1 00:00:00,490 --> 00:00:04,650 Speaker 1: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them 2 00:00:04,710 --> 00:00:06,670 Speaker 1: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 3 00:00:07,030 --> 00:00:12,090 Speaker 1: and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28, 19 Lord Jesus, 4 00:00:13,030 --> 00:00:16,170 Speaker 1: we thank you for the great commission, calling us to 5 00:00:16,230 --> 00:00:20,930 Speaker 1: go and make disciples of all nations. We are humbled 6 00:00:21,230 --> 00:00:26,119 Speaker 1: by this privilege and responsibility. Fill us with your Spirit, 7 00:00:26,920 --> 00:00:31,640 Speaker 1: that we may boldly share the good news. baptizing others 8 00:00:31,780 --> 00:00:35,519 Speaker 1: in Your name and teaching them to follow Your ways. 9 00:00:36,640 --> 00:00:40,200 Speaker 1: Give us the courage to step out in faith, knowing 10 00:00:40,800 --> 00:00:44,570 Speaker 1: You are always with us. Open our eyes to the 11 00:00:44,650 --> 00:00:48,849 Speaker 1: opportunities around us and empower us to be Your hands 12 00:00:49,070 --> 00:00:53,130 Speaker 1: and feet in this world. May our lives be a 13 00:00:53,290 --> 00:00:57,760 Speaker 1: testament to Your love, leading others to the hope and 14 00:00:57,920 --> 00:01:02,720 Speaker 1: salvation of found only in you. In your powerful name, 15 00:01:03,220 --> 00:01:03,680 Speaker 1: we pray. 16 00:01:04,700 --> 00:01:04,980 Speaker 2: Amen. 17 00:01:08,260 --> 00:01:11,690 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 18 00:01:11,730 --> 00:01:16,929 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 19 00:01:17,030 --> 00:01:21,069 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 20 00:01:21,630 --> 00:01:25,069 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 21 00:01:25,130 --> 00:01:31,330 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on our team. Saul's shaking 22 00:01:31,390 --> 00:01:35,709 Speaker 1: knees bent in between two wooden pillars. He placed his 23 00:01:35,770 --> 00:01:39,600 Speaker 1: hands on them and allowed the elders to bind his wrists. 24 00:01:41,100 --> 00:01:45,380 Speaker 1: His rabbi had taught him to obey his elders, honor them, 25 00:01:46,380 --> 00:01:51,000 Speaker 1: respect them. Now his rabbi stood over him with a 26 00:01:51,040 --> 00:01:55,610 Speaker 1: heavy whip firmly gripped in his hands. The whip was 27 00:01:55,730 --> 00:02:00,030 Speaker 1: dark and had four pronged straps frayed at the end. 28 00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:05,020 Speaker 1: with small pieces of bone tied to them. The entire 29 00:02:05,140 --> 00:02:10,889 Speaker 1: congregation stood around him, scowling and with spite in their eyes. 30 00:02:12,169 --> 00:02:16,810 Speaker 1: Saul's father was among them, adorned with a blue-fringed robe 31 00:02:16,889 --> 00:02:20,970 Speaker 1: and leather amulet fastened to his headdress. He was a 32 00:02:21,010 --> 00:02:26,170 Speaker 1: Pharisee first and a ten-maker second. Being a concerned father 33 00:02:27,030 --> 00:02:30,919 Speaker 1: was on the lower end of the list. Saul's father 34 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:35,709 Speaker 1: was the first to accuse him. One by one, they 35 00:02:35,760 --> 00:02:41,230 Speaker 1: read him his sins. Blasphemy, eating in the homes of Gentiles, 36 00:02:42,270 --> 00:02:46,930 Speaker 1: and disobedience to elders. These things would have been more 37 00:02:46,990 --> 00:02:51,030 Speaker 1: tolerable if they hadn't all been in the name of Jesus. 38 00:02:52,250 --> 00:02:56,520 Speaker 1: Saul had no regrets. Even as the heavy whip rained 39 00:02:56,740 --> 00:03:01,020 Speaker 1: fire onto his back and ribs, Blood spattered across the 40 00:03:01,060 --> 00:03:05,460 Speaker 1: stone floor beneath him. Saul bore his teeth and breathed 41 00:03:05,580 --> 00:03:12,870 Speaker 1: in deeply, awaiting another lash. Twenty-six lashes as punishment, thirteen 42 00:03:12,910 --> 00:03:16,910 Speaker 1: on the front and thirteen on the back. He took 43 00:03:17,070 --> 00:03:21,490 Speaker 1: all of them with passion and joy. The whip felt 44 00:03:21,610 --> 00:03:24,780 Speaker 1: like jagged wire tearing furrows. 45 00:03:24,350 --> 00:03:24,840 Speaker 3: In his flesh. 46 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:28,679 Speaker 1: The frayed ends wrapped around his shoulders to his chest, 47 00:03:29,380 --> 00:03:33,130 Speaker 1: and tore away at his skin. Each lash was more 48 00:03:33,270 --> 00:03:38,130 Speaker 1: painful than the last. The words of Christ echoed in 49 00:03:38,170 --> 00:03:38,610 Speaker 1: his heart. 50 00:03:39,250 --> 00:03:39,950 Speaker 3: Blessed are you. 51 00:03:39,970 --> 00:03:43,110 Speaker 2: I persecute you for my name's sake. 52 00:03:43,990 --> 00:03:48,510 Speaker 1: Saul didn't consider himself particularly blessed at this moment, but 53 00:03:48,550 --> 00:03:51,630 Speaker 1: he knew great blessings were awaiting him at the end 54 00:03:51,670 --> 00:03:54,970 Speaker 1: of his torture. Saul was called to pick up his 55 00:03:55,070 --> 00:04:00,430 Speaker 1: cross in pursuit of Jesus. All followers of Christ must 56 00:04:00,490 --> 00:04:04,770 Speaker 1: suffer somehow. Saul saw this torture for what. 57 00:04:04,670 --> 00:04:08,860 Speaker 4: It was, refining. If you do not take care to 58 00:04:09,220 --> 00:04:12,180 Speaker 4: observe the words of the law written in the scriptures, 59 00:04:12,760 --> 00:04:15,520 Speaker 4: then you are right to fear the glory and might 60 00:04:15,580 --> 00:04:16,060 Speaker 4: of God. 61 00:04:16,740 --> 00:04:22,039 Speaker 1: The rabbi shouted. Saul's entire body was shaking. His hands 62 00:04:22,100 --> 00:04:26,360 Speaker 1: were cold and his head was getting fuzzy. Thirteen more 63 00:04:26,460 --> 00:04:30,510 Speaker 1: lashes were awaiting him. More furrows were sent to his back, 64 00:04:31,210 --> 00:04:33,990 Speaker 1: wrapping around his ribs to the lower end of his waist. 65 00:04:34,750 --> 00:04:39,270 Speaker 1: It was intense pain, almost unbearable. Yet there was a 66 00:04:39,390 --> 00:04:44,630 Speaker 1: small flickering flame within Saul that kept him going. Saul 67 00:04:44,690 --> 00:04:48,740 Speaker 1: endured to the end, grateful that he could share in 68 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:53,200 Speaker 1: some way the sufferings of Christ. Each tear on his 69 00:04:53,260 --> 00:04:56,760 Speaker 1: skin reminded him that a life lived for Jesus was 70 00:04:57,360 --> 00:05:01,719 Speaker 1: would not be easy. When the flogging was finished, each 71 00:05:01,820 --> 00:05:05,740 Speaker 1: member of the congregation left one by one. All that 72 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:10,610 Speaker 1: remained were his mother and father. His father, too disgusted 73 00:05:10,650 --> 00:05:13,510 Speaker 1: to look in his eyes, gestured for his servants to 74 00:05:13,529 --> 00:05:16,370 Speaker 1: carry him back home so his mother could tend to 75 00:05:16,410 --> 00:05:20,409 Speaker 1: his wounds. They were ashamed of their son, but still 76 00:05:21,130 --> 00:05:24,780 Speaker 1: obliged to host him. Saul lay in bed for a 77 00:05:24,820 --> 00:05:29,150 Speaker 1: few days, trying not to move. Each time he inched 78 00:05:29,190 --> 00:05:32,710 Speaker 1: in a particular direction, he could feel his wounds tearing 79 00:05:32,950 --> 00:05:37,290 Speaker 1: underneath his bandages. He looked up at the ceiling and 80 00:05:37,350 --> 00:05:41,830 Speaker 1: pondered his next steps. His father entered the room quietly 81 00:05:42,420 --> 00:05:45,990 Speaker 1: and sat on the stool in the corner. Saul sat up, 82 00:05:46,380 --> 00:05:49,320 Speaker 1: wincing at the pain. He looked up at his father. 83 00:05:50,080 --> 00:05:53,000 Speaker 1: He was cold, distant, and perturbed. 84 00:05:53,620 --> 00:05:58,029 Speaker 5: The elders have made their decision. You are hereby banished 85 00:05:58,170 --> 00:05:59,190 Speaker 5: from the synagogue. 86 00:06:03,350 --> 00:06:06,310 Speaker 1: Saul did not respond at first. He looked at his 87 00:06:06,370 --> 00:06:10,609 Speaker 1: father blankly. Saul's father rubbed his temples and sighed. 88 00:06:11,290 --> 00:06:15,010 Speaker 5: And your inheritance has been taken from you. Nothing I 89 00:06:15,070 --> 00:06:19,450 Speaker 5: have will be passed down to a blasphemer and a betrayer. 90 00:06:18,850 --> 00:06:19,550 Speaker 4: Of his people. 91 00:06:20,650 --> 00:06:25,250 Speaker 1: Saul once again was silent, saying nothing. His father stood 92 00:06:25,330 --> 00:06:25,860 Speaker 1: up angrily. 93 00:06:26,420 --> 00:06:31,380 Speaker 5: And shouted, See what happens when you follow a dead blasphemer! 94 00:06:32,040 --> 00:06:36,029 Speaker 5: Everything you've worked for is lost! Everything that was your 95 00:06:36,170 --> 00:06:37,550 Speaker 5: birthright is gone! 96 00:06:38,430 --> 00:06:39,490 Speaker 4: What do you have. 97 00:06:39,310 --> 00:06:43,910 Speaker 1: To say for yourself? The fresh wounds on Saul's back 98 00:06:44,110 --> 00:06:47,310 Speaker 1: burned as he stood to his feet to face his father. 99 00:06:48,310 --> 00:06:52,390 Speaker 1: Blood leaked through the bandages, but he was determined to 100 00:06:52,510 --> 00:06:58,669 Speaker 1: meet his father's eyeline. Saul's response was cutting and resolute. 101 00:06:59,430 --> 00:07:04,390 Speaker 4: Everything I have gained in this life, I consider a 102 00:07:04,450 --> 00:07:06,390 Speaker 4: loss for Christ's sake. 103 00:07:06,970 --> 00:07:10,860 Speaker 1: His voice was shaky from the pain, but his conviction 104 00:07:11,420 --> 00:07:15,540 Speaker 1: was steady. He approached his father with more deliberate steps. 105 00:07:16,240 --> 00:07:22,750 Speaker 4: I see everything as a loss compared to the overwhelming 106 00:07:22,890 --> 00:07:27,550 Speaker 4: gain of knowing Jesus Christ, my Lord. For his sake, 107 00:07:29,130 --> 00:07:31,370 Speaker 4: I will suffer even more than this. 108 00:07:32,170 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 1: At this point, blood was dripping from Paul's bandages. A 109 00:07:35,980 --> 00:07:38,880 Speaker 1: few drops hit the floor before Paul grabbed his pack 110 00:07:39,420 --> 00:07:42,020 Speaker 1: and limped to the door. He placed a hand on 111 00:07:42,040 --> 00:07:45,060 Speaker 1: the handle and opened it, and then looked back at 112 00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:45,580 Speaker 1: his father. 113 00:07:46,160 --> 00:07:47,320 Speaker 4: Everything I have. 114 00:07:47,250 --> 00:07:47,660 Speaker 3: Lost is. 115 00:07:49,170 --> 00:07:54,040 Speaker 4: Everything you still hold so dear, I consider a heaping 116 00:07:54,100 --> 00:07:56,660 Speaker 4: pile of dung compared to what I have in Christ. 117 00:07:57,280 --> 00:08:02,100 Speaker 1: With those words, Saul left his home and disappeared into 118 00:08:02,120 --> 00:08:06,260 Speaker 1: the wild country outside Tarsus. He did not know what 119 00:08:06,300 --> 00:08:09,610 Speaker 1: the next step would be, but he knew there would 120 00:08:09,620 --> 00:08:14,170 Speaker 1: be favor at the feet of Jesus. So Saul sought 121 00:08:14,270 --> 00:08:18,330 Speaker 1: out solitude to confide in the Spirit and gain wisdom. 122 00:08:23,910 --> 00:08:26,690 Speaker 2: Are you ready at a moment's notice to pick up 123 00:08:26,830 --> 00:08:29,690 Speaker 2: everything that you knew and press forward to what God 124 00:08:29,710 --> 00:08:34,319 Speaker 2: has for you? Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Cinematic stories 125 00:08:34,400 --> 00:08:38,000 Speaker 2: inspired by the gospel meant to awaken our faith and 126 00:08:38,059 --> 00:08:41,900 Speaker 2: enliven our imagination. Today, we're journeying back to the bustling, 127 00:08:42,240 --> 00:08:47,490 Speaker 2: cosmopolitan city of Antioch as described in Acts 11, 19-30. No, 128 00:08:47,610 --> 00:08:50,510 Speaker 2: Antioch wasn't your average ancient city. Think of it as 129 00:08:50,580 --> 00:08:53,500 Speaker 2: New York City of its day, diverse, dynamic, and perhaps 130 00:08:53,559 --> 00:08:56,680 Speaker 2: a tad decadent. It was here in this melting pot 131 00:08:56,700 --> 00:09:00,680 Speaker 2: of culture and ideas that God sent two men named 132 00:09:00,820 --> 00:09:02,339 Speaker 2: Saul and Barnabas. 133 00:09:04,679 --> 00:09:08,320 Speaker 1: Barnabas walked the streets of Tarsus, talking to vendors and 134 00:09:08,400 --> 00:09:11,980 Speaker 1: merchants about where to find the nearest synagogue. They all 135 00:09:12,080 --> 00:09:15,890 Speaker 1: pointed east toward the hill. The Hellenist synagogue was set 136 00:09:15,929 --> 00:09:19,100 Speaker 1: apart and separated from the rest of the city. He 137 00:09:19,179 --> 00:09:23,660 Speaker 1: marched up the winding path and eventually found himself in 138 00:09:23,700 --> 00:09:27,939 Speaker 1: the courtyard. It became apparent quickly that Saul had been there, 139 00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:32,260 Speaker 1: for many of the elders were debating among themselves regarding 140 00:09:32,320 --> 00:09:36,800 Speaker 1: the resurrection of the dead. Wherever Saul went, there seemed 141 00:09:36,840 --> 00:09:40,959 Speaker 1: to be controversy. He approached them humbly with a bow. 142 00:09:40,800 --> 00:09:44,959 Speaker 3: Of his head. Shalom, brothers. I was wondering where I 143 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:48,330 Speaker 3: might be able to find Saul, the tentmaker and Pharisee. 144 00:09:49,710 --> 00:09:53,120 Speaker 4: That traitor was denied access to this synagogue weeks ago. 145 00:09:53,800 --> 00:09:57,430 Speaker 4: He's out fraternizing with Gentiles and sinners down the hill. 146 00:09:57,990 --> 00:10:01,940 Speaker 1: Barnabas bowed his head, stepped back, and paced down the hill. 147 00:10:02,460 --> 00:10:05,980 Speaker 1: He waded through the busy marketplace, keeping an eye out 148 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:09,600 Speaker 1: for Saul. He didn't need to look long. A large 149 00:10:09,679 --> 00:10:12,900 Speaker 1: crowd was gathering in the center of the marketplace, and 150 00:10:12,940 --> 00:10:19,060 Speaker 1: Barnabas had a sneaking suspicion Saul was somehow responsible. He 151 00:10:19,140 --> 00:10:22,079 Speaker 1: pressed through the sea of people to the center, all 152 00:10:22,140 --> 00:10:29,250 Speaker 1: to find a short, broad-shouldered, bald-bearded Saul speaking to the crowd. 153 00:10:30,210 --> 00:10:33,730 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and crossed his arms. He listened to Saul's 154 00:10:33,809 --> 00:10:38,920 Speaker 1: passionate plea for people to repent and believe in the gospel. 155 00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:43,000 Speaker 1: They ridiculed him, but it did not deter Saul from 156 00:10:43,080 --> 00:10:48,390 Speaker 1: preaching anyway. Barnabas was always impressed by Saul's determination. proclaim 157 00:10:48,429 --> 00:10:51,940 Speaker 1: the gospel, even with clamors of doubt in the background. 158 00:10:52,660 --> 00:10:56,400 Speaker 1: Saul spoke for nearly an hour before being laughed out 159 00:10:56,440 --> 00:10:59,860 Speaker 1: of the marketplace. He stepped down from the steps and 160 00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:03,870 Speaker 1: trotted off. Saul left the fray with people bumping his 161 00:11:03,950 --> 00:11:08,309 Speaker 1: shoulders and throwing food at him, but his head remained high. 162 00:11:09,130 --> 00:11:11,710 Speaker 1: As he was leaving, Saul caught a glimpse of Barnabas 163 00:11:11,730 --> 00:11:15,050 Speaker 1: standing at the corner. Saul's eyes lit up with joy, 164 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:18,990 Speaker 1: and he ran over to embrace him. They walked out 165 00:11:19,030 --> 00:11:23,770 Speaker 1: of the marketplace together and sat beside an orchard. Barnabas 166 00:11:23,830 --> 00:11:28,350 Speaker 1: noticed something different about Saul. The way he walked was different. 167 00:11:29,230 --> 00:11:33,410 Speaker 1: Bow-legged and slightly hunched over, it was clear that Saul 168 00:11:33,450 --> 00:11:37,030 Speaker 1: had been severely flogged since they had last seen each other. 169 00:11:37,850 --> 00:11:39,690 Speaker 3: It seems like you have suffered here. 170 00:11:40,390 --> 00:11:43,570 Speaker 4: I remember watching Peter and John being beaten outside the 171 00:11:43,650 --> 00:11:47,290 Speaker 4: courtyard of the hall in Jerusalem. They said that it 172 00:11:47,350 --> 00:11:49,830 Speaker 4: was a joy to share in the sufferings of Christ. 173 00:11:50,710 --> 00:11:54,150 Speaker 4: I didn't know what they meant then, but I do now. 174 00:11:56,130 --> 00:11:59,210 Speaker 1: Saul pulled down the shoulder of his tunic, revealing his 175 00:11:59,290 --> 00:11:59,970 Speaker 1: fresh scars. 176 00:12:00,530 --> 00:12:01,490 Speaker 4: Why have you come. 177 00:12:01,330 --> 00:12:02,290 Speaker 3: Here, Barnabas? 178 00:12:03,010 --> 00:12:06,880 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and leaned back, soaking in the Tarsian sun. 179 00:12:07,460 --> 00:12:10,540 Speaker 1: He could smell hints of the ocean breeze wafting in 180 00:12:10,740 --> 00:12:11,280 Speaker 1: from the south. 181 00:12:11,780 --> 00:12:16,070 Speaker 3: Much has changed since you left Jerusalem. The one There 182 00:12:16,090 --> 00:12:19,350 Speaker 3: has been a movement of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. 183 00:12:19,910 --> 00:12:24,370 Speaker 3: Can you believe it? Oh, Saul, it is spreading like wildfire. 184 00:12:24,890 --> 00:12:29,140 Speaker 3: Christ's name is being proclaimed to the surrounding regions. The 185 00:12:29,179 --> 00:12:32,920 Speaker 3: apostles sent me to Antioch because many people believe in 186 00:12:33,000 --> 00:12:37,559 Speaker 3: Jesus there. The gathering is enormous, and they are hungry 187 00:12:37,620 --> 00:12:39,360 Speaker 3: to learn more about Jesus. 188 00:12:40,059 --> 00:12:41,520 Speaker 4: Praise be to God. 189 00:12:41,920 --> 00:12:46,970 Speaker 3: It is unlike anything I have seen before. Jews, Gentiles, slaves, 190 00:12:47,070 --> 00:12:50,510 Speaker 3: and nobles are all coming together under the same roof 191 00:12:51,010 --> 00:12:52,230 Speaker 3: to worship and pray. 192 00:12:52,250 --> 00:12:57,660 Speaker 4: But aren't the Jews worried about eating and communing with Gentiles? 193 00:12:58,240 --> 00:13:01,780 Speaker 3: Not as many anymore. Peter received a vision from God 194 00:13:02,340 --> 00:13:05,260 Speaker 3: and went into the home of a Gentile. And all 195 00:13:05,280 --> 00:13:09,880 Speaker 3: of them received the Holy Spirit. Others have had similar experiences. 196 00:13:10,540 --> 00:13:15,480 Speaker 3: God is breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles. So 197 00:13:15,580 --> 00:13:18,459 Speaker 3: why have you left Antioch to come here? Because I 198 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:23,059 Speaker 3: need your help, Saul. The Jews in Antioch, they are Hellenists. 199 00:13:23,780 --> 00:13:28,420 Speaker 3: And you, you speak fluent in Greek. You have a 200 00:13:28,490 --> 00:13:32,309 Speaker 3: much richer understanding of Greek culture than I do. I 201 00:13:32,370 --> 00:13:35,430 Speaker 3: need your help to reach them and raise them in 202 00:13:35,450 --> 00:13:39,290 Speaker 3: the Lord. Saul, will you come back with me? 203 00:13:39,910 --> 00:13:42,770 Speaker 1: It was an easy answer for Saul. He knew his 204 00:13:42,830 --> 00:13:46,770 Speaker 1: time in Tarsus was up. and a new adventure awaited him. 205 00:13:47,309 --> 00:13:50,770 Speaker 1: He and Barnabas set sail for Antioch, the crown jewel 206 00:13:51,110 --> 00:13:54,610 Speaker 1: of Syria. As the sails released and caught the wind, 207 00:13:55,250 --> 00:13:58,700 Speaker 1: Saul looked back at his childhood home. The place that 208 00:13:58,740 --> 00:14:02,319 Speaker 1: had given him so much life and opportunity was now 209 00:14:02,360 --> 00:14:07,320 Speaker 1: a place of heartache. He left his family behind, mindful 210 00:14:07,360 --> 00:14:09,520 Speaker 1: of the words spoken by Jesus. 211 00:14:10,090 --> 00:14:13,089 Speaker 6: Whoever does not hate his father and mother will not 212 00:14:13,130 --> 00:14:13,890 Speaker 6: be my disciple. 213 00:14:14,840 --> 00:14:17,220 Speaker 1: Of course, Saul did not hate his father and mother, 214 00:14:17,720 --> 00:14:21,140 Speaker 1: nor did Jesus call anyone to hate his family. However, 215 00:14:21,220 --> 00:14:25,760 Speaker 1: compared to the intense love he experienced in Jesus, all 216 00:14:25,840 --> 00:14:31,040 Speaker 1: other familial commitments seemed small. He left Tarsus in peace, 217 00:14:31,820 --> 00:14:38,970 Speaker 1: knowing his true family awaited him in Antioch. From the outside, 218 00:14:39,150 --> 00:14:42,210 Speaker 1: it was the greatest city Saul had ever seen. After 219 00:14:42,270 --> 00:14:46,870 Speaker 1: walking sixteen miles beside the Orontes River, they beheld the 220 00:14:46,950 --> 00:14:51,910 Speaker 1: glory of Antioch. The river flowed peacefully beside the city, 221 00:14:52,490 --> 00:14:58,550 Speaker 1: covering the surrounding plains in wildflowers and fresh vegetation. The 222 00:14:58,630 --> 00:15:04,340 Speaker 1: splendid metropolis rested beside the canyons of Mount Silpius. Saul 223 00:15:04,380 --> 00:15:08,340 Speaker 1: looked at the side of the mountain and gasped. Carved 224 00:15:08,640 --> 00:15:11,780 Speaker 1: into the side of the canyon, was a faceless human 225 00:15:11,860 --> 00:15:16,180 Speaker 1: head with a scepter beside it. The carving was glorious 226 00:15:16,840 --> 00:15:24,070 Speaker 1: and haunting simultaneously. A faceless giant and watchman looming over 227 00:15:24,110 --> 00:15:28,990 Speaker 1: the city with intimidation. Barnabas gestured to the mountain's carving. 228 00:15:29,530 --> 00:15:34,170 Speaker 3: That is a carving of Sharon, the ferryman of the underworld. 229 00:15:35,270 --> 00:15:38,250 Speaker 3: The Gentiles in the city claim the river goes straight 230 00:15:38,310 --> 00:15:41,350 Speaker 3: to Hades. and Sharon ferries them there. 231 00:15:41,990 --> 00:15:46,090 Speaker 1: The city was a magnificent example of Greek architecture and 232 00:15:46,190 --> 00:15:51,820 Speaker 1: Roman wealth. However, as Saul entered, its splendor dissipated. Signs 233 00:15:51,880 --> 00:15:56,080 Speaker 1: of poverty and despair laced the streets below, while the 234 00:15:56,120 --> 00:15:59,920 Speaker 1: upper hills of the city gleamed with whitewashed wealth. The 235 00:15:59,960 --> 00:16:05,270 Speaker 1: disparity was staggering. Temples for pagan gods were erected on 236 00:16:05,530 --> 00:16:09,550 Speaker 1: every street corner, and everywhere there wasn't a temple, There 237 00:16:09,590 --> 00:16:14,540 Speaker 1: were theaters and the Hippodrome for gladiator games and chariot races. 238 00:16:15,420 --> 00:16:19,740 Speaker 1: The two men walked south, eventually passing the Grove of Daphne. 239 00:16:20,520 --> 00:16:26,080 Speaker 1: Hundreds of temple prostitutes laid bare-chested against the walls, luring 240 00:16:26,140 --> 00:16:30,930 Speaker 1: men and women for their lewd worship. Even by Roman standards, 241 00:16:31,730 --> 00:16:37,310 Speaker 1: Antioch was debased. Saul averted his eyes, not yet desensitized 242 00:16:37,370 --> 00:16:41,800 Speaker 1: to the world's wickedness. outside the synagogue. Paul and Barnabas 243 00:16:41,860 --> 00:16:45,390 Speaker 1: made their way to Syngon Street in the Epiphania district 244 00:16:45,550 --> 00:16:50,530 Speaker 1: of Antioch. Saul cringed to see Charon's looming head looking 245 00:16:50,610 --> 00:16:54,470 Speaker 1: down at him. Barnabas led Saul to a modest home 246 00:16:54,750 --> 00:16:59,400 Speaker 1: near the Pantheon. The house was bustling and crowded with Jews, Greeks, 247 00:16:59,620 --> 00:17:03,600 Speaker 1: rich and poor. Food flowed in and out of the 248 00:17:03,640 --> 00:17:08,200 Speaker 1: kitchen to provide for the sick, widowed and orphaned. sitting 249 00:17:08,240 --> 00:17:12,939 Speaker 1: in the courtyard. A continental cacophony of prayer and music 250 00:17:13,369 --> 00:17:16,830 Speaker 1: could be heard from the upper room. The believers met 251 00:17:17,010 --> 00:17:20,950 Speaker 1: every day throughout the day to accommodate the different lifestyles 252 00:17:21,109 --> 00:17:25,010 Speaker 1: and schedules. So people were in and out of the 253 00:17:25,050 --> 00:17:30,520 Speaker 1: house daily, checking in, praying, and breaking bread. It was 254 00:17:30,660 --> 00:17:35,020 Speaker 1: magnificent for Paul to see. A tall, dark man with 255 00:17:35,100 --> 00:17:39,670 Speaker 1: broad shoulders and a deep voice approached Barnabas and took 256 00:17:39,730 --> 00:17:40,120 Speaker 1: his hand. 257 00:17:41,040 --> 00:17:45,280 Speaker 4: We are glad you have returned, Barnabas. You have been missed. 258 00:17:46,520 --> 00:17:50,140 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled at the man, then gestured behind his shoulder 259 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:50,879 Speaker 1: to Saul. 260 00:17:51,520 --> 00:17:54,480 Speaker 3: Saul, I would like you to meet Simon of Cyrene. 261 00:17:58,250 --> 00:18:01,609 Speaker 1: Saul paused and looked the man up and down. The 262 00:18:01,650 --> 00:18:05,170 Speaker 1: two of them had met before. Simon was a prominent 263 00:18:05,230 --> 00:18:08,860 Speaker 1: member of the church of Jerusalem. before most believers were 264 00:18:08,940 --> 00:18:13,100 Speaker 1: run out of the city. Because of Saul's threats, Simon 265 00:18:13,200 --> 00:18:16,899 Speaker 1: fled with his wife and young sons, Rufus and Alexander. 266 00:18:17,660 --> 00:18:20,050 Speaker 1: Saul bowed his head in contrition. 267 00:18:20,710 --> 00:18:29,450 Speaker 4: Simon of Cyrene, I am... You are forgiven, Saul. My 268 00:18:29,510 --> 00:18:32,600 Speaker 4: wife and I are pleased to have you here in 269 00:18:32,710 --> 00:18:33,020 Speaker 4: our home. 270 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:36,119 Speaker 1: Saul would come to find out that Simon was the 271 00:18:36,160 --> 00:18:39,740 Speaker 1: man who helped Jesus carry his cross up to Golgotha, 272 00:18:40,369 --> 00:18:43,119 Speaker 1: and his wife was a mother to the entire church 273 00:18:43,180 --> 00:18:47,210 Speaker 1: of Antioch. Saul himself would come to call her his 274 00:18:47,310 --> 00:18:52,950 Speaker 1: own mother, and Rufus and Alexander his brothers. Antioch gave 275 00:18:53,070 --> 00:18:56,889 Speaker 1: Saul a sense of belonging, something he had not felt 276 00:18:57,410 --> 00:19:00,550 Speaker 1: in over a decade. It became a place of healing 277 00:19:00,930 --> 00:19:05,350 Speaker 1: and restoration for his weary soul. God was answering his 278 00:19:05,430 --> 00:19:11,129 Speaker 1: prayers and preparing him for the hardships ahead. Saul melded 279 00:19:11,170 --> 00:19:16,139 Speaker 1: with the believers in Antioch, eventually becoming their shepherd and leader. 280 00:19:16,740 --> 00:19:21,040 Speaker 1: Together they forged new partnerships in the city, hosted meals 281 00:19:21,119 --> 00:19:23,899 Speaker 1: for the widowed and orphaned, and taught the words of 282 00:19:24,060 --> 00:19:29,149 Speaker 1: Jesus in every home. People entered Simon's house daily to 283 00:19:29,190 --> 00:19:33,390 Speaker 1: hear Saul weave the gospel into every account in Scripture. 284 00:19:34,150 --> 00:19:37,790 Speaker 1: Every day his skills in orating the word of God 285 00:19:38,150 --> 00:19:42,950 Speaker 1: grew sharper, and his passion deepened with every passing day. 286 00:19:43,590 --> 00:19:48,010 Speaker 1: Saul was a man on fire, and everyone who passed 287 00:19:48,050 --> 00:19:52,560 Speaker 1: him was ignited. The church of Antioch became well-known in 288 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:56,379 Speaker 1: the city, so prominent that the local authorities came up 289 00:19:56,900 --> 00:20:03,320 Speaker 1: with a new name for them, Christians, Little Christs. The 290 00:20:03,359 --> 00:20:07,300 Speaker 1: storm was unrelenting, and the howling wind slammed against the 291 00:20:07,380 --> 00:20:11,730 Speaker 1: roof like giants. The Christians of Antioch remained inside the 292 00:20:11,770 --> 00:20:16,510 Speaker 1: house of Simon, huddled together for comfort. Saul was among them, 293 00:20:17,530 --> 00:20:21,630 Speaker 1: passing out warm broth to the children. The storm had 294 00:20:21,750 --> 00:20:26,190 Speaker 1: raged for days, and everyone was unsure when the sun 295 00:20:26,230 --> 00:20:31,280 Speaker 1: would return. Lightning struck violently, flashing light against the looming 296 00:20:31,410 --> 00:20:36,240 Speaker 1: head of Charon. Underneath the mountain, dredging through the mud 297 00:20:36,400 --> 00:20:41,860 Speaker 1: and wind, four hooded figures approached Simon's home. Their steps 298 00:20:41,960 --> 00:20:46,190 Speaker 1: were slow and fatigued as they traversed the wet roads. 299 00:20:47,109 --> 00:20:50,250 Speaker 1: Saul looked out the window and saw them coming. He 300 00:20:50,350 --> 00:20:53,970 Speaker 1: opened the door, and rain began to pour in violently. 301 00:20:54,530 --> 00:20:58,060 Speaker 1: He ran to them, braving the wind to receive them 302 00:20:58,320 --> 00:20:58,740 Speaker 1: at the gate. 303 00:20:59,580 --> 00:21:03,679 Speaker 4: Hello, I am Saul, the shepherd of this church. Are 304 00:21:03,700 --> 00:21:04,840 Speaker 4: you in need of shelter? 305 00:21:05,540 --> 00:21:08,230 Speaker 1: One of the hooded men lifted his head and looked 306 00:21:08,270 --> 00:21:12,510 Speaker 1: at Saul. He was an older man, no younger than seventy, 307 00:21:12,890 --> 00:21:16,020 Speaker 1: and his grey curls covered half of his bearded face. 308 00:21:16,840 --> 00:21:20,620 Speaker 1: His right eye seemed scarred by some burn, and no 309 00:21:20,660 --> 00:21:25,040 Speaker 1: longer worked. It was a dreadful sight, but something about 310 00:21:25,080 --> 00:21:26,800 Speaker 1: him exuded authority. 311 00:21:27,420 --> 00:21:28,440 Speaker 3: I am Agabus. 312 00:21:29,150 --> 00:21:31,870 Speaker 1: His voice was as deep as thunder. 313 00:21:32,330 --> 00:21:34,490 Speaker 6: I have come with a word from the spirit. 314 00:21:37,150 --> 00:21:39,510 Speaker 1: Saul took their packs and led them into the house. 315 00:21:40,150 --> 00:21:44,000 Speaker 1: Simon's wife greeted them with wine and warm broth. They 316 00:21:44,040 --> 00:21:48,760 Speaker 1: received it gladly and composed themselves. Dozens of people were 317 00:21:48,780 --> 00:21:51,980 Speaker 1: in the same room, waiting intently for the men to 318 00:21:52,040 --> 00:21:56,139 Speaker 1: speak and explain why they had traveled to them. Agabus 319 00:21:56,180 --> 00:21:59,420 Speaker 1: stood before them and raised his shaking hand. 320 00:21:59,960 --> 00:22:02,180 Speaker 6: The Spirit of our Lord Jesus has brought me from 321 00:22:02,220 --> 00:22:06,879 Speaker 6: Jerusalem to you and all the churches outside Palestine. A 322 00:22:06,980 --> 00:22:11,300 Speaker 6: great famine is coming, one unlike we have ever seen 323 00:22:11,359 --> 00:22:15,159 Speaker 6: in our lifetime. Christ desires that his church would rise 324 00:22:15,220 --> 00:22:17,160 Speaker 6: to meet the needs of the people in their time 325 00:22:17,200 --> 00:22:22,770 Speaker 6: of distress. Prepare, labor, seek out food and provisions to 326 00:22:22,810 --> 00:22:24,429 Speaker 6: share among yourselves and the poor. 327 00:22:25,450 --> 00:22:28,970 Speaker 3: Do not delay. This will be the last storm. 328 00:22:29,070 --> 00:22:30,010 Speaker 4: In many months. 329 00:22:30,670 --> 00:22:34,940 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas exchanged looks and nodded. They had no 330 00:22:34,980 --> 00:22:37,980 Speaker 1: reason to doubt Agabus. or the men who accompanied him. 331 00:22:38,609 --> 00:22:42,490 Speaker 1: Saul saw this as an opportunity to unite the churches 332 00:22:42,750 --> 00:22:47,629 Speaker 1: throughout the world. They could collect provisions and share resources 333 00:22:48,010 --> 00:22:51,810 Speaker 1: to meet each other's needs during the famine. In so doing, 334 00:22:52,690 --> 00:22:56,060 Speaker 1: perhaps the Jewish believers would be united with the Gentile 335 00:22:56,100 --> 00:22:57,140 Speaker 1: believers as well. 336 00:22:57,580 --> 00:23:00,120 Speaker 4: If we can meet the needs of our people, that 337 00:23:00,140 --> 00:23:03,280 Speaker 4: will be a testimony to the world. This is our 338 00:23:03,359 --> 00:23:06,140 Speaker 4: chance to prove that the body of Christ can be 339 00:23:06,180 --> 00:23:10,380 Speaker 4: a light in the darkness. It is also an opportunity 340 00:23:10,460 --> 00:23:13,389 Speaker 4: for unity among the Jews and Gentiles. 341 00:23:14,050 --> 00:23:17,909 Speaker 1: Barnabas agreed, and the two rallied the surrounding churches to 342 00:23:17,990 --> 00:23:22,410 Speaker 1: store resources for the coming famine. They spent months gathering 343 00:23:22,470 --> 00:23:26,320 Speaker 1: whatever they could to redistribute to areas of greatest need. 344 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:30,320 Speaker 1: As it turned out, the greatest need was in Jerusalem. 345 00:23:30,850 --> 00:23:34,290 Speaker 1: Things had grown darker there under the rule of Herod Agrippa. 346 00:23:34,770 --> 00:23:39,050 Speaker 1: His cruelty rivaled that of his predecessor, who beheaded John 347 00:23:39,090 --> 00:23:44,050 Speaker 1: the Baptist. He expanded the walls of Jerusalem northward, creating 348 00:23:44,130 --> 00:23:47,949 Speaker 1: stress on the city's laborers. He also began a campaign 349 00:23:48,050 --> 00:23:52,619 Speaker 1: against the Christians of Jerusalem. He beheaded James, the brother 350 00:23:52,650 --> 00:23:57,680 Speaker 1: of John, and imprisoned Peter. Although Peter was able to escape, 351 00:23:58,160 --> 00:24:01,860 Speaker 1: the sting of James' death lingered and caused a great 352 00:24:01,920 --> 00:24:06,000 Speaker 1: deal of panic among the disciples. Saul was determined to 353 00:24:06,080 --> 00:24:10,480 Speaker 1: bring them aid and establish himself as a reliable figure 354 00:24:10,780 --> 00:24:14,980 Speaker 1: and leader for the church. As Saul worked, he looked 355 00:24:15,060 --> 00:24:18,900 Speaker 1: inward and asked himself if he was doing this for 356 00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:19,700 Speaker 1: selfish gain. 357 00:24:20,280 --> 00:24:24,580 Speaker 4: Am I aiming to please the apostles? Is this offering 358 00:24:24,619 --> 00:24:26,280 Speaker 4: a bribe to get their approval? 359 00:24:27,240 --> 00:24:31,679 Speaker 1: Saul never used to ask such questions. His selfish ambitions 360 00:24:32,100 --> 00:24:36,180 Speaker 1: and righteous mission were one and the same. But now 361 00:24:36,220 --> 00:24:40,030 Speaker 1: that he had the Lord's Spirit dwelling within him, guiding 362 00:24:40,420 --> 00:24:44,970 Speaker 1: and convicting, he could truly assess the nature of his intentions. 363 00:24:45,869 --> 00:24:50,149 Speaker 1: Saul looked up and closed his eyes. He sighed a prayer. 364 00:24:52,850 --> 00:24:56,110 Speaker 4: Not for my glory, but yours, Lord Jesus. 365 00:24:56,970 --> 00:25:00,250 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas secured the provisions necessary to aid the 366 00:25:00,310 --> 00:25:04,820 Speaker 1: church in Jerusalem. It was a significant endeavor that required 367 00:25:04,890 --> 00:25:09,580 Speaker 1: great precision and administration. First they must hire a charter 368 00:25:09,900 --> 00:25:13,260 Speaker 1: to sail the supplies to Joppa. From there they would 369 00:25:13,300 --> 00:25:16,820 Speaker 1: set up a mule train to travel from Joppa to Jerusalem. 370 00:25:17,780 --> 00:25:21,139 Speaker 1: Saul recruited a young man named Titus to aid them 371 00:25:21,180 --> 00:25:26,500 Speaker 1: in the mission. However, Titus was an uncircumcised Greek Barnabas 372 00:25:26,580 --> 00:25:31,060 Speaker 1: feared the Jewish believers might shun him. The rebel within 373 00:25:31,140 --> 00:25:35,760 Speaker 1: Saul was eager to push those boundaries. He shrugged and 374 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:37,560 Speaker 1: explained his reasons to Barnabas. 375 00:25:38,920 --> 00:25:42,679 Speaker 4: What has happened here in Antioch is a miracle. The 376 00:25:42,720 --> 00:25:45,889 Speaker 4: apostles need to see that there are Gentile believers who 377 00:25:45,910 --> 00:25:46,350 Speaker 4: can lead. 378 00:25:46,850 --> 00:25:48,850 Speaker 3: You will be instigating debate, Saul. 379 00:25:50,690 --> 00:25:52,369 Speaker 4: It seems to be a gift of mine. 380 00:25:53,050 --> 00:25:56,840 Speaker 1: Titus joined them. and the three companions set sail for Joppa. 381 00:25:57,560 --> 00:26:00,640 Speaker 1: The church in Antioch prayed over them and sent them 382 00:26:00,760 --> 00:26:04,780 Speaker 1: off with joy. Saul was eager to return to Jerusalem. 383 00:26:05,220 --> 00:26:08,220 Speaker 1: He was not the same as when he left. He 384 00:26:08,260 --> 00:26:12,230 Speaker 1: was an established shepherd of a church and experienced in leading. 385 00:26:12,950 --> 00:26:16,110 Speaker 1: In the quiet of his heart, God had revealed that 386 00:26:16,170 --> 00:26:20,409 Speaker 1: he was appointed an apostle of Jesus Christ. Yet his 387 00:26:20,470 --> 00:26:25,250 Speaker 1: relationship with Jesus was different than the others. Saul wondered 388 00:26:25,330 --> 00:26:27,560 Speaker 1: if he would ever be accepted as one of them. 389 00:26:28,190 --> 00:26:30,990 Speaker 1: He leaned over the bow of the ship and thought 390 00:26:31,080 --> 00:26:34,280 Speaker 1: about his calling. The Spirit had stirred him up in 391 00:26:34,300 --> 00:26:38,340 Speaker 1: the past year, and his mission was becoming more evident. 392 00:26:38,980 --> 00:26:43,939 Speaker 1: The multicultural church in Antioch showcased the heart of God 393 00:26:44,440 --> 00:26:48,480 Speaker 1: for all people groups to know him. Saul now knew, 394 00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:52,000 Speaker 1: beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he was called 395 00:26:52,340 --> 00:26:56,230 Speaker 1: to be an Apostle to the Gentiles, the one who 396 00:26:56,290 --> 00:26:59,690 Speaker 1: could bring the gospel of Jesus to the ends of 397 00:26:59,750 --> 00:27:04,270 Speaker 1: the earth, thus fulfilling the great commission of Christ. 398 00:27:04,770 --> 00:27:09,330 Speaker 5: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. 399 00:27:14,050 --> 00:27:17,189 Speaker 2: The passage begins with believers scattered due to persecution that 400 00:27:17,230 --> 00:27:20,680 Speaker 2: arose over Stephen. They traveled far and wide, Phoenicia, Cyprus, 401 00:27:20,720 --> 00:27:23,740 Speaker 2: and yes, Antioch. spreading the word, but initially only to 402 00:27:23,780 --> 00:27:27,399 Speaker 2: fellow Jews. But then, some daring souls from Cyprus and 403 00:27:27,460 --> 00:27:30,850 Speaker 2: Cyrene decided to shake things up. They began sharing the 404 00:27:30,869 --> 00:27:34,510 Speaker 2: good news with the Greeks and Gentiles. This was revolutionary. 405 00:27:34,750 --> 00:27:36,770 Speaker 2: It was like adding hot sauce to a recipe that's 406 00:27:36,910 --> 00:27:37,909 Speaker 2: always been mild. 407 00:27:38,250 --> 00:27:38,909 Speaker 4: And what happened? 408 00:27:39,150 --> 00:27:41,250 Speaker 2: It says that the hand of the Lord was with them, 409 00:27:41,310 --> 00:27:44,450 Speaker 2: and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Sometimes, 410 00:27:44,630 --> 00:27:47,480 Speaker 2: stepping out of our comfort zones is precisely what's needed 411 00:27:47,619 --> 00:27:50,420 Speaker 2: for God's work to flourish. Word got back to Jerusalem 412 00:27:50,460 --> 00:27:53,520 Speaker 2: at that point about this unexpected revival among the Gentiles. 413 00:27:53,859 --> 00:27:57,200 Speaker 2: The church decided to send Barnabas to Antioch. Now, Barnabas' 414 00:27:57,260 --> 00:28:00,060 Speaker 2: name means son of encouragement, and he definitely lives up 415 00:28:00,080 --> 00:28:02,330 Speaker 2: to it. When he arrives, he sees the grace of 416 00:28:02,369 --> 00:28:05,530 Speaker 2: God at work. He's glad, not skeptical or jealous, and 417 00:28:05,570 --> 00:28:09,650 Speaker 2: encourages them all to remain faithful. Barnabas doesn't stop there though. 418 00:28:10,130 --> 00:28:13,490 Speaker 2: Realizing the magnitude of the task, he sets off to 419 00:28:13,570 --> 00:28:17,020 Speaker 2: Tarsus to find Saul. Yes, the very Saul who once 420 00:28:17,100 --> 00:28:22,020 Speaker 2: persecuted Christians but had since become a powerhouse for the gospel. Together, 421 00:28:22,220 --> 00:28:24,379 Speaker 2: they spend a whole year teaching and building up the 422 00:28:24,420 --> 00:28:27,940 Speaker 2: church in Antioch. Isn't it beautiful how God uses community 423 00:28:27,960 --> 00:28:31,080 Speaker 2: to strengthen us? Barnabas knew he couldn't do it alone, 424 00:28:31,340 --> 00:28:34,399 Speaker 2: so he brought Saul into the fold. It reminds me 425 00:28:34,440 --> 00:28:38,860 Speaker 2: that collaboration often multiplies our effectiveness. Here's the kicker. It 426 00:28:38,900 --> 00:28:41,610 Speaker 2: says in Acts 11.26 that the disciples were first called 427 00:28:41,680 --> 00:28:45,630 Speaker 2: Christians in Antioch. Before this, followers of Jesus were known 428 00:28:45,670 --> 00:28:49,780 Speaker 2: by various names, disciples, saints, believers, followers of the way, 429 00:28:50,180 --> 00:28:53,720 Speaker 2: but now they're being labeled Christians, which means belonging to 430 00:28:53,800 --> 00:28:58,640 Speaker 2: Christ or little Christs. Interestingly, this name wasn't necessarily given 431 00:28:58,680 --> 00:29:01,220 Speaker 2: as a compliment. It may have been more of a 432 00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:04,330 Speaker 2: term of mockery from those outside of the faith, yet 433 00:29:04,630 --> 00:29:07,190 Speaker 2: the believers embraced it. They wore it as a badge 434 00:29:07,230 --> 00:29:10,590 Speaker 2: of honor because it identified them with Jesus. What does 435 00:29:10,630 --> 00:29:15,590 Speaker 2: being called a Christian mean to us today? Is it 436 00:29:16,550 --> 00:29:20,270 Speaker 2: just a demographic checkbox, or does it reflect our deepest identity? 437 00:29:20,730 --> 00:29:23,330 Speaker 2: In a world eager to define us by our jobs, politics, 438 00:29:23,370 --> 00:29:28,010 Speaker 2: or social status, let's remember that our primary identifier is Jesus. 439 00:29:28,530 --> 00:29:31,290 Speaker 2: The story doesn't end there, though. Prophets come from Jerusalem 440 00:29:31,330 --> 00:29:34,790 Speaker 2: to Antioch, one of whom, Agabus, predicts a severe famine. 441 00:29:35,230 --> 00:29:38,790 Speaker 2: The believers in Antioch respond immediately. Each, according to their ability, 442 00:29:38,850 --> 00:29:41,690 Speaker 2: decide to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea. 443 00:29:42,310 --> 00:29:46,560 Speaker 2: Now consider this. These were predominantly Gentile believers collecting aid 444 00:29:46,620 --> 00:29:49,720 Speaker 2: for Jewish believers, a group that might have previously seen 445 00:29:49,740 --> 00:29:54,000 Speaker 2: them as outsiders. This act of generosity transcended cultural and 446 00:29:54,100 --> 00:29:57,320 Speaker 2: ethnic barriers. It's what Christianity in action is supposed to 447 00:29:57,360 --> 00:30:01,220 Speaker 2: look like, a tangible expression of love, in unity. Antioch 448 00:30:01,240 --> 00:30:03,810 Speaker 2: was a city where believers first embraced the name Christian, 449 00:30:04,200 --> 00:30:06,890 Speaker 2: turning a label into a legacy. They showed us that 450 00:30:07,030 --> 00:30:10,250 Speaker 2: faith knows no boundaries, and that encouragement fuels growth, and 451 00:30:10,290 --> 00:30:13,410 Speaker 2: that our identity in Christ should permeate every aspect of 452 00:30:13,450 --> 00:30:16,670 Speaker 2: our lives. As we navigate our own Antiochs, cities and 453 00:30:16,730 --> 00:30:20,450 Speaker 2: communities filled with diversity and challenges, let's remember who we 454 00:30:20,630 --> 00:30:23,590 Speaker 2: are and whose we are. Let's live boldly, love generously, 455 00:30:23,930 --> 00:30:25,800 Speaker 2: and let the world see the grace of God at 456 00:30:25,840 --> 00:30:26,350 Speaker 2: work in us.