How did early Christians understand suffering -- their own and others? A discussion of Judith Perkins, The Suffering Self.

For whom were Gospels written? A discussion of gospel audiences in light of Richard Bauckham's important article.

Who was Marcion? How was the New Testament created? A critical discussion of Harnack's little book on Marcion.

What did Jews expect of Gentiles? Was there a Jewish mission? Who were Paul's opponents in Galatia? A discussion of Paula Fredriksen's article and an introduction to "Paul within Judaism."

How did the earliest Jesus followers understand their relationship to wider Judaism? Joel Marcus delivers his retirement lecture at Duke Divinity School on the "Parting of the Ways" between Judaism and Christianity.

How does the Gospel of Mark end? There's more than one answer! A discussion of Burgon's The Last Twelve Verses of Mark for our Easter episode.

Why were the Early Christians persecuted? A discussion of GEM de Ste Croix's work by the same name.

Does Luke's use of Matthew require an implausible composition procedure? A discussion of Downing's influential argument for the two source theory.

Is the Gospel of Luke history? Who is Theophilus? A discussion of Loveday Alexander's The Preface to Luke's Gospel.

Were early Christians poor? How did economics influence early Christianity? A discussion of Wayne A Meeks' The First Urban Christians