The History of the Early Church

By Terry Young

What's The History of the Early Church about?

The story of Christianity from c. 30 to 451 A.D. Covering the great stories of the Apostles, bishops, saints, monks, and martyrs from Pentecost to the Council of Chalcedon.

HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com

[email protected]

Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The History of the Early Church episodes:

09.21.2021
Episode 78: Return of the Exiles
Following the death of Constantine, a short dynastic bloodbath occurs, after which his sons divide the empire between themselves. In addition, the new emperors also permit all the eastern bishops exiled by their father to return. As a result violent...
09.19.2021
Episode 77: Retrospective on Constantine
In this episode we look back on the reign of Constantine the Great and his impact on the early Church. I also answer the various questions you've all submitted on the emperor and the Church during his reign. Music “Sons of...
06.22.2021
76- Caesar Baptized
We conclude our coverage of the reign of the first Christian Roman Emperor. I close this episode by asking you dear listeners to please send in your questions about Constantine and the early Church. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham,...
06.07.2021
75- The Freak Hemorrhage
With Athanasius finally exiled, the Eusebians turn their attention against their other hated foe, Marcellus of Ancyra... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
05.23.2021
74- Egyptian Grain
The conflict between Athanasius and the Meletian-Eusebian alliance comes to a head at the Council of Tyre... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
05.11.2021
73- The Secret Alliance
In order to bring down Athanasius, Eusebius of Nicomedia forms a clandestine alliance with the Meletians... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
04.25.2021
72- Athanasius: The Early Years
In the year 328, the young deacon Athanasius became the new bishop of Alexandria after a highly contested election. His early years on the throne of Saint Mark saw continuing conflict with the Meletians and Eusebians, as well as the...
02.27.2021
71- The Eusebians Strike Back
Despite their defeat at the Council of Nicaea, the allies of Arius begin to mount a successful comeback. Within the span of only a few years, they manage to bring down the bishop of Antioch and return their partisans from...
02.17.2021
70- An Imperial Pilgrimage
After a dynastic tragedy rocks the imperial family, Constantine's mother Helena undertakes a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. A pilgrimage which will become the stuff of legends... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
02.10.2021
69- The Council of Nicaea Part II
With the controversy over Arius addressed, the Council of Nicaea proceeds on to the remainder of its agenda. From the date of Easter to the Meletian schism, there were numerous other issues facing the early Church... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by...
01.31.2021
68- The Council of Nicaea Part I
The emperor Constantine convokes the largest council yet in the history of the early Church to settle the controversy over Arius once and for all... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
01.23.2021
67- One Emperor, One God
With his victory over Licinius, Constantine became sole master of the Roman world. The emperor's vision of a Christian empire however is soon undermined by the controversy over Arius. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook/EarlyChurchPodcast
11.30.2020
66- The Last Persecution
After falling out with Constantine, the eastern emperor Licinius turns against his Christian subjects... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
11.10.2020
65- When the Son was Not
The bishop of Alexandria expounds on the relationship between God the Father and the Son. However, the presbyter Arius reacts strongly against this theology. Soon the dispute between the two men sets the eastern churches ablaze with the fires of...
10.27.2020
64- The Road to Arius
In this episode we examine the immediate background to the Arian Controversy by surveying the theological climate of the Greek East in the late third and early fourth centuries. Music "Sons of Constantinople" by Austin Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
09.13.2020
63- Introducing the Arian Controversy with Ross Twele
In today's episode we have an interview with Ross Twele. Ross is a Ph.D. student who specializes in the great fourth century theological controversy known as the "Arian Controversy." The Arian Controversy centered around the relationship between the Father and...
09.06.2020
62- The Donatist Schism Part II
After receiving a petition from north Africa, Constantine is drawn into the conflict between the Donatists and Caecilianists. The emperor attempts to end the schism and restore unity to the Church by differing the matter church councils, without much success... Music...
08.31.2020
61- The Donatist Schism Part I
In the aftermath of the Great Persecution, the Christian communities of north Africa are violently split in two by schism. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
08.17.2020
Bonus 5- Martyrdom and Persecution with Stephen Guerra
In this episode we have another special extra-length crossover with Stephen Guerra from The History of the Papacy Podcast! Stephen and I discuss martyrdom and Roman persecution in early Christianity. We touch on topics ranging from modern studies into martyrdom,...
07.29.2020
60- Retrospective on the Great Persecution
In this episode we look back at the past decade of history we've covered. I offer some of my reflections on writing the podcast as well as the martyrs, the Tetrarchy, the rise of Constantine, and the legacy of the...
07.08.2020
59- The Peace of the Church
Constantine confers with Licinius at Milan to cement their alliance and lay down the new imperial policy towards Christianity and religion in the Roman Empire. Meanwhile, the last persecuting emperor Maximinus Daia races westward to crush his rivals, vowing to...
06.24.2020
58- It's Not Over Yet
Despite the Edict of Galerius, his nephew Maximinus Daia refuses to end the Great Persecution. After securing his power base, the emperor of the east launches a cunning campaign to resume the persecution of Christians and discredit their faith with...
06.08.2020
57- In This Sign
Constantine experiences a vision in the sky assuring him of victory and longevity. Later during the final confrontation with Maxentius in Italy, Constantine has a dream which leads him to re-interpret the vision and look to the Christian God as...
05.24.2020
56- The Palinode of Galerius
During the lull in persecution following the Conference of Carnuntum, the Meletian Schism breaks out in Egypt, while in Palestine controversy erupts over the theology of Origen of Alexandria. Nevertheless the Great Persecution is soon resumed as the Fifth Edict...
05.16.2020
55- Toleration in the West
The accessions of Constantine and then Maxentius lead to an official end to the Great Persecution in the western provinces. However peace continues to elude both Church and State. Maxentius' usurpation triggers a civil war while factional violence erupts within...
04.26.2020
54- The Worst of the Persecutors
The succession of the second Tetrarchy grants the eastern Christians a respite from the Great Persecution. However, it is not long before Galerius and his new Caesar Maximinus Daia resume the persecution and introduce new harsher methods of enforcement and...
04.12.2020
53- Confessors and Traitors
The Great Persecution takes a much different course in the Western Roman Empire. While Christians in Gaul and Britain remain relatively unaffected, Christians in Italy, Spain, and especially Africa suffer greatly. These events will sow the seeds of bitter schisms...
03.29.2020
52- Sanguinary Edicts
The Great Persecution begins with Diocletian’s series of anti-Christians edicts, culminating in the command for all his subjects to offer sacrifice. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
03.14.2020
51- Ominous Signs
As the third century gave way to the fourth, tensions between the early Church and traditional paganism culminated in the emperor Diocletian’s decision to launch the Great Persecution against Christianity... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
03.01.2020
50- Introduction II
This podcast is about telling a detailed narrative of the history of the early Church from its founding to the Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D. Covering Christianity in and outside the Roman Empire, the Apostles, Bishops, Saints, Heretics, Ascetics,...
02.24.2020
49- Q&A
We finally conclude the First Three Centuries series with our Questions and Answer episode! Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
02.17.2020
48- Reading Suggestions
In this episode we discuss some of the primary and secondary sources I've used in doing my research for the podcast thus far. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
02.09.2020
47- Life in the Early Church
In this episode we look at the inner life of the early Church c. 300 A.D., including church buildings, conversion, baptism, worship, and clergy. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
02.02.2020
46- Heretics, Jews, and Pagans
In this episode we continue our "First Three Centuries" Series by examining the religious groups outside the early Church around the year 300 A.D. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
07.25.2019
45- Death, Demons, and the End of the World
In this episode we look at early Christian beliefs concerning the evil spirits, the afterlife, and the end of the world in the first three centuries. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
03.01.2019
44- The Salvation of Humankind
In this "First Three Centuries" series episode we look at early Christian beliefs about salvation, the saving work of Christ and its meaning, in the first three centuries. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
01.31.2019
Bonus 4- The Supernatural Realm with Dr. Michael Heiser
In part 2 of our interview with Dr. Heiser we discuss the Israelite and Jewish background of early Christian beliefs concerning Angels, Demons, and other denizens of the supernatural realm. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
01.30.2019
43- God and Christ
We look at the origins and development of the Christian theology of the Trinity and Christology in the first three centuries. In particular how the early Church understood the relationship between God the Father and the Son. Music “Sons of Constantinople”...
01.24.2019
Bonus 3- Origen of Alexandria with Stephen Guerra
In this bonus episode we revisit the subject of Origen of Alexandria with "The History of the Papacy Podcast" host Steve Guerra! Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
06.08.2018
Bonus 2 - The Origins of the Trinity with Dr. Michael Heiser
In this episode we discuss the roots of the Trinity and Christology in the religion of ancient Canaan, Israel, and Second Temple Judaism with Dr. Michael Heiser. Dr. Heiser is a scholar of ancient Hebrew and Semitic studies. You can...
05.27.2018
42- Scriptures, Canons, and Interpretations
In this episode we discuss the Bible in the first three centuries of the early Church, including the text, the canon, and interpretation. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
01.24.2018
41- To the Ends of the Earth
In this episode we look back at the expansion and geographical distribution of Christianity in the first three centuries... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
12.23.2017
40 - The First Three Centuries
Hi Folks, I need your help. More specifically listener questions. Once we reach the end of the third century, we’re going to take an extended break from the narrative and focus on key topics related to the first three centuries of...
11.30.2017
39- Eusebius and his Contemporaries
We conclude the third century by looking at the father of Church history and the luminaries of his day... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
11.09.2017
38- The First Monk of the World
We introduce Christian monasticism into our narrative, by looking at the so-called first monk, Antony of Egypt... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
10.26.2017
37- East of the Euphrates
We look at the early Church of the East and its world in the lands of Mesopotamia and Persia... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
10.03.2017
36- Zenobia's Bishop
Despite newfound peace, in the 260s A.D., theological controversies sprang up in the Great Church. First between Rome and Alexandria, and then around the infamous bishop of Antioch, Paul of Samosata. A series of events which would eventually culminate in...
09.18.2017
35- The Little Peace of the Church
In 260 A.D. the Roman Emperor Gallienus recognized Christianity as a lawful religion, ushering in a forty year period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for the Church. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
09.15.2016
34- The Valerian Persecution
In 257 A.D., the Roman Emperor Valerian launched the second empire-wide persecution of Christianity... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast
09.06.2016
33- The Baptismal Controversy
Cyprian of Carthage became engulfed in a controversy with Stephen of Rome, over the validity of heretical baptism, which nearly tore the Christian Church in half... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

What's The History of the Early Church about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The History of the Early Church episodes:

Episode 78: Return of the Exiles

Episode 77: Retrospective on Constantine

76- Caesar Baptized

75- The Freak Hemorrhage

74- Egyptian Grain

73- The Secret Alliance

72- Athanasius: The Early Years

71- The Eusebians Strike Back

70- An Imperial Pilgrimage

69- The Council of Nicaea Part II

68- The Council of Nicaea Part I

67- One Emperor, One God

66- The Last Persecution

65- When the Son was Not

64- The Road to Arius

63- Introducing the Arian Controversy with Ross Twele

62- The Donatist Schism Part II

61- The Donatist Schism Part I

Bonus 5- Martyrdom and Persecution with Stephen Guerra

60- Retrospective on the Great Persecution

59- The Peace of the Church

58- It's Not Over Yet

57- In This Sign

56- The Palinode of Galerius

55- Toleration in the West

54- The Worst of the Persecutors

53- Confessors and Traitors

52- Sanguinary Edicts

51- Ominous Signs

50- Introduction II

49- Q&A

48- Reading Suggestions

47- Life in the Early Church

46- Heretics, Jews, and Pagans

45- Death, Demons, and the End of the World

44- The Salvation of Humankind

Bonus 4- The Supernatural Realm with Dr. Michael Heiser

43- God and Christ

Bonus 3- Origen of Alexandria with Stephen Guerra

Bonus 2 - The Origins of the Trinity with Dr. Michael Heiser

42- Scriptures, Canons, and Interpretations

41- To the Ends of the Earth

40 - The First Three Centuries

39- Eusebius and his Contemporaries

38- The First Monk of the World

37- East of the Euphrates

36- Zenobia's Bishop

35- The Little Peace of the Church

34- The Valerian Persecution

33- The Baptismal Controversy