The History of the Early Church

In the summer of 177 A.D., a horrific and gruesome anti-Christian pogrom broke out in Gaul. By August, forty-eight Christians were brutally martyred with the approval of the emperor Marcus Aurelius himself.

In the summer of 177 A.D., a horrific and gruesome anti-Christian pogrom broke out in Gaul. By August, forty-eight Christians were brutally martyred with the approval of the emperor Marcus Aurelius himself.

The Golden Age of Antonine Rome came to an end with wars and plague and more (surprise) pagan persecution of Christians. As a result, the sectarian and apocalyptic fervor of earlier decades reappeared in the Church, and it reappeared with a vengeance in the heresy of Montanism.

The Golden Age of Antonine Rome came to an end with wars and plague and more (surprise) pagan persecution of Christians. As a result, the sectarian and apocalyptic fervor of earlier decades reappeared in the Church, and it reappeared with a vengeance in the heresy of Montanism.

Justin Martyr (ca. 100-165 A.D.) was the greatest of the second century Greek-speaking Christian apologists. He defended orthodox Christianity against heretics, Jews, and pagans. A native of Samaria, Justin argued Jesus Christ was the completion of the truth all religions and philosophies were earnestly searching for...

Justin Martyr (ca. 100-165 A.D.) was the greatest of the second century Greek-speaking Christian apologists. He defended orthodox Christianity against heretics, Jews, and pagans. A native of Samaria, Justin argued Jesus Christ was the completion of the truth all religions and philosophies were earnestly searching for...

Polycarp of Smyrna made peace with the Church of Rome over the dating of Easter, only to return home to die a martyr...

Polycarp of Smyrna made peace with the Church of Rome over the dating of Easter, only to return home to die a martyr...

In July of 144 A.D., the Church of Rome excommunicated a heretic named Marcion of Sinope. This man would try to sever the Church completely from its Jewish roots and was also the first Christian to create a list of canonical books which constituted a "New Testament."

In July of 144 A.D., the Church of Rome excommunicated a heretic named Marcion of Sinope. This man would try to sever the Church completely from its Jewish roots and was also the first Christian to create a list of canonical books which constituted a "New Testament."

This episode, we take a short break from the narrative to explore a group of sects that will vex the Church more than any other previous heresy, Gnosticism!

This episode, we take a short break from the narrative to explore a group of sects that will vex the Church more than any other previous heresy, Gnosticism!

Back in Judaea, the Jerusalem Church is beset by internal schism, persecution from both Romans and Rabbis, and finally a false Messiah intent on war with Rome. The end result will be catastrophic for Jewish believers.

Back in Judaea, the Jerusalem Church is beset by internal schism, persecution from both Romans and Rabbis, and finally a false Messiah intent on war with Rome. The end result will be catastrophic for Jewish believers.

The disciples of the Apostles continue to lead the Church while struggling against heresy and persecution. The Church is also brought to the direct attention of the Roman Emperors Trajan and Hadrian by provincial governors in Asia Minor. Finally, Christian apologists have begun writing in defense of their faith.