In Episode 123 of Theology In Particular, Dr. Jason Montgomery returns to talk about the Patristic Era. Here we focus on the persecution of the church leading up to the time of Constantine and the privileged position that was given to the church in Roman society under his rule.

Links:

International Reformed Baptist Seminary: irbsseminary.org

If you have feedback, questions, or suggestions, please email Joe at: [email protected]

Recommended Resources:

Primary Readings:

Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History (Books 6-7 will address the persecution under Decius and Valerian. Books 8-10 will address the Great Persecution under Diocletian and company.)

Eusebius, The Life of Constantine (Hagiography in the Early Church; Both of these by Eusebius are in the NPNF, Vol 1)

Lactantius, Of The Manner In Which The Persecutors Died (In the ANF, Vol 7, 301)

David Gwynn, Christianity In The Later Roman Empire: A Sourcebook

Secondary Sources:

W. H. C. Frend, The Rise of Christianity (Chapter 9: Struggle and Advance; Chapter 13: The Age of Diocletian; Chapter 14: The Constantinian Revolution)

Bruce Shelley, Church History In Plain Language (Chapters 4 and 9 are helpful)

Philip Jenkins, The Lost History