5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

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.

Charles Jennens’ Libretto 11/12/2025

Charles Jennens’ Libretto Though few know his name, many know his work. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces Charles Jennens, who compiled the biblical texts for Handel’s Messiah to proclaim Christ’s glory and defend the truth against deism. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38995610

Cyprian of Carthage: Crisis in the 3rd Century 11/05/2025

Cyprian of Carthage: Crisis in the 3rd Century Amid persecution and turmoil, Cyprian of Carthage stood firm in his faith and led the church with wisdom. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on Cyprian’s call for unity, repentance, and steadfast faith in times of suffering. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38912170

Crisis in the 3rd Century 10/29/2025

Crisis in the 3rd Century The third century brought afflictions, instability, and opposition for Christians in the Roman Empire. Today, Stephen Nichols examines how the Lord preserved His church in the midst of these adversities. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38807060

Digging Deeper: 5 Things About Archeology 10/22/2025

Digging Deeper: 5 Things About Archeology What can archaeology teach us about the world of the Bible and the early church? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights how archeological discoveries bring historical context to the life and faith of God’s people. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38725355

5 Things About the Megiddo Mosaic 10/15/2025

5 Things About the Megiddo Mosaic In AD 230, Christians in Galilee left behind a remarkable testimony to their faith in Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols examines the Megiddo Mosaic, uncovering five insights it provides into early church life. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38250630

The Earliest Church Yet 10/08/2025

The Earliest Church Yet What did the earliest Christian churches look like? Today, Stephen Nichols traces their history and introduces the Megiddo Mosaic, the floor of one of the oldest church buildings ever discovered. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38250625

Naming the Antichrist: Reformation and Modern Views 10/01/2025

Naming the Antichrist: Reformation and Modern Views Why did many of the Reformers identify the pope as the antichrist? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his survey of Christian views on the antichrist and interpretations of the number 666, moving from the Reformation to the present day. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38328630

Naming the Antichrist: Ancient and Medieval Views 09/24/2025

Naming the Antichrist: Ancient and Medieval Views Who is the antichrist? The beast? The man of lawlessness? Today on episode 666 of the podcast, Stephen Nichols explores how several church fathers and medieval theologians wrestled with these questions—and whom they named as the antichrist. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38324225

Oswald Chambers 09/17/2025

Oswald Chambers Have you read My Utmost for His Highest? And did you know it was published 10 years after its author died? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Oswald Chambers and his wife Biddy, whose copious notes from Oswald’s sermons turned into more than 50 books. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38250735

Warfield on “Imitating the Incarnation” 09/10/2025

Warfield on “Imitating the Incarnation” In addition to being our Redeemer, Jesus is our perfect example for the Christian life. Today, Stephen Nichols considers a stirring sermon that B.B. Warfield preached on the humble, self-sacrificial life that Christ modeled for us. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/38131685

Some Sermons of Warfield 09/03/2025

Some Sermons of Warfield What can sermons from over a century ago teach us today? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces The Savior of the World by B.B. Warfield, a collection of Christ-centered sermons that invite us to marvel at the good news of the gospel. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37718645

A Good Book on a Bad Subject 08/27/2025

A Good Book on a Bad Subject What is sin, and why must we take it seriously? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be by Cornelius Plantinga Jr., a book that explores the biblical view of sin and our deep need for God’s redeeming grace. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37718650

Life Together 08/20/2025

Life Together What does it mean to live in community with other Christians? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the wisdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together, offering insights into how believers grow together in grace under God’s Word. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37718675

Happy 12th Anniversary 08/13/2025

Happy 12th Anniversary Why study church history? Today, Stephen Nichols celebrates the twelfth anniversary of 5 Minutes in Church History by reflecting on twelve ways church history has enriched his faith and deepened his understanding of God’s work through the ages. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37718890

Ancient Wisdom 08/06/2025

Ancient Wisdom What’s on your reading list? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces On the Incarnation by Athanasius, a timeless book defending the deity of Christ and the hope of the resurrection. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37505090

A Good Atlas 07/30/2025

A Good Atlas What can a map teach us about the Bible? Today, Stephen Nichols explains how understanding Scripture’s geography can deepen our grasp of redemptive history. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37505080

The Works of Edwards in 2 Volumes 07/23/2025

The Works of Edwards in 2 Volumes Jonathan Edwards’ writings reveal profound insights into theology, philosophy, and the human condition. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the rich content of Edwards’ works and explains why his writings are still relevant to the church today. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37505085

Edwards’ First Published Sermon 07/16/2025

Edwards’ First Published Sermon In his first published sermon, Jonathan Edwards emphasized the glory of God in redemption. Today, Stephen Nichols revisits this early message to reflect on our need for dependence on Christ and the grace that secures our salvation. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37239570

Deserted Island with Joel Kim: Theology and Pastoral Wisdom 07/09/2025

Deserted Island with Joel Kim: Theology and Pastoral Wisdom What books have most shaped your faith? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his conversation with Joel Kim as he adds more titles to his deserted island library, each offering timeless encouragement for the Christian life. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37239585

Deserted Island with Joel Kim: History and Leadership 07/02/2025

Deserted Island with Joel Kim: History and Leadership If you could take only five books to a deserted island, which would you choose? Today, Joel Kim joins Stephen Nichols to share titles he’d bring, and what they reveal about leadership, perseverance, and history. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/37239575

Derek Thomas on “The Doctor” 06/25/2025

Derek Thomas on “The Doctor” What makes a great preacher? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on the life and legacy of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a medical-doctor-turned-pastor whose powerful preaching marked the church in the 20th century. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36833270

Derek Thomas on the Welsh Revival 06/18/2025

Derek Thomas on the Welsh Revival What impact did the 1904 Welsh Revival have on the church and on culture? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on this remarkable season of gospel awakening in Wales and how its legacy endures today. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36833275

Augustine’s Friend 06/11/2025

Augustine’s Friend Augustine’s legacy is well known, but what about his closest friend? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to Alypius, a faithful companion who walked alongside Augustine from their days as students to bishops in neighboring towns. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36833340

Brothers in Church History 06/04/2025

Brothers in Church History Behind several well-known names in church history stand faithful brothers whose stories are often untold. Today, Stephen Nichols shares how these men, though less recognized, played meaningful roles in the life of the church. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36833345

Missionary Kids in Stockbridge 05/28/2025

Missionary Kids in Stockbridge What was it like to grow up in a missionary home on the edge of the American frontier? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Esther and Jonathan Edwards Jr., two of Jonathan Edwards’ children, and their unforgettable years in Stockbridge. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36727285

Trending in the 18th Century 05/21/2025

Trending in the 18th Century What was trending in the 18th century? Today, Stephen Nichols walks through five key developments that shaped the church, including revival, hymnody, and the early sparks of global missions. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36549830

What Everyone Needs to Know about John Witherspoon 05/14/2025

What Everyone Needs to Know about John Witherspoon John Witherspoon was an integral figure in American Presbyterianism. Today, Stephen Nichols and Kevin DeYoung explore this Scottish pastor’s legacy as a theologian, patriot, and president of Princeton University. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36549835

Deserted Island with Kevin DeYoung 05/07/2025

Deserted Island with Kevin DeYoung What would you read on a deserted island? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Kevin DeYoung to discuss five of his most treasured books—each reflecting his love for theology, church history, and pastoral ministry. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36357685

Raymund Lull: Medieval Missionary 04/30/2025

Raymund Lull: Medieval Missionary Raymond Lull devoted his life to proclaiming the gospel to Muslims and Jews. Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of this medieval missionary whose love for Christ led him to a ministry of study, debate, and bold witness. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36357680

Meet Dr. Paul Brand 04/23/2025

Meet Dr. Paul Brand Raised in India and trained in London, Dr. Paul Brand combined medical skill with gentle compassion. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how this missionary doctor’s care for leprosy patients reflected the heart of Christ. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/36155515

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

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