In this episode, we explore the history and impact of emperor worship in the Roman Empire. We discuss how emperors came to be seen as gods, the differences between practices in the Eastern and Western provinces, and famous deified leaders like Augustus.

Episode Overview

• The influence of Greek and Asian culture in spreading the concept of divine kingship
• The development of the imperial cult first in the Eastern provinces
• The more subtle practices of the West focused on the "genius" of the emperor
• The posthumous deification of beloved emperors like Augustus

Discussion Questions

1. How should Christians relate to earthly authorities today? What principles guide our participation in government and honor of leaders?
2. Idolatry takes subtle forms. What are some modern "emperors" that compete for our worship and allegiance? How can we identify and reject them?
3. As citizens of God's kingdom, we obey Him above all earthly powers. How does our primary citizenship and allegiance to Christ shape the way we engage in culture and politics?
4. In what ways can we faithfully influence society for Christ while still respecting governing authorities that are opposed to the faith?
5. Persecution of believers continues globally today. How can we prepare to stand firm if faced with pressure to compromise our beliefs? How do we support persecuted Christians?

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at [email protected]. For more content, visit the podcast website or wherever you find your podcasts.

To join The Church History Project Facebook group to engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, we survey the pantheon of Roman gods and goddesses that were worshipped in the Roman Empire. We look at some of the major deities like Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Venus, Neptune, and Pluto and discuss elements of Roman pagan worship like animal sacrifice, prayer, and divination. This episode also sets the stage for how the early Church emerged in this religious context.

Episode Overview

• Traditional Roman religion blended Greek and Roman gods into a pantheon. Major deities included Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Venus, Neptune, and Pluto.
• Animal sacrifice, prayer, and divination were important elements of pagan worship.
• The Roman Emperor was the "pontifex maximus," or chief high priest, of the pagan religion.

Discussion Questions

• Why were animal sacrifices so central to Roman pagan religion? What does this reveal about their understanding of divinity and worship?
• What contrasts can we draw between Jesus Christ and the Roman gods? How does this highlight Christ's uniqueness?
• The episode mentions Christ's humility, compassion, obedience, and sacrifice. How do these attributes of Christ differ from the Roman gods? What does this teach us about Christ's person?
• How should Christ's victory over sin and death shape our understanding of who He is? How does this differ from the Roman view of the afterlife?
• What does this account teach us about the fallen nature of humanity apart from Christ? How were the Romans "blinded," and how does this persist today?
• In what ways were the Romans seeking meaning, security, identity, etc., through pagan worship? How does Christ fulfill these universal human needs?
• How can we avoid idolatry and stay centered on Christ in our culture today? What parallels today do we see to Roman religion?

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at [email protected]. For more content, visit the podcast website or wherever you find your podcasts.

To join The Church History Project Facebook group to engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, we explore the rise and influence of Hellenism in the ancient world leading up to the early Church. We learn how Greek culture, art, philosophy, and language spread across the Eastern Mediterranean and became dominant in the Roman Empire.

Episode Overview

• The death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC marked the beginning of the Hellenistic period when Greek culture spread widely.
• The Romans were captivated by Greek art, literature, philosophy, and science, and adopted many aspects into their own society.
• The Eastern half of the Roman Empire spoke mostly Greek, while the Western half spoke Latin, creating a linguistic divide.
• Examples of Hellenistic influence on Rome: Architecture like the Colosseum and Pantheon, art like the Augustus of Primaporta, and literature like Virgil's Aeneid.

Discussion Questions

• What examples of Hellenistic influence do we still see today in art, architecture, literature, philosophy, etc.?
• How can we appreciate truths and beauty in cultures different from our own while remaining rooted in biblical truth?
• What cross-cultural dynamics do missionaries face today that are similar to the early Church context?
• How did God use aspects of Hellenistic culture to advance His purposes and the growth of the Church?

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at [email protected]. For more content, visit the podcast website or wherever you find your podcasts.

To join The Church History Project Facebook group to engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠here⁠.

Join The Church History Project Facebook group to dive deeper into discussions about our episodes and explore intriguing stories from church history. Visit the group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so through ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠. We truly appreciate your support!

In this inaugural episode, we overview the history of Rome leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ during the reign of Caesar Augustus, setting the stage for the emergence of the early Christian Church within the Roman Empire.

Episode Overview

• The rise and fall of the Roman Republic
• Julius Caesar's conquests and dictatorship
• The Second Triumvirate of Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus
• Civil wars and the rise of Emperor Augustus
• Jesus' birth during Augustus' reign
• Jesus as the true King challenging earthly authority

Discussion Questions

• How did the Roman Republic transition into an imperial system under Augustus? What factors allowed him to gain power?
• How was the birth of Jesus timed perfectly within God's plan during the reign of Augustus?
• In what ways did Jesus' message challenge the authority of the Roman Empire?
• What parallels can you draw between the Roman Empire and kingdoms/powers in the world today? How should Christians relate to governing authorities?

To learn more about the rise of Rome, here is a fun and interactive resource from Khan Academy.

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at [email protected]. For more content, visit the podcast website or wherever you find your podcasts.

To join The Church History Project Facebook group to engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page here.

Guided by Dr. Nick Needham’s book series, "2000 Years of Christ’s Power," join Jared Luttjeboer on this epic journey through time as we explore the historical wonders of the Christian faith and discover how Christ has been faithful to his Church for millennia. This is the Church History Project.