Living the Bible

How the 7 Letters Show an Unbroken Continuation of Persecution Since Jesus’ Crucifixion

Was persecution in the early church just a myth? Some modern scholars say yes—but Paul’s seven undisputed letters tell a different story. In this episode of Living the Bible, we explore how persecution began not with Nero or later emperors, but with Jesus himself—and continued through Paul’s ministry and the churches he wrote to. Long before it was empire-wide, suffering was already the daily reality for early Christians. Join us as we uncover the emotional and historical weight of a movement born under threat.

How We Know Paul’s Letters Were Accurately Preserved

How do we know the letters of Paul were preserved accurately before the earliest surviving manuscripts? In this episode, we trace the evidence—from early regional circulation and ancient quotations to how these letters were already being treated as Scripture. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or searching, this episode offers a compelling look at why Paul’s words endured.

How Accurate Are Paul’s Letters? What the Manuscripts and Scholars Say

Can we really know what Paul wrote nearly 2,000 years ago? In this episode, we dive into the manuscript evidence behind the seven letters that even secular scholars agree are authentically Paul's. Whether you approach the Bible with faith or skepticism, the transmission of these ancient letters offers a rare meeting point where historians and believers find surprising agreement. You’ll hear what the earliest manuscripts say, where they came from, and how much—or how little—has changed over time.

When Philosophy Clashed with the Cross: Gentile Rejections of the Christ Hymn

Was early Christianity just one of many competing versions of Jesus? In this episode, we follow the historical evidence—not later legends—to uncover the only four divergent groups from the first century. You’ll see how each one arose after the earliest Christian hymn declared Jesus both divine and crucified. As these groups struggled to make sense of that claim, they broke away, rewrote Scripture, and invented new gospels. If you're not a Christian, this episode offers a surprising look at how the earliest Christian beliefs weren’t slowly invented—but fiercely defended.