Podcasts about Pergamon

Mondo Gonzales and Jonathan Cahn continue to uncover the astonishing connections between the Altar of Pergamon—the “throne of Satan” described in Revelation—and nuclear weapons, the Berlin Wall, the web, Barack Obama, globalism and the coming Antichrist kingdom.

Jonathan Cahn joins Roseanne to uncover the dark biblical mystery behind his new book, The Altar of Pergamon—and reveal what happened during the viral midair attack that ended with his assailant duct-taped to an airplane seat. Ancient evil, modern spiritual warfare, and one flight from hell collide in an episode you have to hear to believe. JONATHAN CAHN Buy The Altar of Pergamon here: https://a.co/d/094bOcZi https://www.youtube.com/@jonathancahn.official https://x.com/Jonathan_Cahn ----------------------------------------------  Sponsored By:   RUMBLE WALLET Tip creators, not the platform with Rumble Wallet. Get started with Rumble Wallet and use the code ROSEANNE10 to claim $10  in US Stablecoin (USA₮)! Download now: http://wallet.rumble.com/roseanne Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Offer available to US residents only. Offer not available in New York State. Must be 18+. Offer is available for a limited time and for the first 500 wallets activated and funded. Restrictions apply. Details and full official rules available at http://rumble.com/promoofficialrules  This is a paid advertisement for Rumble Wallet. Rumble is compensating me for this ad.    AMERICAS GOLD COMPANY Get your free 2026 Gold Guide and learn how to add physical gold to your retirement account. Plus, you may qualify for up to $10,000 in free silver. Visit http://ClaimMyGoldGuide.com/RB today.   ZELENKO LABS Ready to experience the Z-Stack difference? Visit http://zstacklife.com today, use code ROSEANNE for 15% off, and see why so many people continue to trust Dr. Zelenko's legacy. -------------------------------------------------  Follow Roseanne:     Website: https://www.roseannebarr.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialroseannebarr    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialroseannebarr   Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealroseanne   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/roseanneworld Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/roseannebarrpodcast Merch: https://www.roseannebarr.com/shop ------------------------------------------------ Co-host /Producer: Jake Pentland https://twitter.com/jakezuccproof https://www.instagram.com/jakepentlandzuccproof ------------------------------------------------ Music: "Daddy's Home" by Tom Macdonald: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb7fAEQaJwE    

When bestselling author Jonathan Cahn boarded a routine commercial flight, he expected a quiet trip—not a mid-air showdown with alleged demonic forces. After a friendly two-hour chat turned to spiritual matters and his book, The Altar of Pergamon, the 67-year-old real estate agent sitting next to him went wildly berserk. What followed was pure mid-flight chaos: vulgar slurs, choking attempts, a high-stakes laptop wrestling match, emergency radio calls, and two retired cops wielding duct tape.

I sit down with Jonathan Cahn for a powerful conversation about his new book, The Altar of Pergamon, and the ancient mysteries that may be connected to what's happening in our world today.We dive into biblical prophecy, spiritual warfare, ancient gods, end-times events, and what believers need to understand in this hour.Get Jonathan Cahn's new book, The Altar of Pergamon, available now for pre-order.Get the book herehttps://a.co/d/0iwmEqMxSupport https://www.Isaiahsaldivar.com/partnerTo sow into this stream Monthly/ONE time/ https://bit.ly/2NRIBcM PAYPAL https://shorturl.at/eJY57www.Isaiahsaldivar.com www.Instagram.com/Isaiahsaldivar www.Facebook.com/Isaiahsaldivar www.youtube.com/IsaiahsaldivarOrder My New Book, “How To Cast Out Demons,” Here! https://a.co/d/87NYEfcTo sow www.Isaiahsaldivar.com/partner

What connects Karl Marx, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Nazi Germany, Soviet communism and the Cold War to an ancient altar mentioned in Revelation? Jonathan Cahn joins Mondo Gonzales to continue unraveling the mystery of the Altar of Pergamon—the ancient structure Jesus identified with “Satan's throne.” Cahn traces its journey from ancient Pergamon to Berlin and explores the striking historical connections he sees between the altar, the resurrection of Marxism, Lenin's return to Russia, Stalin's rise and the Soviet Union's emergence as a global superpower.

From the rise of communism to the brink of nuclear war, could a single ancient object be hidden behind the last century's darkest chapters? On today's edition of Family Talk, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn returns to discuss his gripping new book, The Altar of Pergamon. He traces a startling mystery from Karl Marx to the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing where the story ultimately points. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29?v=20251111

Buried for centuries, an ancient altar that the Bible calls the “throne of Satan” was unearthed and carried into the modern world. On today's edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh welcomes best-selling author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn to discuss his new book, The Altar of Pergamon. Discover the startling connections between this object, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and today's headlines. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29?v=20251111

Jonathan Cahn joins Mondo to uncover the extraordinary mystery surrounding Pergamon—the ancient city identified in Revelation as the place “where Satan's throne is.”The story of Pergamon ultimately points toward the prophetic future—a reunited Europe, an increasingly interconnected world and the biblical picture of a coming global system.Is an ancient spiritual mystery still unfolding before our eyes?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-week-in-bible-prophecy--6909234/support.

What if “Satan's throne” wasn't a metaphor? Jonathan Cahn reveals the astonishing mystery of the Altar of Pergamon, unearthed in Turkey, transported to Berlin, and linked to Hitler, the Holocaust, Soviet communism and nuclear Armageddon. Is an ancient spiritual power still shaping history—and our world today? GUEST: Jonathan Cahn is a New York Times bestselling author, biblical teacher and one of the world's most recognized voices exploring the intersection of Scripture, prophecy and world events. His bestselling books include The Harbinger, The Oracle, and The Return of the Gods. In his latest book, The Altar of Pergamon, Cahn investigates what he believes is an extraordinary biblical and historical mystery surrounding the ancient altar associated with Pergamum—the city identified in Revelation as the place “where Satan has his throne.” His investigation traces provocative connections from the altar's excavation and removal to Berlin through the rise of Hitler and Nazism, the Holocaust, Soviet communism, the Cold War and the nuclear age. Cahn's work asks a provocative question at the heart of Strange Planet: Could unseen spiritual forces be operating behind the rise and fall of nations—and could the mystery of Pergamon still be unfolding today? WEBSITE: https://www.hopeoftheworld.org/ BOOKS: The Altar of Pergamon: The Mystery of the Dark Angel and the Future of the World The Avatar The Dragon's Prophecy The Josiah Manifesto The Harbinger ll: The Return The Return of the Gods The Book of Mysteries The Oracle The Mystery of the Shemitah The Paradigm The Harbinger FOLLOW RICHARD Website: https://www.strangeplanet.ca YouTube: @strangeplanetradio Instagram: @richardsyrettstrangeplanet TikTok: @therealstrangeplanet SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! HIMS Weight Loss By HIMS -HIMS now offers access to an affordable range of FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including the Wegovy® pill and the Wegovy® pen. Ready to reach your goals? Visit hims.com/strangeplanet to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. MARS MEN Mars Men helps you reclaim your edge with natural testosterone support for energy, focus, and strength Go to MenGoToMars.com right now, for a limited time, listeners of this program get 50% off for life, plus free shipping AND 3 free gifts. QUINCE Luxury, European linen that gets softer with every wash! Turn up the luxury when you turn in with Quince. Go to Quince dot com slash RSSP for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. CARGURUS CarGurus is the #1 rated car shopping app in Canada on the Apple App and Google Play store. They've got hundreds of thousands of cars from top-rated dealers, plus advanced search tools that let you zero in on exactly what you want. And you can set real-time alerts for price drops and new listings — so you never miss a great deal. Buy your next car today with CarGurus at cargurus dot ca. Go to cargurus dot ca to make sure your big deal is the best deal. ⁠ BECOME A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER!!!⁠ ⁠https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm⁠ Three monthly subscriptions to choose from. Commercial Free Listening, Bonus Episodes and a Subscription to my monthly newsletter, InnerSanctum. Visit ⁠https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm⁠ Use the discount code "Planet" to receive $5 OFF any subscription. We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm/

What if one of the most mysterious warnings in the Book of Revelation is connected to the events shaping our world today? In Revelation 2:13, Jesus speaks of the ancient city of Pergamon as the place "where Satan's throne is." For centuries, the massive Altar of Pergamon lay buried beneath the earth—until it was excavated, removed from its original location, and reconstructed in Berlin. But was it merely an ancient monument, or could its movement reveal a much larger spiritual mystery? In this gripping conversation, Connie Albers sits down with New York Times bestselling author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn to discuss his newest book, The Altar of Pergamon: The Mystery of the Dark Angel and the Future of the World. Cahn traces the altar's path through history and explores its possible connection to empires, world leaders, catastrophic events, and the unseen forces operating behind them. Why did Jesus identify Pergamon with Satan's throne? What happened after the altar was moved? Who—or what—is the Dark Angel? And could an ancient mystery offer insight into what is unfolding in our world now? This conversation moves beyond archaeology and history into the spiritual battle beneath the events we can see. It is mysterious, sobering, and ultimately a reminder that evil does not have the final word—God remains sovereign over history. Listen with discernment, keep your Bible close, and prepare to see the past—and perhaps the future—from an entirely different perspective. Watch the full YouTube interview HERE   Read the full show notes with links here: Satan's Throne: Jonathan Cahn Uncovers the Mystery of The Altar of Pergamon   More episodes you can enjoy: How Much Freedom is Your Child Ready For? When Motherhood Feels Unseen When Life Interrupts Your Plans If you enjoy listening to Parenting and Homeschool Advice ~ Equipped To Be with Connie Albers, please leave a review and a five-star rating. It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie   Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/   

Could an ancient altar mentioned in Revelation be connected to some of the darkest events in modern history? Jonathan Cahn joins Mondo Gonzales to investigate the mystery of the Altar of Pergamon—the location associated with the “throne of Satan” in Revelation 2. Cahn traces its excavation, removal to Germany and remarkable historical parallels involving the birth of modern Germany, the rise of occultism, Adolf Hitler, the Nazi Party and the Holocaust.

Join Larry Spargimino and Jonathan Cahn for part four as they discuss his newest book, The Great Altar of Pergamon. The fact is that this altar has been sealed from the public, locked behind scaffolding as Berlin's Pergamon Museum undergoes renovation. The altar is a huge structure that has been disassembled for transport. In 2027, the doors reopen, and the altar will again be visible to the world. In Revelation 2: 12-13, the Apostle John identified this altar as the "throne of Satan." Adolph Hitler and one American President (Obama) made proclamations from the altar: "The mystery is so colossal it has  literally altered the history of the world."

Join Larry Spargimino and Jonathan Cahn for part three as they discuss his newest book, The Great Altar of Pergamon. The fact is that this altar has been sealed from the public, locked behind scaffolding as Berlin's Pergamon Museum undergoes renovation. The altar is a huge structure that has been disassembled for transport. In 2027, the doors reopen, and the altar will again be visible to the world. In Revelation 2: 12-13, the Apostle John identified this altar as the "throne of Satan." Adolph Hitler and one American President (Obama) made proclamations from the altar: "The mystery is so colossal it has  literally altered the history of the world."

Join Larry Spargimino and Jonathan Cahn for part two as they discuss his newest book, The Great Altar of Pergamon. The fact is that this altar has been sealed from the public, locked behind scaffolding as Berlin's Pergamon Museum undergoes renovation. The altar is a huge structure that has been disassembled for transport. In 2027, the doors reopen, and the altar will again be visible to the world. In Revelation 2: 12-13, the Apostle John identified this altar as the "throne of Satan." Adolph Hitler and one American President (Obama) made proclamations from the altar: "The mystery is so colossal it has  literally altered the history of the world."

Jonathan Cahn, author of the new book The Altar of Pergamon, talks about the ancient mystery he believes connects the biblical “Throne of Satan” to some of history's darkest events and what it may reveal about the future. http://hopeoftheworld.org

Has the altar of Satan, discovered in the city of Pergamon, shaped the darkest events of the past two centuries? This is a deep dive with bestselling author Jonathan Cahn into his thrilling new book “The Altar of Pergamon: The Mystery of the Dark Angel and the Future of the World. Also, who was the strange male voice that told Lindsey Clancy to kill her children and herself? Is this psychosis or demonic possession, and might she be “not guilty by reason of demonic possession”? (2:14) Lindsay Clancy's Two Side(6:28) Are Psychiatrists Reliable?(11:05) Possession, Psychosis, or Murder(20:29) Guest Intro: Jonathan Kahn(21:06) Writing The Harbinger's Origins(29:15) The Throne of Satan(33:52) Digging Up the Altar(39:09) Hitler Born, Altar Assembled(42:36) Nazi Rise, Altar Unveiled(47:55) The Holocaust's Hidden Etymology(51:28) Karl Marx's Satanic Turn(54:16) Stalin, Lenin, and Altar(1:00:44) Cuban Missile Crisis, Pergamon(1:07:26) Obama and the Altar(1:11:07) Antichrist and Temple Mount If you’re tired of broken healthcare you need to choose the right pharmacy. Check them out at allfamilypharmacy.com/dinesh and use code DINESH10 to save 10% off your next order. Leave the old “buy and hold” crypto strategy behind at https://DineshCrypto.com ! Purchase crypto with military grade encryption and American customer service. Hundreds of crypto holders have saved MILLIONS thanks to BlockTrustIRA’s Animus AI. Visit https://DineshCrypto.com and receive up to $2,500 in FREE bonus crypto! America has nearly 39 trillion dollars in debt! Are you protected from this pending disaster? Go to http://DineshGold.com and get up to 10% in bonus gold or silver. I’m on substack! Check out what I have to say here: https://dineshdsouza.substack.com/ For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial (706) 262-4774 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/dinesh" Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don’t directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Dinesh D'Souza is an author and filmmaker. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he was a senior domestic policy analyst in the Reagan administration. He also served as a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He is the author of many bestselling books, including "Illiberal Education," "What's So Great About Christianity," "America: Imagine a World Without Her," "The Roots of Obama's Rage," "Death of a Nation," and "United States of Socialism." His documentary films "2016: Obama's America," "America," "Hillary's America," "Death of a Nation," and "Trump Card" are among the highest-grossing political documentaries of all time. He and his wife Debbie are also executive producers of the acclaimed feature film "Infidel." — Want to connect with Dinesh D'Souza online for more hard-hitting analysis of current events in America? Here’s how: Get Dinesh unfiltered, uncensored and unchained on Locals: https://dinesh.locals.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dsouzadinesh Twitter: https://twitter.com/dineshdsouza Rumble: https://rumble.com/dineshdsouza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dineshjdsouzaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Larry Spargimino and Jonathan Cahn as they discuss his newest book, The Great Altar of Pergamon. The fact is that this altar has been sealed from the public, locked behind scaffolding as Berlin's Pergamon Museum undergoes renovation. The altar is a huge structure that has been disassembled for transport. In 2027, the doors reopen, and the altar will again be visible to the world. In Revelation 2: 12-13, the Apostle John identified this altar as the "throne of Satan." Adolph Hitler and one American President (Obama) made proclamations from the altar: "The mystery is so colossal it has  literally altered the history of the world."

What keeps a faith vibrant after four decades of ministry? That unexpected question, asked by a young church leader in Baltimore after a discussion on archaeology and the early church, became the catalyst for one of the most important chapters I've written in Missiological Theology. In this episode of The 10-Minute Ephesiologist, I explore what I have come to call missiological spirituality—a way of life that begins not with spiritual practices alone, but with the Triune God who continually speaks and acts. Rather than reducing spirituality to knowledge, experience, or ministry activity, I propose a rhythm of curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, and participation that draws us ever deeper into God's perichoretic life and mission. If you've ever wondered why some faith grows stale while other faith remains vibrant, this conversation may help you ask two life-changing questions: What is God saying? What is God doing? Keywords: missiological spirituality, missiology, Triune God, Trinity, perichoresis, perichoretic mission, missiological theology, curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, participation, spiritual formation, Christian spirituality, theology, archaeology, New Testament archaeology, archaeology and the Bible, ecclesiology, mission of God, missio Dei, discipleship, church planting, theological education, discernment, God speaks, God acts, Kingdom of God, early church, Ephesiology, Michael T. Cooper Key Takeaways Why one simple question in Baltimore reshaped my understanding of spirituality. Why spirituality must begin with the missionary nature of the Triune God. How God's self-revelation through His words and His works forms the foundation of Christian spirituality. The fivefold rhythm of Curiosity → Discovery → Reflection → Wonder → Participation. Why theology without wonder becomes intellectualism. Why wonder without participation becomes emotionalism. Why ministry itself can become mechanical if it is no longer sustained by ongoing curiosity about God's activity. How archaeology, Scripture, culture, and everyday life continually invite us to discern God's presence and mission. Why the Christian life is best understood not as a ladder to climb, but as a lifelong spiral into deeper communion with God and fuller participation in His mission. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

In this summer hiatus episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael and Andrew welcome—or perhaps ambush—Dave Brunelle into a conversation about spiritual formation, discipleship, and the life of Christ being formed in us. With humor, stories, and a few “under the bus” moments, the episode introduces Dave's journey from public safety to church planting, mentoring, global ministry, and his work with Telos|GO and Ephesiology Master Classes. The conversation previews an upcoming fall series on spiritual formation, exploring why Christian maturity cannot be reduced to time, knowledge, or behavior modification. Instead, formation is the Spirit's ongoing work of shaping believers into Christlikeness so that Jesus lives his life through his people. Keywords: Spiritual formation, discipleship, Christlikeness, Christoformity, Ephesiology, Telos|GO, Ephesiology Master Classes, Dave Brunelle, Michael Cooper, Andrew Johnson, church planting, missiology, movement leadership, Holy Spirit, union with Christ, Christian maturity, spiritual disciplines, Christian community, theological education, discipleship environments, formation in Christ Key Takeaways Spiritual formation is the ongoing journey of being shaped into Christ's image. Dave describes formation as believers yielding to and cooperating with the Holy Spirit so that Christ is increasingly formed in them. Discipleship and spiritual formation are deeply connected. The episode suggests that discipleship can be understood as an activity and environment where formation takes place. Christian maturity is not simply “time in grade.” Knowing Bible verses, giving the right answers, or having many years of church experience does not automatically make someone a mature disciple. Formation is more than behavior modification. Dave contrasts a merely ethical or mechanical approach to discipleship with the supernatural, spiritual, and mystical work of Christ living in his followers. The goal is Christlikeness. Whether we call it discipleship or spiritual formation, the central aim is that believers grow to look like Jesus and participate in his ongoing work in the world. Community matters. Formation happens through spiritual habits, disciplines, and communities that become nurseries and crucibles for the life of Christ. This episode previews the fall series. Ephesiology will return with a deeper conversation on spiritual formation approached in an “ephesiological” way—attending to Scripture, mission, community, and the movement of God. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

Jaké to je, žít na místě, které samotná Bible označuje za „trůn satanův“? Tak vypadalo starověké Pergamon v prvním století a tamní křesťanský sbor musel čelit obrovskému tlaku pohanského okolí. V pořadu Světem Bible se vydáme na fascinující cestu do historie. A nejen to, teolog John Vernon McGee propojuje dobové reálie s biblickým textem knihy Zjevení. Slovem provází Pavel Vopalecký.Tento podcast můžete podpořit na https://radio7.cz

In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael T. Cooper and Andrew Johnson introduce Dr. Cooper's seminar, “Let the Stones Speak,” part of the Archaeology Meets Missiology series. The conversation explores five archaeological discoveries that preserve early memories of Jesus across Asia Minor, North Africa, Edessa, and the Arabian Peninsula. From inscriptions and graffiti to apocryphal traditions and Christograms, these discoveries reveal how the early church remembered, proclaimed, and worshiped Jesus, not only through written texts, but also through the material record left behind in stone. Along the way, Michael reflects on the difference between what Jesus did and who Jesus is, showing how archaeology can deepen our understanding of early Christology and encourage the church today. Keywords: Archaeology, Missiology, Ephesiology, Let the Stones Speak, Memory of Jesus, Early Church, Christology, Functional Christology, Ontological Christology, Abgar and Jesus, Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, Pantokratoros Inscription, Christogram, North Africa, Thugga, Jordan, Arabian Peninsula, Crypto Portico, Archaeological Record, Material Culture, Early Christian Witness, Jesus in Archaeology, Gods Emperors Philosophers and a New Movement Key Takeaways Archaeology preserves early memories of Jesus.The episode highlights how inscriptions, graffiti, letters, and symbols offer physical evidence of how Jesus was remembered and proclaimed in the early centuries of the church. The archaeological record complements the biblical text.Michael emphasizes that while Scripture remains central, material culture provides additional historical evidence for what early Christians believed about Jesus. The early church remembered both what Jesus did and who Jesus is.The conversation introduces the distinction between functional Christology—what Jesus did—and ontological Christology—who Jesus is in his essence. Five discoveries point to the wide geographical reach of Jesus memory.The seminar focuses on evidence from places such as Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, North Africa, and the desert of Jordan. The Abgar-Jesus tradition reflects a broad and enduring memory.Though apocryphal in nature, the Abgar tradition is significant because of its wide geographical spread across places such as Egypt, Armenia, and Turkey. The Sardis Pantokratoros inscription raises important questions.Michael notes that the inscription may contribute to broader evidence suggesting Christian use of the so-called synagogue at Sardis. The Christogram in North Africa shows how Christian symbols could be overlooked or forgotten.Michael recounts seeing a Christogram dismissed as a sundial, showing how visible Christian memory can remain unrecognized in certain contexts. The Arabian Peninsula may yield more discoveries.The Jordan inscription points toward the possibility of future finds that may further illuminate the presence and memory of Jesus in Arabia. Research continues after publication.Andrew notes that Michael's seminar includes discoveries and developments not fully represented in his book, reminding listeners that scholarship is an ongoing process. Archaeology can be faith-building and encouraging.The episode closes with the reminder that seeing the historical and physical impact of Jesus across regions and centuries can strengthen faith and deepen wonder. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael T. Cooper and Andrew Johnson introduce Dr. Cooper's seminar, “Let the Stones Speak,” part of the Archaeology Meets Missiology series. The conversation explores five archaeological discoveries that preserve early memories of Jesus across Asia Minor, North Africa, Edessa, and the Arabian Peninsula. From inscriptions and graffiti to apocryphal traditions and Christograms, these discoveries reveal how the early church remembered, proclaimed, and worshiped Jesus, not only through written texts, but also through the material record left behind in stone. Along the way, Michael reflects on the difference between what Jesus did and who Jesus is, showing how archaeology can deepen our understanding of early Christology and encourage the church today. Keywords: Archaeology, Missiology, Ephesiology, Let the Stones Speak, Memory of Jesus, Early Church, Christology, Functional Christology, Ontological Christology, Abgar and Jesus, Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, Pantokratoros Inscription, Christogram, North Africa, Thugga, Jordan, Arabian Peninsula, Crypto Portico, Archaeological Record, Material Culture, Early Christian Witness, Jesus in Archaeology, Gods Emperors Philosophers and a New Movement Key Takeaways Archaeology preserves early memories of Jesus.The episode highlights how inscriptions, graffiti, letters, and symbols offer physical evidence of how Jesus was remembered and proclaimed in the early centuries of the church. The archaeological record complements the biblical text.Michael emphasizes that while Scripture remains central, material culture provides additional historical evidence for what early Christians believed about Jesus. The early church remembered both what Jesus did and who Jesus is.The conversation introduces the distinction between functional Christology—what Jesus did—and ontological Christology—who Jesus is in his essence. Five discoveries point to the wide geographical reach of Jesus memory.The seminar focuses on evidence from places such as Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, North Africa, and the desert of Jordan. The Abgar-Jesus tradition reflects a broad and enduring memory.Though apocryphal in nature, the Abgar tradition is significant because of its wide geographical spread across places such as Egypt, Armenia, and Turkey. The Sardis Pantokratoros inscription raises important questions.Michael notes that the inscription may contribute to broader evidence suggesting Christian use of the so-called synagogue at Sardis. The Christogram in North Africa shows how Christian symbols could be overlooked or forgotten.Michael recounts seeing a Christogram dismissed as a sundial, showing how visible Christian memory can remain unrecognized in certain contexts. The Arabian Peninsula may yield more discoveries.The Jordan inscription points toward the possibility of future finds that may further illuminate the presence and memory of Jesus in Arabia. Research continues after publication.Andrew notes that Michael's seminar includes discoveries and developments not fully represented in his book, reminding listeners that scholarship is an ongoing process. Archaeology can be faith-building and encouraging.The episode closes with the reminder that seeing the historical and physical impact of Jesus across regions and centuries can strengthen faith and deepen wonder. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: What is the capital city of Cote d'Ivoire? Question 2: Which of these colors is included on the flag of Argentina? Question 3: In which country would you find the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pergamon? Question 4: Where is Eurodisney? Question 5: Which island country lies to the West of Australia? Question 6: What is the capital city of Afghanistan? Question 7: What is the name of the natural wonder that stretches over 1,250 miles off the east coast of Australia? Question 8: Which region of the world uses '.uy' at the end of its web addresses? Question 9: Where would you find the city of Novosibirsk? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a faithful church—commended by Jesus Himself—becomes the birthplace of one of the most controversial movements in early Christianity? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we journey to ancient Philadelphia in Asia Minor, a “gateway city” shaped by competing religious forces and cultural pressures. With limited archaeological data but rich literary and numismatic clues, we uncover how a steadfast community navigated syncretism, only to later give rise to Montanism—a movement that both recovered important biblical emphases and introduced dangerous distortions. This is more than history; it's a cautionary tale about leadership, authority, and the enduring tension between faithfulness and innovation in the mission of God. Keywords: Archaeology, Missiology, Philadelphia (Asia Minor), Seven Churches of Revelation, Book of Revelation, Early Church History, Montanism, New Prophecy Movement, Syncretism, Numismatic Evidence, Religious Pluralism, Dionysus Worship, Artemis Cult, Jewish Diaspora, Apocalyptic Expectation, New Jerusalem, Church Leadership, Heresy, Prophetic Authority, Moral Rigor, Missional Strategy, Gateway City Key Takeaways 1. Faithful beginnings don't guarantee faithful trajectoriesThe church in Philadelphia receives only commendation from Jesus (Revelation 3), yet later developments in the region reveal theological drift and distortion. 2. Archaeology's silence still speaksEven with minimal excavation, literary and numismatic evidence provides a vivid picture of Philadelphia as a deeply religious, pluralistic environment shaped by multiple cults and practices. 3. Context shapes theology—for better or worseThe surrounding worship of Dionysus, Artemis, and other deities created a cultural environment where ecstatic practices and syncretism could easily infiltrate emerging Christian expressions. 4. Syncretism is not just a pagan problemBoth Jewish and Christian communities in Asia Minor show signs of accommodation to surrounding religious practices, echoing concerns seen in texts like 1 Corinthians. 5. Montanism: reform and distortion intertwinedMontanism recovered valuable elements—moral seriousness, the role of the Spirit, and broad participation in ministry—yet distorted authority by elevating new prophecy above prior revelation. 6. “Jesus and…” is the fault line of heresyThe movement illustrates a recurring theological danger: adding new authority or revelation alongside Jesus undermines the foundation of the faith. 7. Leadership formation is mission-criticalMontanus serves as a cautionary example of elevating immature or newly converted leaders, reinforcing New Testament warnings about leadership qualification. 8. Geography shapes eschatologyMontanus's claim that the New Jerusalem would appear in his region shows how local context can shape—and distort—apocalyptic expectations. 9. Movements spread beyond their originsMontanism's influence reached far beyond Phrygia, impacting figures like Tertullian and spreading across the Roman Empire for centuries. 10. The past speaks to present mission practiceThis episode underscores a central Ephesiological insight: understanding the historical movement of God helps the church navigate contemporary challenges with greater discernment. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? If the Stones Could Speak How Archaeology Reveals the Church's Mission with Dr. Michael T. Cooper Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026Time: 16:00 PDT | 19:00 EDT | Next Day 04:30 IST | 07:00 PHT | 09:00 AEST What if the stones could speak? Join us for an evening that explores how archaeology brings the mission of the early church into focus. Through artifacts, inscriptions, and ancient cities, discover how the name of Jesus was spread in a world of competing gods and empires and what that means for the church's mission today. A live Zoom seminar with Dr. Cooper followed by Q&A Register on Zoom Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

What happens when a faithful church—commended by Jesus Himself—becomes the birthplace of one of the most controversial movements in early Christianity? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we journey to ancient Philadelphia in Asia Minor, a “gateway city” shaped by competing religious forces and cultural pressures. With limited archaeological data but rich literary and numismatic clues, we uncover how a steadfast community navigated syncretism, only to later give rise to Montanism—a movement that both recovered important biblical emphases and introduced dangerous distortions. This is more than history; it's a cautionary tale about leadership, authority, and the enduring tension between faithfulness and innovation in the mission of God. Keywords: Archaeology, Missiology, Philadelphia (Asia Minor), Seven Churches of Revelation, Book of Revelation, Early Church History, Montanism, New Prophecy Movement, Syncretism, Numismatic Evidence, Religious Pluralism, Dionysus Worship, Artemis Cult, Jewish Diaspora, Apocalyptic Expectation, New Jerusalem, Church Leadership, Heresy, Prophetic Authority, Moral Rigor, Missional Strategy, Gateway City Key Takeaways 1. Faithful beginnings don't guarantee faithful trajectoriesThe church in Philadelphia receives only commendation from Jesus (Revelation 3), yet later developments in the region reveal theological drift and distortion. 2. Archaeology's silence still speaksEven with minimal excavation, literary and numismatic evidence provides a vivid picture of Philadelphia as a deeply religious, pluralistic environment shaped by multiple cults and practices. 3. Context shapes theology—for better or worseThe surrounding worship of Dionysus, Artemis, and other deities created a cultural environment where ecstatic practices and syncretism could easily infiltrate emerging Christian expressions. 4. Syncretism is not just a pagan problemBoth Jewish and Christian communities in Asia Minor show signs of accommodation to surrounding religious practices, echoing concerns seen in texts like 1 Corinthians. 5. Montanism: reform and distortion intertwinedMontanism recovered valuable elements—moral seriousness, the role of the Spirit, and broad participation in ministry—yet distorted authority by elevating new prophecy above prior revelation. 6. “Jesus and…” is the fault line of heresyThe movement illustrates a recurring theological danger: adding new authority or revelation alongside Jesus undermines the foundation of the faith. 7. Leadership formation is mission-criticalMontanus serves as a cautionary example of elevating immature or newly converted leaders, reinforcing New Testament warnings about leadership qualification. 8. Geography shapes eschatologyMontanus's claim that the New Jerusalem would appear in his region shows how local context can shape—and distort—apocalyptic expectations. 9. Movements spread beyond their originsMontanism's influence reached far beyond Phrygia, impacting figures like Tertullian and spreading across the Roman Empire for centuries. 10. The past speaks to present mission practiceThis episode underscores a central Ephesiological insight: understanding the historical movement of God helps the church navigate contemporary challenges with greater discernment. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? If the Stones Could Speak How Archaeology Reveals the Church's Mission with Dr. Michael T. Cooper Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026Time: 16:00 PDT | 19:00 EDT | Next Day 04:30 IST | 07:00 PHT | 09:00 AEST What if the stones could speak? Join us for an evening that explores how archaeology brings the mission of the early church into focus. Through artifacts, inscriptions, and ancient cities, discover how the name of Jesus was spread in a world of competing gods and empires and what that means for the church's mission today. A live Zoom seminar with Dr. Cooper followed by Q&A Register on Zoom Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

What if we've misunderstood one of Jesus' most familiar commands? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, a simple but unsettling shift is explored: not “make disciples,” but disciple as you are going. Drawing from a recent conversation between Dr. Tony Blair and Michael, Andrew and Michael reflect on how a closer reading of the Great Commission reframes our role, not as producers of disciples, but as participants in what God alone does. This conversation is both clarifying and disruptive. It challenges long-held assumptions, invites theological humility, and opens the door to a more faithful, contextual, and Spirit-led practice of discipleship. Video Keywords: Discipleship, Great Commission, Make Disciples, Missiology, Theological Reflection, Biblical Interpretation, Indigenous Discipleship, Contextual Theology, Holy Spirit, Kingdom Mission, Exegesis, Form vs Function, Church Practice, Spiritual Formation Key Takeaways God is the one who makes disciples The shift from “make disciples” to “disciple” reframes discipleship as participation in the work of the Holy Spirit, not human production. “As you are going” changes the posture of mission Discipleship is not about geographic displacement or a singular calling to “go,” but about faithfully discipling in the everyday rhythms of life. The shift is both theological and liberating Releasing the burden of “making” disciples frees believers to walk alongside others and trust God for transformation. Discipleship is a lifelong, corrective journey Faithfulness includes being open to re-evaluating previously held assumptions and allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape understanding over time. Good motivations can still carry flawed assumptions Even meaningful ministry experiences may be built on incomplete or culturally shaped interpretations that require later correction. Theology is always shaped by context What we often assume is “biblical” may actually be a cultural reading of Scripture, requiring deeper exegetical work. Indigenous discipleship is essential Discipleship must take different forms in different cultural contexts rather than exporting a single Western model globally. We often confuse form and function Practices we treat as essential (function) may actually be contextual expressions (form), limiting how discipleship can take root in other cultures. The posture of a disciple is open-handed obedience True discipleship involves taking steps of faith while remaining open to God's correction and redirection. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

What if we've misunderstood one of Jesus' most familiar commands? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, a simple but unsettling shift is explored: not “make disciples,” but disciple as you are going. Drawing from a recent conversation between Dr. Tony Blair and Michael, Andrew and Michael reflect on how a closer reading of the Great Commission reframes our role, not as producers of disciples, but as participants in what God alone does. This conversation is both clarifying and disruptive. It challenges long-held assumptions, invites theological humility, and opens the door to a more faithful, contextual, and Spirit-led practice of discipleship. Video Keywords: Discipleship, Great Commission, Make Disciples, Missiology, Theological Reflection, Biblical Interpretation, Indigenous Discipleship, Contextual Theology, Holy Spirit, Kingdom Mission, Exegesis, Form vs Function, Church Practice, Spiritual Formation Key Takeaways God is the one who makes disciples The shift from “make disciples” to “disciple” reframes discipleship as participation in the work of the Holy Spirit, not human production. “As you are going” changes the posture of mission Discipleship is not about geographic displacement or a singular calling to “go,” but about faithfully discipling in the everyday rhythms of life. The shift is both theological and liberating Releasing the burden of “making” disciples frees believers to walk alongside others and trust God for transformation. Discipleship is a lifelong, corrective journey Faithfulness includes being open to re-evaluating previously held assumptions and allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape understanding over time. Good motivations can still carry flawed assumptions Even meaningful ministry experiences may be built on incomplete or culturally shaped interpretations that require later correction. Theology is always shaped by context What we often assume is “biblical” may actually be a cultural reading of Scripture, requiring deeper exegetical work. Indigenous discipleship is essential Discipleship must take different forms in different cultural contexts rather than exporting a single Western model globally. We often confuse form and function Practices we treat as essential (function) may actually be contextual expressions (form), limiting how discipleship can take root in other cultures. The posture of a disciple is open-handed obedience True discipleship involves taking steps of faith while remaining open to God's correction and redirection. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

What happens when a movement that once presented the hope of Christ in a city… disappears? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael take you into the ruins of Pergamon—walking through the Asclepius healing complex, standing beneath the shadow of the Zeus–Trajan temple, and tracing inscriptions that once defined the religious life of the city. As we set up the field video from this study tour, we explore a sobering question raised in Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement: why did Christianity, once present and active in Pergamon, eventually vanish? This is more than history. It's a missiological warning. Because what we uncover in the stones, inscriptions, and sacred spaces of Pergamon forces us to ask whether the same dynamics are at work in the church today. Video Keywords: Pergamon archaeology Christianity, Asclepius healing cult, Zeus Trajan temple Pergamon, Temple of Demeter Pergamon, early Christian decline Asia Minor, missiological archaeology, disappearance of Christianity, inscriptions Pergamon interpretation, imperial cult Asia Minor, sacred space competition, contextualization vs compromise, religious pluralism Roman world, church decline lessons, archaeological theology, Gods Emperors Philosophers New Movement Key Takeaways The religious ecosystem of Pergamon was deeply layered—healing cults, imperial worship, and traditional deities all competed for allegiance. The Asclepius complex functioned not just as a religious site but as a holistic system of meaning, healing, and identity that rivaled Christian claims. The imperial cult, particularly visible in the Zeus–Trajan temple, reinforced political loyalty as a religious act—pressuring Christians to conform or marginalize. Inscriptions reveal how embedded these systems were in everyday civic life, making Christianity one voice among many rather than a dominant force. The disappearance of Christianity in Pergamon was not sudden but gradual—likely tied to assimilation, loss of distinctiveness, or inability to sustain a compelling alternative narrative. Archaeology exposes what texts alone cannot: the overwhelming presence of competing worldviews in the same physical space. The story of Pergamon serves as a cautionary tale—movements do not disappear because they begin weak, but because they fail to remain distinct and adaptive over time. The central missiological question emerges: how do movements faithfully engage culture without being absorbed by it? Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson  @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free.  However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture?  “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements.  The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

What happens when a movement that once presented the hope of Christ in a city… disappears? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael take you into the ruins of Pergamon—walking through the Asclepius healing complex, standing beneath the shadow of the Zeus–Trajan temple, and tracing inscriptions that once defined the religious life of the city. As we set up the field video from this study tour, we explore a sobering question raised in Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement: why did Christianity, once present and active in Pergamon, eventually vanish? This is more than history. It's a missiological warning. Because what we uncover in the stones, inscriptions, and sacred spaces of Pergamon forces us to ask whether the same dynamics are at work in the church today. Video Keywords: Pergamon archaeology Christianity, Asclepius healing cult, Zeus Trajan temple Pergamon, Temple of Demeter Pergamon, early Christian decline Asia Minor, missiological archaeology, disappearance of Christianity, inscriptions Pergamon interpretation, imperial cult Asia Minor, sacred space competition, contextualization vs compromise, religious pluralism Roman world, church decline lessons, archaeological theology, Gods Emperors Philosophers New Movement Key Takeaways The religious ecosystem of Pergamon was deeply layered—healing cults, imperial worship, and traditional deities all competed for allegiance. The Asclepius complex functioned not just as a religious site but as a holistic system of meaning, healing, and identity that rivaled Christian claims. The imperial cult, particularly visible in the Zeus–Trajan temple, reinforced political loyalty as a religious act—pressuring Christians to conform or marginalize. Inscriptions reveal how embedded these systems were in everyday civic life, making Christianity one voice among many rather than a dominant force. The disappearance of Christianity in Pergamon was not sudden but gradual—likely tied to assimilation, loss of distinctiveness, or inability to sustain a compelling alternative narrative. Archaeology exposes what texts alone cannot: the overwhelming presence of competing worldviews in the same physical space. The story of Pergamon serves as a cautionary tale—movements do not disappear because they begin weak, but because they fail to remain distinct and adaptive over time. The central missiological question emerges: how do movements faithfully engage culture without being absorbed by it? Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson  @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free.  However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture?  “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements.  The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we explore how archaeology, missiology, and the text of Luke-Acts converge to suggest that Theophilus may have been closer to the story than we've ever imagined. Drawing from the archaeological record—from inscriptions in the prytaneion to the civic roles of the Kouretes and temple officials—we explore a compelling possibility: Theophilus was a high-ranking Ephesian, perhaps even a guardian of Artemis, who encountered the message of Jesus in a way that required not just belief… but a complete reordering of allegiance. Have we discovered the identity of Theophilus? Find out on this Ephesiology Podcast. Keywords: Theophilus Luke Acts identity, Ephesos archaeology Christianity, Luke-Acts historical context, Early Christian movement Asia Minor, Artemis cult Ephesus, Prytaneion inscriptions Theophilos, Missiological archaeology, Kouretes Artemis Ephesus, Luke nativity hymns Artemis parallel, Roman elite conversion Christianity, Gospel contextualization vs missiology, Gods Emperors Philosophers New Movement, Archaeology and Bible interpretation, First century Ephesus Christianity Key Takeaways Theophilus was likely a real, high-status individual, not a symbolic or anonymous figure Luke's use of “most excellent” (kratiste) indicates elite social standing within Greco-Roman society Archaeological evidence from Ephesus (inscriptions and coinage) points to identifiable Theophiluses in the first century Theophilus may have held significant civic and religious roles such as Kouretes, temple administrator (neopoi), or priest of Artemis This places Theophilus at the center of Ephesian religious, political, and social life Luke's narrative aligns closely with the known historical and civic realities of the Roman world Luke employs missiological parallelisms to connect Jesus' story with Theophilus's cultural and religious framework Examples include contrasts between Jesus and Artemis (savior, nativity, temple practices, hymns) Conversion to Jesus would have required a radical shift in allegiance, involving social, economic, and religious consequences Theophilus represents a case of “religious switching” among the elite Luke models careful, precise, and contextually meaningful communication rather than shallow proclamation His goal is certainty about Jesus, not merely persuasion or rapid conversion Effective mission involves both deep theological clarity and cultural intelligibility Engagement with influential leaders is essential for long-term movement sustainability Modern church planting movements must balance rapid expansion with depth of discipleship Luke prioritizes the depth and integrity of the message over pragmatic efficiencyThe religious ecosystem of Pergamon was deeply layered—healing cults, imperial worship, and traditional deities all competed for allegiance. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson  @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free.  However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture?  “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements.  The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we explore how archaeology, missiology, and the text of Luke-Acts converge to suggest that Theophilus may have been closer to the story than we've ever imagined. Drawing from the archaeological record—from inscriptions in the prytaneion to the civic roles of the Kouretes and temple officials—we explore a compelling possibility: Theophilus was a high-ranking Ephesian, perhaps even a guardian of Artemis, who encountered the message of Jesus in a way that required not just belief… but a complete reordering of allegiance. Have we discovered the identity of Theophilus? Find out on this Ephesiology Podcast. Keywords: Theophilus Luke Acts identity, Ephesos archaeology Christianity, Luke-Acts historical context, Early Christian movement Asia Minor, Artemis cult Ephesus, Prytaneion inscriptions Theophilos, Missiological archaeology, Kouretes Artemis Ephesus, Luke nativity hymns Artemis parallel, Roman elite conversion Christianity, Gospel contextualization vs missiology, Gods Emperors Philosophers New Movement, Archaeology and Bible interpretation, First century Ephesus Christianity Key Takeaways Theophilus was likely a real, high-status individual, not a symbolic or anonymous figure Luke's use of “most excellent” (kratiste) indicates elite social standing within Greco-Roman society Archaeological evidence from Ephesus (inscriptions and coinage) points to identifiable Theophiluses in the first century Theophilus may have held significant civic and religious roles such as Kouretes, temple administrator (neopoi), or priest of Artemis This places Theophilus at the center of Ephesian religious, political, and social life Luke's narrative aligns closely with the known historical and civic realities of the Roman world Luke employs missiological parallelisms to connect Jesus' story with Theophilus's cultural and religious framework Examples include contrasts between Jesus and Artemis (savior, nativity, temple practices, hymns) Conversion to Jesus would have required a radical shift in allegiance, involving social, economic, and religious consequences Theophilus represents a case of “religious switching” among the elite Luke models careful, precise, and contextually meaningful communication rather than shallow proclamation His goal is certainty about Jesus, not merely persuasion or rapid conversion Effective mission involves both deep theological clarity and cultural intelligibility Engagement with influential leaders is essential for long-term movement sustainability Modern church planting movements must balance rapid expansion with depth of discipleship Luke prioritizes the depth and integrity of the message over pragmatic efficiencyThe religious ecosystem of Pergamon was deeply layered—healing cults, imperial worship, and traditional deities all competed for allegiance. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson  @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free.  However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture?  “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements.  The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

Fr. Peter George Flynn continues his Holy Thursday series, arriving at the third station of Our Lord's Passion: the house of Caiaphas. He traces the trial before the high priest, the false witnesses, the moment Christ declares himself, and the blows that followed, before fast-forwarding to show us the same Caiaphas utterly confounded by the […] L'articolo Catechesis – The Seven Church Pilgrimage: The House of Caiaphas, Pergamon and St. Philip Neri – Fr Peter George Flynn OFM proviene da Radio Maria.

Scholl, Andreas www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Fazit

With Antiochus III having sent delegates to Rome, it is up to the Senate to decide what to do with the defeated Seleucid kingdom. The results definitely please Eumenes II of a newly expanded Pergamon, but the Seleucids are not so happy. As of 188 BCE, it is back behind the Taurus mountains we go- forever this time...Sources for this episode:TBA

The newly enthroned Demetrius I Soter managed to instill a degree of order throughout the Seleucid realm, crushing the would-be king Timarchos in Babylonia and the rebellion of Judas Maccabee. Yet his behavior abroad alienated many of the other kings like Attalus II of Pergamon and Ptolemy VI, who in turn bankrolled the ambitions of another Seleucid usurper: Alexander Balas, the (supposed) lost son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Episode Notes: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/112-the-seleucid-empire-breaking-the-hammer/) Episode Transcript: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/112-the-seleucid-empire-breaking-the-hammer-transcript.pdf) Social Media: Twitter (https://twitter.com/HellenisticPod) Facebook (www.facebook.com/hellenisticagepodcast/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hellenistic_age_podcast/) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/hellenisticpod.bsky.social) Show Merchandise: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HellenisticAgePod) Redbubble (https://www.redbubble.com/people/HellenisticPod/shop?asc=u) Donations: Patreon (https://patreon.com/TheHellenisticAgePodcast) Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/hellenisticagepodcast) Amazon Book Wish List (https://tinyurl.com/vfw6ask)

Polyxenides plays hide and seek with his Rhodian rival Pausistratus, and Antiochus III teams up with his son- now crown prince Seleucus- to attack the city of Pergamon.Sources for this episode:Bevan, E. R. (1966), The House of Seleucus (Vol. II). New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc.Livy (1983), Rome and the Mediterranean. Translated by H. Bettensen. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books Ltd.Smith; W. (ed.) (1867), Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. In Three Volumes (Vol. 1-3.). Boston: Little, Brown, And Company.

Episode: 1456 In which paper goes from China to Europe by way of Samarkand.  Today, paper makes a long journey.

This is the 3rd church in the book of Revelation. They had their issues that Jesus addressed. But we can see what they were doing and learn from their mistakes.

Today we're talking about even more updates on the Epstein saga! We'll talk about some wild TikTok theories that will get into Ghislaine Maxwell's father Robert Maxwell with his death, his publishing empire (defining a "Pergamom" as Satan's Throne), McGraw-Hill's merger with Maxwell's Macmillan (Alice in Wonderland symbolism), ChatGPT disinformation, Ghislaine updates, prison video findings, Peter Thiel & Palantir, major housekeeping updates and Isaac's new store at OccultSymbolism.com (with Mushroominati Watcher coffee!), Oklahoma City bombing theories about Timothy McVeigh being alive and IT'S MURDAAAA on CEOs and billionaires! We'll also hit those August Tier 2 shoutouts for the Patreon.com/BreakingSocialNorms supporters!FULL SHOW NOW UP AD-FREE with early access on Patreon.com/BreakingSocialNorms and Apple Podcast Premium; free feed gets it one day later! LINKS:Check out the TikTok compilation video about the subjects we're discussing on this episode: https://rumble.com/v6x628y-breaking-social-norms-epstein-maxwells-trump-and-palantir-tiktok-compilatio.htmlGet the MushroominatiWatcher coffee at OccultSymbolism.com!You can now sign up for our commercial-free version of the show with a Patreon exclusive bonus show called “Morning Coffee w/ the Weishaupts” at Patreon.com/BreakingSocialNorms  OR subscribe on the Apple Podcasts app to get all the same bonus “Morning Coffee” episodes AD-FREE with early access! (*Patreon is also NOW enabled to connect with Spotify! https://rb.gy/r34zj)Want more?…Index of all previous episodes on free feed: https://breakingsocialnorms.com/2021/03/22/index-of-archived-episodes/Leave a review or rating wherever you listen and we'll see what you've got to say!Follow us on the socials:instagram.com/theweishaupts2/Check out Isaac's conspiracy podcasts, merch, etc:AllMyLinks.com/IsaacWOccult Symbolism and Pop Culture (on all podcast platforms or IlluminatiWatcher.com)Isaac Weishaupt's book are all on Amazon and Audible; *author narrated audiobooks*STATEMENT: This show is full of Isaac's and Josie's useless opinions and presented for entertainment purposes. Audio clips used in Fair Use and taken from YouTube videos.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 — What do Alice in Wonderland, MKUltra and your favorite textbooks from school have in common?00:00:51 — The ChatGPT teaser generator fails again00:04:04 — Big announcement teaser & Patreon Tier 2 shout-outs00:04:36 — TikTok rabbit holes and curated conspiracies00:05:53 — Dissecting Trump's connection to Epstein & Ghislaine00:07:28 — Virginia Giuffre's deposition and conflicting reports00:09:12 — JD Vance, technocrats, and political chess moves00:10:53 — Democrats, the Epstein list, and Clinton protection00:12:47 — Was McGraw-Hill really owned by Robert Maxwell?00:15:00 — Pergamon, Satan's throne, and the publishing empire00:20:10 — Did book nerds kill Robert Maxwell? Yacht death mystery00:22:33 — Lewis Carroll, MKUltra, and suspicious publishing logos00:24:23 — British Empire conspiracy and Francis Bacon theory00:31:12 — Controlling the narrative: why elites buy media & books00:54:20 — Ghislaine housed in Epstein's prison — again

“Compromise will destroy your faith.” Join us as we learn that God has great things in store for us but when we compromise it only hurts us!

“Compromise will destroy your faith.” Join us as we learn that God has great things in store for us but when we compromise it only hurts us!

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In the calm before the storm, we examine what was going on in Anatolia. Achaeus the Younger has been a rising power since he's been free to romp round the peninsula, squaring off against Attalus I of Pergamon and whoever else he comes across. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Espenak, F., NASA (date unknown) Solar Eclipses of Historical Interest (online) (Accessed 19/07/2024). Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Translated by W. R. Paton. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), List of solar eclipses in antiquity (online) (Accessed 19/07/2024).

In this special, in between seasons, compilation, we mash together our previous four episodes about the last book of the New Testament. The finest final chapter. The most metal maelstrom of mayhem and madness. The epilogue to end all epilogues. The volume of vengeful violence that is, the Book of Revelation! Volume 1 contains the previously released episodes,Book of Revelation 00 Prologue of the EpilogueBook of Revelation 01 First Chapter of the Final ChapterBook of Revelation 02 Where Satan DwellsBook of Revelation 03 I Will Come In To Him Many apologists, theologians, academics, historians and scholars have pondered the inclusion of this Lovecraftian hallucination in the final draft of the Chri$tian Bible. We will look at the various theories as they come up.  The prologue includes cameo appearances from, The Bible, the Rapture, John of Patmos, Roman Emperors Domitian, Vespasian, Titus, Nero and Caligula. We'll also meet Epaphroditus, Eusebius, Josephus and D.H. Lawrence. Did you know you are blessed just to read it or hear it read? Did you now this book is a cornerstone of conspiracy theories like Flat Earth Theory and the Holy Trinity? Does it allude to the Holy Ghost or the Archangels? What's the deal with John and the number seven? Will we see the saviour coming in the clouds? Will he or won't he have a two edged sword in his mouth? Will he sound like a fart or diarrhoea? Did you know it gives you a description including but not limited to Christ's breasts? And why does John mansplain away his poetic metaphors? I chapter two, John will explain to the church of Ephesus just how much the ultimate creator god of the entire universe is upset about a wife swapping cult of Nicolaitanes. John explains quantum physics to the church in Smyrna and proves once and for all Jesus is Schrodinger's Cat.John doxes Satan's home in Pergamon.And among the church in Thyatira, we finally meet, Jezebel! And she does not disappoint. She repented not!Is this book prophecy of a future still to come?Is this book a coded message of rebellion for the early Chri$tian freedom fighters in their struggle with the Roman Empire?Is this book xenophobic propaganda to stop Hellenising?Who cares? It's got Hell, Armageddon, Antipas, the brazen bull, Zeus, Balaam, Balac, the children of Israel, Canaanites, angels, a talking donkey, fornication, Motorhead, Lemmy, Frankenfurter, Sardis, playstation, Christmas, Philadelphia, David, Cheech, Chong, Cheech and Chong, Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Ron DeSantis, Disney World, robux, Laodiceans, Donald Trump, Mordor and the Roman Empire  #666 #SketchComedy #Sketch #Comedy #Sketch Comedy #Atheist #Science #History #Atheism #Antitheist #ConspiracyTheory #Conspiracy #Conspiracies #Sceptical #Scepticism #Mythology #Religion #Devil #Satan #Bible #Skeptic #Debunk #SatanIsMySuperhero #Podcast #funny #sketch #skit #comedy #comedyshow #comedyskits #HeavyMetal #weird #RomanEmpire #Rome #AncientRome #Romans #RomanEmperor 

Despite a controversial rise to the throne, King Perseus showed himself to be an able ruler. Continuing his father's policies of restoring the strength of Macedonia, he earned a positive reputation across the Greek world through his philanthropy and general good behavior. His rising popularity earned the enmity of those like Eumenes II of Pergamon, who accused Perseus of secretly carrying out plans for a war against the Roman Republic, inheriting his father's schemes. Tensions would soon boil over, and the king would find himself in the crosshairs of the Senate, leading to the Third Macedonian War. Episode Notes: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/2024/11/21/102-antigonid-macedon-sins-of-the-father/) Episode Transcript: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/102-antigonid-macedon-sins-of-the-father-transcript.pdf) Social Media: Twitter (https://twitter.com/HellenisticPod) Facebook (www.facebook.com/hellenisticagepodcast/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hellenistic_age_podcast/) Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/hellenisticagepodcast) Show Merchandise: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HellenisticAgePod) Redbubble (https://www.redbubble.com/people/HellenisticPod/shop?asc=u) Donations: Patreon (https://patreon.com/TheHellenisticAgePodcast) Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/hellenisticagepodcast) Amazon Book Wish List (https://tinyurl.com/vfw6ask)

Yuval Noah Harari's best-selling Sapiens explored human's extraordinary progress alongside the capacity to spin stories. In Nexus he focuses on how those stories have been shared and manipulated, and how the flow of information has made, and unmade, our world. With examples from the ancient world, to contemporary democracies and authoritarian regimes, he pits the pursuit of truth against the desire to control the narrative. And warns against the dangers of allowing AI to dominate information networks, leading to the possible end of human history.The classicist, Professor Edith Hall, looks at how information flowed in Ancient Greece, and how the great libraries of Alexandria and Pergamon were precursors to the World Wide Web. Homer wrote about intelligent machines in his epic poetry, which suggests that the human desire for AI goes back a long way, along with the hubris about being in control. By understanding and appreciating the past, Professor Hall argues we can look more clearly at our current condition. Madhumita Murgia is the first Artificial Intelligence Editor of the Financial Times and the author of Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI. She investigates the impact AI can have on individual lives and how we interact with each other. And while there are fears that companies have unleashed exploitative technologies with little public oversight, cutting edge software has unprecedented capacity to speed up scientific discoveries. Producer: Katy Hickman

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:Ezekiel 1-3; Revelations 2 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome, dear ones, to the Daily Radio Bible on this 28th day of August. It's day 241 of our journey through the Bible with your host and Bible reading coach, Hunter. Today we dive into the scriptures as always, focusing on transformation by the God who is love. Our readings take us through Ezekiel chapters 1 to 3, and then onto Revelation chapter 2. Hunter guides us through Ezekiel's profound visions, his divine calling, and the Lord's messages to a rebellious Israel. Wisdom and warnings from Revelation follow, as Christ addresses the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, and Thyatira. Join us as we seek to listen with open hearts to what the Spirit is saying to the churches, finding comfort and guidance in God's presence among us. Let's gather around the Word and discover that Jesus is right here with us, in the midst of our lives. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with scripture, prayer, and reflections on God's enduring love. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

We're switching things up and putting Ellen in the hot seat today! Listen to her guest interview on Season 1 of Honeybook's Independent Business Podcast, the show that uncovers the science of self-made success.In this conversation with our friend Natalie Franke, we get into the science of asking good questions that get responses and get you paid - including the best way to end every email, how to approach collaborations, combating doubt as a business owner, and the biggest differentiator between businesses that succeed and ones that fail. Not only does Ellen draw from her own experiences to share these insights, but Natalie pulls in the proof with science-backed stats.This episode is filled with actionable insights for all independent business owners!By the way, if you're looking for an all-in-one platform to book clients, manage projects, and get paid faster, have business flow your way with Honeybook. Try it free for 7 days (no credit card required) and save 50% off your first year when you go to https://ellenyin.com/honeybookView the transcript for this episode at: https://otter.ai/u/slOuzRSiU9kBzaU6LvRJdGJ3wwg?utm_source=copy_urlFollow the Independent Business Podcast:podcast.honeybook.cominstagram.com/honeybookHosted by instagram.com/akuakonadu_Cubicle to CEO Episodes You Should Check Out:Bonus #28 w/ Natalie Franke: https://link.chtbl.com/a3IY4AiUEpisode #54 w/ Natalie Franke: https://link.chtbl.com/X45QLdMiOur Income Report Episodes: https://ellenyin.com/incomereportSources Mentioned in this Episode:JSTOR 1993 StudyJournal of Applied Psychology StudyHubermanlab.comHuberman, Andrew. “Using Play to Rewire and Improve Your Brain.” Huberman Lab PodcastSiviy, Stephen M., and Jaak Panksepp. “In Search of the Neurobiological Substrates for Social Playfulness in Mammalian Brains.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Pergamon, 15 Mar. 2011Mcleod, Saul. “Social Roles.” Social Roles and Social Norms , Simply Psychology, 2008Google Study on Psychological SafetyIconic business leaders all have their own unique genius. Take this quick 10 question quiz to uncover your specific CEO style advantage: https://ellenyin.com/quizIf you enjoyed today's episode, please:Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @missellenyin & @cubicletoceo so we can repost you.Leave a positive review or rating at www.ratethispodcast.com/cubicletoceoSubscribe for new episodes every Monday.Join our C-Suite membership to get bonus episodes! Check out everything our members get at https://ellenyin.com/csuite

Just like today, our ancient ancestors would utilize magic through the use of amulets, talismans and other materials. Some of these we have to this day, and many are on display in museums around the world- amazing snapshots of magical beliefs of a bygone age. But these objects have much to tell us not only about the sorts of magic we used to do, but the spiritual and magical ecosystems from where they were produced. Helping us examine these amazing ancient magical artefacts is an Archeologist of Ancient Magic- Dr. Kirsten Dzwiza!

Rome hoped that the Peace of Apamea would instill some sort of order over the eastern Mediterranean, allowing them to return to Italy after decades of warfare. Yet the vacuum of power left behind in a post-Seleucid Asia Minor would lead to fierce competition, with those like Eumenes II of Pergamon and Pharnaces I of Pontus waging war against their neighbors. The desire of the Achaean League to dominate the Peloponnese would lead to the end of an independent Sparta and the butting of heads with the Republic. While this was happening abroad, the consequences of Rome's new role as hegemon over the Mediterranean would begin to rear its ugly head on the Senate floor, and the final years of the 180s would see the departure of three key figures of the day: Hannibal Barca, Philopoemen of Megalopolis, and Scipio Africanus. Episode Notes: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/2024/01/22/094-the-senate-vs-scipio-africanus/) Episode Transcript: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/094-the-senate-vs-scipio-africanus-transcript.pdf) Social Media: Twitter (https://twitter.com/HellenisticPod) Facebook (www.facebook.com/hellenisticagepodcast/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hellenistic_age_podcast/) Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/hellenisticagepodcast) Show Merchandise: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HellenisticAgePod) Redbubble (https://www.redbubble.com/people/HellenisticPod/shop?asc=u) Donations: Patreon (https://patreon.com/TheHellenisticAgePodcast) Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/hellenisticagepodcast) Amazon Book Wish List (https://tinyurl.com/vfw6ask)