The History of the Early Church

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 clashes soon erupt between rival Christian congregations in many Eastern cities. Nevertheless Athanasius begins building up his own alliance to counteract the Eusebians... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 composition of his most famous theological treatise... Warlords of History by Mark Pimenta https://warlordsofhistory.com/?fbclid=IwAR1KZIORePaK_2t4FQXl9AZxUWFaF5QACpp79IK9mP0bErb4xxwvl51Y33s Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 exile. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 controversy. A controversy which will come to dominate the history of the early Church for the rest of the century... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 the Son and will dominate much of our narrative for the rest of the century. This episode will serve as our introduction to this complex and multifaceted period. You can find Ross's blog here: TheUnsolvedPuzzle.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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, to myths about the persecutions, to how we critically evaluate ancient martyrdom accounts. I think you all will definitely enjoy this one! You can find Stephen's podcast at: atozhistorypage.com/papacy Facebook.com/HistoryOfThePapacyPodcast Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 Great Persecution. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 Jupiter that if he is victorious, he will wipe out the Christian faith. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 slander and propaganda. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 his divine patron. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 is issued in order to revitalize paganism and marginalize Christians from society. However, just as Galerius prepares to celebrate his Vicennalia, he is struck by a horrific disease, eventually leading him to reconsider his persecution of Christians. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 the Churches of Rome and Africa. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 punishment in the process. Meanwhile the seeds of schism are sown in the Church of Egypt by the controversial activities of the new bishop of Lycopolis. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 among the western churches. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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, and Martyrs of the early Church. This episode offers a recap of the past three centuries for both current and new listeners, as well as a precap for the upcoming episodes. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 check out his content at DrMSH.com Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 the early Church. Here’s a list of what will be covered: 1. Geographic Spread of Christianity up to c. 300 A.D. 2. Scriptures, Canons, and Interpretations 3. The Trinity and Christology 4. Salvation and Anthropology 5. Afterlife, Endtimes, and the Spiritual Realm 6. Christian Life and Practice 7. Orthodoxy and Heresy 8. Early Church and Judaism 9. Christianity and Greco-Roman Society 10. Q&A episode Please send me, via email, comment, or PM, any questions you have related to the show. Feel free to ask me just about anything and I’ll try to incorporate your questions into my research. If your question doesn’t get covered in one of the topical episodes, I’ll be sure to include it in the Q&A episode at the end. Please keep in mind that these episodes will take me longer to research and produce. Thanks again for all your support! Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 the first intervention of a Roman emperor in Church affairs... Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

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 HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

In this episode, we cover the events following the Decian Persecution in the eastern Churches. Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5. HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.com HistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.com Facebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast