The Church History Project

A letter arrives at the door of a Roman intellectual, and what it says about the people called "Christians" is unlike anything he's heard before. Written by an unknown hand sometime in the second or third century, the Epistle to Diognetus offers one of the most beautiful portraits of early Christian life to survive from the ancient world: a people who look like everyone else, yet liv...

When an 86-year-old bishop was dragged into a Roman arena, the proconsul offered him a simple choice: curse Christ and live, or refuse and burn. Polycarp's response—"Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong"—would echo through two millennia of Christian history. This episode explores how one man's final hours in Smyrna became the template for Christian mart...

When a Roman freedman claimed that angels showed him the Church as an unfinished tower, where cracked stones are cast out, and only one repentance is allowed after baptism, early Christians listened. The Shepherd of Hermas was so influential that some considered it Scripture; yet, its ambiguous teachings about Christ ultimately kept it from being included in the canon. In this episode, explore the...

The Jerusalem Temple lies in ruins, and a furious Christian writer is determined to answer one explosive question: Who are the true people of God? The anonymous author behind the Epistle of Barnabas doesn't pull punches; he declares that the covenant belongs to Christians, not Jews, and that Israel misunderstood their own Scriptures from the very beginning. His letter, once tucked into one of...

What if you could sit across from someone who spoke with those who walked with Jesus, but everything he told you sounded almost too strange to believe? Papias of Hierapolis claimed to preserve eyewitness testimony from the apostolic generation, including bizarre sayings of Jesus about supernatural vineyards and a grotesque account of Judas' death that will haunt you. This bishop's writings...

For nearly two millennia, Christianity's oldest instruction manual lay hidden in a dusty monastery until its explosive rediscovery in 1873 shocked the scholarly world. Written when some believers may have personally known the apostles, this lost text reveals how the earliest Christians prayed, worshiped, baptized, and protected their communities from infiltrators. What surprising practices did...

What kind of pastor, arrested and chained for execution, spends his final journey not begging for mercy but writing letters to churches—urging them not to save him? Ignatius of Antioch embraced martyrdom with a strength that both inspires and challenges us today. In this episode, we follow his harrowing journey from arrest to the Roman Colosseum and explore the seven powerful letters he penned alo...

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I share where things stand with Season 3 of The Church History Project —what's already in the works, what's coming next, and what I’ve been learning along the way. From early research on Ignatius of Antioch to deep dives into the Didache, Papias, and the Epistle of Barnabas, this episode offers a sneak peek at what's ahead. I also talk about future plans for tigh...

We're excited to announce the first episode of Season 3! Stay tuned in the months ahead as the remainder of the season (Lord willing) rolls out. In this episode, Jared explores the life and legacy of Clement of Rome, one of the influential Apostolic Fathers who bridged the gap between the apostolic age and the expanding church of the second century. Discover how Clement's letter to the Corinthians...

Hi friends! It’s been a while, but I wanted to share an update with you about The Church History Project . Life has been a balancing act between family, work, and creative pursuits, which led to a short pause in episodes. In this update, I’ll explain the delay, share plans for upcoming episodes, and reveal ideas to enhance your listening experience. Plus, learn how you can connect with me, support...

In this season finale , explore the turbulent reign of Emperor Domitian, his ruthless ambition, and the oppressive persecution he unleashed upon early Christians. This episode looks into the history, paranoia, and imperial cult surrounding Domitian and highlights how faithful believers, including the Apostle John, stood firm against his tyranny. , Join The Church History Project Facebook group to...

To join The Church History Project Facebook group and engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/thechurchhistoryproject In this episode, we dive into the turbulent era of the Jewish War (66-73 AD) and explore its seismic impact on both Jewish and early Christi...

To join The Church History Project Facebook group and engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . In this episode, explore the infamous reign of Emperor Nero and the first official Roman persecution of Christians, and how the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD became a catalyst for violence against early be...

In this episode, we explore the life and martyrdom of James the Just, brother of Jesus and a key figure in the early Christian church. Learn about his role in the Jerusalem Council, his reputation for piety, and his death as a witness to his faith. Episode Overview Introduction to the various James figures in the New Testament James' early life and initial skepticism towards Jesus' ministry James'...

Explore the life and legacy of the Apostle Paul in this episode of The Church History Project . From zealous persecutor to tireless evangelist, we'll see how Paul's conversion and mission work shaped early Christianity and continues to influence believers today. Episode Overview Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus Paul's transition from persecutor to evangelist The first Christian mission fr...

Explore the origins of the term "Christian" and the early days of the Jesus Movement in this episode of The Church History Project . From Stephen's martyrdom to the establishment of the church in Antioch, discover how persecution led to the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Episode Overview The formation of the early church in Jerusalem Stephen's martyrdom and its impact The scattering of bel...

In this first interlude, we take a pause between Seasons 1 and 2 to reflect on the pivotal event that forever altered the course of history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Before delving into the formative years of the early church in season 2, we must acknowledge the foundational truth upon which the entire Christian faith rests. The resurrection was not merely a historical curiosity but a th...

In this season finale, explore God's providential plan in scattering the Jewish people prior to the time of Christ, setting the context for the rapid spread of the gospel message across the Roman world. We'll also preview the coming destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the explosive launch of the Christian movement in Season 2. Episode Overview The scattering of the Jewish people (the Diaspora) e...

This episode explores the Essenes, a mysterious Jewish sect that emerged in Judea during the Second Temple period. These ascetic communities pursued spiritual purity by withdrawing into the wilderness, embracing ritual washing, celibacy, and fervent expectation of the coming Messiah. Episode Overview The episode covers the origins of the Essenes, their connections to the Dead Sea Scrolls found at...

This episode explores the rise of the Zealots, a militant Jewish faction who fiercely resisted Roman occupation in the 1st century AD. We examine their origins, beliefs, anticipation of the Messiah to deliver them, and how their vision ultimately collided with Jesus'. Episode Overview The Zealots emerged in Judea when it was under Roman rule. They fiercely defended the Torah and Jewish customs, vi...

This episode explores the Pharisees, a devout group within Judaism known for strictly adhering to religious laws and traditions. We'll examine their origins, beliefs, and their interactions with Jesus and the early Church. Episode Overview The Pharisees emerged from scribes and scholars who upheld Jewish faith and identity during Babylonian exile They zealously followed both biblical laws and "ora...

This episode provides background on the Sadducees, an elite group of priests and aristocrats who wielded power in Judea during Jesus' time. It covers their role in society, theological beliefs, political cooperation with Rome, and involvement in Jesus' trial. Episode Overview The Sadducees were a small but influential faction that controlled the Jerusalem Temple rituals and the Jewish high court....

This episode provides critical background on the complex political history between Rome and Judea that set the stage for Jesus' ministry and the dawn of Christianity around 30 AD. Episode Overview The episode begins by tracing the origins of Roman-Jewish relations to a small treaty between the Roman Republic and Jewish Maccabees in 161 BC. This pact would foreshadow future Roman interference in Ju...

In this episode, we explore the ancient philosophy of Stoicism that was popular during the early church. The Stoics sought inner peace through rigorous self-control, virtue, and detachment from emotions. We'll see how Stoic ethics aligned with Christianity in some ways yet differed significantly in its worldview. Episode Overview Stoicism founded by Zeno of Citium in ancient Athens Virtue and self...

This episode provides an overview of the ancient Greek philosophy of Epicureanism, including its views on ethics, pleasure, friendship, death, and the gods. We explore how Epicurus sought freedom from disturbance and fear through limiting desires, cultivating virtues, and surrounding oneself with friends. We'll also highlight Epicurus' atomic theory of the universe and contrast his views with Chri...