What if you could sit across from someone who spoke with those who walked with Jesus, but everything he told you sounded almost too strange to believe? Papias of Hierapolis claimed to preserve eyewitness testimony from the apostolic generation, including bizarre sayings of Jesus about supernatural vineyards and a grotesque account of Judas' death that will haunt you. This bishop's writings have vanished from history, leaving only fragments that raise an urgent question: Was he a faithful guardian of apostolic truth, or a well-meaning collector of legendary embellishments? Tune in now to learn why the early Church couldn't decide either, and why it matters for how we understand the Gospels today.

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Head over to our ⁠private Facebook community⁠, where listeners discuss episodes, grapple with historical questions, and share insights on how these ancient stories shape our faith today. It's a place for genuine conversation with fellow church history enthusiasts, from seasoned scholars to curious newcomers.

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Subscribe to the free ⁠Substack ⁠and receive each podcast episode delivered directly to your email every week, complete with full transcripts. During off-weeks, you'll also receive a devotional blog post exploring spiritual themes connected to recent episodes—perfect for personal reflection or small group discussion.

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Become a paid ⁠Substack⁠ subscriber to access devotional/historical study guides for each episode. Your subscription directly supports the creation of more episodes and helps keep church history accessible to everyone.

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Want to support the podcast with a one-time gift or ongoing contribution? Head to ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠, where you can encourage this work in whatever way makes sense for you. Every contribution helps cover production costs and makes future episodes possible.For any other questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com.

For nearly two millennia, Christianity's oldest instruction manual lay hidden in a dusty monastery until its explosive rediscovery in 1873 shocked the scholarly world. Written when some believers may have personally known the apostles, this lost text reveals how the earliest Christians prayed, worshiped, baptized, and protected their communities from infiltrators. What surprising practices did they observe that challenge our modern assumptions? And what urgent warning about Christ's return did they leave for us? Discover the ancient handbook that bridges the gap between the New Testament and the church we know today in this episode on The Didache.

Connect & Go Deeper

Join the ConversationHead over to our ⁠private Facebook community⁠, where listeners discuss episodes, grapple with historical questions, and share insights on how these ancient stories shape our faith today. It's a place for genuine conversation with fellow church history enthusiasts, from seasoned scholars to curious newcomers.

Get Episodes & More in Your InboxSubscribe to the free ⁠Substack ⁠and receive each podcast episode delivered directly to your email every week, complete with full transcripts. During off-weeks, you'll also receive a devotional blog post exploring spiritual themes connected to recent episodes—perfect for personal reflection or small group discussion.

Unlock Premium ContentBecome a paid ⁠Substack⁠ subscriber to access devotional/historical study guides for each episode. Your subscription directly supports the creation of more episodes and helps keep church history accessible to everyone.

Buy Me a CoffeeWant to support the podcast with a one-time gift or ongoing contribution? Head to ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠, where you can encourage this work in whatever way makes sense for you. Every contribution helps cover production costs and makes future episodes possible.

For any other questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com.

What kind of pastor, arrested and chained for execution, spends his final journey not begging for mercy but writing letters to churches—urging them not to save him? Ignatius of Antioch embraced martyrdom with a strength that both inspires and challenges us today. In this episode, we follow his harrowing journey from arrest to the Roman Colosseum and explore the seven powerful letters he penned along the way. His story raises an uncomfortable question: what are we truly willing to sacrifice for Christ?

Connect & Go Deeper

Join the Conversation
Head over to our private Facebook community, where listeners discuss episodes, grapple with historical questions, and share insights on how these ancient stories shape our faith today. It's a place for genuine conversation with fellow church history enthusiasts, from seasoned scholars to curious newcomers.

Get Episodes & More in Your Inbox
Subscribe to the free Substack and receive each podcast episode delivered directly to your email every week, complete with full transcripts. During off-weeks, you'll also receive a devotional blog post exploring spiritual themes connected to recent episodes—perfect for personal reflection or small group discussion.

Unlock Premium Content
Become a paid Substack subscriber to access devotional/historical study guides for each episode. Your subscription directly supports the creation of more episodes and helps keep church history accessible to everyone.

Buy Me a Coffee
Want to support the podcast with a one-time gift or ongoing contribution? Head to Buy Me a Coffee, where you can encourage this work in whatever way makes sense for you. Every contribution helps cover production costs and makes future episodes possible.

For any other questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com.

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I share where things stand with Season 3 of The Church History Project—what's already in the works, what's coming next, and what I’ve been learning along the way. From early research on Ignatius of Antioch to deep dives into the Didache, Papias, and the Epistle of Barnabas, this episode offers a sneak peek at what's ahead. I also talk about future plans for tighter season releases, give a quick update on the paused Season 1 devotional, and share how you can support the podcast through the podcast's Buy Me a Coffee profile. Thanks, as always, for your prayers and encouragement!

We're excited to announce the first episode of Season 3! Stay tuned in the months ahead as the remainder of the season (Lord willing) rolls out.

In this episode, Jared explores the life and legacy of Clement of Rome, one of the influential Apostolic Fathers who bridged the gap between the apostolic age and the expanding church of the second century. Discover how Clement's letter to the Corinthians—written to address division and restore unity—continues to offer timeless wisdom for Christians facing similar challenges today.

Join The Church History Project Facebook group to dive deeper into discussions about the episodes and explore intriguing stories from church history. Visit the group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so through ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠. I truly appreciate your support! If you're on X, follow me there as well.

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.

Hi friends! It’s been a while, but I wanted to share an update with you about The Church History Project. Life has been a balancing act between family, work, and creative pursuits, which led to a short pause in episodes. In this update, I’ll explain the delay, share plans for upcoming episodes, and reveal ideas to enhance your listening experience.

Plus, learn how you can connect with me, support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee, and help spread the word. Your support means everything!

Join me for this behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for the podcast, and thank you for your patience, encouragement, and prayers. New episodes are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to continue this journey through church history with you. God bless!

In this season finale, explore the turbulent reign of Emperor Domitian, his ruthless ambition, and the oppressive persecution he unleashed upon early Christians. This episode looks into the history, paranoia, and imperial cult surrounding Domitian and highlights how faithful believers, including the Apostle John, stood firm against his tyranny. ,

Join The Church History Project Facebook group to dive deeper into discussions about our episodes and explore intriguing stories from church history. Visit the group ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee. We truly appreciate your support!

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.

Episode Overview

• Introduction to Domitian: Background on his rise to power and contrasts with his father, Vespasian, and brother, Titus.
• Domitian’s Reign: His centralization of power, paranoia, and the establishment of emperor worship as a divine ruler.
• Persecution of Christians: Key incidents, including the exile of John to Patmos and the defiance of Flavia Domitilla.
• Revelation’s Imagery: How Domitian’s reign played a role in the apocalyptic visions in the Book of Revelation.
• Domitian’s Death and Legacy: His assassination and the Christian hope that flourished in the aftermath of his reign.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

1. Faith vs. Authority: How do Domitian’s demands for worship as “Lord and God” challenge our understanding of allegiance to Christ over worldly powers?
2. Modern Parallels: In what ways does today’s culture tempt us to compromise our faith? How can we stand firm as early Christians did?
3. Spiritual Resilience: The Apostle John remained faithful during exile. How can his example inspire us to maintain hope and faith during personal trials?
4. Allegiance to Christ: How can we practically declare, “Jesus is Lord,” in a society that often demands our loyalty to other “idols” like success, comfort, or approval?

To join The Church History Project Facebook group and engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we dive into the turbulent era of the Jewish War (66-73 AD) and explore its seismic impact on both Jewish and early Christian communities. Host Jared Luttjeboer walks us through the causes of the conflict, the brutal Roman siege of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. We’ll discuss how this pivotal event fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy, shifted theological perspectives, and reshaped the early Church.

Episode Overview

The episode provides a comprehensive look at the Jewish War, beginning with the political, economic, and religious tensions that fueled the rebellion. Key topics include:

• Causes of the Jewish War: Economic oppression, political corruption, and religious desecration by Roman authorities, which led to widespread unrest and the rise of revolutionary groups.
• Key Battles: Early Jewish victories, such as at Beth Horon, and significant Roman sieges, including the fall of Jotapata and Jerusalem.
• Theological Impact: Jesus’ prophecy about the Temple’s destruction and its perceived fulfillment, strengthening early Christian identity and the theological shift away from the Temple.
• Jewish and Christian Transformations: The episode examines the rise of Rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity’s new mission focus, setting the stage for future global evangelism.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups:

• Jesus prophesied the fall of Jerusalem, which was fulfilled in 70 AD. How does this demonstrate Christ’s authority over history, and how should this impact our faith in His promises today?
• What does the fall of Jerusalem teach us about the seriousness of sin and the consequences of rejecting God’s call? Are there areas in our own lives where we might be resisting Him?
• With the destruction of the Temple, early Christians saw Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, ending the old covenant. How can this understanding deepen our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice?

For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.