Chadd and guest Jeremy Ryan Slate explore the Roman presence in first-century Judea, tracing how Roman governance, client kings (like Herod), and methods such as crucifixion shaped the political context of Jesus’ trial and death. Slate — a scholar of Catholic theology, early Roman propaganda and author of The Roman Pattern — explains key moments in the Gospels through Roman law, propaganda and logistics.

The episode covers Pilate’s dilemma, why Jewish leaders brought a political charge, the symbolism and purpose of crucifixion, Josephus’s historical corroboration, Paul’s Roman citizenship and mobility, and the catastrophic destruction of the Jerusalem temple and its wider consequences. Slate also connects these historical patterns to modern themes of civilizational stress and media, and discusses his work with Command Your Brand.

Listeners can expect a mix of biblical, historical, and practical perspectives — a clear primer on the Roman-Jewish interplay around Jesus’ life, a look at Reformation-era causes like indulgences, and personal reflections on faith, family travel, and building an authentic public brand.

Check out our partners:

-Barbell Apparel at BARBELL APPAREL WEBSITE Use code "Chadd" for a free pair of shorts with a purchase of $99 or more.

-Bare Performance Nutrition and use code "3of7" for 10% OFF!

https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com

-Check out 3 of 7 Project

https://www.3of7project.com

-Apply for our courses at:

https://www.3of7project.com/train

-Thank you for supporting Three of Seven Podcast on Patreon at:

www.patreon.com/threeofseven

-Three of Seven Project Store:

https://3of7project.myshopify.com/pages/shop

Nuff Said.