This Week in Church History
A weekly review of major moments in the 2000 plus history of the Christian Church, hosted by Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min., who holds an undergraduate degree from Oberlin College, a graduate degree (Masters of Divinity) from Harvard Divinity School and a terminal degree (Doctor of Ministry) from United Theological Seminary. Bishop Lewter is the Church Historian for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and is an adjunct professor at Beulah Heights Bible University in Atlanta, GA. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of the Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral of Amityville, NY and the Queens Ministry of New York City.
This Week in Church History
Bonus Podcast: The Jewish Revolt of 70 AD and its Impact on the Early Church
In this crucial bonus episode, our host delivers a masterful examination of one of history's most pivotal moments - the Jewish Revolt of 70 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem. This watershed event fundamentally transformed both Judaism and Christianity, creating the religious landscape we know today.
Through detailed historical analysis, the episode explores how three years of Jewish independence under the Zealots came to a devastating end when Rome reasserted its dominance, destroying both the city of Jerusalem and the sacred temple. More importantly, it reveals how this catastrophe forced the early Christian church to make a critical decision that would shape its future: to separate itself from Judaism and emerge as an independent religion.
Joined by Dr. D. A. Sherron, this episode provides essential context for understanding the development of Christian leadership structures, particularly the emergence of the episcopacy (bishop system) that arose directly from this historical crisis.
This episode provides crucial background for understanding the development of both Christianity and Judaism in the post-70 AD world. It demonstrates how external political and military pressures shaped religious evolution, challenging common assumptions about gradual theological development.