The Church History Project The Church History Project

In this season finale, explore God's providential plan in scattering the Jewish people prior to the time of Christ, setting the context for the rapid spread of the gospel message across the Roman world. We'll also preview the coming destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the explosive launch of the Christian movement in Season 2.



Episode Overview


The scattering of the Jewish people (the Diaspora) established vibrant communities primed to receive the gospel
Some Hellenized Jews like Philo attempted to bridge Judaism with Greek philosophy
Sincere "God-fearers" embraced Jewish ethics and worship while avoiding full conversion
Simmering Jewish resentment against Roman rule foreshadowed Jerusalem's coming demise
The stage was uniquely set for the gospel to quickly traverse the Roman world

Discussion Questions


Why do you think God allowed the scattering of His people centuries before Christ? What purpose might this have served?
How did diaspora Jews attempt to maintain their cultural identity? What challenges did this pose?
In what ways were the God-fearing Gentiles an important precursor to the spread of Christianity?
How do you see God's sovereignty displayed even through rising tensions and coming catastrophes?
As we anticipate season 2, what most excites you about the origin stories of our faith? How might this better equip us to live out our calling today?

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.


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


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This episode explores the Essenes, a mysterious Jewish sect that emerged in Judea during the Second Temple period. These ascetic communities pursued spiritual purity by withdrawing into the wilderness, embracing ritual washing, celibacy, and fervent expectation of the coming Messiah.


Episode Overview
The episode covers the origins of the Essenes, their connections to the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran, their practices of communal living, ritual purification, celibacy, and avoidance of oaths, as well as their apocalyptic beliefs about one or more Messiah figures who would usher in a new age. It concludes by touching on the meaning and application for Christians today.

Discussion Questions


Why do you think the Essenes felt compelled to separate themselves and pursue an extreme lifestyle? What were they seeking?
Do you see any similarities between the Essenes' ritual washings and Christian baptism? What is the significance of water in both cases?
The Essenes fervently awaited the coming Messiah. How might this challenge or inspire us in our own walk with Christ?
What lessons can Christians today learn from the radical devotion and spiritual passion displayed by the Essenes? In what ways did they have misguided beliefs?
How might this episode give us a glimpse into the diversity of Jewish belief and practice in Jesus' day?


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.


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



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This episode explores the rise of the Zealots, a militant Jewish faction who fiercely resisted Roman occupation in the 1st century AD. We examine their origins, beliefs, anticipation of the Messiah to deliver them, and how their vision ultimately collided with Jesus'.



Episode Overview

The Zealots emerged in Judea when it was under Roman rule. They fiercely defended the Torah and Jewish customs, violently opposing any perceived threat. They eagerly awaited a militaristic Messiah who would lead them into battle against the Romans. The episode analyzes their ideology and methods, including their turn to extreme violence. It also reflects on what lessons Christians can draw regarding the dangers of fusing divine purposes with violence and how Jesus confounded expectations by absorbing hatred rather than reacting violently toward his enemies.


Discussion Questions


Do you see any similarities between the Zealots' views and certain religious movements today? What warnings does this group from history provide?
How did Jesus confound Jewish expectations of the Messiah as a military liberator? What does His path of radical, upside-down love teach us?
When is civil disobedience justified? How should followers of Christ stand up to injustice while still loving enemies and avoiding violence?
How can Christians maintain holy "zeal" for God while avoiding self-righteousness or hostility to those who disagree with our beliefs?
What lessons can the church today learn from how early Jewish Christians like Simon the Zealot channeled their passion from rebellion to spreading the Gospel?


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.


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


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This episode explores the Pharisees, a devout group within Judaism known for strictly adhering to religious laws and traditions. We'll examine their origins, beliefs, and their interactions with Jesus and the early Church.



Episode Overview


The Pharisees emerged from scribes and scholars who upheld Jewish faith and identity during Babylonian exile
They zealously followed both biblical laws and "oral tradition" of interpretations that had developed over centuries
The Pharisees believed perfect obedience to God's laws was key to Israel's sovereignty
They came into conflict with Jesus over legalism versus compassion towards sinners
Early Christians also clashed with Pharisees over the divinity/messiahship of Jesus
Lessons for Christians today about avoiding legalism and modeling Christ's grace

Discussion Questions


Why is it easy for Christians to focus more on rules and rituals than having a compassionate heart?
How can we strike a biblical balance between truth/doctrine and grace/love?
What lessons can we learn from the Pharisees about avoiding spiritual pride or legalism?
How should Jesus' critiques of the Pharisees inform how we share our faith with nonbelievers?
What stood out to you most about the Pharisees from this episode? How might it shape your walk with Christ?


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.


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


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This episode provides background on the Sadducees, an elite group of priests and aristocrats who wielded power in Judea during Jesus' time. It covers their role in society, theological beliefs, political cooperation with Rome, and involvement in Jesus' trial.

Episode Overview


The Sadducees were a small but influential faction that controlled the Jerusalem Temple rituals and the Jewish high court.
They rejected the Oral Torah and the afterlife, sparking conflict with the Pharisees.
As wealthy elites, they partnered with Roman rulers to retain local power.
They condemned Jesus to crucifixion to eliminate a threat to their authority.

Discussion Questions


Why is it important to understand the historical context Jesus lived in? What insights does it provide?
What modern parallels do you see to the Sadducees' use of religion to secure power and status? How should followers of Jesus respond?
How can prestige blind us from recognizing truth today? What practices help keep us focused on Christ above all else?

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.


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


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This episode provides critical background on the complex political history between Rome and Judea that set the stage for Jesus' ministry and the dawn of Christianity around 30 AD.

Episode Overview


The episode begins by tracing the origins of Roman-Jewish relations to a small treaty between the Roman Republic and Jewish Maccabees in 161 BC. This pact would foreshadow future Roman interference in Judea.
A request for Roman arbitration in a later Jewish civil war opened the door for conquest under Pompey in 63 BC. Judea lost independence and became a Roman client state under figurehead leaders like the ethnarch Hyrcanus.
Eventually, Herod the Great, a ruthless Roman puppet king, rose to power. After his death, Judea came under direct Roman governance. Unrest led Emperor Augustus to install procurators like Pontius Pilate to oversee the territories.
Jesus emerged from this matrix of Jewish culture and identity shaped by centuries of foreign domination. The political climate set the stage for the dawn of Christianity.

Discussion Questions


How might the loss of self-rule in Judea shaped Jewish hopes for a messiah who would liberate them?
In what ways did Roman toleration of Jewish customs create space for early Christianity to spread?
How did God use the tense relationship between the Roman Empire and Judea to prepare the way for Jesus?
What lessons can the political turmoil of first-century Judea teach us about finding hope in chaotic times today?
How might remembering the Jewish roots of our faith help modern Christians gain insight into the biblical context?

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.

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




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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/church-history-project/message