God is consistent everywhere He goes. The general idea is this: the only bottleneck of leadership ought to be on Christ; not on any other human or leader. Christ instituted a concept of multifocal leadership for the church: multiple apostles appointing multiple elders who enlist the help of multiple deacons. It is not a Christian habit to follow only one apostle or one pastor or leader. Title: Christ the Head of Church History Date: 1st-21st Century Place: Worldwide Key Figures and Events: Jesus, Judges, Prophets, Apostles, Elders, Deacons Documents of Significance: The Bible Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory Links! Send me an email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchhistoryandtheology Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/church-history-and-theology/id1624093437 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/588m1j6zh4ZS4Uo4QlhaGa?si=1c213b64e3b44025 Credits: Many thanks to Brett Easley (my dad) for lending me his voice for the intro! License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/. Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the l

Title: Why Study Church History? Date: 1st-21st Century Place: Worldwide Key Figures and Events: Our Brothers and Sisters Documents of Significance: The Bible (as always) Narrative Overview: As we get into the "Why" of the study of church history, we cover how it has affected us already, where God is at work, the tie-ins to ecclesiology and eschatology. In the end, as an extension of Christian fellowship, the study of Church History ought to result in humility. If it doesn't, that is cause for concern. Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory Links! Send me an email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchhistoryandtheology Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/church-history-and-theology/id1624093437 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/588m1j6zh4ZS4Uo4QlhaGa?si=1c213b64e3b44025 Credits: Many thanks to Brett Easley (my dad) for lending me his voice for the intro! License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/. Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Title: What is Church History? Date: Creation - Present Day Place: Worldwide Key Figures and Events: God and His People Documents of Significance: The Bible :) Narrative Overview: This introductory episode explores the fundamentals of Church History and Theology. What exactly is Church History? Where does it begin, who is included, and what are its boundaries? We'll delve into these questions, discussing the definitions, scope, and key figures involved. Expect a candid discussion of your host's perspectives and biases—which are, of course, always correct. Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory Links! Send me an email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchhistoryandtheology Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/church-history-and-theology/id1624093437 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/588m1j6zh4ZS4Uo4QlhaGa?si=1c213b64e3b44025 Credits: Many thanks to Brett Easley (my dad) for lending me his voice for the intro! License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/. Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

England, 1700s. Anne Steele was a poet who published under the pseudonym Theodosia. ​ Her hymns were included in many hymnals.​ She was part of a circle of writers and intellectuals, both men and women, who provided her with intellectual stimulation and support. ​ Despite suffering from physical ailments and the deaths of loved ones, Steele lived her life by seeking to glorify God through her writing. ​ In this episode, we delve into her life and selected works, including some of her most influential poems and hymns. Special thanks to Joseph Van Carmichael for his dissertation on this topic, which can be found here: https://repository.sbts.edu/handle/10392/4112 Her hymns can be found at https://hymnary.org/person/Steele_A If you want to read her memoirs, poems, hymns and everything, you can do so freely. And I would highly recommend you do: https://archive.org/details/hymnspsalmspoems00stee_1

Ireland, 400s. Today we will again attempt our livestream of Saint Patrick's Confessions. So many myths and legends surround him that some clarity would certainly be beneficial. Join in for some Emerald Isle wisdom! A translation of the confessions is found here: https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english# If you ever want to join in the livestream, it is hosted on YouTube Wednesday evenings at 6:30. You can find the channel at this link: https://www.youtube.com/@churchhistoryandtheology

1563 AD. In the wake the Council of Trent's condemnation of the Protestant Reformation and the Peace of Augsburg (1555), there arose a desire to clarify a clearer set of Lutheran beliefs that were informed and influenced by Calvin's reformation in Geneva. The result? A politically needed theological document that has become one of the most influential catechisms in the Protestant churches. Its tone is pastoral and its theology consistent. Quite the accomplishment for something written by someone still in their 20s! Ligonier Ministries has a well formatted translation that I will be utilizing: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/the-heidelberg-catechism

Tonight is a reflective show that talks about some of the long-term plans for Church History and Theology. When we begin the next walkthrough and what that will look like. Why we do this, reintroduction of our methodology and goals. Also, if there is time, maybe a teaser of another project that is in the works for those of you who are super-fans of Church History.

c. 750 AD This episode will find us in the recesses of the Medieval Era, learning something about a church so desperate for power that it told one of history's greatest lies to get it. The Roman church's forgery known as "The Donation of Constantine" was used for 700 years to legitimize the temporal powers of the church in Rome. Once proven to be a lie, it was quickly put to the side. But the damage had been done and Rome had stolen its corrupting power. With such power, no internal mechanism for reform or balance could ever be introduced. The text we are using is found at the following link: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/donatconst.asp

203 AD. This episode will find us in Carthage in the early 3rd century alongside some of our most laudable sisters in the faith. Two young mothers and catechumens face the ultimate test for a Christian. And is not their testimony one of deep challenge to those of us in our day? The text in which their story is told is found at the following link: https://earlychristianwritings.com/text/tertullian24.html Livestreamed most Wednesdays 6:30pm EST at youtube.com/@churchhistoryandtheology

100s AD. The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus is one of my favorite artifacts from the early church. Its author is unknown to us but thankfully, due to a single manuscript, we have the full text of this marvelous letter. In it we get a glimpse of a Christian's defense of Christian theology, description of their lifestyle, and a snapshot of issues of their day. Join in! We won't be reading it in its entirety but will be covering most of it. We are using Roberts-Donaldson's translation, and it can be found at this link: https://earlychristianwritings.com/text/diognetus-roberts.html

1302 AD. Pope Boniface VIII continues to develop and clarify the sweeping reforms (largely promulgated by his great-uncle, Pope Gregory IX) of the temporal power of the Roman church by issuing his papal bull: Unam Sanctam. "The One Holy [Church]" Tonight we will go through the text and discuss its situation in the late 13th/early 14th century. A translation can be found at this link: https://www.papalencyclicals.net/bon08/b8unam.htm

Grab your Bibles. Let's get into this.

After last week's infamous silent stream of this lesson, we are back again. This time with audio! We are paying attention today to Jan (John) Huss' most influential treatise on the church. If you want a copy of this book, it was translated to English in 1915 and is available here: https://oll.libertyfund.org/title/schaff-the-church

In this episode, we delve into the question of baptism in the earliest church. Specifically, we aim to understand the practice of baptism as broadly as possible in the first two centuries of the church. If you want to follow along, I am using Roberts Donaldson's translation of the Didache: http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html And for Justin Martyr's 1 Apology I am using Roberts Donaldson as well: http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-firstapology.html

In this episode, we go back to the earliest part of the 2nd century (100s) to listen to the Bishop of Antioch writing to a church in Smyrna as well as his letter to that church's bishop, a man named Polycarp. These are only two of the seven letters Ignatius wrote on his trip to Rome to be martyred. They are worthy of our attention, as are the other five (another episode). If you want to follow along, here are the links to the translations (Roberts Donaldson) I am using: Epistle to the Smyrnaeans: http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-roberts.html Epistle to Polycarp: http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-polycarp-roberts.html

In this episode, we join Luther during the first years of the Reformation in order to grasp his developing arguments and thoughts on a variety of topics that go far beyond his first arguments against indulgences. Let's be a fly on the wall in Heidelberg (1518) and Leipzig (1519) and see what wisdom we can glean from all that went on in those early days of the Protestant Reformation.

Many have a view of the nature of the church that rests on the person of Peter. What can we know of his role in the early church from their own writings?

Today we will be discussing a work called the Didache. It is a 1st or 2nd century writing that gives us a glimpse into the habits of the early church in a specific area. If you want to read it for yourself, here is a link to it: http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html

How NOT to deal with heretics and false teachers.

What if your greatest sin was transformed into a repentance that changed the course of history?

After wrapping up nearly two years of lessons throughout the 20 centuries of church history, we will reflect on what we learned, our place in history, and the path forward. Maybe a sneak peek at some of the deep dives we have planned in the coming months. :)