Scholars of Protestant and Secular stripes have cast doubt on the existence of a “Great Church” from the era of the apostles through the history of the early church, opting instead for an early plurality that eventually ossifies into a “Great Church” that suppresses rival Christianities. Here, the brothers directly challenge this telling of the story, insisting that the unity of the Church preceded plurality, as demonstrated in the writings of such figures as Clement of Rome and Ignatius of...

We made it! Time to begin our journey through Christianity’s second century. In this brief overview, the Brothers offer a preview of topics they will cover in this most fascinating of centuries for the development of the Faith.

What is with all of those references to white garments, two angels, serpent staffs, candle stands, fire, bread from heaven, etc, in the Johannine writings?? In their final, extended Episode on the 1st century Church, the brothers take a fascinating, deep dive into the place of Temple theology in St John’s experience of Jesus. You DO NOT want to miss this one!

As the Vatican continues its development towards “synodality” with a decentralized papacy, many Anglican bishops have found the culmination of their theological journey naturally ending in the other direction: a firm acceptance of the Roman Church’s primacy. The conversion of Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali perhaps marks one of the most significant Anglican conversions of our generation, and he was preceded by at least three other Anglican bishops in just a few short months. What do these...

In this episode, the Brothers offer a substantive introduction to the Gospel of John, paying particular attention to what distinguishes it from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They address arguments from scholarly skeptics who would insist that John’s Gospel is a later, Hellenistic work and instead place it firmly within 1st century Palestinian milieu. But, more importantly, the Brothers map out John’s spiritual journey stemming from his life with Jesus, ultimately bringing him to the...

The eagle, the youngest follower of Jesus, the “beloved disciple,” the last Apostle to die: there are many cursory things that we know about St John the Evangelist. However, there is perhaps no Apostle more shrouded in mystery and able to peak curiosity than John. In this episode, the Brothers begin their journey through the “Johannine Tradition,” which becomes a necessary bridge between the first and second century Christian movement, effectively connecting the first Fathers of the Church...

Pope Francis recently made headlines for allegedly claiming that the Ten Commandments are not moral “absolutes.” In response, Taylor Marshall released videos accusing Francis of committing Lutheran heresies. For years, Traditional Catholics have gravitated to Taylor Marshall’s YouTube channel, making him an internet sensation and household name in the TLM community. In this episode, we demonstrate why the rise of Taylor Marshall and his brand of fundamentalism continues to be a barrier to...

On Sunday, August 15 2021, Horselord Films released its first episode in a documentary Trilogy called “Mass of the Ages.” Apart from a cameo in the film by our very own Daniel Alspach, here the Brothers offer their reaction to the first episode and their ultimate hope for the full documentary!

As profound changes are afoot in Israelite religion at the time of Jesus, the prophetic tradition continues to wane among the religious establishment but begins to flourish among the Nazarenes. This episode is ALL THINGS PROPHECY— what was the place of the early Christian prophetic office? Who were some first and second century prophets? What did Christian prophecy sound like? What were its forms? Tune in to find out!

Let’s take a deep dive into the charismatic gift of Prophecy and how it functioned in the life of the earliest Christian communities. In this first of two parts, the brothers retrace how the Holy Spirit moved the prophetic office in Israelite history, leading seamlessly into the life of the New Testament communities.

In this fascinating episode, Daniel recounts the day that he was brought face to face with the actual bones of Saint Peter while on a trip to Rome! You won’t want to miss this riveting story and the Brothers’ reflections on its significance, personally, theologically, and historically.

What are the limits of technology and human progress? What is the purpose of human ingenuity? Join the Brothers and Johnny Rokosz as they review Jurassic Park, a monumental film of the 90’s, and tackle the big questions that the film presents to our culture!

Was Peter the first Pope of Rome? Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox have debated this pivotal question for centuries. The Brothers offer their perspective here— leave your own thoughts in the comments!

In Part 2, the Brothers discuss the destruction of Jerusalem and the effects that this cataclysmic event had on the future of two surviving forms of Judaism: Rabbinical and Christian. In addition, the fall of the Jerusalem Christian community signaled a shift in the broader Church’s center of gravity.

In this (Part 1 of 2) Zoom, the Brothers recount the structure, influence, and eventual fall of the Jewish Christian community gathered around James, the brother of Jesus.

No episode on Baptism would be complete without a treatment of infant baptism. In this Episode, the Brothers address the “who” of first century baptisms and describe the very early tradition of administering milk and honey in the newly baptized person’s first Eucharist.

What did a first century baptism actually look like? In this fascinating two-part episode, the Brothers commence reconstructing the rite of Baptism as the first Christians would have practiced it by drawing upon textual, archaeological, epigraphic, and historiographical sources.

Daniel and Steven present the apostolic view(s) of Baptism in the first century. Where did this ritual come from? What did it mean for the first Christians? And how was the sacrament structured? Join the conversation!

In his article published March 2, 2021, Bishop Robert Barron positioned his "Word on Fire" ministry somewhere between the liberal Catholics on one end and the "arch-traditionalists" on the other. In this off-the-set Zoom session the Brothers review the Bishop's article and offer up their perspective on liberals, Word on Fire, and the "arch-traditionalists."

For a topic of monumental importance for the future of Christianity, the Council of Jerusalem is often given only a cursory treatment by scholars and podcasters alike. Here, the Brothers reconstruct the council and flesh out the details.  Who was there? Where was it held? What were the arguments all about? And, finally, what was the resolution? 

Taking a brief reprieve from their First 500 Years series, the brothers team up with Johnny Rokosz of Whiteball Productions for UPON REVIEW. This month they critique another childhood favorite, The Little Mermaid. Culturally, artistically, and theologically, what sort of message did this Disney classic communicate to children?

It may come as a great surprise to some that the Church’s first major debate did not happen after the apostles ministry but that it happened among the apostles themselves! Join the brothers as they unpack a moment of great division within the nascent Jerusalem Church and lay out just what was at stake in this quarrel. 

The Brothers move on to the next aspect of the “threefold pattern:” The Teaching of the Apostles. What was the gist of the Apostles’ first preaching campaigns and what really propelled them to boldly proclaim this message in Jerusalem? Lastly, what dangers lie ahead as the Apostles begin to consider the implications of their message?

Join the Brothers as they imagine the first Christian liturgies! They’ve mined the New Testament, archeological discoveries, and other first century sources to give us a glimpse into the primitive Mass, while offering some pertinent takeaways for today’s Church.

The Brothers now turn to the “breaking of the bread.” What was this new Christian meal? How did it emerge? What was its significance in the eyes of the Apostles? These questions and more are addressed in this 3rd episode of “The First 500 Years.”