Before the Bible
A New History of Early Christianities: A 5-in-1 Scholarly Guide to the First Followers of Jesus, the Lost Christian Movements, the Origins of Christianity & the Formation of Doctrine
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Audible Standard 30-day free trial
Buy Now for £13.79
-
Narrated by:
-
Gerhard Weigelt
-
By:
-
Clara B. Poloci
About this listen
You know the Christianity that survived. But what about the ones that didn’t?
- Historical scholarship, not theological agenda — Curious what Christianity looked like before a Bible, a pope, or official creeds? This 5-in-1 guide offers a clear, accessible tour of the earliest Jesus movements using contemporary historical scholarship. Unlike devotional or overly academic books, Before the Bible helps you understand how multiple “Christianities” emerged, competed, and evolved—along with the debates and human stories behind what became the world’s largest religion.
- A structured 25-chapter journey — See how a Jewish teacher in Roman Palestine became the center of an institutional Church. Across 5 parts and 25 chapters, you’ll explore early communities, Paul’s mission, Jewish-Christian groups, power struggles over “orthodoxy,” creed-making, and how the biblical canon took shape.
- Engaging and memorable — Academic rigor explained in plain language, with storytelling that keeps complex history listenable.
- What’s inside: 5 comprehensive parts • 25 chapters • competing visions of Jesus • Jewish-Christian movements • women’s leadership • persecution under Rome • Constantine’s influence • how heresy was defined • why some texts became scripture and others were lost.
Whether you are a curious listener, a student of religion, or rethinking inherited beliefs, this book provides clarity without demanding faith or disbelief.
Look beyond the familiar story and discover the plural origins of Christianity. Start Listening Now.
©2026 Jelle Olivier Magnus Postma (P)2026 Jelle Olivier Magnus PostmaListener received this title free
So much more complex than sunday school taught
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Unveils the messy reality of early beliefs
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Kept my attention during my long commute
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Hidden histories make the story richer
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
A deep well of knowledge in one collection
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.