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PODCAST

The First Century

This is the First Century, a podcast devoted to stories from that influential period of history, including Rome, Judea, Christianity, and more. Your host is Dr. Brian Schmisek. Get ready to go back in time and enter a world before computers, the stagecoach, the printing press, or even stirrups for horses were invented. We are about to enter…The First Century

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All Episodes

8:31

Episode 29: Flaccus deposed; Events in and around...

The First Century ·

2026/04/11

Flaccus is deposed as governor of Egypt in a stealthy move. After being found guilty of maiestas (treason) before the princeps, his property is taken and he is banished to the island of Andros. In Caesarea Maritima, Philip, one of the seven, whose four daughters were known for prophecy, is active promoting his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. A Roman centurion in Caesarea Philippi comes to faith in Jesus as Simon Peter himself witnesses. SHOWNOTES: Deposition of Flaccus (Philo of Alexandria, Against

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12:52

Episode 28: Caligula's dinner parties and his love...

The First Century ·

2026/04/04

Caligula's behavior at dinner parties was questionable at best and downright abbhorent at worst. His uncle Claudius was the butt of jokes whereas the wives of senators became paramours for the princeps. His affection for the actor Mnester was unbridled. Quintilia's outstanding reputation as an actor was matched only by her beauty. Her virtuous character meant she was an apt target for her lover's jealous enemy. SHOWNOTES: Claudius as the butt of jokes (Suetonius, Claudius, 8) Gaius taking

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8:06

Episode 27: Caligula fulfils a prophecy; Herod...

The First Century ·

2026/03/28

Caligula compels those who made promises for his recovery to deliver. Herod Agrippa finally sets sail for Alexandria on his way to take possession of his Judean kingdom.SHOWNOTES: For the bridge over the Gulf of Baiae, see Cassius Dio, Roman History 59.17; Suetonius Caligula, 19. Drusilla was the first Roman woman to be named divine. Later, in 42 CE, Livia will be declared so. Claudia, daughter of the Emperor Nero will be declared divine in 63, and Poppea, Nero's deceased wife, in

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14:26

Episode 26: The Recovery and Subsequent Madness of...

The First Century ·

2026/03/21

Gaius recovers from his illness and begins a streak of vengeance and power consolidation. Flaccus, governor of Egypt, continues to navigate a troublesome political situation. Gaius's sister Agrippina gives birth to a boy, whereas Macro and Ennia's fortunes change. SHOWNOTES On the soft rebukes of Gaius from Macro (Philo Embassy to Gaius, 7). Agrippina's husband saying, "That nothing but what was detestable and pernicious to the public, could ever be produced of him and Agrippina" (Suet Nero

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9:08

Episode 25: Gaius: To the Victor Go the Spoils;...

The First Century ·

2026/03/14

The principate of Gaius, aka Caligula, starts with promise especially for his family including his uncle Claudius and for his friends including Herod Agrippa. Saul of Tarsus experiences a revelation that changes the trajectory of his life. And Flaccus, governor of Egypt, attempts to manage a new political reality. SHOWNOTES Paul's Revelation (Gal 1:16-17; Acts 9, 22, 26)

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13:10

Episode 24: The Lynching of Stephen before Saul of...

The First Century ·

2026/03/07

The growing sect of the Nazorean continued to add new members, creating logistical challenges for the movement. Seven men were appointed to help matters. With Pilate removed, leaving Judea without a procurator, the crowd in Jerusalem was stirred up to the point of stoning Stephen, one of the seven. The recently installed high priest was then removed by Lucius Vitellius, governor of Syria, who would not tolerate such mob action. SHOWNOTES That some priests joined the sect of the Nazorean (Acts

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7:30

Episode 23: Death of Antonia; Caiaphas removed as...

The First Century ·

2026/02/28

Caligula's grandmother dies shortly after he comes to the throne. Lucius Vitellius in Syria secures peace with Parthia and then removes Caiaphas as High Priest. SHOWNOTES: Agrippina's double canine (hyperdontia) (Pliny, NH 7). Artabanus crossed the Euphrates and held another conference with Lucius Vitellius where he paid honors to the Roman standards (Suet. Caligula, 14). Lucius removes Caiaphas as high priest (Jos. Ant. 18.4.3). For this podcast, Yochanan is considered the person who will

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10:11

Episode 22: The Rise of Caligula

The First Century ·

2026/02/21

After Tiberius' death, Gaius (Caligula) comes to the throne. In a brilliant move, he secures the ashes of his persecuted and deceased family members and accompanies them to the mausoleum of Augustus. The crowds are overjoyed with the promise of this young new princeps. For Vitellius in Syria, his impending military action is paused, pending orders from Gaius. SHOWNOTES: Oath to Caligula (11 May 37 CE) On the 11th day of May, in the consulship of Gaius Cestius and Marcus Servilius, in the

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12:09

Episode 21: Lucius Vitellius orders Pilate to Rome;...

The First Century ·

2026/02/14

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

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9:50

Episode Twenty: Problems with Parthians; Herod...

The First Century ·

2026/02/07

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

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9:29

Episode Nineteen: Herod Agrippa's Discontent and...

The First Century ·

2026/01/31

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

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10:14

Episode Eighteen: Activities on the Island of Capri;...

The First Century ·

2026/01/24

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

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14:54

Episode Seventeen: Pentecost in 33

The First Century ·

2026/01/17

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

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11:20

Episode Sixteen: The Death of Jesus of Nazareth

The First Century ·

2026/01/10

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

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8:43

Episode Fifteen: The Death of John the Baptist; The...

The First Century ·

2026/01/03

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.

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11:22

Episode Fourteen: The Downfall of Sejanus

The First Century ·

2025/12/20

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.

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9:53

Episode Thirteen: Galilean Pilgrims in Jerusalem;...

The First Century ·

2025/12/13

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.

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9:55

Episode Twelve: John the Baptist, mentor to Jesus of...

The First Century ·

2025/12/06

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.

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7:26

Episode Eleven: Herod Antipas makes a bold move and...

The First Century ·

2025/11/29

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.

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13:08

Episode Ten: Pontius Pilate arrives in Judea as...

The First Century ·

2025/11/22

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.

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