Fr. Simon explores one of his favorite topics: the authenticity of the Bible and its mind-blowing historical context. Ever wonder how the early Church handled Scripture when sheep were dying to make parchment (literally)? Here’s the gist from Father:



🐑📜 Ancient Texts Were a Big Deal



The early Christians were obsessed with preserving the Gospel. We’ve got 11 fragments of scripture from the first century, which might sound small, but it’s huge compared to ancient authors like Julius Caesar, whose works come from way later copies.



Writing materials were rare and pricey. Papyrus? Imported reeds from the Nile. Parchment? That’s processed sheepskin. You’d need a whole flock to make a book! 📖💸



📚 Christians Revolutionized Books



Before the Bible became what we know today, texts were scrolls. Imagine unrolling one of those during Mass. 😅 Early Christians popularized the codex (think: early books), which was way more portable and practical. 



🏛️ Sacred Texts = Priceless Treasure



By 200 AD, Christians were using standardized texts. Handing over these sacred books during Roman persecution was like denying Christ. People died rather than give them up. Talk about dedication. 🙏



📖 Did Every Church Have the Bible?



Not quite. While some congregations might have had Gospel fragments or Pauline letters, oral tradition and the Old Testament carried much of the teaching. Fun fact: Christians only started calling the collection of sacred texts “the Bible” around 350 AD.



💡 Takeaway



The Bible is a miracle of preservation, innovation, and faith. From sheep to scrolls to codices, Christians protected the Word with everything they had. So next time you open your Bible, give a little nod to those who literally laid down their lives to make it possible. 🕊️❤️







The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Fr. Simon explores one of his favorite topics: the authenticity of the Bible and its mind-blowing historical context. Ever wonder how the early Church handled Scripture when sheep were dying to make parchment (literally)? Here’s the gist from Father:
 
🐑📜 Ancient Texts Were a Big Deal
 
The early Christians were obsessed with preserving the Gospel. We’ve got 11 fragments of scripture from the first century, which might sound small, but it’s huge compared to ancient authors like Julius Caesar, whose works come from way later copies.
 
Writing materials were rare and pricey. Papyrus? Imported reeds from the Nile. Parchment? That’s processed sheepskin. You’d need a whole flock to make a book! 📖💸
 
📚 Christians Revolutionized Books
 
Before the Bible became what we know today, texts were scrolls. Imagine unrolling one of those during Mass. 😅 Early Christians popularized the codex (think: early books), which was way more portable and practical. 
 
🏛️ Sacred Texts = Priceless Treasure
 
By 200 AD, Christians were using standardized texts. Handing over these sacred books during Roman persecution was like denying Christ. People died rather than give them up. Talk about dedication. 🙏
 
📖 Did Every Church Have the Bible?
 
Not quite. While some congregations might have had Gospel fragments or Pauline letters, oral tradition and the Old Testament carried much of the teaching. Fun fact: Christians only started calling the collection of sacred texts “the Bible” around 350 AD.
 
💡 Takeaway
 
The Bible is a miracle of preservation, innovation, and faith. From sheep to scrolls to codices, Christians protected the Word with everything they had. So next time you open your Bible, give a little nod to those who literally laid down their lives to make it possible. 🕊️❤️
 
 
 
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.