Explore every episode of the podcast Christian History Podcast: The Church, Faith, and World History
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Anthony: Pioneer of Radical Early Christianity | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:11:55 | |
In this episode, we explore the life of St. Anthony, a spiritual pioneer who sought radical seclusion in the Egyptian desert during the 4th century. We uncover how his pursuit of a deeper connection with God led him to confront spiritual and physical challenges, influencing countless others to follow a monastic path. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to St. Anthony 00:47 Early Life & Calling 04:46 Life in the Tomb & Desert 10:17 A New Monastic Movement 13:59 Later Life & Legacy | |||
| St. Cyprian and the Unity of the Church | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:11:31 | |
In this episode, we explore the life of St. Cyprian, a prominent figure in 3rd-century Carthage who became a bishop after a dramatic conversion and faced the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. We discuss his influential work, 'On the Unity of the Church,' which argues for the indivisible nature of the church and remains a foundational text in Christian theology. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to St. Cyprian 01:41 Early Life and Conversion 03:02 Persecution and the Lapsed 06:33 On the Unity of the Church 10:25 The Role of Bishops 15:13 Persecution and Martyrdom | |||
| The Complicated Life of Origen of Alexandria | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:11:27 | |
In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Origen of Alexandria, a child prodigy and prolific ancient Christian author who, driven by intense zeal and literal interpretation of scripture, faced significant challenges and became a controversial figure in church history. We also uncover his groundbreaking contributions to biblical scholarship and theology, alongside the theories that sparked controversy. Chapters 00:00 Who Was Origen? 01:39 Early Life & Martyrdom Desire 04:46 Asceticism and Personal Decisions 08:10 Literary & Theological Contributions 13:02 Fame, Jealousy, and Persecution 16:18 Legacy and Contradictions | |||
| Tertullian: An Architect of Western Christianity | 14 Feb 2026 | 00:11:42 | |
In this episode, we explore the life of Tertullian, a brilliant lawyer from ancient Carthage who became a fierce defender of Christianity. We learn how his intense faith and advocacy were shaped by the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity, leading him to coin foundational theological terms while also showcasing his uncompromising and controversial nature. Chapters 00:00 Carthage and Tertullian's Early Life 01:18 From Pagan to Christian Apologist 03:42 The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity 08:20 The Blood of Martyrs and Theological Innovations 11:32 Tertullian's Fierce Defenses and Controversies 15:07 Strictness and Lasting Legacy | |||
| Irenaeus of Lyons: The Sherlock Holmes of Early Christianity | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:10:31 | |
In this episode, we explore the life and significant contributions of Irenaeus of Lyons, a key figure in 2nd-century Christian theology. We examine how he championed the four Gospels, combated Gnosticism, and established foundational Christian beliefs during a turbulent period. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Irenaeus 02:00 Combating Gnosticism 05:36 Bishop of Lyons & Key Ideas 15:12 Irenaeus's Legacy | |||
| The Enduring Faith of Polycarp | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:10:43 | |
In this episode, we journey back to 155 AD Smyrna to explore the remarkable life and death of Polycarp, the last living link to the apostles. We uncover the social climate of the Roman Empire that led to his persecution and ultimately his defiant stand for his beliefs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Polycarp 01:50 Smyrna and Roman Loyalty 04:45 Polycarp's Arrest and Trial 09:47 Martyrdom and Legacy | |||
| St. Justin Martyr: Godfather of Christian Intellectuals | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:13:31 | |
In this episode, we explore the life of Justin Martyr, a second-century philosopher who transitioned from a truth-seeker of various schools of thought to a Christian intellectual. We learn about his journey to faith, his defense of Christianity against Roman misconceptions, and his ultimate martyrdom, highlighting how he bridged faith and reason. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Justin Martyr 01:48 Justin's Philosophical Journey 05:22 Conversion to Christianity and Epiphany 08:44 Challenging Roman Misconceptions 10:44 Justin's Apology and Legal Defense 15:37 Logos and Christian Philosophy 17:20 Martyrdom and Enduring Legacy | |||
| The Roman Siege of Jerusalem: 70 AD | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:11:24 | |
In this episode, we journey back to 70 AD to understand the Roman siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Second Temple. We explore how this conflict dramatically reshaped Western history and the trajectories of both Judaism and early Christianity. Chapters 00:00 The Roman Siege of Jerusalem 01:00 Setting the Stage: 66 AD Rebellion 04:59 Titus's Siege and Jerusalem's Plight 10:12 The Temple's Destruction 13:30 Aftermath and Lasting Impact | |||
| 64 AD: The Fire of Rome, Nero, and the First Christian Persecution | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:08:57 | |
In 64 AD, a catastrophic fire burned for six days and devastated the city of Rome. As panic spread and public anger turned toward Emperor Nero, blame fell on a small and misunderstood religious group: Christians. In this episode of Christian History, we explore what really happened during the Great Fire of Rome, how Nero responded, why Christians became convenient scapegoats, and how this moment triggered the first state-sponsored persecution of the early church. We examine ancient sources, the executions that followed, and the traditional deaths of Peter and Paul—along with the political and cultural forces that shaped Rome’s reaction. This is the story of fear, power, and how a movement Rome tried to destroy only grew stronger. | |||