A New Live Course

The Penniless Carpenter

Jesus left his home & work to preach. So how did he eat, and why would anyone follow a homeless nobody?

The Penniless Carpenter course art
Live · Sept 12-13 6 Lectures Bart Ehrman · UNC Chapel Hill

To Understand Jesus’ Message

Start with Dinner,
Not Doctrine.

James Tissot, The Exhortation to the Apostles (c. 1886-1894)
The Exhortation to the Apostles James Tissot · c. 1886-1894

He left his trade to preach, and so did the men with him.

Then came the real-life problems. What’s for dinner? Where are we sleeping? How long can we keep this up?

These are questions almost nobody asks. Did they work? Did they beg? Did they forage? Did someone pay for all of it?

Now picture the world they were doing it in. First-century Galilee. Poverty everywhere, Rome in charge, no way out.

If you were listening to Jesus there, you would expect a message about changing it. That is not what he gave them.

And a man who had given up everything, preaching to people who had almost nothing, was not an obvious figure to follow.

“How is a penniless carpenter supposed to lead our revolution?” they must have wondered. What did they make of him?

And why, in this context, would a message about God lead to the crucifixion of its preacher?

Course at a Glance

Two days, live with Bart.

/ 01

Format

Live online, then recorded

/ 02

Lectures

6 · plus live Q&A each day

/ 03

Dates

Sept 12 & 13, 2026

/ 04

Access

Lifetime, watch anytime

/ 05

Instructor

Bart Ehrman

Six lectures,
across two days.

The Lectures

Three lectures on Saturday and three on Sunday, each about fifty minutes, each day ending with a live Q&A. The course starts with the Jesus modern readers have invented and works back toward the one who actually lived.

Lecture 01

Jesus: The Wealthy Man Nobody Knows

One of the best-selling books of the entire twentieth century was Bruce Barton’s The Man Nobody Knows (1925), which portrayed Jesus as a model entrepreneur who revealed the secrets of business success. Forty-five years later the prosperity preacher Oral Roberts wrote his best-selling Seed Faith (1970, over eight million copies sold by 2009), arguing that Jesus provides the secrets for getting rich (spoiler: “donate”). Those who hold such views appeal to numerous passages of the New Testament. As an introduction to the social and economic context of Jesus, this lecture considers those views and how well they illustrate the way the Bible gets used to promote thoroughly modern agendas.

Day One
Lecture 02

Jesus: Embedded and Embodied

Everything you say and do is embedded in a particular context and makes sense only in that context. Nobody’s religious views, political commitments, or public arguments can be understood apart from where they came from and what shaped them. So too with Jesus. In this lecture we look closely at the social, political, and economic world of first-century Nazareth as revealed especially through archaeology: its rural economy, its housing, and the routines of daily life, the vital context for understanding Jesus’ message and mission.

Day One
Lecture 03

Jesus the Financial Advisor

It seems well-nigh impossible not to assume that the concerns, interests, and perspectives of Jesus were basically the same as the ones we have today. Nowhere is that clearer than in debates over his economics: you will find book after book arguing that Jesus was a capitalist. Or a socialist. Or a Marxist. Or pick your favorite system. This lecture focuses on the most widely held claim, that Jesus was a kind of proto-capitalist whose parables authorize free markets, wage labor, and capital investment. The case is genuinely interesting. Is it plausible? And is any of the alternatives?

Day One
Lecture 04

Jesus and Other Penniless Preachers

It is one of the most striking features of Jesus’ life that, as an adult, he abandoned his home, his family, and his occupation (which did not involve making fine cabinetry for upscale Nazareth residences) to take up an itinerant preaching ministry with a group of followers who did the same. This was a move from relative poverty to extreme poverty, and understanding what motivated it is one of the keys to interpreting his teachings. We consider that motivation by contrasting it with another group of teachers who likewise abandoned everything to live in abject poverty: the Cynics, known to us from Greek and Roman sources. The similarities, and the differences, reveal what was most distinctive about Jesus.

Day Two
Lecture 05

Jesus and the Economics of Survival

Anyone who abandons home and livelihood needs some means of survival. At the most basic level: how do such people eat, and where do they sleep? Some answers may seem obvious. Perhaps they had wealthy supporters, or worked part-time to cover expenses. Others are more troubling: perhaps they begged, or foraged. The Gospels do give indications, though usually only indirectly. And one question is almost never asked in this connection: how long did the public ministry actually last? Three years, as John appears to assume, or a matter of months, as Mark seems to suggest? The difference matters enormously when there is no obvious source of income.

Day Two
Lecture 06

Jesus and Revolutionary Indifference

To make Jesus relevant, many people simply assume that whatever matters most to us must have mattered most to him. One version of this shows up in books arguing that Jesus opposed the Roman government and its taxation, as in two very different bestsellers, Reza Aslan’s Zealot and Bill O’Reilly’s Killing Jesus. If Jesus held such views they would obviously speak to our moment. But are they historically plausible? Did he actively oppose the government and its economic policies and call for revolution, or at least reform? Or, less scintillating and rather more interesting, was he unconcerned with the present order altogether because he was focused on something else? We close the course there.

Day Two
BE
Bart D. Ehrman Bart D. Ehrman · 2026
Your Instructor

Bart D. Ehrman.

James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he taught from 1988 until his retirement in 2025. Recognized internationally for his scholarship on the New Testament and early Christianity, Professor Ehrman has written or edited thirty-three books, including six New York Times bestsellers. His college-level textbook The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings has remained the best-selling text in the field for more than twenty-five years. His scholarly works have been published by Oxford, Harvard, Yale, and other premier academic presses, and his books have been translated into twenty-seven languages, reaching millions of readers worldwide.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Ehrman is a widely recognized public scholar. He has produced nine acclaimed courses for The Great Courses, in addition to numerous online courses available through BartEhrman.com. His books and courses have sold more than two million copies.

He also writes for his charitable blog, The Bart Ehrman Blog, which has raised millions for organizations addressing poverty, homelessness, and hunger. In addition, he hosts the weekly podcast Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman, available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, where he brings cutting-edge biblical scholarship to a global audience.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UNCSix-time New York Times bestsellerNine courses for The Great CoursesHost of Misquoting Jesus

0

Lectures · 50 min each

2

Days live with Bart

∞

Lifetime Access

What makes this course different.

What This Course Offers

Bart Ehrman puts Jesus back on the ground: in a village economy, without money, among people for whom survival was the daily question.

Prepare to Rethink

Common assumptions
this course will challenge.

Common Assumption

Jesus’ concerns were basically our concerns.

In fact

The interests we bring to him, markets, government, social reform, are ours. Reading his sayings against the questions his own world was actually asking produces a different Jesus than almost anyone expects.

Common Assumption

Jesus’ followers gave up comfortable lives to follow him.

In fact

Most of them had very little to begin with. Leaving their work moved them from poverty into destitution, and that is the choice that needs explaining.

Common Assumption

Jesus came to overthrow Rome.

In fact

Reza Aslan’s Zealot and Bill O’Reilly’s Killing Jesus agree on almost nothing except this. Jesus looks strangely uninterested in Rome, in taxes, and in reforming any of it. He was after something else.

Common Assumption

A poor preacher would have been an easy sell to poor people.

In fact

Men who quit working to travel and live on other people’s food were a recognizable type in the Roman world, and not a type everyone admired.

Included with Enrollment

Included with
your course.

Live Q&A Both Days

Each day of lectures closes with a live Q&A session with Bart. Bring your questions, and keep the full recordings afterward.

Full Recordings & Lifetime Access

Every lecture and both Q&A sessions are recorded and yours to keep. Watch live, catch up later, or return to them years from now.

Lecture Slides

Download Bart’s full slide decks for all six lectures, ideal for review, note-taking, or sharing with a study group.

Full Transcripts

Searchable transcripts of every lecture, perfect for quoting, deeper study, or following along if English is not your first language.

Audio Downloads

MP3 downloads of every lecture. Listen on your commute, on a walk, or whenever you’re away from a screen.

Questions for Reflection & Readings

Discussion questions plus Bart’s own recommended reading list, from Kate Bowler on the prosperity gospel to Oakman and Fiensy on the economy of Roman Palestine.

$1 from every registration is donated to charity: water, bringing clean water to people in need.

What students say

What people say about
studying with Bart.

As has come to be expected from Bart’s courses, this one was provocative, insightful, thought provoking and enjoyable.
Rick Wenzel
What I really love about listening to Dr. Ehrman at any time is that he is so thorough. He works hard to bring us as much accuracy as possible. He is a great observer and points out problem areas without judgment.
Rev. Cheryl Driskell
He was also integral in not only providing sound, academic information... but also served to help me become more fascinated in the Bible more than I had ever been in my entire lifetime.
David Conner
Big Bart Ehrman fan here - I use his videos for my daily 3 mile treadmill workouts and they have sparked a long personal journey into biblical scholarship and archeology. I literally listen to Bart everyday and find that I can also go back to previously watched vids for further review/insight.
John Miller
Bart and Megan, and the BSA, are my trusted source for historical facts around the Bible and Christian mythology. I enjoy Bart's reasoned and thoughtful presentations. I catch Misquoting Jesus every week and have gone back and listened to the entire collection. Amazing work!
Scott Nelson
The Conferences certainly offer serious value to anyone that has even heard of the Bible. They offer real insight into a broad range of questions and addressed by qualified scholars.
Alvin Baca
As an amateur lover of studying the Intertestamental periods of the Bible, ~ 300 BCE to 330 CE, the excellent scholarly lectures I watched in this Conference helped me to understand better many of the ideas I otherwise would have difficulty discovering on my own.
Ron Sandor
Bart’s presentation is excellent, especially since he does not have to worry about stepping on church teaching. His presentations are refreshing, informative and humorous. I strongly recommend them.
Mark Matthews
The course provided new interpretations on Luke’s gospel that I had not heard before. Dr Ehrman does an excellent job of explaining concepts and interpretations in all of his courses.
Teresa Mushik
I enjoy Bart's courses due to their accessibility and objectivity. No matter ones background, the subject matter is not out of reach. It is presented with evidences and interesting connections that you can have an opinion about.
Peter Clemens
Prompts long discussions! Appreciate the depth and breadth of his knowledge. So important to have access to excellent teaching, so minds don’t get rusty.
Ysabeault d’Valar-Alba
Dr. Ehrman always is able to explain complex topics clearly, bringing in good humor and engaging examples.
Michael Waddell (image available at BSA)
As has come to be expected from Bart’s courses, this one was provocative, insightful, thought provoking and enjoyable.
Rick Wenzel
What I really love about listening to Dr. Ehrman at any time is that he is so thorough. He works hard to bring us as much accuracy as possible. He is a great observer and points out problem areas without judgment.
Rev. Cheryl Driskell
He was also integral in not only providing sound, academic information... but also served to help me become more fascinated in the Bible more than I had ever been in my entire lifetime.
David Conner
Big Bart Ehrman fan here - I use his videos for my daily 3 mile treadmill workouts and they have sparked a long personal journey into biblical scholarship and archeology. I literally listen to Bart everyday and find that I can also go back to previously watched vids for further review/insight.
John Miller
Bart and Megan, and the BSA, are my trusted source for historical facts around the Bible and Christian mythology. I enjoy Bart's reasoned and thoughtful presentations. I catch Misquoting Jesus every week and have gone back and listened to the entire collection. Amazing work!
Scott Nelson
The Conferences certainly offer serious value to anyone that has even heard of the Bible. They offer real insight into a broad range of questions and addressed by qualified scholars.
Alvin Baca
As an amateur lover of studying the Intertestamental periods of the Bible, ~ 300 BCE to 330 CE, the excellent scholarly lectures I watched in this Conference helped me to understand better many of the ideas I otherwise would have difficulty discovering on my own.
Ron Sandor
Bart’s presentation is excellent, especially since he does not have to worry about stepping on church teaching. His presentations are refreshing, informative and humorous. I strongly recommend them.
Mark Matthews
The course provided new interpretations on Luke’s gospel that I had not heard before. Dr Ehrman does an excellent job of explaining concepts and interpretations in all of his courses.
Teresa Mushik
I enjoy Bart's courses due to their accessibility and objectivity. No matter ones background, the subject matter is not out of reach. It is presented with evidences and interesting connections that you can have an opinion about.
Peter Clemens
Prompts long discussions! Appreciate the depth and breadth of his knowledge. So important to have access to excellent teaching, so minds don’t get rusty.
Ysabeault d’Valar-Alba
Dr. Ehrman always is able to explain complex topics clearly, bringing in good humor and engaging examples.
Michael Waddell (image available at BSA)
Dr. Ehrman has completed the scholarly task that I could never complete. He has been a blessing to my spiritual journey and faith. His books and more has changed my life.
Ron Pierce, Colorado Springs, Co
Dr. Ehrman is my go-to authority on the NT. No matter what the topic, he is insightful and clear, even to my layman’s ear. I do study with other authorities, but none are as ‘user friendly’ as Dr. Ehrman. This course was just another example of excellence.
Richard Caniglia
Bart is in my opinion the foremost NT scholar. The course was cogent and easy to understand. I recommend it to everyone I teach or mentor. Nothing objectionable in his courses.
David Pruett
It was as though I dipped my big toe into water, and now I have signed up for future presentations on the Bart Ehrman’s site to wade in a little deeper.
Judith Lombana EdD
I learn more about the Bible from one BSA conference lecture than from a dozen ordinary Sunday sermons.
Tony Cruz
I love your content. It's like opening a window on a spring day and letting in intellectual and spiritual fresh air. Thank you for your hard work!
Micah Conger
It never fails to amaze me how much I have misunderstood Bible stories from my youth. This was yet another example of how critical reading - and learning the CONTEXT around the passages (as well as how much we simply cannot know) can make the stories richer and more real.
Denise Reasoner
Every time I attend one of these, I learn something new about the subject which broadens what I thought I knew about early Christianity and its place in the world of the time. I am almost always totally blown away. Keep them coming!
Pauline Ahern
Your courses in general have been a massive help to find freedom and peace. Even if there is nothing after life, just the peace of being free from the burden of guilt under the illusion of a fairy tale god, christ, bible, and church, has been laid to rest. Thank you Dr. Ehrman!
Bob Grant
I was very pleased to learn that historical contradictions and errors help us to better understand the gospels and that academics do not try to tear the Bible apart.
Xavier Salvador
This was my first time attending a 'New Insights' conference and it was great! I live in the UK and so couldn't attend anything live, but all the talks were uploaded really quickly and so I've been able to watch them in my own time.
Mike Waine
I was very impressed by the questions asked by the audience and how intellectual Bart's community of students are. It makes me glad to have now signed up for several Bart Ehrman courses.
Jack Lovett
Dr. Ehrman has completed the scholarly task that I could never complete. He has been a blessing to my spiritual journey and faith. His books and more has changed my life.
Ron Pierce, Colorado Springs, Co
Dr. Ehrman is my go-to authority on the NT. No matter what the topic, he is insightful and clear, even to my layman’s ear. I do study with other authorities, but none are as ‘user friendly’ as Dr. Ehrman. This course was just another example of excellence.
Richard Caniglia
Bart is in my opinion the foremost NT scholar. The course was cogent and easy to understand. I recommend it to everyone I teach or mentor. Nothing objectionable in his courses.
David Pruett
It was as though I dipped my big toe into water, and now I have signed up for future presentations on the Bart Ehrman’s site to wade in a little deeper.
Judith Lombana EdD
I learn more about the Bible from one BSA conference lecture than from a dozen ordinary Sunday sermons.
Tony Cruz
I love your content. It's like opening a window on a spring day and letting in intellectual and spiritual fresh air. Thank you for your hard work!
Micah Conger
It never fails to amaze me how much I have misunderstood Bible stories from my youth. This was yet another example of how critical reading - and learning the CONTEXT around the passages (as well as how much we simply cannot know) can make the stories richer and more real.
Denise Reasoner
Every time I attend one of these, I learn something new about the subject which broadens what I thought I knew about early Christianity and its place in the world of the time. I am almost always totally blown away. Keep them coming!
Pauline Ahern
Your courses in general have been a massive help to find freedom and peace. Even if there is nothing after life, just the peace of being free from the burden of guilt under the illusion of a fairy tale god, christ, bible, and church, has been laid to rest. Thank you Dr. Ehrman!
Bob Grant
I was very pleased to learn that historical contradictions and errors help us to better understand the gospels and that academics do not try to tear the Bible apart.
Xavier Salvador
This was my first time attending a 'New Insights' conference and it was great! I live in the UK and so couldn't attend anything live, but all the talks were uploaded really quickly and so I've been able to watch them in my own time.
Mike Waine
I was very impressed by the questions asked by the audience and how intellectual Bart's community of students are. It makes me glad to have now signed up for several Bart Ehrman courses.
Jack Lovett

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Frequently Asked

Everything you
need to know.

When is the course, and what are the times?

The course runs live over two days. Day One is Saturday, September 12, from 1:00 pm to 4:25 pm Eastern. Day Two is Sunday, September 13, from 2:00 pm to 5:25 pm Eastern. Each day is three 50-minute lectures with short breaks in between, closing with a 30-minute live Q&A.

How many lectures are included?

Six lectures of about 50 minutes each, three per day, plus a live Q&A session at the end of each day.

What if I can’t attend live?

You will not miss anything. Every lecture and both Q&A sessions are recorded, and the recordings are yours with lifetime access. Many students enroll knowing in advance that they will watch entirely on their own schedule.

How will I access the course?

After you enroll you will receive an email with your login details and the live session links. The recordings, slides, transcripts, and audio downloads are all posted to our online course platform, ThriveCart Learn, where you can watch them any time.

Do I have lifetime access?

Yes. The lectures, the Q&A recordings, and every bonus are yours with lifetime access. Watch them on any device, on your own schedule, as often as you like.

Do I need any prior knowledge of the Bible?

No prior knowledge is required. Bart introduces every text, the historical background, and the scholarly debates as the course unfolds. Whether you are coming in fresh or already have a background in biblical studies, you will find it genuinely rewarding.

Will subtitles or captions be available?

Yes. All recordings include closed captioning, and full transcripts are included with the course, so you can follow along in text or search for a specific passage.

Can I ask Bart a question?

Yes. Each of the two days ends with a live Q&A session, and questions from attendees are what fill it. If you cannot make it live, the full Q&A recordings are included.

What payment types are accepted?

We accept PayPal and all major credit cards.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Absolutely. If you don’t love the course, send us an email at support@bartehrman.com within 30 days of purchase and we will refund every penny.

Is this budget-friendly?

Comparable weekend intensives and academic workshops with scholars of this caliber routinely run hundreds of dollars per attendee. This course delivers six full lectures, two live Q&A sessions, and a complete set of study materials online, at a price meant to keep serious biblical scholarship genuinely accessible.