The Triumph of Christianity

From Jesus of Nazareth to the Holy Roman Empire, explore the rise of Christianity.

Overview Course No. 6025

The growth of Christianity in the early centuries of the Common Era is one of the most extraordinary stories in world history. What began with a preaching day laborer and his dozen or so disciples soon grew to be the largest religion in the world, eventually taking over the entire Roman Empire. How did that happen? How was such a movement possible?

Although scholars have offered a variety of theories over the years, the rise of Christianity nonetheless feels like an impossibility. Delve into this fascinating occurrence in The Triumph of Christianity. Taught by Dr. Bart D. Ehrman, these 24 investigative lectures trace the exponential growth of Christianity, from its origins in a Jewish outpost of the Roman Empire to its spread throughout the entire Western world.

In this extraordinary course, you will investigate the historical events that led to such an astonishing feat. With the objective eye of a historian, Bart walks you through the ancient Roman world, offering analysis on what we can know for sure and what lies in the realm of myth. Along the way, you will:

• Meet the historical Jesus and other figures from the beginnings of Christianity.

• Learn about the Acts of the Apostles as they spread the message far and wide.

• See how the apocalyptic message of Jesus transformed into a theology of salvation.

• Witness the development of a unified church.

From the message of Jesus of Nazareth to the beginnings of a Christian Roman Empire, The Triumph of Christianity provides new insights into one of the most compelling stories ever recorded.

Video Lecture List

1. The Christian Conquest of Rome (24 min)

Explore the scope of Christianity today and theories for its success.

2. Pagan Religions in the Roman World (32 min)

Understand the polytheistic context Christianity emerged from.

3. Judaism in the Roman World (35 min)

Examine the Jewish roots of Jesus and early Christianity.

4. Christianity in the Roman World: An Overview (29 min)

Analyze the doctrines that set Christianity apart.

5. The Life and Teachings of Jesus (30 min)

Investigate the historical Jesus through Gospels and sources.

6. The Beginning of Christianity (30 min)

Trace the shift from Jesus’s apocalyptic message to a salvation theology.

7. The Earliest Christian Missions (29 min)

Study the Book of Acts and the pivotal role of Paul.

• The Conversion of Paul (31 min)

Unpack Paul’s transformation and theological impact.

• Paul: The Apostle of the Gentiles (30 min)

Discover how Paul spread Christianity to non-Jewish communities.

10. The Christian Mission to the Jews (30 min)

Contrast Jewish and Christian views of Jesus as the Messiah.  

11. Early Christianities (27 min)

Explore diverse Christian sects like Jewish Christians and Gnostics.  

12. Reasons for Christianity’s Success (29 min)

Examine exclusivity and evangelism as growth drivers.  

13. Miraculous Incentives for Conversion (28 min)

Assess the role of miracles in early Christian evangelism.  

14. The Exponential Growth of the Church (26 min)

Quantify Christianity’s rapid expansion over 300 years.  

15. Early Opposition to the Christian Message (28 min)

Analyze political tensions and persecutions.  

16. Imperial Persecution of the Early Christians (26 min)

Review state-sponsored repression under Nero and others.  

17. Early Christian Apologists (26 min)

Study defenses against intellectual critiques of Christianity.  

• Major Imperial Persecutions of Christians (28 min)

Delve into the Crisis of the 3rd Century and its impact.  

19. The Conversion of Constantine (26 min)

Trace Constantine’s pivotal embrace of Christianity.  

20. Did Constantine Really Convert? (28 min)

Debate the sincerity of Constantine’s faith.  

21. Constantine’s Interactions with the Church (28 min)

Explore the Edict of Milan and church-state relations.  

22. Imperial Christianity after Constantine (26 min)

Track Christianity’s dominance post-Constantine.  

23. The Beginnings of a Christian Roman Empire (26 min)

Analyze Theodosius and the final triumph over paganism.  

24. The Triumph of Christianity: Gains and Losses (29 min)

Reflect on the cultural and social legacy of Christianity’s rise.