

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols
Ligonier Ministries
This weekly podcast provides an informal and informative look at church history. Join us each week as we take a brief break from the present to go exploring the past. Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity. Each episode offers an easily digestible glimpse of how the eternal, unchangeable God has worked in the church over prior generations and how this can encourage us today. This is our story—our family history.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2020 • 5min
The Plague of Justinian I
As he sought to bring back the glory days of the Roman Empire through conquest, lawmaking, and building projects, Justinian I was faced with the first pandemic of recorded history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks into the life of an emperor who survived the bubonic plague. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-plague-of-justinian-i/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Aug 5, 2020 • 5min
Augustine’s Teenage Coauthor
Augustine's beloved son, Adeodatus, died as a teenager. A year earlier, they worked together on a book. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines their insightful volume and the relationship Augustine shared with his son. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustines-teenage-coauthor/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jul 29, 2020 • 5min
Christina Rossetti
Writing of God's redeeming grace, Christina Rossetti described herself as a "broken bowl" that had been remolded into "a royal cup for Him, my King." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the works of this Victorian-era poet. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/christina-rossetti/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jul 22, 2020 • 5min
Carthage
Second only to Rome within the empire, the city of Carthage was the site of many significant and foundational events in ancient church history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols provides an overview of this Mediterranean harbor city and its influence. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/carthage/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jul 15, 2020 • 5min
To the People
The Reformation was characterized by a desire to deliver the truth of God's Word out of the hands of a privileged few and into the minds of everyday people. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols examines how Martin Luther embodied this principle by using the printing press to publish his writings in German. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/to-the-people/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jul 8, 2020 • 5min
James Montgomery Boice
From the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology to the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy, James Montgomery Boice partnered with R.C. Sproul and others to defend the gospel and build up the church. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes a look at the life and legacy of Dr. Boice. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/james-montgomery-boice/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jul 1, 2020 • 5min
Moby Dick Chapter Eight
Some people are surprised to discover the rich theological reflections that appear in Herman Melville's classic novel Moby Dick. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the vivid description of a pulpit in an early chapter of the book. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/moby-dick-chapter-eight/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jun 24, 2020 • 5min
The Pulpit
Some ministers preach from pulpits, others speak from lecterns, and some stand beside a table. Does it really make any difference? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols observes the significant role of the pulpit from the earliest centuries of the church. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-pulpit/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jun 17, 2020 • 5min
David Hume the Philosopher
Can we have certainty in what we know? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols revisits David Hume, the father of philosophical skepticism. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/david-hume-the-philosopher/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jun 10, 2020 • 5min
David Hume the Historian
Today, David Hume is known primarily for his skeptical philosophy. But in his own day, Hume received more recognition for his historical writings. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines Hume's account of the Westminster Assembly. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/david-hume-the-historian/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/