Episodes

  • 075 - Firmilian bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia to Cyprian against the letter of Stephen AD 256
    Mar 26 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    46 mins
  • 074 - To Pompey against the epistle of Stephen about the baptism of heretics AD 256
    Mar 25 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    25 mins
  • 073 - To Jubaianus concerning the baptism of heretics AD 256
    Mar 24 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    37 mins
  • 072 - To Pope Stephen concerning a council AD 255
    Mar 23 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    7 mins
  • 071 - To Quintus concerning the baptism of heretics AD 255
    Mar 22 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    7 mins
  • 070 - To Januarius and other Numidian bishops on baptizing heretics AD 255
    Mar 21 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    9 mins
  • 069 - To Florentius Pupianus on calumniators AD 254
    Mar 20 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    15 mins
  • 068 - To the clergy and people abiding in Spain concerning Basilides and Martial AD 254
    Mar 19 2026
    Delve into the compelling story of Thascius Cyprian, born around 200 A.D., whose life transformed dramatically after his conversion in 246 A.D., following his friendship with the Carthaginian presbyter Cæcilius. Raised in a respectable family and well-educated as a rhetorician, Cyprian adopted Cæciliuss name at his baptism, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to Christianitys study and practice. His rapid rise to bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. came with challenges, including resistance from older presbyters who felt threatened by his promotion. Yet, the fervent demand of the community compelled him to accept this sacred role, which he held until his martyrdom in 258 A.D. Cyprians writings are not only of great literary worth but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of early Christianity. His passionate denunciations of those who faltered in their faith reveal the extraordinary conviction and enthusiasm that characterized the Christian experience during a time of profound persecution. This unique perspective invites readers to connect with the fervor of the past, even as it presents a challenge to the modern critical lens. - Summary by Robert Ernest Wallis. As with all historical texts, the language should be interpreted within its broader context. - David Ronald
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    17 mins