Podcasts about emperor claudius

Deuteronomy 24 verses 1-4 speak of the divorce laws for the Israelites. Divorce was permitted on the grounds of a groom finding in his betrothed some evidence of indecency. The Septuagint Greek version uses the word “pornea” to describe this situation. This word speaks of all kinds of perversions as well as unfaithfulness prior to marriage. When the accused woman was sent away with an annulment of the marriage she was forbidden to remarry. This prohibition also meant that her former husband was not allowed to take her again as a wife. Divorce was to regulate behaviour within the nation of Israel. The Lord Jesus Christ reveals this point to us in Matthew 19 verses 3-9. Divorce is abhorrent to the Lord GOD Almighty as Malachi 2 verses 13-16. Shows. Verses 5-22 speak of several miscellaneous laws. Verse 5 tells of a married man being exempted from warfare for one year after his marriage. Verse 6 is about care and compassion for the poor. Verse 7 prescribes death to be the penalty for kidnapping. Verses 8-9 instruct Israel to faithfully follow the Levitical rules relating to leprosy. Verses 10-15 speak of fair dealing among members of God's people. Every member of Israel were to show care and compassion – ie love for one's neighbour. The day labourer was to receive his wages on the same day as the work had been done. Verse 16 teaches the principle that we alone are answerable for our own sins. Ezekiel 18 clearly elaborates that principle. Verses 17-18 speak of the dispensing of justice to be free from bias and to be carried out with integrity. Verses 19-22 tells of the love of the widows and the fatherless children in a generosity of spirit that is seen in their harvesting practices: not stripping their fruit trees. Psalm 68 verses 1-6 and James 1verses 27 reinforce the message of the love and care to be shown to widows, and fatherless children. In so acting the Israelites were imitating their Heavenly Father. Verse 22 of Deuteronomy 24 states the premise for why they must behave as the LORD commanded. The people of the LORD were responding to the redeeming love that underlies their deliverance from Egypt. The entire chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon concerns the bridegroom's words to his beloved spouse. Verses 1-5 present a cascade of magnificent metaphors in which the groom describes the alluring beauty of his bride. In verses 6-7 he claims to be intoxicated by her love and his passionate desires for her love. Verse 8 expresses his desire to take her to the places where the wild scenery of the natural world causes romantic minds to become elevated in their feelings. Verses 9-15 present sparkling images of his intense desire to be with his captivating companion. The song closes in verse 16 with a wish for the fragrant north wind to stir up the aromatic fragrances of Solomon's spice garden. All of this speaks of the intense love of the groom for his bride, ie the Lord Jesus Christ's love of us. Acts 18 tells of Paul's arrival in Corinth. He chooses to live with Priscilla and Aquila, who had recently arrived in Corinth because the Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome, accusing them of being troublesome. Paul lodges with Priscilla and Aquila because they, like himself, are tent makers. This fine couple are mentioned 6 times in the New Testament, and 3 times Aquila's name is given first, and 3 times Priscilla's is mentioned first. This shows that they are partners who work together in everything – including the teaching of the gospel to private individuals. Some scholars believe that the letter to the Hebrews may have been written by Priscilla. Paul teaches in the synagogue at Corinth every sabbath day – that Jesus is the Christ (Israel's long promised Messiah). When the Apostle is fiercely opposed by the Jews Paul shakes the dust from his clothes as the Lord Jesus Christ had commanded in Matthew 10. Paul hires the house owned by Titus Justus, who accepts the gospel and lives next door to the synagogue. From this house Paul continues his preaching. This preaching results in the conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ of Crispus, who is the ruler of the synagogue, and many others including Crispus' family accept Christ. The atmosphere around the preaching is obviously tense and Paul becomes fearful and the Lord Jesus Christ appears in a night and says: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people” (Vv9-10 ESV). For eighteen months the preaching continues successfully. During the Consulship of Gallio the Jews make a united attack on Paul bringing him before Gallio. Gallio summarily dismisses their claims and drives them from his presence. The Jews take out their frustration and anger on Sosthenes, the then newest ruler of the synagogue. This avails nothing as we see in 1 Corinthians 1verse 1. Sosthenes accepts the gospel and becomes a baptised believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. After this Paul shaves his hair in Cenchrea and sails from Ephesus to Antioch in Syria to complete his Nazarite vow. After spending time with the brethren in Syria Paul resumes his preaching in Galatia. The chapter concludes with the conversion of Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian Jew – who had known only the baptism and preaching of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquila instruct him in the gospel and baptise him into the Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes obvious from this chapter that any who have not been baptised without a complete understanding of the gospel require to be baptised into the “whole counsel of God”: Acts 20verses 18-27. Acts In Acts 19 Apollos comes to Corinth (this was obviously very shortly after his conversion to Christ). Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds there disciples who had only known the baptism and teaching of John the Baptist. Those disciples, 12 in all, are likewise taught the full truth about the salvation in Christ Jesus and are baptised into that understanding. For three months Paul boldly speaks in the synagogue, until sustained resistance from Jewish foes causes Paul to seek other rooms for preaching. The Apostle hires the rooms of a local philosopher – one Tyrannus. Preaching from Tyrannus' rooms continues for two years so that all who live in the province of Asia hear the gospel. God through Paul supports the preaching by many miracles. Seven sons of an itinerant Jew by the name of Sceva attempt an exorcism on a man who attacks and wounds them – the sons of Sceva flee naked from the house where the attempted exorcism had occurred. God by that means shows Sceva's sons to be frauds. The testimony to the gospel causes many practicers of the dark arts (or magic) to forsake their craft and burn their books to the value of approximately $10,000,000. The chapter next says that craftsmen led by Demetrius, a silversmith himself, cause a riot – believing that Paul's preaching is endangering the sale of the miniature figurines of Diana (also known as Artemis) of the Ephesians. Some of Paul's companions are dragged into the arena by men wanting revenge. Paul attempts to go and answer them but is prevented from doing so by his friends. The riotous crowd take out their anger on a Jew named Alexander. The town clerk dismisses the rioters and disperses the crowd. The town clerk says that Rome may very well want to investigate the cause of the riot. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org

Acts 18:1-28 - Speaker: Will Galkin - In Acts 18, we see that God is faithful, and the gospel is fruitful even amidst opposition. God sovereignly provides gospel partners like Aquila and Priscilla, turning negative circumstances, such as Emperor Claudius's expulsion of Jews from Rome, into opportunities for ministry expansion. Despite initial rejection by the Jews, Paul's ministry bears remarkable fruit, reaching unlikely converts like Crispus, the synagogue ruler. Furthermore, God protects Paul through the unlikely means of Roman governor Gallio's indifference, granting Paul freedom to preach without fear of persecution. Ultimately, Acts 18 emphasizes God's faithfulness in preparing new laborers, as evidenced by the rise of Apollos, who was discipled by Aquila and Priscilla and powerfully carried the gospel forward.

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

Friends of the Rosary,Today, February 14, we celebrate the memorials of St. Cyril (827-869), a priest and a philosopher and his brother St. Methodius (826-885), and St. Valentine, Bishop and Martyr of Rome (died c. 269), patron saint of engaged couples, happy marriages, lovers, etc.In ancient Rome, Emperor Claudius issued a decree forbidding marriage, believing that single men would be better soldiers than married men.Valentine defied this decree and urged young lovers to come to him in secret so that he could join them in the sacrament of matrimony.The Emperor had Valentine arrested and attempted to convert him to Roman paganism. In turn, Valentine tried to convert Claudius to Christianity, at which point the Emperor condemned him to death.He was executed on February 14th, 273 AD in Rome.The Martyrology says, "At Rome, on the Flaminian Way, the heavenly birthday of the blessed martyr Valentine, a priest. After performing many miraculous cures and giving much wise counsel he was beaten and beheaded under Claudius Caesar."Valentine has become the universal symbol of friendship and affection, and February 14 is celebrated as St. Valentine's Day.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠February 14, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ETEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

Please note that the 1st part is in English, and the 2nd part is in Malayalam starting at 14:05 mark.Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love.  In the Roman Catholic church there are three saints with the name  Valentine.  All the three saints were stoned and beheaded for their Christian faith during the time of different Roman emperors.  St. Valentine, officially known as Saint Valentine of Rome, is a third-century Roman saint whose memory is celebrated on February 14.  Valentine day has its roots in paganism.  Lupercalia was a pagan fertility festival celebrated in February, and it had ties to a Roman god.  In an effort to clean up the pagan holiday,  in 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius designated February 14th as Valentine's official feast day.  The new holiday quickly spread to all countries that practiced Christianity. Historically it has commemorated romantic love, but recently it has been expanded to include all types of love.  During the time of Emperor Claudius II, marriage was prohibited for soldiers.  As a priest, Valentine conducted the marriages of couples who were in love. For this reason Valentine was sent to jail. Valentine used this time in jail to reach out to people with the love given by Jesus.  The jailer, Asterius, became friendly with Valentine.  He was impressed with Valentine's wisdom that he asked Valentine to help his daughter, Julia, with her lessons when she visited the jail.  Julia was blind, and the jailer tested his faith by asking him to restore her blind daughter's  eye sight.  Placing his hands onto her eyes, Valentine restored Julia's vision.  The jailer accepted Christianity along with 44 members of his family.  The now faithful jailer then freed all of his Christian inmates.  Emperor Claudius sentenced Valentine to death for not giving up his faith.  Before he was killed, Valentine wrote a last note to encourage Julia to stay close to Jesus and to thank her for being his friend.  He signed the note, “From your Valentine.”  Valentine was beaten, stoned and beheaded on February 14, 270.  St. Valentine sacrificed his life for his faith in Jesus, not for his love for us. There is someone who has done much more for each and every one of us than what St. Valentine did. That is Jesus Christ who is the Son of God.           My name... Cicilysunny@gmail.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

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

43 AD. A large Roman armada sails across the perilous English Channel intent on conquest. It is the dawn of one of the most seminal moments in Britain's ancient history.In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by archeologist Duncan Mackay to follow in the footsteps of Emperor Claudius, his general Aulus Plautius and the thousands of Roman soldiers charged with conquering Britain - a mysterious island at the edge of the world. Together they unpack the story of the invasion, exploring the rationale of the Roman leaders, the political contours of the British tribes who faced up to them and the arrival of the Emperor to Colchester on elephant-back.Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.Theme music from Motion Array, all other music from Epidemic SoundThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign 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: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Title: “Providence and People” Part 1 Text: Acts 18:1-6 FCF: We often struggle balancing God's providence with our action. Prop: Because God's providence does not preclude human responsibility, we must engage in earthly and spiritual work. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 18. In a moment we'll begin reading in verse 1 from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last time in the book of Acts we saw Paul complete his ministry in the city of Athens. During the Macedonian portion of the mission, the theme that seemed to be on display was the logical and biblical nature of the gospel message. That against the tightest scrutiny, the gospel holds up in every way. The greatest test for this was standing before the Areopagite and defending the Christian worldview. Which Paul did successfully. As Paul travels now to a new city, Luke pivots back to the central theme of Acts. What theme is that you might ask? Well, it is one we've heard many times before and will hear many more times before we are done. God is at work to providentially grow His church to the uttermost parts of the earth. How does He do this? Through the church itself. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Heavenly Father, we know that You are the source for our life and all that we have. We know that without You we are nothing. We confess that You are in absolute control over all things that You guide all things to happen according to Your will to accomplish Your purposes. We also confess that we are favored participants in Your will and do often receive the gift it is to join You in Your work. So Father I pray that as You communicate these truths to us today that we would listen and we would enter into Your service, appreciating the gift it is to join You in Your work. Give us eyes of faith today we pray in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] A great philosophical question that has made its rounds several times has been, what came first the chicken or the egg. Such a question is rife with not just philosophical debates but also religious debates. At the center of it all is the question of origin. From the scriptures we can prove quite readily that the chicken absolutely came first. God created His creation with age and maturity. But at the core the question is a seeming paradox. For if you say the chicken, you must ask but from where did the chicken hatch? If you say the egg, you must ask but from what was the egg laid? In the scriptures today we see another paradox that like the question about the chicken and egg can be answered by understanding what the scriptures teach. The paradox is… God has determined all that will be and man is commanded to obey Him. How do these fit? For if God has determined all that will be, man's obedience is already determined, isn't it? And if God has commanded men to obey, doesn't this mean that God has not determined whether they will or will not? And round and round we go. But as we will see today, God's providence does not preclude human responsibility. Let's look. I.) God's providence does not preclude human responsibility, so we must continue to work for earthly provision. (1-4) a. [Slide 3] 1 - After these things he departed Athens and went to Corinth. i. After successfully defending the worldview of Christianity against the wisest men humanity had to offer, they could not condemn him for teaching about new demons. But their “wisdom” could not allow them to accept the foolishness that is Jesus Christ crucified and risen again. ii. Nevertheless, the Lord led a few to Himself through the ministry of Paul in Athens. iii. After this, Paul continues to Corinth, the capital of the province of Achaia. iv. Let's take a few minutes to learn about the city of Corinth. 1. [Slide 4] The city of Corinth was positioned on an Isthmus which was less than 5 miles across at its narrowest point. a. The Aegean and Mediterranean seas posed significant risk to cargo ships being lost. Salling around the lowest portion of the Balkan Peninsula, called the Peloponnese Peninsula, only heightened that risk as cargo ships attempted to transport goods around Greece. b. The Isthmus provided a unique opportunity to short cut days off of that journey. c. A paved road called The Diolkos, was made to connect both ports over land. Grooves were set in the road so cargo and even some small ships could be loaded on a large wooden platform and wheeled by men or animals. They drug the goods 6 kilometers to the other port and then unloaded it so they could continue the journey. d. This process would take several hours to complete. e. What does that mean? f. That means that the sailors and personnel on these ships had time to kill. g. And that is where Corinth came in. h. Corith was an extremely wealthy city. Not only did this sea route offer many customers to their several marketplaces, but even a land route running North and South brought customers as well. 2. [Slide 5] This made Corinth a hotbed of trade, worship, and literally any vice that you could think of. a. The population is estimated to be around 200,000 people plus around double that in slaves. b. By the time Paul arrived Corinth had a reputation for being the premier city for banking. c. When Julius Caesar reestablished the city, he designed it to present the majesty of Roman culture, religion, and values. Thus, Roman pagan worship and emperor worship was on full display at the time Paul arrived. d. Corinth also hosted the biennial Isthmian Games. Resembling our Olympic games, this was a series of athletic and even musical competitions to honor the Greek God Poseidon. i. Since the games were played on the Isthmus, the sea would literally surround the games. ii. Victors would be rewarded with a wreath crown made of wild celery and later Pine which was a sacred tree to Poseidon. e. [Slide 6] Although there is evidence that indicates that much of Corinth's reputation for sexual license is primarily related to Athenian propaganda to compete against the juggernaut city – we certainly know that pagan worship and sexual immorality go hand in hand. f. Indeed, when Paul writes to the Corinthian church in a few years – he will address their continued need to kill off these sins in their midst. v. So, Paul arrives in Corinth. What does he set out to do there? The answer – may be somewhat surprising. b. [Slide 7] 2 - And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, and his wife Priscilla, who recently came from Italy because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them, i. Early on in the book of Acts, we noticed that at the Pentecost after Christ's ascension, Jews from all over the Roman world were represented in Jerusalem for the festival. ii. One of those areas represented with a large Jewish Diaspora population would have been Pontus. iii. Pontus is on the Southern Coast of the Black Sea in Modern Turkey. iv. Aquila or as some pronounce it Akilla, was from this region. v. His wife, Priscilla or as is mentioned elsewhere in scripture, Prisca, is with him now in Corinth due to a rather interesting development. vi. Around the time that Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke were in Philippi, the Emperor Claudius issued a decree to expel all Jews from the city of Rome. vii. Why? 1. According to the Roman historian Suetonius, there was significant unrest and disturbances among the Jewish community due to disputes being raised between Jews and Jewish Christians. It is in Suetonius' works we find that the Christians were led by someone he calls Chrestus, which his most likely his misunderstanding of the word Christos or Christ. 2. And so just because Paul hasn't gone to Rome with the gospel – we ought not think that Christianity had not yet made it to Rome. 3. In fact, as we will see, the book of Romans is written to Christians in Rome, long before Paul arrived in Rome. viii. Apparently, Aquila and Priscilla were in Rome during this time (on the side of the Christians of course) but were still expelled since they were Jews. ix. So, Paul comes to them and joins with them… why? x. Certainly, because they were believers already living in the city of Corinth. But why else? c. [Slide 8] 3 - and because he was of the same trade, he was staying with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. i. Paul's primary mission for coming to Corinth most certainly is the evangelistic opportunity that such a large city would offer. ii. It was a strategic city to be in to share the gospel, of that we can be certain. iii. But on a more practical side, we see here and realize that Paul… is probably out of money. 1. Remember back to when he and Silas left Antioch of Syria. What was their intention with this mission? 2. It was to revisit the places they had preached the gospel previously and check in on those churches. 3. They had long since accomplished this mission. Having done so, Paul continued to search for new places which he could start an evangelistic work. Remember that the Spirit of God actually prevented them from going west toward Ephesus and then again prevented them from going east toward Bithynia. 4. Then the Lord led them via a dream to Macedonia. They have been in Macedonia while in Philippi, Berea, and Thessalonica. 5. Now he is in Achaia having spent time in Athens and now to Corinth. 6. In other words, the part of the trip they did not plan on has probably been as long if not longer than the part they did plan on. 7. While it is true that in Macedonia Paul was probably provided for by several people, in Athens his reception was limited and in Corinth he arrives with need to support himself. 8. Another potential reason that Paul needs to work, is because oftentimes, sheisters and hucksters would peddle their teachings for a price. Paul did not wish to be financially dependent on the contributions of those to whom he preached. This would ensure that his message and his livelihood were separate. iv. And so here we see Paul, not taking a break from evangelistic endeavors, but putting a priority on earning an income to fund the next leg of the missionary journey. v. Paul is a tent-maker by trade. 1. There is some discussion here as the word for tentmaking could be linked to leather work. 2. Since Paul was a Jew and this skill was no doubt one that he learned as a child, it is unlikely that he would have worked with animal skins to tan them and make leather, since that would be handling the carcass of an animal rendering him ritually unclean. 3. However, what might be intended by leather worker is some kind of artisan leather worker making specialty leather works. In which case he would work with leather already tanned and craft it into something unique. 4. But the arguments for leather worker are not significantly stronger than tent-maker. 5. So it could also refer to him making the outer rain proof layer of tents known as cilicium, a fabric which was produced primarily in Cilicia, which is where Paul grew up. vi. In any case, Paul had to work with his hands to support himself and build back ministry funds before he could launch into a full-time mission in Corinth. vii. But we know Paul don't we. viii. Do we think that he is going to take a vacation from preaching the gospel while he earns funds? ix. No… d. [Slide 9] 4 - And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. i. On his day off, the Sabbath, he would go to the synagogue and reason together with the local Jews concerning the revelation of the Messiah. ii. Reasoning here has the idea of discussing a topic and debating or proving it. iii. Paul is not taking a break from ministry. He is simply taking a break from full-time ministry in order to replenish his earthly resources. iv. But he is still trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior, and the Lord. e. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: In this first point we recognize some familiar themes Luke is emphasizing in the book of Acts. On display is the sovereign hand of God to bring about by providence all of His divine will. God obviously wills that His church and His gospel would go forward to the whole world. Paul is part of that work. But that doesn't mean he is all of it. Here we meet two individuals from the city of Rome who are believers already. Paul hasn't arrived there yet, and still the church has already been established in the capital of the empire. We also notice God's providential hand to bring them all together in the city of Corinth where the gospel will go forward again. Nevertheless, even though God's sovereign hand is putting in big pieces of the puzzle, and even though Paul is one of those pieces, God did not provide to Paul a limitless supply of earthly provision to enable him to continue to do his spiritual work. So what did Paul do? Did he spend time in prayer? Did he assume that he didn't have enough faith and that is why God wasn't providing? Did he start to question whether he was doing something wrong or not? While it is true that if we are doing what God wants us to that He will provide what is needed for us to finish our work – that doesn't' mean He will always provide in the way or in the timing we think He will. Here God provided to Paul by providing him Christian friends to join in work so he could raise funds. The application for us then, is that even if we are engaged in spiritual work for the Lord, even work that God is leading us to accomplish, it still may require us to use our talents, skills, energy, and time to provide for earthly resources for that spiritual work. We still have a responsibility, even though God is in control of all things. Transition: [Slide 11] So in this first point we see God's work in the flourishing of the church throughout the Roman Empire, even outside of Paul's missionary work. In this, Paul continues to provide for himself with earthly resources for the spiritual work there in Corinth. Both God's providence and man's responsibility are at work here. We'll see that continue throughout the entire Corinthian episode. II.) God's providence does not preclude human responsibility, so we must continue our spiritual labors. (5-6) a. [Slide 12] 5 - But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly bearing witness to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. i. As we commented in an earlier sermon, the timeline here gets a little uncertain. 1. Silas and Timothy were supposed to join Paul in Athens and based on his letters to Thessalonica, letters he wrote during his stay in Corinth, Silas and Timothy did eventually join him in Athens when he was there. But Luke omits any of that. 2. Here we see Silas and Timothy coming from Macedonia. While this could mean Thessalonica, it could just as easily be any or all of the cities they had visited before. 3. No doubt Paul had met them in Athens and then sent them back to check on some of the churches throughout Macedonia while he went to Corinth to replenish the missions trip coffers. ii. Now Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul, having checked on the status of the Macedonian churches. iii. And with them there, Paul devotes himself once again to the full-time ministry of the word. iv. Why would their arrival enable him to do this? v. In a later letter he would write to Philippi from prison in Rome, Paul mentions and thanks the Philippian church for sending financial aid to him while he was in Corinth. vi. This reveals to us that the Philippian church helped to bankroll the ministry there in Corinth so he would not have to continue to be bi-vocational. vii. And what his the full-time ministry look like? viii. To the Jew first – as was Paul's motto. ix. He wanted to bear witness to them with all seriousness that Jesus is their Messiah. The next step in true Judaism. x. But as we have seen so many times before… the Jews did not have ears to hear. b. [Slide 13] 6 - But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” i. Again, we find the Jews being slow to hear the gospel. ii. They resist and even blaspheme their own Lord because they cannot accept the terms He offers. iii. That they were lost and needed one to rescue them first from the tyranny of sin and death and not first from the national oppression they faced – that was a mountain they could not climb. iv. To accept that Yahweh would don human flesh and die to save His people was something they couldn't quite wrap their heads around – in spite of all the prophesy which makes the teaching so plain. v. Paul says in Corinthians that he endeavored to make known to them nothing but Christ crucified. This was the stumbling block of the gospel for them. The one aspect of the truth that they needed to hear and receive. vi. But they couldn't do it. vii. So, Paul shakes out his garments. A sign of judgment and woe. It is a sign of leaving them to the fate they had earned. viii. He tells them in no uncertain words that he is blameless for their eventual judgment. And that he will now focus on the Gentiles. ix. We should be careful here not to think that Paul is forever abandoning the Jews. x. We should only apply this to his ministry here in Corinth. For as we go forward in the book of Acts we will continue to see Paul go to the Jew first. xi. We will also see that just because he goes to the Gentiles, doesn't mean he is done with all the Jews in Corinth either. xii. More on that next week. c. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: In this second point we see the providence of God in a new way. God has provided to Paul the necessary funds for him to continue his full-time missionary efforts. By the sacrificial giving of the Philippian church, the Lord has relieved the financial burden on Paul so that he can devote himself to the preaching of the gospel. Which is exactly what he does next. For us then, we must recognize the providential hand of the Lord and respond in faith and obedience. Paul's primary mission was not to stay in Corinth and make money. He was probably making good money there. His primary calling was to preach the gospel throughout the Roman world. We too must keep our calling and mission at the forefront of our minds. We too can be easily distracted and must seek to recognize when God has equipped us to move forward in our spiritual labor. Conclusion: Even though this is only part 1 of this message, what have we learned so far CBC? How then shall we live? Doctrinal takeaway: [Slide 15] As we've seen several times in the book of Acts, the title of this book could easily be the Acts of God through His faithful church. This is the summary of the book and it is the summary of this text. Since this sermon is part 1, you can probably guess what next week's message will be about as well. God's providence is something we cannot deny. We must believe that the sovereign hand of God orchestrates and controls every detail in the world to accomplish His purposes. We must believe this because the book of Acts teaches it. We must believe it because the whole of the bible teaches it. We must believe it because without such a teaching, much of the things the scriptures command us to do, think, believe, or trust in, make absolutely no sense if God is not in sovereign control of everything. If every detail of His creation is not under His direct authority and control, then all of Christianity crumbles. But, just because God is in absolute and complete control over every single molecule, does not mean that God has nothing for us to do within that. God's providence does not preclude human responsibility. God's providence and plan did not stop Paul from working for a living in Corinth. It did not stop Claudius from kicking the Jews out of Rome. It did not stop the church at Philippi from delivering sacrificial gifts to Paul in Corinth. It did not stop Paul from preaching the gospel to the Jews and the Gentiles in Corinth. It did not stop the need for humans to do things. In fact, for God's people, it only fueled their faith to be used to accomplish His will. God's providence and man's responsibility work hand in hand and not against each other. Therefore, we must be found faithful to engage in earthly and spiritual work, with our whole hearts, and all our efforts, not because it depends on us, but because it depends completely on God who has called us to do so. And we will see Him work His will through us, around us, and in us as we do. But let me apply this a little more closely to our daily lives. How does all this affect us here and now? 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 believe that the Sovereign Lord will always providentially accomplish His will. a. Now why must we believe this? b. Of course because the scriptures teach us this. c. Of course because all of Acts so far is a testament to this very truth. d. But think of what is at stake if this is not true. If God most of the time accomplishes His sovereign will and occasionally He doesn't get what He has decreed… what would that mean? e. Think of all the promises God has made to us in the scriptures. Now which one would you be ok with God not being able to come through on? f. Think of all the future events He has predicted for us in His word. Which of these are you willing to not come to pass? g. Think of all that He has taught us as absolute truth. Which of these will you discard because God couldn't make sure it was true. h. You see my friends, there is much more at stake than merely the free will of men when we start tampering with this doctrine. i. Man's free will has become the battle cry but the outcome is ripping down the certainty of all that God has promised us in His Word. Man's free will, a teaching that cannot be clearly found in scripture, is the altar on which we sacrifice the certainty of God's promises. j. Oh my friends. Man is free in his will, but only to act according to his nature. Man is free in his will, but only to act according to the decrees of God. k. God always… ALWAYS providentially accomplishes His will. l. He may not always do that with a miracle. He may not always do that in ways we would expect or hope for. But God ALWAYS providentially accomplishes His will. m. And it is to our great comfort and joy to confess such a truth. For in doing so, we confess the surety that all that God desires will come to pass. n. But, of course, we cannot pendulum swing too far can we? 2.) [Slide 17] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop using God's providence as an excuse for passivity, laziness, or disobedience. a. God is a delegator. b. He delegated humans to keep and tend the garden and exercise dominion over it. c. He delegated angelic beings to watch and care for the human race and point them to worship Yahweh. d. He will delegate rule to the bride of Christ in the New Kingdom. e. God can and does act unilaterally to accomplish His will. f. But MOST OF THE TIME God uses secondary causes to accomplish His will. g. In this the obedience of His people, the wickedness of men, the disobedience of His people, and the uncommon decency of the wicked are all used to accomplish His will. h. God works in and through our natures and our wills to accomplish His purpose. With enough grace He could prevent us from sinning or guarantee our obedience… why then doesn't He do that? i. Is there only so much grace to go around? Or is it possible that even our failure works to accomplish His divine purpose? j. We are neither robots only fulfilling what we have been programmed to do nor are we passive agents floating along and no matter what we do God will still get what He wants. k. We believe in the sovereignty and the providence of God… but that doesn't mean we are fatalistic. l. Fatalism says, “What will be, will be.” There is nothing I can do to change the outcome. No matter what I do, it does not change what will be. m. We deny this. n. But our belief is that though God has determined or decreed what will be – we contribute to that end with our actions. He has already baked our actions in to those decrees. We get to participate in what He has said. o. So sitting around saying –. i. If God wants me to get that job, I won't need to fill out an application. ii. If God wants us to have kids, we don't even need to try. iii. If God wants me to get married, He'll bring her to me. iv. If God wants me to be in the ministry, He'll make me serious about His Word at some point. v. If God wants me to stop doing this sin, He'll stop me. vi. If God wants me to preach the gospel in Corinth, He'll supply the funds. p. You see my point. q. Idleness, laziness, and passivity are not the appropriate response to confessing that God is sovereign and uses providence to accomplish His purposes. r. Instead, it should be obedience. 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 obey our Lord and follow His guidance. a. No future surety should enter our decision making when we consider what we should or should not do. b. To act in one way or another in order to attempt to secure an outcome that God alone determines, is to exit our lane of influence. c. Human responsibility does not enter the realm of results or outcomes. It stays, always, in what we choose to do within the confines of our nature. d. All men are told to obey the Lord. The Redeemed are able, by nature, to choose to obey the Lord. e. But we must be very careful as we discuss God's providence next to man's responsibility that we do not allow our responsibility to breech into trying to secure God's decreed purposes. f. The study of ethics like whether we should kill to save our family begins with a premise that you can and will determine their fate by your actions. It begins… flawed. Why? Because God ultimately determines their fate. You are only responsible for your own individual decisions. g. Therefore, the question should not be would I kill to save my family… the question should be… Does God permit me to kill to defend my family. For that is truly the beginning of the issue. Whether or not your family will be saved is not up to you. You are only responsible for the spheres of influence you actually have. Which is primarily your own responsibility to obey the Lord. h. I say all of this, hopefully, to simplify what we so often muddy. i. If God is in absolute control of everything and uses human action to accomplish what He has already determined, then we must be very careful, for our own sake, to do what He has commanded us to do. Because our actions will contribute to what God has already determined. j. If that is the case, it is only harmful for us when we disobey. Our disobedience will not stop His will from coming to pass – whatever that may be. Therefore, for our own sake, we must do as God has commanded. k. Paul knew that God had called him to preach the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. But Paul neither went to idleness, nor did he cast his hands up and say “no matter what I do God will have His way” l. Instead, Paul obeyed the Lord and took opportunities that were presented that did not violate God's commands. m. We are responsible not for outcomes but for obedience. n. Obey the Lord. Why? Because He is God and He said to and it will go well for you. 4.) [Slide 19] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God will not allow His purposes to fail or succeed because of you. a. We have a responsibility to obey the Lord. We must do as He has told us to do. b. Paul preached because the Lord Jesus threw him down on the road to Damascus and told Him to do so. c. He preached because he loved the Lord he once persecuted. d. He labored in tent making because he wanted to be free of financial burden so he could preach the word of God freely to all who would hear. e. But this passage especially shows the work of God and His church to be much bigger than Paul. f. As big of a piece of the puzzle as Paul is… he is insignificant to the providential and sovereign work of the Lord to accomplish His own will. g. Let this be a great comfort to us Christians. h. God doesn't need us and will accomplish His purposes without us. i. But what a blessing it is to be used of Him. j. Let us therefore purpose in our hearts to be willing vessels for His honorable use. Let me close with a prayer by the English Reformer Thomas Becon Maker of heaven and earth, you have created a path for us to walk in, and you have commanded that we wander neither to the right nor to the left —according to your will, without adding our own good intentions or fleshly imaginations. So as you have commanded, good Lord, give me the grace to do. Help me not to follow my own will, nor the fancies of other people. And never let me be duped or beguiled by the mask of traditions, decrees, ancient laws, or any other person or thing that conflicts with your holy ordinances and commands. Help me to faithfully believe and steadfastly confess that true godliness is only learned in your holy Bible. Then help me to order my life accordingly, to the praise of your holy name. We pray this in Jesus' name…Amen. Benediction: And now O Lord, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; So that your people may be mature and complete, never lacking anything. Until we meet again. Go in peace.

In this episode of Dave Does History, we unravel the mystery behind the death of Emperor Claudius and the dramatic rise of Nero to the Roman throne. Claudius, the unlikely emperor, overcame a lifetime of being underestimated to expand Rome's empire and stabilize its government. But his reign ended under suspicious circumstances—was he poisoned by his ambitious wife Agrippina to secure Nero's ascension? We dive into the intrigue, explore the theories behind Claudius's death, and look at his legacy as a ruler. Plus, we foreshadow the reign of Nero, a young emperor whose rule would lead Rome down a path of tyranny and chaos. Tune in for a tale of political manipulation, murder, and power plays in ancient Rome. Available now on Spotify, iTunes, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Galatians 1:1-2; Acts 11 Matt's YouTube Channel Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

He, along with his wife Priscilla, is mentioned in the book of Acts and in St Paul's Epistle to the Romans. He and his wife were Jews who moved to Corinth when the Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Italy. They were working as tentmakers in Corinth when they met and worked with St Paul, also a tentmaker by trade, who brought them to faith in Christ. From that time onward they worked diligently to spread the Gospel of Christ. The Prologue says that they died at the hands of pagans, the Great Horologion that the circumstances of their repose are unknown.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

Marinus and Martha were wealthy Persians; but they sold all their goods and traveled to Rome with their sons Audifax, Habakkuk, Valentine, and Cyrinus, in order to venerate the holy relics of the apostles and martyrs. When the Emperor Claudius asked them why they had come so far, at such cost, to seek the dead in Rome, they answered 'We are servants of Christ, and are come to venerate the holy apostles whose immortal souls are alive with God, that they may be our intercessors with Christ our God.' All of them were sentenced to interrogation and to death if they would not deny Christ. Valentine, who was a priest, was handed over to a General named Asterius. When Valentine healed Asterius' daughter, who had been blind for two years, Asterius and his entire household accepted Christ and were baptised by Valentine. All of them, along with Marinus and Martha and their family, underwent torture and death for the sake of Christ.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

Full Text of ReadingsThirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 98The 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. Love the saints? Check out these six titles on Catholic saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | The church in Rome had existed for some time and was made up of Jewish and non-Jewish followers. But at one point sometime between A.D. 41-53, Emperor Claudius expelled all of the Jewish people, including Christian Jews from Rome and then allowed them to return five years later (see Acts 18:2). When these Jews returned they found a church that had become very non-Jewish in custom and practice. This created lots of tension so that in Paul's day the Roman Church was divided. People disagreed about how to follow Jesus, they were debating about whether non-Jewish Christians should celebrate the sabbath, eat kosher, or be circumcised. So Paul wrote this letter to accomplish a few things. He wanted this divided church to become unified and for a practical purpose, he was hoping the church would become a staging ground for his mission to go even further west to Spain. For these reasons, Paul wrote Romans. Romans is Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel; the good news that he was announcing about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and it's effect on Creation and the church.

Connie's running out of time to write a play on the roman invasion of Britain for her drama class, so she asks Uncle Chris and his community theatre company to lend her a hand!‘Silence! You're forgetting one thing everyone…I am no longer Uncle Chris…I am the emperor of Rome, and emperors do whatever they like!'

Robert Sapolsky is a professor of biology and neurobiology at at Stanford University, and the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant. He is the author of "Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will." He joins to discuss the case against free will, and its societal implications.  Robert's Book at www.mightyheaton.com/featured Socrates Sketch:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2QrrYug_VQ&t=35s The Emperor Claudius https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emperor-claudius-killed-a-whale/id1596616667?i=1000546859060&l=ru

Even in the ancient Roman world of ruthless politicking, suspicious deaths and high-stakes schemes, the scandalous reputation of Empress Valeria Messalina stands out. The third wife of Emperor Claudius, she has gone down in history as a sexually insatiable schemer, whose cutthroat deeds kept her at the top of the Palatine court. Speaking with Emily Briffett, Honor Cargill-Martin, author of a new book on Messalina, interrogates the rumours that have long swirled around the empress. (Ad) Honor Cargill-Martin is the author of Messalina: A Story of Empire, Slander and Adultery (Apollo, 2023). Buy it now from Amazon: ​​https://www.amazon.co.uk/Messalina-Story-Empire-Slander-Adultery/dp/1801102597/?tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices