Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the accounts by Eusebius of Caesarea (c260-339 AD) and others of the killings of Christians in the first three centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus. Eusebius was writing in a time of peace, after The Great Persecution that had started with Emperor Diocletian in 303 AD and lasted around eight years. Many died under Diocletian, and their names are not preserved, but those whose deaths are told by Eusebius became especially celebrated and their stories became influential. Through his writings, Eusebius shaped perceptions of what it meant to be a martyr in those years, and what it meant to be a Christian.The image above is of The Martyrdom of Saint Blandina (1886) at the Church of Saint-Blandine de Lyon, FranceWith:Candida Moss Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of BirminghamKate Cooper Professor of History at Royal Holloway, University of LondonAndJames Corke-Webster Senior Lecturer in Classics, History and Liberal Arts at King’s College LondonProducer: Simon Tillotson

New Testament scholar Candida Moss discusses her book on enslaved Christians' role in shaping the Bible. Topics include slaves potentially writing parts of the Bible, Roman slavery's influence on texts, and identifying enslaved figures in the New Testament. The episode explores the intersection of slavery and biblical narratives from a fresh perspective.

The podcast discusses the overlooked role of enslaved individuals in shaping the Bible, challenging misconceptions about ancient slavery. It explores the collaboration between enslaved workers and writers in antiquity, shedding light on their education and contributions. The relationship between Mark and Peter is explored, suggesting Mark served as Peter's enslaved or formerly enslaved interpreter. The discussion delves into the implications of this collaboration on understanding early Christian texts.

Leading theology professor Candida Moss discusses her groundbreaking research on enslaved Christians shaping the New Testament. Topics include biblical inspiration, ancient authorship, and Christianity's historical ties to slavery. The episode explores the role of enslaved authors, construction of the Bible, and the impact of secretaries in ancient authorship.

Exploring Christian slavery in the Bible, Dr. Candida Moss reveals the role of enslaved people in writing and editing biblical texts. Did enslaved individuals shape your favorite Bible passages? Unveiling uncomfortable truths about Christianity's involvement in slavery and early Christian history. Reimagining Jesus through symbolism challenges perceptions and highlights the labor of unseen workers.