What kind of pastor, arrested and chained for execution, spends his final journey not begging for mercy but writing letters to churches—urging them not to save him? Ignatius of Antioch embraced martyrdom with a strength that both inspires and challenges us today. In this episode, we follow his harrowing journey from arrest to the Roman Colosseum and explore the seven powerful letters he penned along the way. His story raises an uncomfortable question: what are we truly willing to sacrifice for Christ?

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In this behind-the-scenes episode, I share where things stand with Season 3 of The Church History Project—what's already in the works, what's coming next, and what I’ve been learning along the way. From early research on Ignatius of Antioch to deep dives into the Didache, Papias, and the Epistle of Barnabas, this episode offers a sneak peek at what's ahead. I also talk about future plans for tighter season releases, give a quick update on the paused Season 1 devotional, and share how you can support the podcast through the podcast's Buy Me a Coffee profile. Thanks, as always, for your prayers and encouragement!

We're excited to announce the first episode of Season 3! Stay tuned in the months ahead as the remainder of the season (Lord willing) rolls out.

In this episode, Jared explores the life and legacy of Clement of Rome, one of the influential Apostolic Fathers who bridged the gap between the apostolic age and the expanding church of the second century. Discover how Clement's letter to the Corinthians—written to address division and restore unity—continues to offer timeless wisdom for Christians facing similar challenges today.

Join The Church History Project Facebook group to dive deeper into discussions about the 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. I truly appreciate your support! If you're on X, follow me there as well.

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.

Hi friends! It’s been a while, but I wanted to share an update with you about The Church History Project. Life has been a balancing act between family, work, and creative pursuits, which led to a short pause in episodes. In this update, I’ll explain the delay, share plans for upcoming episodes, and reveal ideas to enhance your listening experience.

Plus, learn how you can connect with me, support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee, and help spread the word. Your support means everything!

Join me for this behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for the podcast, and thank you for your patience, encouragement, and prayers. New episodes are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to continue this journey through church history with you. God bless!

In this season finale, explore the turbulent reign of Emperor Domitian, his ruthless ambition, and the oppressive persecution he unleashed upon early Christians. This episode looks into the history, paranoia, and imperial cult surrounding Domitian and highlights how faithful believers, including the Apostle John, stood firm against his tyranny. ,

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!

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.

Episode Overview

• Introduction to Domitian: Background on his rise to power and contrasts with his father, Vespasian, and brother, Titus.
• Domitian’s Reign: His centralization of power, paranoia, and the establishment of emperor worship as a divine ruler.
• Persecution of Christians: Key incidents, including the exile of John to Patmos and the defiance of Flavia Domitilla.
• Revelation’s Imagery: How Domitian’s reign played a role in the apocalyptic visions in the Book of Revelation.
• Domitian’s Death and Legacy: His assassination and the Christian hope that flourished in the aftermath of his reign.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

1. Faith vs. Authority: How do Domitian’s demands for worship as “Lord and God” challenge our understanding of allegiance to Christ over worldly powers?
2. Modern Parallels: In what ways does today’s culture tempt us to compromise our faith? How can we stand firm as early Christians did?
3. Spiritual Resilience: The Apostle John remained faithful during exile. How can his example inspire us to maintain hope and faith during personal trials?
4. Allegiance to Christ: How can we practically declare, “Jesus is Lord,” in a society that often demands our loyalty to other “idols” like success, comfort, or approval?

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

Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/thechurchhistoryproject

In this episode, we dive into the turbulent era of the Jewish War (66-73 AD) and explore its seismic impact on both Jewish and early Christian communities. Host Jared Luttjeboer walks us through the causes of the conflict, the brutal Roman siege of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. We’ll discuss how this pivotal event fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy, shifted theological perspectives, and reshaped the early Church.

Episode Overview

The episode provides a comprehensive look at the Jewish War, beginning with the political, economic, and religious tensions that fueled the rebellion. Key topics include:

• Causes of the Jewish War: Economic oppression, political corruption, and religious desecration by Roman authorities, which led to widespread unrest and the rise of revolutionary groups.
• Key Battles: Early Jewish victories, such as at Beth Horon, and significant Roman sieges, including the fall of Jotapata and Jerusalem.
• Theological Impact: Jesus’ prophecy about the Temple’s destruction and its perceived fulfillment, strengthening early Christian identity and the theological shift away from the Temple.
• Jewish and Christian Transformations: The episode examines the rise of Rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity’s new mission focus, setting the stage for future global evangelism.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups:

• Jesus prophesied the fall of Jerusalem, which was fulfilled in 70 AD. How does this demonstrate Christ’s authority over history, and how should this impact our faith in His promises today?
• What does the fall of Jerusalem teach us about the seriousness of sin and the consequences of rejecting God’s call? Are there areas in our own lives where we might be resisting Him?
• With the destruction of the Temple, early Christians saw Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, ending the old covenant. How can this understanding deepen our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice?

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.

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

In this episode, explore the infamous reign of Emperor Nero and the first official Roman persecution of Christians, and how the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD became a catalyst for violence against early believers.

Episode Overview

• Nero's rise to power and initial "Five Good Years"
• The Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD and its devastating impact
• Nero's response to the fire and ambitious reconstruction efforts
• Scapegoating of Christians and the ensuing persecution
• Methods of execution and torture used against Christians
• Notable martyrs, including Peter and Paul

Discussion Questions

1. How does the early Christians' response to persecution challenge or inspire your faith today?
2. In what ways might we face "persecution" for our beliefs in modern society? How can we prepare ourselves to stand firm in our faith?
3. Discuss the statement: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." How did persecution ultimately strengthen the early Christian movement?
4. How can we balance being good citizens while remaining true to our Christian convictions, especially when they conflict with societal norms or government policies?
5. What can we learn from the example of Peter and Paul in facing death for their faith? How can we cultivate that level of commitment in our own lives?

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.

In this episode, we explore the life and martyrdom of James the Just, brother of Jesus and a key figure in the early Christian church. Learn about his role in the Jerusalem Council, his reputation for piety, and his death as a witness to his faith.

Episode Overview

• Introduction to the various James figures in the New Testament
• James' early life and initial skepticism towards Jesus' ministry
• James' conversion after witnessing the resurrected Christ
• His role as a "pillar" of the early church and reputation for piety
• The Jerusalem Council and James' role in resolving disputes over Gentile converts
• Detailed account of James' martyrdom in 62 AD
• Parallels between James' death and Jesus' crucifixion

Discussion Questions

• How does James' journey from skeptic to church leader inspire your own faith journey?
• What can we learn from James' balance of adhering to Jewish traditions while embracing Christian beliefs?
• How can we apply the wisdom demonstrated at the Jerusalem Council to modern church conflicts?
• In what ways can we emulate James' forgiveness towards his persecutors in our own lives?
• How does James' martyrdom challenge us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition?

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. 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.