From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians, Part Two (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Part two of this four-hour series on the rise of Christianity follows the story of the first attempts to write the life of Jesus in the Gospels, and chronicles how the Christian movement would face new challenges both internal and external.


First broadcast in 1998, “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians” is an exploration into the life and death of Jesus, and the men and women whose belief, conviction, and martyrdom created the religion we now know as Christianity. Drawing upon historical evidence, the series challenges familiar assumptions and conventional notions about Christian origins.

#Documentary #FromJesustoChrist

Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation, the Park Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.

[wezacker]

Great series. Doesn't seek to preach, nor does it seek to debunk. Just to help put it all into historical context. The best kind of documentary.

[stardresser]

I'm a Buddhist who goes to church to honor my in laws, who are so wonderful, and to just enjoy a holy space and time to contemplate and pray silently. I love this program, and revisit it often. There is something so very beautiful about it. All God's emissaries (and there are many) bring us a story of love. They need not conflict. Nor do we.

[CK-dzfo]

I am not a Christian but am interested in the historical Jesus. this is an amazing program! thank you!

[Praise_Worship_Songs_Lyrics]

*I was a prostitute, anorexic bulimic, panic sufferer, drug addict and delinquent. And He came into my life... Christ came with his love bond, and today I am at the feet of my lord and master. Glory to God ❤*

[itsnadaaaa]

This is a rare well produced & unbiased documentary on Christianity and its origins, truly a job well done!

[jls]

I watched this when it was originally broadcast back in the Nineties. It is as good now as is was then. 'So glad to see it here online. Thanks!

[KellyGreen-ze]

Christ has moved in my own life so many times. I have never seen or touched physically this thing so profound, yet it quite clearly is the strongest and most graceful thing that I have ever witnessed.

[beyouandlove]

Jesus Heal my soul, my body. Gods people please pray for me in the name of Jesus

[mutterbuffin]

Im an atheist who likes to hear about religions and history. Finally got around to finishing the documentary. Really cool, thanks 😊

[klightlightmusic]

Dominic Crossan expresses the essential comparative understanding between “literal” interpretation and the “metaphorical” rendering. Here is the heart of the matter, for me. The experts in this documentary all speak from a place of love, wisdom, knowledge and respect. Powerful. I listen and learn continuously. 🙏🏼

[newvillagefilms]

When I can't sleep, I play this 2 series and it helps me fall asleep more so than any documentaries on YouTube. 😂

[shannon]

This is a very informative history of Christianity that I remember watching in 1998 and have enjoyed watching it again now in 2024.

[cocoa]

Cannot believe I’m watching this high quality documentary for free

[rhdean]

What an absolutely wonderful documentary depicting the evolution of Christianity. We must always keep in mind that man operated within the structure of the society in which they lived, rather than super - imposing 21th century thinking on 1st century civilizations.

[Imawhiteboard]

Watching Christmas. 2023. God bless you all. Jesus is the reason for the season ❤

[themikelewis]

01:57 The Siege of Masada; failure of the First Revolt
05:53 Post-temple Judaism; rise of Pharisees
06:47 Early Christian tradition
09:40 Gospel of Mark
14:39 Mark: The Messianic Secret
17:53 Mark: The Empty Tomb
19:36 Sources of Matthew and Luke: Mark and the Q source
23:19 Gospel of Matthew
29:59 Gospels as literature
31:34 Gospel of Luke/Acts
39:05 Gospel of John
45:50 Political turmoil in the 2nd Century; Second Jewish Revolt/Bar Kokhbah Revolt
49:54 The Cave of Horrors and The Cave of Letters; Christianity’s split from Judaism
52:57 Religious practices in the Roman world
58:21 Christianity in Egypt; the Nag Hammadi library; regional diversity of early Christianity
1:02:09 Christian conflict with Rome; Pliny the Younger
1:06:58 Christians status as separate from Judaism
1:12:12 The Martyrdom of Perpetua
1:17:43 Development of early Christian institutions
1:20:18 Proliferation of Gospels; the Gospel of Thomas; Gnosticism
1:24:29 Irenaeus; selection of the four Gospel canon
1:28:47 Christianity enters the Roman mainstream; early Christian orthodox theology
1:34:12 Christian social programs; establishment of central church authority
1:35:47 Crisis in Roman empire; final persecutions of Christians
1:40:56 Christianity pervasive; conversion of Constatine

[lydiab]

I had been searching for what happened AFTER Christs ascension from a non bias perspective. This is awesome!

[ShawnHewitt-echi]

I'm from Oakland CA. I thank you for your holy wisdom, I appreciate you, and thank you for your eye opening conversation. God bless you!!!

[brianweiner]

I love you Jesus!!! ❤ Thanks for all the love and help. Glory and all the praises to you Jesus. I love you God .

[anlerden]

I love this documentary so much about Lord Jesus Christ.🥰😍🤗