Podcasts about Claudius

Die Erntezeit hat begonnen. Tilmann Präckel denkt mit einem Landwirt darüber nach, wie unverfügbar die Ernte ist - das macht dankbar und demütig.

Altars, Not Platforms The Ministry of the Ordinary 8.3.25 God isn't asking you to be famous, he's asking you to be faithful. God isn't calling you to build a platform, he's calling you to surrender. Acts 18:1-3 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Acts 18:18-19 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. Acts 18:24-26 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. God's kingdom moves forward when ordinary, everyday people surrender what they have to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:13 When they (the Jewish rulers, elders, & teachers of the law) saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Philippians 3:7-11 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 (New Revised American Dream Version) I want to know Christ – yes, but not so much that it interrupts my current life or plans. I want to participate in the sufferings of Christ, but I would like those sufferings to be limited to things I can fully manage and comprehend. And yes, I would like to become like Christ in his death, but I would prefer to experience resurrection without crucifixion if possible. Perhaps the greatest deception of our generation is the belief that we can experience deep purpose and lasting joy without sacrifice and dying to ourselves first.

Claudius Kaminiarz ist nicht irgendein Grüner aus Bremerhaven, sondern Fraktionschef in der Stadtverordnetenversammlung. Und die Fraktion sind nicht Grüne, sondern Grüne + P. Wer ist P und wie läuft die Zusammenarbeit? Was haben die Grünen an den Entscheidungen von Bürgermeister Melf Grantz (SPD) und dem Magistrat auszusetzen? Nicht nur darum dreht sich die neue Folge von „Hinten links im Kaiser Friedrich“. Es geht auch um den ewigen Zwist zwischen Bremen und Bremerhaven, um Armut und Bildung, um Klimaschutz und Rechtsruck, um eine Straßenbahn für Bremerhaven und um Kaminiarz' Arbeit als Jurist.

Featuring Matt Anderson and Ben De Bono In this episode, we review “I, Claudius” by Robert Graves, and then we discuss which books we will be reading next from The Book Poster. VOTE FOR AN...

What if, instead of just watching Hamlet, you could step inside the prince's mind? A revelatory new audio production reimagines Shakespeare's iconic tragedy as a first-person experience told through Hamlet's POV. We only hear the scenes in which he appears—every soliloquy becomes an inner monologue, every whisper a voice in our ears. With stunning binaural sound design by Tony Award–winner Mikhail Fiksel and an intimate, close-mic performance by Daniel Kyri (“Chicago Fire”) as the Prince of Denmark, Hamlet is transformed into a deeply personal journey through grief, paranoia, memory, and resolve. The six-episode podcast of Hamlet is produced by Make-Believe Association, an audio storytelling group based in Chicago. The production, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, includes performances by John Douglas Thompson as Claudius (and the Ghost), Sharon Washington as Gertrude, and Jacob Ming-Trent as Polonius. In this episode, director Jeremy McCarter shares how technology unlocked new layers of intimacy and urgency in Shakespeare's play—and why, more than 400 years later, Hamlet's questions still resonate. >>>Listen to Hamlet at hamlet.fm or wherever you listen to podcasts. Headphones heighten the experience! From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published July 29, 2025. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the executive producer. It was edited by Gail Kern Paster. We had help with web production from Paola García Acuña. Leonor Fernandez edits our transcripts. Final mixing services are provided by Clean Cuts at Three Seas, Inc. Jeremy McCarter founded Make-Believe Association in 2017 after five years on the artistic staff of the Public Theater in New York. For the company, he adapted The Lost Books of the Odyssey; co-wrote City on Fire: Chicago Race Riot 1919 (with Natalie Moore); co-created and co-wrote the acclaimed epic Lake Song (Tribeca Festival Audio Premiere, winner of three Signal Awards), and adapted and directed the audacious new take on Hamlet. His books include Young Radicals; Hamilton: The Revolution (with Lin-Manuel Miranda); and Viewfinder: A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen (with Jon M. Chu). He has written about culture and politics for New York Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications. He is the literary executor of the novelist and playwright Thornton Wilder.

Bücher für den Urlaub empfehlen - das kann ja jede*r. Lilith und Claudius haben sich deshalb vorgenommen, in dieser Kurzfolge ganz serviceorientiert mal Newsletter statt Literatur vorzustellen: Extrem hilfreicher, interessanter, nützlicher und spannender Lesestoff. Im Folgehype empfiehlt Eva Gutschner (@um.gotteswillen) den Podcast "Isses Sünde?" Social Media für Glaube und Kirche - das ist der yeet-Podcast: yeet-Redakteur* innen befragen Expert* innen und Influencer* innen und begeben sich auf die Suche nach den großen und kleinen Perspektiven auf die digitalen Kirchen-Räume und Welten in den Sozialen Medien.

The incomparable character actor MICHAEL EMERSON joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a riveting conversation centered on Claudius from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Emerson brings his signature intensity to a chilling reading of the king's guilt-laden soliloquy from Act 3 Scene 3 — “O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven” — illuminating the psychological depth and moral ambiguity of one of the Bard's most enigmatic villains. Together, they unpack the emotional weight and political cunning embedded in the text, offering rich insights into performance, motivation, and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work.

2025.07.27 - Biserica Lumina TimișoaraEpisodul 38Seria: „Împărăția Sa - Precum în cer, așa și pe pământ"Predicator: Claudius Sămărtinean

Claudius - ein eigentlich unscheinbarer Mann, dem wohl niemand besonders viel zugetraut haben dürfte. Einer der unterschätzten Kaiser des Römischen Reiches. Wer der Mann war, wie seine Herrschaft verlief und wie sein unrühmliches Ende aussah, darum geht es heute.Unterstütze unseren Podcast gerne mit einem Einkauf auf www.godsrage.com – Nahrungsergänzungsmittel wie Whey oder Kreatin für wahre Krieger. Außerdem gibt es den besten Merch, damit du Flagge zeigen kannst! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our friend Gina Berry is back for part two of our Ancient Rome discussion! Last time, we discussed women's roles in the era. Now, it's time to learn how Empress Livia worked within those confines to live a legendary life. Did she really murder as many people as I, Claudius (and other portrayals) made it seem? We investigate! Support CHIRLA to help immigrants and refugees in the US — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠common.era.com/vulgar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠commonera.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code VULGAR at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vulgarhistory.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (best for US shipping) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vulgarhistory.redbubble.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (better for international shipping) — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Vulgar History on Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wie kann ich mir den Garten Eden vorstellen, fragt sich Robert Zoske und findet Antworten in den Bildern Caspar David Friedrichs und bei Matthias Claudius.

La inteligencia artificial sigue avanzando… pero no siempre como esperábamos. En este episodio de La Tertul-IA, Lu, Frankie y Corti charlan sobre el choque entre las expectativas infladas y la realidad operativa de la IA. Exploramos los desafíos que viven las empresas al integrar agentes autónomos en producción, la creciente presión regulatoria del AI Act europeo y sentencias clave en EE. UU. que podrían cambiar las reglas del juego. 

Title: Problematic Paperwork Text: Acts 25:13-27 FCF: We often struggle remaining focused when the ungodly use political means for selfish gain. Prop: Because God providentially accomplishes His plan through political maneuvering, we must stay focused on the Kingdom of God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 25. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 13. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Last week, Paul once again faced a preliminary hearing in front of his Jewish accusers. But this time he sat before the new governor of the area, Festus. Festus is historically known as a fair and wise ruler who helped ease the tensions between Rome and the Jews in the few years he served as the procurator of the province. But last week we saw how, in an attempt to establish good will and favor among the more elite Jewish men, he tried to move Paul's trial to Jerusalem. He also knew that if he desired to better understand the religious disputes between Paul and the Jews, the best place for this would be Jerusalem. But, as we know, Paul used a Roman law which protects Roman citizens from unjust judges and unscrupulous accusers. Paul appealed to Caesar. This effectively ended the preliminary trial and set in motion the events that would lead to Paul arriving in Rome as Jesus said he would. But today, we will see an interesting interaction between two local rulers. Festus has a problem and he is hoping Herod Agrippa the Second can help him find a solution. His problem boils down to… of all things… paperwork. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Almighty God and infinite Father You are above all things. You are surprised by nothing. You have written everything. All things are known to You and Your arm is never too short to reach or too weak to lift that which You desire. So much so that even the will of men is not in Your way. Instead, You paradoxically work through men's wills to accomplish Your purposes while still maintaining absolute control and giving men responsibility for their choices. It is a tension in scripture that many attempt to explain but often cheapen one or both of these truths in the process. Father help us to see how You have ordered all things so that we can trust Your promises that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purposes through Your Son. Use Your Spirit today to teach us once again these valuable truths. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Transition: Let us get right to the text today to see what the Lord has for us. I.) God providentially accomplishes His plan through political maneuvering, so we must trust the Lord. (13-22) a. [Slide 2] 13 - Now when several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. i. So who is Herod Agrippa and Bernice? ii. Herod is a name mentioned several times throughout the New Testament, but logic would dictate to us that not all Herods can be the same Herod. iii. Furthermore, we have second names added to the end of some which help to differentiate some Herods from others. iv. The Scriptures mention Herod the Great, Herod Philip I, Herod Antipas, Herod Archelaus, Herodias, and Herod Agrippa. But who's who? v. [Slide 3] On the screen behind me we see the Herodian dynasty and where each person is mentioned in the scriptures. vi. Herod the Great ruled when Jesus was born. He had several wives giving many kingly heirs who divided the region of Judea. vii. All of the Herodian line served as Jewish Kings ruling under the direct supervision of the Roman Empire. They were uniquely suited to rule because they were Jews but were loyal to the Empire. viii. In the book of Acts we've seen Herod Agrippa the I, who is the grandson of Herod the Great, he killed James the son of Zebedee and imprisoned Peter in Acts 12. ix. In this text, this is Herod Agrippa the First's Son. Herod Agrippa II. x. Herod Agrippa II studied in Rome under Emperor Claudius. Claudius was quite fond of him and was prepared to give all of Judea to him to rule, but when Herod's father died he was only 17 years of age and was not old enough to navigate the tensions growing at the time. xi. When he turned 21 Emperor Claudius gave him rule over several territories to the East and Northeast of Judea. Still, Claudius, up to his death, gave more area for Agrippa II to rule as often as he could. This continued through to Nero, Claudius' son, and Nero actually awarded Agrippa II the city of Caesarea Philippi, which he renamed Neronias in honor of the Emperor who gave him the city to rule over. xii. One of the territories Claudius gave Agrippa came with the role of becoming curator of the temple. From the vestments that were required, to the appointing of the High Priest, Agrippa the Second was the official secular head of the Jewish religion. xiii. But who is Bernice? Well, keen observers would notice that Bernice is listed next to Herod Agrippa and Drucilla. What does this mean? xiv. Bernice and Drucilla are both Herod Agrippa II's sisters. xv. Drucilla, we know was married to Felix, but who is Bernice married to? xvi. Well, that is the awkward part. In her lifetime she was married three times. She was also the mistress of Emperor Vespasian's son Titus. xvii. And while we could see her here as an adviser or co-ruler with her brother, rumors abound implying an incestuous relationship. Probably these were fueled by the fact that every time one of these marriages or adulteries failed, she returned to live and rule with her brother. xviii. Scholarship seems sharply divided over whether or not there was actually an incestuous relationship here. Modern scholars seem to favor the idea that although the rumors abounded, this was probably all they were. Rumors. xix. In fact, many scholars note that Agrippa II and Bernice were actually fairly moral people for being Hellenized and Romanized Jews. They often aided the poor, supported justice, and generally upheld the common good of the people over which they ruled. xx. They were no where near righteous people and certainly they could do all these things and the rumors still be true. xxi. They arrive, no doubt to greet Festus and welcome him to the area. But Festus intends to benefit from their visit in another way. b. [Slide 4] 14 - And while they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, i. It was a great opportunity for Festus to involve Herod and Bernice on this case for several reasons. I'll try to highlight that as we go forward. ii. Festus will go on to describe his impression of the preliminary trial which ended in Paul's Provoactio Ad Caesarem. – his appeal to Caesar. iii. The Emperor at the time was Nero. 1. When we Christians hear that name, immediately we wonder why Paul would have appealed to this man for help. 2. But at this time, Nero is only 22 years old and about 5 years into his reign. He has been aided by Seneca and Burrus, two tutors who helped him make wise decisions as a ruler. 3. Most recently in the spring of AD 59 his mother committed suicide, at least that is what the general population thought. In reality, he had his mother killed. 4. So, Nero is starting to go off the rails a little, but he is nowhere close to where he would be in AD 64 and beyond. 5. As long as his tutors are alive, he will continue to make wise decisions. Up to, a little after Paul stands trial before him. 6. Interesting how his good leadership lasts until Paul is released. iv. But why does Festus even bring this up to Herod? v. As we'll see in a few moments, Festus truly is perplexed by this case. vi. As one of, if not the first case he tries as a governor, he must be a bit discouraged to have it be so odd. vii. Herod Agrippa, though not being a righteous person, had already been a successful ruler in the area for over a decade. He's had experience with Jewish people, being one of them, and with the Jewish religion and its intricacies and finer points of theology, being the temple's curator. He is also a favorite of Emperor Nero and his father before him. viii. It makes a lot of sense actually that Festus would open up to Herod in this way and seek his perspective on the matter. Because Festus has a problem. ix. That problem is that this case seems open and shut but because Paul has appealed to Caesar, he's got to figure out what to put in his report to the Emperor. x. So the following is Festus' view of the case. Let's break it down. c. [Slide 5] “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix; 15 - and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 - I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. i. So already we see a few things that Festus says that is different than what Luke recorded previously. ii. The details though are very compatible with what Luke said and do not contradict anything, therefore, it is best to assume that any difference in Festus' story is PROBABLY to paint himself in the best possible light. iii. Right off the bat he shifts the blame to Felix. He seemed all to eager to take the case and deal with it himself… but now that he is in the thick of it, he wants to blame Felix for not getting the job done. iv. Then he says that the Jews were not merely wanting Paul brought to Jerusalem for a trial – but their aim was to condemn him to death. He does not tell Herod that they were asking for this to be done as a favor to them. That might imply a seedier political relationship than he wants to be associated with before this influential King. v. But Festus refused them based on Roman customs. According to Roman custom, the plaintiff must charge the person to their face and allow them to give a defense. vi. This is why he insisted on them joining him in his court in Caesarea. vii. Festus continues… d. [Slide 6] 17 - So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought before me. 18 - When the accusers stood up, they were not bringing any charges against him for the evil deeds I was expecting, 19 - but they had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, a dead man whom Paul asserted to be alive. i. Festus once again paints himself as a just ruler. He got right to judging the case immediately. Without the information about the Jews seeking this as a favor it makes it seem more like he is a kind and efficient ruler rather than someone seeking to placate some powerful and influential Jewish men. ii. Festus' perspective of the charges against Paul and Paul's defense are intriguing. iii. They are intriguing because the Jews no doubt charged Paul with some level of sedition against the Emperor for starting riots. No doubt Festus came into this thinking that this would be their primary charge against Paul. iv. But Festus doesn't mention it here. v. Most likely he has utterly dismissed these charges from his perspective simply because there was no evidence to conclude such a thing. vi. But as the trial neared the end, Festus summarizes the trial as basically a religious disagreement all concerning a certain man named Jesus who was dead and whom Paul claims to be alive. vii. Festus shows his ignorance of the area and the history of the area. No doubt Herod Agrippa II was well aware of the Jesus in question. viii. Paul has successfully, by the grace of God, made the trial about the gospel. ix. But since it is about the gospel… how is Festus, a Roman, supposed to deal with this? e. [Slide 7] 20 - And being perplexed about how to investigate such matters, I was asking whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there to be tried on these matters. 21 - But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” i. Festus once again avoids any hint that his actions were motivated by political favors. Luke tells us they were. So we affirm that truth with certainty. ii. This doesn't necessarily mean that Festus is lying though. At least not completely. Certainly, if he wanted to rule on a religious matter, in order to do so it would be best to go to Jerusalem and seek counsel from those who understood the religion better. iii. And that is why I think Paul actually appealed to Caesar. I think Paul understood that even if he survived the journey to get to Jerusalem, the case being about religion would certainly leave him vulnerable. iv. He could be kept in prison for a long time, and with Rome somewhat backing this decision it could lead to great persecution among all Jewish Christians. v. Festus says that Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor's decision. vi. Festus doesn't have any problem doing that… vii. But you can tell that Festus is bothered by this. We won't understand fully why until the end of this passage. But what is clear is that Festus wants Agrippa to weigh in and hopefully weigh in in agreement with how he handled the situation. f. [Slide 8] 22 - Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” i. Here we see that Herod Agrippa has an interest in the case. ii. Being a Jew himself and being part of this great Herodian dynasty which has been woven to this time of Jesus, it would be of genuine interest for Herod to meet Paul and understand this sect of Judaism which has turned all the world upside down. iii. He is in town for a few days. He might as well hear the case himself. iv. Festus readily agrees, because that is what he was shooting for anyway, and plans to have another hearing for Paul the very next day. g. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: One of the difficult things about teaching through a book, is that oftentimes the lessons overlap significantly. For the last several sermons we've seen the same truth repackaged in several different ways. Rather than skipping over this material or blitzing through it, I see it instead as an opportunity for us to really be stretched on this teaching. If God repeats Himself, it seems to me that what He is telling us over and over again might be important. Paul is over two years into these legal proceedings. He is on his second governor. And the case just can't quite move forward. Yet he has been assured that he will go to Rome and preach the gospel. He has also been told by Jesus Himself that he will present the gospel to Jews, Gentiles and to Kings. So far, Paul has not yet shared the gospel to Kings and he is not yet in Rome. And perhaps he saw that as one prophesy to be fulfilled when he speaks to the Emperor. But the injustice of the case against him, the nature of the charges, the weakness of Felix, and now the political maneuvers of Festus to try to not look like a completely incompetent ruler to the Emperor himself, is all coming together to fulfill exactly what God's will is for the apostle Paul. He will go to Rome. He will present the gospel to Kings. Putting ourselves in the position of Paul acquires our first application from this text. We must trust the Lord. Oh how easy it would be to disbelieve. But we have similar promises the Lord has made to us – promises which have taken much longer than 2 years. Paul's story here provides the pattern. We too must trust the Lord. His promises are always true. Transition: [Slide 10(blank)] And in a familiar pairing, one we've seen several times, we must again understand that trusting the Lord is not passive. We have more to do than simply watch and wait. We have other callings we must fulfill while we wait on His promises to come to pass. II.) God providentially accomplishes His plan through political maneuvering, so we must be ready to give a defense for the hope that we have in us. (23-27) a. [Slide 11] 23 - So, on the next day when Agrippa came together with Bernice amid great pomp, and entered the hall accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the order of Festus, Paul was brought in. i. So, this is actually a rather big to do. ii. Herod and Bernice come in with great fanfare and celebration. The hall is filled with many military commanders and prominent people of Caesarea which would certainly be primarily gentile people. iii. In other words, this is not like the trial before Felix and the trial before Festus, in that Paul does not face a large contingent of JEWISH accusers. iv. Instead, his fate is already sealed. He is already going to Rome to Caesar's court. v. There is not really anything impeding Paul from saying whatever he wants to. He needs to be somewhat careful not to make a case of sedition against the Empire – but given the fact that Festus thinks this is about the gospel – Paul is going to be able to completely let loose with it… in front of a large number of prominent Roman officials. And of course – Herod Agrippa. vi. Paul is called to join them and the deposition is under way. b. [Slide 12] 24 - And Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen here present with us, you see this man about whom all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. 25 - But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. i. Festus gives all in attendance a very brief overview of the previous trial and how they arrived where they are. ii. Notice that Festus does not indicate any wrong doing on his part. Paul's appeal to Caesar here is not so subtly painted as the ONLY reason Paul is still incarcerated. iii. It has absolutely nothing to do with Festus wanting to give a favor to the Jews in a religious case that he could have simply dismissed. iv. But his appeal must be honored regardless. v. But there is just one problem with that. vi. And its what has been perplexing Festus this whole time. vii. Its… paperwork. He doesn't know how to fill out his paperwork… c. [Slide 13] 26 - Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write. 27 - For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.” i. Festus reveals that he is going to send Paul to Caesar… but according to Roman trial custom, he must send Paul with official notes from the trial. ii. Since no verdict had been handed down, and since the charges were mostly about religious differences between Judaism and the sect of the Nazareans, there really is nothing Roman to send up the chain. iii. This is absurd, and even quite dangerous for Festus to do. iv. To send a case to the Emperor without cause could lead to ramifications against Festus. The Emperor might conclude that he is incompetent or inept. Why did he not dismiss the case? Why did he not hand it back to the Jews jurisdiction? v. And now we see a wonderful set up for what exactly will be written to the Emperor. And Herod Agrippa II is the key. vi. If Herod hears the case and agrees that the only reason Paul is being sent to the Emperor is because he appealed to him… then Festus won't be seen as an inept ruler. Paul will get the blame as a citizen who jumped the gun and appealed before it was really necessary. vii. But more on that in a couple weeks. d. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: Again, the political situation of Festus and his reaching out to Herod for help are all part of the providential plan of God to bring about His prophesied will for Paul's life. Not only will these events hasten forward Paul's trip to Rome, but it will also allow Paul to truly give the gospel… to kings. King Herod Agrippa II, like several Herod's before him, will hear the gospel. And although we won't see it today, the application here is again drawn from putting ourselves in Paul's position. His appeal has been granted. He is going to Caesar. Does he really need to stand before this group to say anything? Could he just remain silent? Since there is some risk in him speaking and potentially provide charges he could be convicted for – isn't it just best for him to be quiet? Jesus was quiet before His accusers. Shouldn't Paul also be? Jesus was prophesied to die – Paul is prophesied to preach in Rome and before Kings. Therefore, as an act of faith and obedience, Paul must give a defense for the hope that he has in Him. We too must give a defense. We have been promised trouble. We have been promised difficulty. We have been promised an eternal kingdom. So we must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today to guide our belief and our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 15] Once again, God's will for us is a tapestry of events that He has orchestrated to accomplish His purposes. He promises us that these events are always for our good and His glory. He promises never to leave or forsake us. He promises that all we experience will lead to the perfecting and endurance of our faith. And if God's providential hand works in all things, then it also works in something like political maneuvering. Festus is trying to cover his own butt here. He is trying to make sure his goose doesn't get cooked because of his very first case in this new province he is governing going a little sideways. How is he going to go about doing that? He is going to enlist the advice and help of a favored and seasoned ruler. This should keep him from getting into trouble for sending Paul to the Emperor for virtually no reason. But through even this, the Lord providentially orchestrates the fulfillment of what He has prophesied to Paul. Next week Paul will share the gospel with a King. And after that He will be sent to Rome. Paul's struggles are often ours. We struggle to trust God when His promises look like they aren't moving forward. We struggle to correctly identify and capitalize on opportunities to share our faith with people around us. But God's control over every aspect of life motivates us to not only to continue to trust His promises but to share our faith boldly. Let's look into this a little deeper. 1.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God providentially works through political maneuvering to accomplish His will. a. We all assume that political maneuvering will happen. Why? b. Well, you don't have to be a student of history for very long to understand this. c. Anyone who has had a brother, sister, or even a close cousin knows what it means to maneuver a situation to be personally advantageous to you. d. No matter what happens you expect every person to make it seem like they did the best they could under the circumstances and if there is a chance to make yourself look good or like the helpless victim – you are going to do that. e. Why? f. Well although many deny it theologically, the truth of the matter is that our entire being is naturally corrupt and sinful. g. Any parent will tell you this of their child. They know that there is no such thing as a child that has never stolen, never hit, never bit, never yelled, never disobeyed or never lied. They don't exist. h. Why? i. Because all men are wicked and depraved and it all begins at conception. j. David said, in sin my mother conceived me. He wasn't talking about her sin, but his own. He was a sinner the moment he came into existence. k. The surprising part of this text is NOT that Festus tries to present himself in the best possible light. It is NOT that he tries to get Herod on his side to leverage the Emperor's view of him. It is NOT that Festus uses every opportuinity here to try to get OUT of trouble in this particular case. l. So far, everyone acts as we would expect them to. m. What we might NOT anticipate is God using and even orchestrating these events to accomplish His will. n. But as we've pointed out several times, there are a myriad of examples in the scriptures where God overtly uses the sin or selfishness of men to do what He has planned. There are even some examples where God designs what He has planned around the sin of men. As with Pharoah – his sin was necessary so that God could judge Egypt to the extent that all nations would know He is God. o. The bottom line is that there is nothing that happens that God has not already designed and written to be. That gets sticky and tough for us to swallow when we start talking about sin and humans choosing to live sinfully and selfishly. p. We know that God doesn't tempt anyone to sin and that God doesn't sin. But we also know that men sinning is part of His plan, which He has written for His creation. q. These truths must be allowed to blend together. r. And in this text Festus' natural compulsion to protect himself politically, leads to God's promises to Paul coming to pass. s. But if we serve this God, and we trust this God, knowing that His orchestrating of all things is no real concern to us. He has allowed us to have at least a perception of freedom in our decision making and even requires us to consider His will and His ways as we do this. But somehow along with that nothing that happens will ever disrupt, alter, delay, or in any way go against His will for His creation. t. And we shouldn't want it any other way. u. We should want a God who does this. We don't want a God who has ceded control in any real way. v. God has not left anything to chance or human discretion. And because of that… His promises are always true. 2.) [Slide 17] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that God merely works around men's sinfulness to accomplish His purposes. a. Some have suggested a work around for the paradox we are experiencing and wrestling with in these last few chapters of Acts. b. That goes something like this… God allows men to freely choose to do what they will, even to sin… c. But God is stronger, faster, more knowledgeable, and able to weave and maneuver all things and bend all things back to accomplish His will and ways. d. However, this solution does not actually solve the problem. At best is presents man's decisions as a mere illusion. One that if we go too far with, God is quick to hit the undo button or arrange it in such a way that it still does what He wishes. e. At worst it contradicts clear texts of scripture that indicate that God's will for all of creation has already been written. f. And in this text we see clearly God is not working around but in and through man's sinfulness to accomplish His purposes. g. That being said, we ought to deny what is called open theism, this view where the future is undetermined and God responds to man's actions to weave the course He desires. h. We ought also deny that God has every possible decision of man mapped and figured into His divine plan – since this again is not what the scriptures teach. i. Instead, God has written the end from the beginning. There is nothing that happens that was not already written and orchestrated for His will to be accomplished. And all that happens to those who love Him and are called to His purpose is for their good. j. Even though this view does not answer all the questions – the other solutions create more problems than they do solutions. k. It is best simply to confess that God works in and through man's sinfulness to accomplish His purposes while at the same time not being the tempter. l. Confessing these truths motivates us to apply this text in two ways. Both of which are based on putting ourselves in Paul's shoes. 3.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must trust the Lord. a. How comforting it is to know that it is absolutely impossible to find ourselves outside of God's Hidden will for our lives. b. We can and often do find ourselves outside of God's moral will. When we find ourselves overcome by a sin and seek forgiveness and cleansing through confession and repentance – certainly we have stepped off God's moral will for us. c. But we NEVER deviate from His hidden will. d. When others sin against us, when political corruption and maneuvering happens before us, we can know and rest assured that God is not sitting in heaven wringing His hands, shrugging, saying, “I can't do anything buddy. Sorry! I have to let them choose what they want to do.” Nor is God in heaven saying, “Ok, they played knight to D4 so I'll move my rook to make them take it back and that will lead to…” e. No! f. Instead, God has all our days planned. All we experience is designed to lead us to what He has planned. g. That means we can trust Him. Fully. Not his ability to play a game. Not His ability to win in the end somehow… but that all our ways are known to Him. h. There is no reason to fear. He has us exactly where He wants us… ALWAYS! i. What does that mean? 4.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must always be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. Even to those who can do terrible things to us. a. Every situation is a great opportunity to share the gospel. b. Before judges, juries, kings, Federal agents, no matter whether justice is being served or subverted, no matter whether we face enemies or friends – it is always a good time for us to share the hope we have. c. The bible is clear – all kinds of men are being called by God into His family. Even the most corrupt political people you can think of – they are exactly 1 measure of God's saving grace away from being His child and living holy lives. Exactly 1. d. Will you be the instrument God uses to unite them to saving faith in Jesus Christ? e. Knowing God is in control of everything always should embolden you to share your faith without pause and without fear. f. Why? g. Because God isn't playing a game of chess and God isn't helpless against man's supposed free will. Instead, God has written everything in your life already. h. So go for it. Unleash the gospel. i. And speaking of the gospel. 5.) [Slide 20] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The gospel is primarily about Jesus' death and resurrection. It isn't about you. a. Notice what Festus did understand. b. The gospel was about a man who was dead that Paul said is alive. c. Festus wouldn't understand or believe naturally that such a man could have been raised from the dead. d. But in one sense he does understand that the whole of what Paul preached depends on this man being alive. e. My friends the gospel is all about Jesus' death and resurrection. The fact that Jesus died for sinners and was raised according to prophesy, is the essence of the gospel. f. Everything hinges on these facts. That Jesus died and rose again. g. And I know, many well meaning preachers have advised people that when they want to share the gospel with people that they should share their testimony. And I know that really sounds like smart advice. h. But listen – the gospel is not about what YOU believed, what YOU experienced, what YOU confessed, or what YOU did. i. The gospel is about what they MUST believe, what they MUST confess and what JESUS experienced and did. j. I would caution you away from your personal testimony, especially if you do not practice it over and over again to ensure that you make it about Jesus and not about you. k. It is very easy for us to talk about ourselves. And that is why many personal testimonies of salvation end up being as much about us as they are about Jesus. l. But listen, you are merely the reward Jesus acquired for fulfilling His mission. Obedient, faithful, holy people are the reward for His suffering. m. The gospel is Jesus. His death and His resurrection and much more. But that is where it starts. n. If you have believed anything less, then you do not have the gospel. o. And if you don't have the gospel I'd like to invite you to come speak to an Elder today. We would love to tell you more. [Slide 21 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the Puritan Philip Doddridge May God's grace visit all who suffer loss, and may your compassionate eye regard them where they live. May your providence cement, strengthen, and adorn them. For unless the Lord builds the city, they labor in vain who build it. May the candle of the Lord shine on them, and your Spirit enlighten and renew their souls. May peace and prosperity, friendship and faith always flourish in this neighborhood and city. Fill my neighbors' troubles with compassion, Lord, so they may exchange joy for mourning, and beauty for ashes. So that those who lament may rejoice with you, and that at length you may share with them the security and joy of the city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem, where no flames will be felt except those of love. In the meantime, may our eyes be lifted up to heaven, in the humble hope and fervent prayer for those around us, that true Christian faith would spread throughout the entire world. And may that faith prevail in our own hearts, that we may faithfully practice and grow in you. So will we understand your lovingkindness, Lord, as we live our daily lives. And though there may be mysteries of providence we cannot explain, we will believe that your paths are mercy and truth, and find the truest and securest peace in our passage to everlasting joy. In Jesus name we pray this, Amen. Benediction: May the Lord who does not forsake those who earnestly seek His face, Who provides a safe retreat for weary souls in troubled times. Show you to be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in time of trouble. Until we meet again, go in peace.

2025.07.20 - Biserica Lumina TimișoaraEpisodul 37Seria: „Împărăția Sa - Precum în cer, așa și pe pământ"Predicator: Claudius Sămărtinean

Welcome back to This Is True Really News with Scott Combs and Tony Burkanis! Episode 978 brings you the most bizarre and unbelievable true stories from around the world.Chopsticks in Brain: Vietnamese man discovers two broken chopsticks penetrating his skull months after a fight - doctors find them during CT scan for severe headachesAI April Fool's Gone Wrong: Claude AI (nicknamed Claudius) runs a store, hallucinates conversations, claims to visit The Simpsons' house, and thinks it's human on April 1stPolice Blotter Madness: Flathead Beacon's finest calls including sleeping drive-thru disruptor, racing churchgoers, and guys in hats making someone "feel weird"Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Christopher Boyd's traffic stop leads to discovery of Smith & Wesson handgun hidden in the most uncomfortable place imaginableScott Combs & Tony Burkanis deliver these wild-but-true stories with their signature humor and commentary that will leave you questioning reality.Got a crazy story for us? Email: TITR@NetRadio.NetworkAll the news you're about to hear is true... as far as you know!Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more unbelievable true stories!#ThisIsTrueReallyNews #TrueNews #WeirdNews #BizarreStories #PodcastHighlights #FunnyNews #AIFails #PoliceBlog #UnbelievableStories #TrueCrime #WeirdScience #AprilFools #ArtificialIntelligence #Claude #Anthropic #MedicalMystery #CrazyStories #Podcast #Comedy #NewsCommentary

Send us a textActs 18:1-6After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”Support the show

2025.07.13 - Biserica Lumina TimișoaraEpisodul 36Seria: „Împărăția Sa - Precum în cer, așa și pe pământ"Predicator: Claudius Sămărtinean

In the last chapter of Romans there is a long list of names. They probably don't mean much to most us, but they are actually the whole point of this letter. When combined with an understanding of how Claudius kicked the Jews out of Rome, these names help us understand the cultural context of Romans. […]

2025.07.06 - Biserica Lumina TimișoaraEpisodul 35Seria: „Împărăția Sa - Precum în cer, așa și pe pământ"Predicator: Claudius Sămărtinean

Aloha mai kakou, Please enjoy this broadcast of new Hawaiian music, most of which you have probably never heard before. Click here to support the show: Hawaiian Concert Guide Tip Jar Likolehua's Song Kamaka Kukona Kahenewai'olu Pa Mai Ana Ka Makani Christy Leina'ala Lassiter Kona Cowgirl Kupa Landing Christy Leina'ala Lassiter Kona Cowgirl Ka Ua Paʻūpili Kalani Pe'a Kuini Ka Naʻi Aupuni (feat. Jake Shimabukuro & Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble) Kalani Pe'a Kuini Mama Louisa Apokolani Goin Home Similau The Waitiki 7 New Sounds Of Exotica Flower Humming The Waitiki 7 New Sounds Of Exotica Ka Makani `Ula`ula Keola Beamer Soliloquy - Ka Leo O Loko Pua Lililehua Keola Beamer Soliloquy - Ka Leo O Loko

Ranjan Roy from Margins is back for our weekly discussion of the latest tech news. We cover: 1) Meta's reported $100 million offers to AI engineers 2) If those reports are false, who planted the rumor? 3) Why talent might be all that matters in AI right now 4) Will Meta's bet work? 5) Anthropic's project vend 6) If AI can't stock a fridge, will it take your job? 7) Claudius' identity crisis 8) ChatGPT's hilarious Wealthfront hallucination 9) The Legend of Soham 10) Happy July 4th! --- Enjoying Big Technology Podcast? Please rate us five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in your podcast app of choice. Want a discount for Big Technology on Substack + Discord? Here's 25% off for the first year: https://www.bigtechnology.com/subscribe?coupon=0843016b Questions? Feedback? Write to: bigtechnologypodcast@gmail.com

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 377The Saint of the day is First Martyrs of the Church of RomeFirst Martyrs of the Church of Rome's Story There were Christians in Rome within a dozen or so years after the death of Jesus, though they were not the converts of the “Apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 15:20). Paul had not yet visited them at the time he wrote his great letter in 57-58 A.D. There was a large Jewish population in Rome. Probably as a result of controversy between Jews and Jewish Christians, the Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome in 49-50 A.D. Suetonius the historian says that the expulsion was due to disturbances in the city “caused by the certain Chrestus” [Christ]. Perhaps many came back after Claudius' death in 54 A.D. Paul's letter was addressed to a Church with members from Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. In July of 64 A.D., more than half of Rome was destroyed by fire. Rumor blamed the tragedy on Nero, who wanted to enlarge his palace. He shifted the blame by accusing the Christians. According to the historian Tacitus, many Christians were put to death because of their “hatred of the human race.” Peter and Paul were probably among the victims. Threatened by an army revolt and condemned to death by the senate, Nero committed suicide in 68 A.D. at the age of 31. Reflection Wherever the Good News of Jesus was preached, it met the same opposition as Jesus did, and many of those who began to follow him shared his suffering and death. But no human force could stop the power of the Spirit unleashed upon the world. The blood of martyrs has always been, and will always be, the seed of Christians. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

When we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, we discover the true power of team—unity, strength, and gratitude. In a city as vibrant and ever-changing as Hong Kong, we're reminded that together, as one body, we can face any challenge and shine even brighter. Let's stay ignited, support one another, and be thankful for the gift of community! If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Acts 18:1-22 // In Corinth After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.' Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshipper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptised. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.' So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. ‘This man,' they charged, ‘is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.' Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, ‘If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanour or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law – settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.' So he drove them off. Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever. Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, ‘I will come back if it is God's will.' Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

[Christ] “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6-7). Today, I'm going to begin by painting a picture for you. If you visited Philippi, as Paul did, in the late 40s AD, you would have seen a brand-new forum, a monumental square surrounded by various public buildings sheltering the civic life of the colony, a temple for the imperial cult, a marketplace, and more. You would also have seen a very long inscription (nearly 20 metres), made of huge bronze letters, engraved on the floor of the square to commemorate the paving of the new forum by a man who had been a priest of the deified Emperor Augustus. In the northeastern corner of the forum, an honorary monument supporting statues of the emperor Claudius and his relatives was erected. Then, a huge (5 metre long) dedication to the imperial family was carved on a wall at the centre of the city.  Why am I sharing all of these details of ancient Roman architecture with you? Because it's important for us to understand the magnitude of what Paul is saying about who Christ is and what he has done in our verses for today. See, wherever you went in the city of Philippi, it was impossible not to be reminded, by buildings, statues, and inscriptions, who was in charge and who should be worshipped. The answer was obvious to any occupant of Philippi: it was the Roman emperor, known by a Latin title translating to “son of God.” Emperor Augustus had used this title to solidify his power and position within the Roman state. His near-equality with the gods had certainly been used to his own advantage. But then, here comes Paul with quite a different story about who the Son of God is and what he does: “Christ, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”  Pastor Michael talked yesterday about what it means to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. In the context of the Roman city of Philippi, it was to have the complete opposite mindset of most everyone you encountered around you. You would have walked past towering structures which would have been a daily temptation to interpret the Christ poem we read for today as utter foolishness. What kind of Son of God would choose to become like a servant–or perhaps, to translate the Greek even more accurately, a slave?  This is the kind of God we serve. One who is fully divine and who chose to be made in human likeness. It was not a decision to stop being divine, however, it was a decision to reveal to us what it really meant to be divine. And while we don't have towers of emperors around Hamilton city hall today, this message of radical self-emptying is not much less controversial in our context. We still often carry with us, and have modeled for us by world leaders, definitions of divinity, of power, of authority and influence, that are much nearer the definitions Paul is critiquing than those he is demonstrating as being Christ's own.  So the invitation for us today is to interrogate our own surroundings, as we've done Philippi, and the messages they have for us about what and who is worthy of worship and power. Then, we will be able to hold them up against the example Paul gives, of one who is, in very nature, God, and yet made himself nothing for us. So as you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

This week, we examine Trump's pathological relationship with Fox News and how his morning TV viewing sessions led directly to bombing Iran. We trace the disturbing line from Fox pundits praising Israeli strikes to Trump launching his own attacks—strikes that Rolling Stone reports were "based on vibes" rather than intelligence.We explore how a president who spent years tweeting that Obama would "play the Iran card" has now done exactly that himself, abandoning his "no foreign wars" promise the moment cable news suggested he needed to "get more involved." It's the story of how America's foreign policy became must-see TV, and how Republicans reprogram themselves to cheer whatever Dear Leader does next."The president was closely monitoring Fox News, which was airing wall-to-wall praise of Israel's military operation and featuring guests urging Mr. Trump to get more involved." —The New York [Effing] TimesWe close by discussing the 1976 BBC production "I, Claudius" and its plot's uncanny similarities to Washington, D.C. today.   Not safe for work. Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Send us a textActs 11:19-31Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.Support the show

"When the Emperor Diocletian summoned him and threatened him with torture, he offered sacrifice to idols and was, because of this, rewarded by the Emperor with a costly garment. But Marcellinus repented bitterly and began to weep both day and night for his rejection of Christ, even as the Apostle Peter had before him. A synod of bishops was held at that time in Campania, and the Pope dressed himself in sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on his head, and, going before the Synod, confessed his sin and asked them to judge him. The fathers said: 'Let him judge himself.' Then he said: 'I strip myself of the sacerdotal rank of which I am not worthy; and, further, let my body not be buried after my death, but let it be thrown to the dogs.' Having said this, he pronounced a curse on any who should dare to bury him. He then went to the Emperor Diocletian and, casting the precious garment in front of him, confessed his faith in Christ and cursed the idols. The enraged Emperor ordered that he be tortured and killed outside the city, together with three other men: Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. The bodies of these three were buried at once, but the Pope's body lay there for thirty-six days. Then St Peter appeared to Marcellus, the new Pope, and told him to bury Marcellinus' body, saying: 'Whoso humbleth himself shall be exalted.' " (Prologue)

Lucilian spent most of his life as a pagan priest. In advanced old age, he learned the truth of the Christian faith and was baptized. The conversion of so public a figure quickly attracted attention, and Lucilian was brought to trial in Nicomedia. After enduring many tortures he was imprisoned with four young Christians, scarcely older than children: Claudius, Hypatius, Paul and Dionysius. When they were brouht before Silvanos the governor, all five confessed their faith and were sentenced to death and cast into a fiery furnace. When they miraculously emerged unharmed, they were taken to Byzantium, where the four young men were beheaded and Lucillian was crucified. A maiden named Paula openly carried away the martyrs' bodies and buried them. For this she in turn was tortured and, refusing to renounce her faith in Christ, beheaded. This was in the reign of the Emperor Aurelian. A church was built in their honor in Constantinople.

Can you be scandalized by a 2000-year-old book? I think I was with Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars, a gripping, gossipy account of the first twelve Roman emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Written around 120 AD, Suetonius' work (part of The Honest Broker's “Humanities in 52 Weeks” list) blends history with salacious details, offering a vivid, if dark, portrait of power, excess, and moral decline. It's not exactly light beach reading but proved endlessly fascinating for its unapologetic dive into the personal lives of Rome's rulers.Suetonius, born around 70 AD to a Roman knight family, organizes the book into twelve biographies, which I've listed here for easy reference:Julius CaesarAugustusTiberiusCaligulaClaudiusNeroGalbaOthoVitelliusVespasianTitusDomitian. Notably, Galba, Otho, and Vitellius, from the chaotic years of 68-69 AD, were barely recognized as emperors. Each biography sketches the ruler's family background, reign, military campaigns, and personal habits, with Suetonius excelling in the juicy details of their excesses. His vivid prose, like describing Caligula as transitioning from “emperor” to “monster,” reveals the depravity of unchecked power—think murders, incest, and shocking debauchery.The book's strength lies in its storytelling, but its darkness—wanton death, sexual depravity, and a lack of heroism—can be exhausting. The Roman people's hope for better rulers is repeatedly dashed, as seen when Caligula's assassination leads to Claudius, another cruel leader. The complex web of intermarriage and adoptions among the Julio-Claudians is dizzying, with family trees barely helping. Economically, Suetonius notes rising “value” in Roman real estate under Julius Caesar, missing that this was inflation driven by reckless state spending, a recurring issue that strained the empire and its people.Suetonius' perspective, shaped by living through Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian's reigns, adds depth, though his distance from earlier emperors allows for embellishment. This week's music was Mozart's symphonies 39-41, sweetness and light compared to Rome's darkness. This is a year-long challenge! Join me next week for the Koran and the poems of Rumi.LINKTed Gioia/The Honest Broker's 12-Month Immersive Humanities Course (paywalled!)My Amazon Book List (NOT an affiliate link)I misspoke! Gates of Fire was written by Steven Pressfield, not Victor Davis Hansen. Sorry about that!CONNECTTo read more of my writing, visit my Substack - https://www.cheryldrury.substack.com.Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/ LISTENSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bdApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crack-the-book/id1749793321 Captivate - https://crackthebook.captivate.fm

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme by Paco Rabanne (1973) + Herbert Wise's I, Claudius (1976) with Christian Martens 5/39/25 S7E36 To hear the complete continuing story of The Perfume Nationalist please subscribe on Patreon.

This time we watched Tomorrow, the Rat — Episode 4 from Series 1 of Doomwatch, first broadcast 2 March 1970 and written by Terence Dudley. That's four years before James Herbert published The Rats (which we covered in episode 4). It's highly likely he was inspired by this vintage BBC sci-fi thriller—pen in hand, watching Doomwatch unfold.Doomwatch was a vintage BBC science fiction series that aired from 1970 to 1972. A prime example of British sci-fi, it followed a government scientific agency led by Dr Spencer Quist (John Paul) investigating futuristic environmental and technological threats. Think of it as classic BBC sci-fi with serious Black Mirror energy.The show was created by Doctor Who masterminds Gerry Davis and Kit Pedler—the very same duo who invented the Cybermen. Davis had been a Doctor Who story editor; Pedler served as scientific adviser. Their fascination with the dangers of science run amok became the foundation of Doomwatch, this cult BBC science fiction drama.Series 1 and 2 each had thirteen episodes; Series 3 had twelve (though one, Sex and Violence, was never broadcast). The BBC got cold feet, possibly due to real execution footage and unflattering portrayals of public figures like Mary Whitehouse and Cliff Richard.As with far too much vintage BBC content, parts of Doomwatch are missing—wiped or taped over. At its peak, the show pulled in over 13 million viewers, cementing its place in classic British sci-fi history.Dr Quist was a Nobel-winning physicist haunted by his involvement in the Manhattan Project. (Yes, he appears in Oppenheimer.) John Paul, who played him, was a familiar face on British television: I, Claudius, Triangle, The Avengers, The New Avengers—proper BBC veteran.Toby Wren, played by Robert Powell (who we talked about in episode 46, The Survivor), was a key figure in Series 1. He met a legendary end in the finale, Survival Code. Powell asked to go out with a bang—literally. The BBC received more letters about his on-screen death than any issue since World War II.This episode, Tomorrow, the Rat, was written by Terence Dudley—then the producer of Doomwatch. Dudley directed three episodes and went on to work extensively in Doctor Who, including directing Meglos (1980), and writing Four to Doomsday, Black Orchid, and The King's Demons. He also wrote Target novelisations and K-9 and Company. Classic vintage BBC sci-fi pedigree.Simon Oates plays Dr John Ridge—you may remember him from Beasts (The Dummy episode, which we reviewed in 44a). He also played Steed in the stage version of The Avengers.Penelope Lee appears as Dr Mary Bryant. She once auditioned to play Barbara, the Doctor's original companion. She later voiced Lyn Driver in The Plague Dogs (a British animation not for the faint-hearted) and a computer in Doctor Who: Revelation of the Daleks. She also featured in Richard Donner's Superman as the Ninth Elder. Peak British sci-fi credentials.Hamilton Dyce turns up as the Minister. You might recognise him as Major General Scobie in Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space—another vintage BBC sci-fi staple.And no, before you ask, none of this cast ever turned up in Boon.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/general-witchfinders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett discuss the Pax Romana—a 200-year period of Mediterranean peace from Emperor Augustus to Marcus Aurelius. They explore Rome's governance evolution, imperial degeneracy, cultural transitions, technological stagnation, and Christianity's rise. The conversation examines Rome's remarkable longevity while drawing parallels to modern empires and cyclical historical patterns. --

In this episode George and Kathy explore the story of lesser known Celtic warlord Caratacus, who defied the Roman Empire for almost ten years. Displaying many neurodivergent traits, Caratacus thwarted countless Roman attempts to capture him until eventually being recognised and respected by emperor Claudius and the Senate. Who was Caratacus and could he have been neurodivergent?MusicYour Story by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyadenMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion

    What makes a leader truly successful? To find out, we sat down with Claudius Hildebrand, author of the bestselling The Life Cycle of a CEO: The Myths and Truths of How Leaders Succeed. His core insight? Leadership isn't a trophy you win or a title you hold—it's a dynamic, ever-evolving journey that demands […] The post Claudius Hildebrand: The Lifecycle Of Every Leader; Why Growth and Reinvention Matter appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

Acts 11:19-30 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Key Words: Scatter, Preach, Hand, Believe, Turn, Add, Christians, Relief Keystone Verse: And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:21) Download Bulletin

Die Themen: Al Pacino wird 85; Gerüchte über Fortsetzung von "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood"; Selfies mit dem toten Papst sorgen für Ärger; Täglich grüßt das Berliner Partytier; Zeitenwende für den Westen durch Trumps Politik; Heidi Reichinnek plant ein Hyänen-Tattoo; Hanya Yanagihara "Ein wenig Leben"; Pete Hegseths Style nennt man operator casual; "Warten auf Godot" am Berliner Ensemble und "Anstiftung zum Bürgerkrieg" von Claudius Seidl Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/ApokalypseundFilterkaffee

From Gladiator to Rome Total War to I, Claudius, today the Cohortēs praetōriae are one of the most distinctive military units of Imperial Rome. It was their job to protect the Roman Emperor and his household, a task for which they hold a somewhat ‘chequered' record (especially when we focus in on the Praetorian Prefects). But what do we know about this unit's origins? How did this powerful force become protectors of the Emperor and his household? What other functions did they serve? And how did they differ from the standard Roman legions in their structure?To talk through the rise of the Praetorian Guard, with a specific focus on the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, Tristan caught up with historian Lindsay Powell at Fishbourne Roman Palace in West Sussex. Lindsay is the author of several books about the Early Roman Imperial Period. His latest book, Bar Kokhba: The Jew Who Defied Hadrian and Challenged the Might of Rome, is out now.Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.All music from Epidemic SoundsSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here.This episode first aired in October 2021.

Lasting from the ninth century BC right up until Roman conquest in the first century BC, the Etruscans were a powerful ancient civilisation who inhabited Etruria in ancient Italy, and rubbed shoulders with the other iconic ancient cultures of their day. Often painted as a mysterious people whose culture has now largely vanished from view, researcher Lucy Shipley instead presents us with a very different picture. Speaking to Emily Briffett, she delves into the archaeological and written records to bring us closer to this fascinating civilisation – and uncover why it captivated the likes of the Medici, DH Lawrence and the Roman emperor Claudius. (Ad) Lucy Shipley is the author of The Etruscans: Lost Civilizations (Reaktion Books, 2017). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Etruscans-Lost-civilizations-Lucy-Shipley/dp/1780238320/?tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rommeney, Ernst www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Im Gespräch

Tara Palmeri sits down with Maureen Dowd to talk about her latest release, Notorious. Their conversation covers everything from Elon Musk and Donald Trump to the shifting dynamics of American politics. Dowd reflects on her decades in journalism, offering a look at Washington's current challenges and the media's complicated relationship with figures like Trump. She also touches on her writing process, Gretchen Whitmer's photo misstep, and the growing demand for political leaders who balance authenticity with a touch of showmanship. Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Maureen Dowd Producer: Devon Renaldo Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the Highlands to the shores of the Isle of Whyte, from the coasts of East Anglia to the edge of the Llyn Peninsula, lived the tribes of Britain who dominated the landscape until the arrival of the Romans under Claudius in the 1st Century CE. British Iron Age Coins By Geni - photo by user:geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85883424 Follow us on social media: Instagram, Bluesky and Twitter: Welshhistorypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welshhistorypodcast Please consider becoming a supporter at: http://patreon.com/WelshHistory Music: Celtic Impulse - Celtic by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100297 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ © 2025 Evergreen Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sean is the host of @restitutio8765 . He is the pastor of Living Hope Ministries Internal ( @livinghopelatham ) He is also on the board of the Unitarian Christian Alliance ( @UnitarianChristianAlliance ). In this video we discuss his recent series on the history of Corinth the city and what that informs us about the epistles to the Corinthian church and early christianity more broadly. We mention Aquila, Augustus, Bacchus, Bruce Winter, Cayla Mayo, Claudius, Crispus, Cybele, Dale Martin, Dionysus, Gaius (Caesar), Gaius, Hercules, Homer, James Walters, Jerome Murphy O'Connor, Jesus, Job, Joseph Fitzmyer, Josephus, Julius Caesar, Juvenal, Celsus, Lucius Caesar, Mummius, Nero, Paul, Philo, Plato, Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger, Plutarch, Priscilla, Sosthenes, Tiberius, Titius Justus, Trajan, Victor Gluckin, Will Barlow, Zach Mayo, Zephaniah and more. Corinthians series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2PFMHm0Vd4JWrDPxW8Zvc8&si=gT9abVPqRy0sYn_Q

This is my message to the Jews. It follows up on my video about Christian/Muslim relations. I mention Elon Musk, Philo of Alexandria, Caligula, Suetonius, Claudius, Prescilla, Aquila, Gallio, Sosthenes, Jusitn Martyr, Trypho, Simon Bar Kokhba, Polycarp, Constantine, Athanasius of Alexandria, Caiaphas, Paul of Samosata, Photinus of Galatia, Arius, Constantius II, Gregory of Nyssa, Hank Kruse, Theodosius the Great, Ambrose of Milan, Julian the Apostate, Aphrahat the Persian Sage, Nestorius of Constantinople, Justinian the Great, John Calvin, Michael Servetus, Marian Hillar, Lelio and Fausto Sozzini, Malcolm Collins, John Locke, Andrzej Wiszowaty, Samuel Przypkowski, Isaac Newton, John Milton, Benedict Spinoza, Pierre Bayle, Voltaire, David Hume, Joseph Priestly, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, Hannah Adams, Mordecai Noah, The Apostle Paul, and more.

Chrysanthos was the only son of Polemon, a prominent pagan in Rome. As befit his status, he was given every opportunity for secular learning, but seemed unable to acquire worldly wisdom. By God's providence, copies of the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles came into his possession and, reading them avidly, he was enlightened and desired above all to be a Christian. He found a priest, Carpophorus, who instructed him in the Faith and baptised him. When his father discovered Chrysanthos' conversion, he was angry and did everything he could to turn his son back to paganism, using even threats and imprisonment. When none of these measures worked, Polemon arranged for his son to be married to a beautiful and learned young pagan woman named Daria, hoping that affection for her would draw his son away from Christ. But instead, Chrysanthus persuaded Daria of the truth of Christianity, and she was secretly baptised.   When his father died, Chrysanthus and his wife began to confess Christ openly and to live publicly as Christians. They were soon arrested and grievously tortured for their faith. The torturer, whose name was Claudius, was so moved by their endurance and patience that he himself embraced the Faith, along with his whole household. For this they were executed: Claudius by drowning, his two sons by beheading, and his wife by hanging. Finally Chrysanthus and Daria were buried alive in a pit and covered with stones. This was during the reign of the Emperor Numerian.

Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, known to history as Claudius, was the fourth Emperor of Rome.  Of the emperors that came before him and all those who came after him, he was the most unlikely of emperors.  Up until the moment he became emperor, no one during his entire life seriously thought of him as emperor material. When he became emperor, he surprised everyone.  Learn more about Emperor Claudius and his surprising rise to power on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Mint Mobile Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Stitch Fix Go to stitchfix.com/everywhere to have a stylist help you look your best Tourist Office of Spain Plan your next adventure at Spain.info  Stash Go to get.stash.com/EVERYTHING to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures. Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Update your podcast app at newpodcastapps.com Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're on break this week, so we're delving into Trashy Royals history (see what we did there!) with an encore of one of our earliest episodes, Roman Emperor Nero. While things started out relatively well when he took the reins from Claudius at just age 16, his attention and priorities quickly spiraled to pointless things and private grievance. As one does. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Valentine's Day, let's explore a profound question from the Christian catechism: What does God's law require? The answer lies in two simple yet powerful commandments, but first, let me share a timely story about the real Saint Valentine.The True Story of Saint ValentineIn the third century, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a priest named Valentine took a bold stand for love. While Claudius was sending young men to die in meaningless wars, Valentine secretly married Christian couples, knowing that married men were exempt from military service. This act of defiance saved countless lives and allowed young families to flourish. Valentine's commitment to love ultimately cost him his life – he was executed in his 40s for his actions and attempts to evangelize Claudius himself.This story perfectly illustrates the two fundamental commandments that encompass all of God's law.The Two Great CommandmentsAs Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-40, all of God's law – every command and prophetic word – can be distilled into two essential principles:* Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind* Love your neighbor as yourselfWhat Does It Mean to Love God?Loving God means:* Enjoying His presence* Obeying His commands* Putting Him first in every area of life* Starting each day by asking: "Is this action motivated by love for God, or love for something else?"What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbor?The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't about self-love as a prerequisite – it's about extending the same care and consideration to others that we naturally give ourselves. Just as we instinctively seek our own wellbeing, we're called to actively pursue the happiness and growth of others, even when it requires difficult choices.The Heart of the MatterHere's the challenging truth: we can't fulfill these commands on our own. Our natural state is one of selfishness – just watch any baby and you'll see this truth in action. That's why the story of God's law doesn't end with commands, but with Christ.The same God who gave the law on Mount Sinai later sent His Son to a different mountain – Calvary – not just to give us the law, but to fulfill it perfectly on our behalf. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive both forgiveness for our failures and a new heart capable of truly loving God and others.Practical ApplicationThis transformation shows up in everyday moments:* In how we start our day, choosing to put God first* In how we handle difficult conversations* In how we make decisions that might cause temporary discomfort but lead to long-term growth* In how we extend grace to others, just as we've received graceClosing ThoughtsThe requirements of God's law – loving Him and loving others – aren't just rules to follow. They're an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived. Through Christ, we receive the power to move beyond our natural selfishness and into a life marked by genuine love for God and neighbor.As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember the priest who gave his life demonstrating these twin loves, and more importantly, the God who makes such love possible through Christ.This post is adapted from Episode 7 of our weekly catechism series, where we explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

In honor of Valentine's Day, let's explore a profound question from the Christian catechism: What does God's law require? The answer lies in two simple yet powerful commandments, but first, let me share a timely story about the real Saint Valentine.The True Story of Saint ValentineIn the third century, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a priest named Valentine took a bold stand for love. While Claudius was sending young men to die in meaningless wars, Valentine secretly married Christian couples, knowing that married men were exempt from military service. This act of defiance saved countless lives and allowed young families to flourish. Valentine's commitment to love ultimately cost him his life – he was executed in his 40s for his actions and attempts to evangelize Claudius himself.This story perfectly illustrates the two fundamental commandments that encompass all of God's law.The Two Great CommandmentsAs Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-40, all of God's law – every command and prophetic word – can be distilled into two essential principles:* Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind* Love your neighbor as yourselfWhat Does It Mean to Love God?Loving God means:* Enjoying His presence* Obeying His commands* Putting Him first in every area of life* Starting each day by asking: "Is this action motivated by love for God, or love for something else?"What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbor?The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't about self-love as a prerequisite – it's about extending the same care and consideration to others that we naturally give ourselves. Just as we instinctively seek our own wellbeing, we're called to actively pursue the happiness and growth of others, even when it requires difficult choices.The Heart of the MatterHere's the challenging truth: we can't fulfill these commands on our own. Our natural state is one of selfishness – just watch any baby and you'll see this truth in action. That's why the story of God's law doesn't end with commands, but with Christ.The same God who gave the law on Mount Sinai later sent His Son to a different mountain – Calvary – not just to give us the law, but to fulfill it perfectly on our behalf. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive both forgiveness for our failures and a new heart capable of truly loving God and others.Practical ApplicationThis transformation shows up in everyday moments:* In how we start our day, choosing to put God first* In how we handle difficult conversations* In how we make decisions that might cause temporary discomfort but lead to long-term growth* In how we extend grace to others, just as we've received graceClosing ThoughtsThe requirements of God's law – loving Him and loving others – aren't just rules to follow. They're an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived. Through Christ, we receive the power to move beyond our natural selfishness and into a life marked by genuine love for God and neighbor.As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember the priest who gave his life demonstrating these twin loves, and more importantly, the God who makes such love possible through Christ.This post is adapted from Episode 7 of our weekly catechism series, where we explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

Following the bloody assassination of the twenty-eight year old Emperor Caligula, Rome found herself without a leader. Who then should fill the enormous power vacuum left by the death of an emperor? Should Rome return to a Republic? Then, one overlooked candidate - a scion of the hallowed family of Augustus long lurking in the wings of imperial power - unexpectedly rose to the fore: Claudius, Caligula's uncle. Famed as a drooling idiot all his life, Claudius' apparent shortcomings had kept him safe from the ruthless ambitions of his family and enemies. But his life of anonymity would now be brought to an abrupt end, with a shocking coup led by the Praetorian Guard. The Praetorians, one of the most potent forces in Rome, feared the loss of the emperor's patronage, and so pulled him out from the curtain behind which he had been hiding, carried him to their camp, and declared him emperor. The reign that ensued - described in gory, glistening, salacious detail by the Roman historian Suetonius - would see Claudius dismantle his mask of imbecility to reveal himself clever and studious, but easily duped by his advisors, freemen, and wives alike. It would see him claim the conquest of Britain, increase the strength of the Roman army, fall foul of the senate, play cuckold in one of the most famous sexual scandals of all time, and marry his niece. All the while, the shadows of Nero's rise to supreme power were lengthening… Join Tom and Dominic for the mighty conclusion of their journey through the lives of Rome's first Caesars, as described in rich, technicolour by Suetonius, climaxing with the epic reign of Rome's most unexpected emperor: Claudius. Pre-order Tom Holland's new translation of 'The Lives of the Caesars' here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/279727/the-lives-of-the-caesars-by-suetonius/9780241186893 _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett Editor: Jack Meek Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Political Scene will be back next week. In the meantime, enjoy a recent episode from The New Yorker's Critics at Large podcast. Artists owe a great debt to ancient Rome. Over the years, it's provided a backdrop for countless films and novels, each of which has put forward its own vision of the Empire and what it stood for. The hosts Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz discuss the latest entry in that canon, Ridley Scott's “Gladiator II,” which has drawn massive audiences and made hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office. The hosts also consider other texts that use the same setting, from the religious epic “Ben-Hur” to Sondheim's farcical swords-and-sandals parody, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Recently, figures from across the political spectrum have leapt to lay claim to antiquity, even as new translations have underscored how little we really understand about these civilizations. “Make ancient Rome strange again. Take away the analogies,” Schwartz says. “Maybe that's the appeal of the classics: to try to keep returning and understanding, even as we can't help holding them up as a mirror.”Read, watch, and listen with the critics:“Gladiator II” (2024)“I, Claudius” (1976)“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (1966)“The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988)“Monty Python's Life of Brian” (1979)“Cleopatra” (1963)“Spartacus” (1960)“Ben-Hur” (1959)“Gladiator” (2000)“The End of History and the Last Man,” by Francis Fukuyama“I, Claudius,” by Robert Graves“I Hate to Say This, But Men Deserve Better Than Gladiator II,” by Alison Willmore (Vulture)“On Creating a Usable Past,” by Van Wyck Brook (The Dial)Emily Wilson's translations of the Odyssey and the IliadNew episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Critics at Large wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices