Church History and Theology

Epizode

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  CHT | Sermon: Aim Small, Miss Small 01.03.2026 34min
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  CHT | SS Series: Isaiah 1-5 08.02.2026 48min

  An overview series on the book of Isaiah. Taught at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY
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  CHT | SS Series: Isaiah (Intro) 01.02.2026 49min

  An overview series on the book of Isaiah. Taught at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY
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  CHT | Sermon: Christian Excellence 01.02.2026 40min

  Given at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY
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  CHT | S2E24: Persecutions and Defenses of the 2nd Century 03.01.2026 46min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | S2E23: Ignatius of Antioch 07.09.2025 45min

  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: 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.
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  CHT Update! 28.07.2025 12min

  A quick update about life, CHT, and some big news! Links from this episode: https://www.suvel.org churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me
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  CHT | Resource: The Epistle of Barnabas 25.06.2025 59min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.
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  CHT | S2E22: Overview of the 2nd Century 15.05.2025 1h 2min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | S2E21: Going to Church in 100 AD 01.05.2025 1h 1min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | S2E20: The Inevitable New Testament 02.04.2025 57min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | Resource Episode: The Epistles of Ignatius - Short Recension 10.03.2025 19min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.
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  CHT | S2E19 - The OT Canon in the 1st Century 01.03.2025 1h 25min

  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: 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.
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  CHT | S2E18: John, the Last Apostle 14.02.2025 52min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | S2E17: Thecla, the Saint Who Never Existed 28.01.2025 1h 6min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | S2E16: James, the Lord's Brother 08.01.2025 1h 6min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | Resource: The Didache 11.12.2024 22min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.
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  CHT | S2E15: Rome of the First Century 27.11.2024 50min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | S2E14: NT Canon and the Church 13.11.2024 54min

  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: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me 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.
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  CHT | Resource: 1st Clement 30.10.2024 1h 25min

  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: [churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me](mailto:churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me) All Resource episodes of Church History and Theology are donated to the public domain.