Today’s episode finishes our overview of the Ante-Nicaean Fathers – the group of church leaders who bridged the gap between the Apostles and the Council of Nicaea. We began our focus on this 225 year period back in week three, with a look at the apologist Justin Martyr. Last week I mentioned Bishop Polycarp. In today’s episode we look at four leaders and four challenges. 

We remain in the second century today as we consider the life – and death – of Polycarp, an early church leader. Bishop Polycarp was from Smyrna and was discipled by the Apostle John himself. He was considered one of the 3 most significant early church fathers. We can learn much about courage from Polycarp. 

Today we move into the 2nd century – the era of the Church Fathers (also called the Patristic Period). Our focus is on a Samaritan philosopher named Justin Martyr, who is famous for a number of things, principally for writing the First Apology - i.e., the first defense of the faith. (He is also famous for being killed for his faith. “Martyr” was not his last name. As you will learn, he was martyred).

Quotes from Justin Martyr:  

• We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies.
• By examining the tongue of the patient, physicians find out the diseases of the body, and philosophers the diseases of the mind.

The First Apology: Click here for a link to The First Apology.

Today we consider the fall of Jerusalem, which happened in 70AD. It’s an event of great importance to both Jews and Christians. 

In this episode, Mike Woodruff looks at the burning of Rome which happened In 64 AD, during the time covered by the book of Acts In the Bible. This led to the spread of the Christian faith.

Welcome to the pilot episode of 100 +, a series about the 100 most significant people, events and Ideas of the last 2,000 years as It relates to Christianity and the Church. 

Why do we study church history? Listen to this episode and find out.