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Brianschmisek
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The First Century
Episode 21: Lucius Vitellius orders Pilate to Rome; Death of Tiberius
After one too many provocations, the new Roman governor of Syria orders Pontius Pilate to Rome for a meeting with the emperor. But before he arrives, Tiberius dies at the age of 77. SHOWNOTES The only account of the 'shields incident' appears within Agrippa’s letter to Gaius Caligula as presented by Philo, Embassy 38:299-305. The episode between Pilate and the Samaritans, and Pilate's being ordered to Rome is related by Josephus (Ant. 18.85-89). The story of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus being accused in the Senate of treason, and acts of adulte...
2026-02-14
12 min
The First Century
Episode Twenty: Problems with Parthians; Herod Agrippa imprisoned
The Parthian king, harboring resentment against Tiberius, makes moves against the Roman empire. Tiberius enlists the help of Herod Antipas in dealing with the situation. Herod Agrippa presses his luck with the princeps and ends up under house arrest. SHOWNOTES Artabanus had once penned a letter accusing Tiberius of murdering members of his own family, slaughtering innocent people, neglecting his duties, and indulging his lusts. Artabanus concluded the letter by urging Tiberius to satisfy the deep longings of his subjects and commit suicide (Suet, Tib, 66). Lucius used his deft diplomatic skills to entice A...
2026-02-07
09 min
The First Century
Episode Nineteen: Herod Agrippa's Discontent and Tiberius' musings about an heir
Herod Agrippa and his wife Cypros are unhappy and attempt to change their fortune with mixed results. When updating his will, Tiberius considers his options in naming an heir. SHOWNOTES Alexander Lysimachus, the port official known as the Alabarch, had a brother named Philo, an influential Jewish intellectual. (Jos. Ant. 18.259). Alexander also knew Antonia, the mother of Germanicus, Livilla, and Claudius, as he had acted as Antonia’s steward years earlier. (Jos. Ant. 19.276). In the spring of 36 then, Agrippa left for Italy, whereas his wife and children returned to Judea (Jos Ant...
2026-01-31
09 min
The First Century
Episode Eighteen: Activities on the Island of Capri; Sect of the Nazorean in Jerusalem
Tiberius and the imperial court continue to engage in unusual behavior on Capri. After Gaius's pregnant wife dies, he begins an affair, promising to marry the woman if and when he becomes princeps. Tiberius gives his favorite adolescent boy a nickname and promotes the boy's father to higher office. The sect of the Nazorean continues to grow in Jerusalem. SHOWNOTES Lucius Vitellius visited Gaius. Lucius and his three brothers, Publius, Aulus, and Quintus, came from an equestrian family. Their father, the procurator Publius Vitellius of Nuceria, was a Roman knight and a steward of Augustus’ prop...
2026-01-24
10 min
The First Century
Episode Seventeen: Pentecost in 33
After the death of Jesus over Passover, some of his followers began to make fantastical claims. At Pentecost, Simon Peter addressed Jewish pilgrims about these beliefs, leading some to join the sect of the Nazorean. SHOW NOTES Redemption would come from Mount Zion (Isa 2:2-4; 59:20, the latter cited in Rom 11:26). "Maranatha" (1 Cor 16:22; Didache 10:14) "Afterward he [Jesus] journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mar...
2026-01-17
14 min
The First Century
Episode Sixteen: The Death of Jesus of Nazareth
After Jesus entered Jerusalem to cries of "Hosannah to the Son of David" the political and religious authorities work together to eliminate this potential threat. Show Notes Jesus replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.’” (Luke 13:31-32 NABRE) "If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and you hang him on a tree, his corpse shall not remain on the tree overnight. You must bury it the same day; anyone who is hanged...
2026-01-10
11 min
The First Century
Episode Fifteen: The Death of John the Baptist; The intrigue between Agrippa and Antipas
When Antipas has John executed, Jesus goes into hiding. A debt-ridden Agrippa is encouraged by his wife to seek help from his half-brother, the same Antipas. SHOW NOTES Gemellus (b. 10 Oct 19) was the son of Drusus and Livilla
2026-01-03
08 min
The First Century
Episode Fourteen: The Downfall of Sejanus
Sejanus' past actions finally catch up with him and he is denounced and executed the same day on orders from Tiberius. A period of retribution ensnares family members and others.
2025-12-20
11 min
The First Century
Episode Thirteen: Galilean Pilgrims in Jerusalem; Death of Livia; The Persecution of Agrippina and her two oldest sons.
In Jerusalem some Galilean pilgrims run into trouble when making a sacrifice. Livia, the Augusta, passes away at the age of 84, attributing her long life to the regular consumption of a particular wine. And with her passing, Sejanus has an opening to eliminate Agrippina and her two oldest sons.
2025-12-13
09 min
The First Century
Episode Twelve: John the Baptist, mentor to Jesus of Nazareth
John the Baptist finds a worthy apprentice in the person of Jesus, from the small village of Nazareth in Galilee. Together they baptize many people before John is arrested by Herod Antipas, driving Jesus into hiding. The imprisoned John has a question for Jesus who replies with a mix of scripture and a beatitude for John himself.
2025-12-06
09 min
The First Century
Episode Eleven: Herod Antipas makes a bold move and incurs the judgment of his father-in-law and a local prophet
Herod Antipas, attracted to his niece Herodias, the wife of his half-brother, decides to divorce his own wife, Phaesalis, the daughter of Aretas, King of the Nabateans. He will then marry Herodias himself. Antipas secures support from Rome for his plan, but it invokes the wrath of Aretas and a wilderness prophet named John.
2025-11-29
07 min
The First Century
Episode Ten: Pontius Pilate arrives in Judea as Prefect; Imperial Marriages
The equestrian Pontius Pilate takes up duties as Prefect of Judea without a legate of Syria in the region, only to be confronted with potential problems. Members of the imperial family find partners in marriage.
2025-11-22
13 min
The First Century
Episode Nine: Death of Tiberius' son Drusus means new co-heirs; Herod Antipas' building projects and Pilate sent to Judea
When Tiberius's son Drusus dies the princeps names as co-heirs the oldest sons of Agrippina. Herod Antipas engages in building projects and secures an alliance with the Nabateans. Tiberius quarrels with Agrippina and his mother Livia before departing for Capri.
2025-11-15
14 min
The First Century
Episode Eight: Germanicus' Triumph and Death; Imperial justice, clemency, and the vestal virgins
Germanicus and his family celebrate a triumph in Rome after avenging the loss of the Teutoburg forest. He is rewarded with an appointment in the East only to fall ill and die under mysterious circumstances. In the capital, Tiberius demonstrates imperial justice and clemency, influenced by a vestal virgin.
2025-11-08
14 min
The First Century
Episode Seven: Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (9 CE) and the Death of Augustus (14 CE)
The first decade of the first century saw a terrible defeat for the Roman army. Three legions were destroyed in Germania. General Varus and his men, who were leading the expedition, committed suicide after witnessing their devastating loss. Five years later, Augustus passed away at the age of 75.
2025-11-01
14 min
The First Century
Episode Six: The Death of Lucius and Gaius, Octavian's grandsons, and revolts in Judea
After Augustus' two most prominent and promising grandsons died within a span of less than two years, another succession quandary is created. And Judea sees revolts against Roman rule.
2025-10-25
14 min
The First Century
Episode Five: The Death of Herod the Great
When Herod the Great died, his will needed to be ratified by Augustus, which led to political intrigue.
2025-10-18
14 min
The First Century
Episode Four: The Death of Marcus Agrippa
Augustus' key ally died, creating an opening for new heir.
2025-10-11
12 min
The First Century
Episode Three: Octavian Declared Augustus
After the civil wars, Octavian was declared Augustus by the Roman Senate, and a period of stability followed. Herod the Great rules in Judea.
2025-09-28
13 min
The First Century
Episode Two: The Assassination of Julius Caesar, Antipater and the Aftermath
Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE followed by Antipater the following year. Each would have a profound impact on first century.
2025-09-28
11 min
The First Century
Episode One: A Scorching Summer in Samaria
Pilate puts down a religious movement at Mount Gerizim before we step back and see how Rome came to rule this region. SHOWNOTES Josephus, Ant. 18.55-59; War 2:175-203. Roman nobility had three ranks: curials, equestrians, and senators. To be an equestrian required free birth, certain moral standards and most importantly, wealth equating to at least 400,000 sesterces. (Pliny NH 33.32). Pilate’s time in Judea was punctuated by his ‘venality, thefts, assaults, abusive behavior, and his frequent murder of untried prisoners’ (Philo, Embassy to Gaius, 38.302). Antipater (114 – 43 BCE) was from Idumea, a region ju...
2025-09-28
11 min