Willie Robertson’s lifelong love of burning things is back on full display, and it all traces back to Phil’s unique outlook on work and life. Al, Zach, Christian, and John Luke shift to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and why Jesus entered history at just the right moment to challenge its power. The guys reframe Jesus’ statement about the “gates of hell,” showing how God’s kingdom advances rather than retreats, even in the face of intense persecution. Zach makes a confession that illustrates the envious side of human nature. In this episode: Matthew 16, verses 13–20; Matthew 11, verses 7–15; Hebrews 11, verses 13–16; James 3, verse 16 Today’s conversation is about Lesson 6 of Ancient Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale Professor of History Kenneth Calvert. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about Ancient Christianity: Christ entered the world during the reign of Caesar Augustus. The tensions between Christianity and the Roman Empire shaped the daily practice of the Christian faith and led many Romans to distrust and persecute the early Christians. But Christianity also benefitted from the Roman world. And when Rome collapsed in the West, Christianity provided the hope for preserving civilization. In this free, eleven-lecture course, Professor Kenneth Calvert will explore: How the Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures all contributed to preparing the world to hear the Gospel. Why many Romans distrusted and persecuted the early Christians. The inspiring stories of Christ, His apostles, and faithful ones throughout the first four centuries of Christianity. The arguments of key early Christian apologists—Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin, Athanasius, and more—who defended and defined the Christian faith amidst the animosity of the Roman world. The conversion of Constantine and how he brought stability to Rome, and how the rivalry between his sons almost returned Rome to paganism. How Augustine’s writings helped preserve the message of Christianity during the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. You will discover the uncertainties, trials, and triumphs of the earliest Christians as they confronted controversies within the faith and persecutions from outside it. Join us today to discover the improbable and miraculous story of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters 00:00 Willie’s Pyromania Revealed 04:45 Man vs. Yard: The Family Divide 08:40 The Satisfaction of Hard Work 12:15 Jesus Enters History at the Perfect Moment 22:15 Why Rome Feared & Persecuted Christians 27:50 Persecution Fueled Christianity’s Growth 38:48 Rome’s Decline & What It Says About Us Today 43:20 The Problem We All Struggle With — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices