Church History and Theology

An overview series on the book of Isaiah. Taught at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY

Given at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY

An overview series on the book of Isaiah. Taught at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY

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: 10...

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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me License: Chur...

A quick update about life, CHT, and some big news! Links from this episode: https://www.suvel.org churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me

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...

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...

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 misconc...

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, Sa...

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 t...

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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me License: C...

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 exi...

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. F...

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 ha...

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 endu...

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...

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,...

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 un...

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...

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 sain...

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 Co...

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, Apoll...

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...