The Apostolic Classroom

Did Jesus Really Exist? The Historical Evidence for Christ

The apologetics journey eventually arrives at one unavoidable question: What do we actually know about Jesus? In this episode of The Apostolic Classroom, Steven Gill and Andrew Herbst begin a two-part discussion on the historical evidence for Jesus Christ. Drawing from the New Testament, ancient historians, archaeology, and the broader historical record, they examine why Jesus stands apart from every other figure in human history—and why His existence is accepted by virtually all serious historians. The conversation explores the Gospel writers' commitment to historical detail, the significance of eyewitness testimony, and the ways figures such as Josephus, Tacitus, and other non-Christian sources corroborate key elements of the New Testament narrative. Along the way, the hosts address common misconceptions about the origins of Christianity, the reliability of the Gospels, and the claim that Jesus was merely a legendary figure developed over time. Rather than asking listeners to accept Christianity blindly, this episode demonstrates that the Christian faith is rooted in real people, real places, and real events. The evidence for Jesus is not confined to the pages of Scripture alone—it is woven throughout the historical record. As Semester 2 continues its focus on apologetics, this episode lays an essential foundation for understanding why the historical Jesus remains one of the most compelling and consequential figures ever to walk the earth. This episode of The Apostolic Classroom was sponsored by Liv Hill Nutrition. Visit them at livhillnutrition.net. [https://www.livhillnutrition.net/]

Biblical Archaeology and the Bible: Evidence, History, and Why It Still Matters (Bonus Episode)

In this bonus episode of The Apostolic Classroom, Steven Gill and Andrew Herbst turn to the field of biblical archaeology—examining how discoveries from the ancient world intersect with the claims of Scripture. Continuing the apologetics focus of Semester 2, the conversation explores a critical question: Is the Bible merely a collection of religious stories, or does it stand as real, verifiable history? Through examples drawn from archaeology, ancient writings, and historical records, the hosts demonstrate how the people, places, and events described in Scripture consistently align with what we find in the broader historical record. Key themes include the role of archaeology in validating historical claims, the relationship between doctrine and real-world events, and why Christianity cannot be separated from history without losing its foundation. The discussion also addresses common objections—such as the absence of evidence for certain events—and explains how archaeological discovery, by nature, is partial, developing, and often surprising. Along the way, Steven and Andrew highlight notable findings—from references to King David to parallels with the Exodus—showing how artifacts, inscriptions, and ancient texts contribute to a growing body of evidence that supports the Bible’s historical reliability. This episode provides a compelling introduction to biblical archaeology, equipping listeners with a deeper understanding of how history and Scripture converge—and why that matters for both faith and apologetics.

It’s Time To Return To The KJV (Here’s Why)

In this episode of The Apostolic Classroom, Steven Gill and Andrew Herbst take on one of the most debated—and often misunderstood—topics in modern Christianity: Bible translations. Focusing on the King James Version, the conversation explores why the hosts continue to show strong confidence in its underlying manuscript tradition. Rather than appealing to preference or tradition alone, they examine the deeper question: What is beneath the English text? Building on previous discussions about New Testament manuscripts, this episode walks through key differences between translation philosophies, manuscript families, and how those differences can shape interpretation. Through real examples, the hosts demonstrate how variations between Bible versions can affect doctrine, raise theological questions, and even introduce apparent contradictions. At the same time, the conversation is framed with care and clarity—aiming not to attack individuals, but to thoughtfully present a conviction. Listeners will also hear a balanced perspective on common misconceptions, including what it does (and does not) mean to defend the KJV, and why the discussion is about preservation and transmission—not the perfection of early modern English. Whether you’ve never thought about textual history or you’ve wrestled with these questions before, this episode invites you to take a closer look at the Bible you’re reading—and why it matters. This episode of The Apostolic Classroom was sponsored by Liv Hill Nutrition. Learn more at livhillnutrition.net. [https://www.livhillnutrition.net/]

The Most Verified Book in History? Manuscripts, Myths, and the New Testament

In this episode of The Apostolic Classroom, Steven Gill and Andrew Herbst turn to one of the most important questions in Christian apologetics: Can we trust the New Testament we have today? Moving beyond surface-level objections, the conversation explores how ancient manuscripts are evaluated—examining the role of age, quantity, and consistency in determining textual reliability. The hosts compare the New Testament’s manuscript tradition with other works of ancient history, highlighting just how unique the biblical record is in both its preservation and its proximity to the original writings. Along the way, they address common criticisms such as the “telephone game” analogy, claims of textual corruption, and questions about contradictions between manuscripts. By tracing the historical “paper trail” of the New Testament and engaging both scholarly and theological perspectives, the episode demonstrates why the Bible stands on remarkably strong evidential ground. This episode continues the apologetics focus of Season 2, equipping believers not only to trust the New Testament for themselves, but to confidently respond to modern skepticism with clarity and conviction. This episode of The Apostolic Classroom was sponsored by Liv Hill Nutrition. Visit them at livhillnutrition.net [http://livhillnutrition.net/]

Does Church History Matter? Why Yesterday’s Debates Still Shape What We Believe Today (Bonus)

In this bonus episode of The Apostolic Classroom, Steven explores a foundational apologetics question: Why does church history matter for believers today? Drawing from his essay in God’s Kingship, he examines how many of the theological debates Christians face today are not new—but deeply rooted in the earliest centuries of the church.The conversation challenges the assumption of “inevitable progress,” showing how doctrine has often developed through cycles of clarity, confusion, and correction rather than steady improvement. Through case studies of early Christian figures like Justin Martyr and Tertullian, Steven highlights how philosophical frameworks began shaping theological language—and in some cases, introduced ideas not found in the New Testament itself.Key themes include the importance of defining Christianity by Scripture rather than tradition, the danger of reading later ideas back into the Bible, and how church history helps believers discern not only what Christianity is—but what it is not. The episode also emphasizes the role of humility, urging listeners to engage theological differences with both conviction and grace.A thoughtful and challenging supplement to the Apologetics semester, this episode equips listeners to approach doctrine with historical awareness, biblical grounding, and a deeper understanding of how the past continues to shape the present.