1 00:00:00,510 --> 00:00:04,670 Speaker 1: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them 2 00:00:04,730 --> 00:00:06,690 Speaker 1: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 3 00:00:07,050 --> 00:00:12,110 Speaker 1: and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28, 19 Lord Jesus, 4 00:00:13,050 --> 00:00:16,190 Speaker 1: we thank you for the great commission, calling us to 5 00:00:16,250 --> 00:00:20,950 Speaker 1: go and make disciples of all nations. We are humbled 6 00:00:21,250 --> 00:00:26,119 Speaker 1: by this privilege and responsibility. Fill us with your Spirit, 7 00:00:26,920 --> 00:00:31,650 Speaker 1: that we may boldly share the good news. baptizing others 8 00:00:31,790 --> 00:00:35,540 Speaker 1: in your name and teaching them to follow your ways. 9 00:00:36,659 --> 00:00:40,220 Speaker 1: Give us the courage to step out in faith, knowing 10 00:00:40,820 --> 00:00:44,580 Speaker 1: you are always with us. Open our eyes to the 11 00:00:44,659 --> 00:00:48,870 Speaker 1: opportunities around us and empower us to be your hands 12 00:00:49,090 --> 00:00:53,150 Speaker 1: and feet in this world. May our lives be a 13 00:00:53,310 --> 00:00:57,770 Speaker 1: testament to your love, leading others to the hope and 14 00:00:57,930 --> 00:01:02,740 Speaker 1: salvation of found only in you. In your powerful name, 15 00:01:03,240 --> 00:01:03,700 Speaker 1: we pray. 16 00:01:04,720 --> 00:01:05,000 Speaker 2: Amen. 17 00:01:08,280 --> 00:01:11,699 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 18 00:01:11,740 --> 00:01:16,949 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 19 00:01:17,050 --> 00:01:21,090 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 20 00:01:21,650 --> 00:01:25,090 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 21 00:01:25,150 --> 00:01:27,560 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on our team. 22 00:01:28,860 --> 00:01:31,380 Speaker 3: Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. 23 00:01:31,880 --> 00:01:35,569 Speaker 3: There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and 24 00:01:35,670 --> 00:01:39,090 Speaker 3: so much more, all on the Pray.com app. Click the 25 00:01:39,130 --> 00:01:40,710 Speaker 3: link in the description to get started. 26 00:01:44,330 --> 00:01:49,100 Speaker 1: Saul's shaking knees bent in between two wooden pillars. He 27 00:01:49,140 --> 00:01:52,280 Speaker 1: placed his hands on them and allowed the elders to 28 00:01:52,340 --> 00:01:57,380 Speaker 1: bind his wrists. His rabbi had taught him to obey 29 00:01:57,440 --> 00:02:03,010 Speaker 1: his elders. Honor them. Respect them. And now his rabbi 30 00:02:03,070 --> 00:02:07,190 Speaker 1: stood over him with a heavy whip firmly gripped in 31 00:02:07,230 --> 00:02:11,910 Speaker 1: his hands. The whip was dark and had four pronged 32 00:02:12,010 --> 00:02:16,130 Speaker 1: straps frayed at the end with small pieces of bone 33 00:02:16,510 --> 00:02:22,170 Speaker 1: tied to them. The entire congregation stood around him, scowling 34 00:02:22,990 --> 00:02:27,650 Speaker 1: and with spite in their eyes. Saul's father was among them. 35 00:02:28,510 --> 00:02:32,950 Speaker 1: adorned with a blue-fringed robe and leather amulet fastened to 36 00:02:32,990 --> 00:02:37,590 Speaker 1: his headdress. He was a Pharisee first and a ten-maker second. 37 00:02:38,590 --> 00:02:42,070 Speaker 1: Being a concerned father was on the lower end of 38 00:02:42,110 --> 00:02:46,570 Speaker 1: the list. Saul's father was the first to accuse him. 39 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:53,480 Speaker 1: One by one they read him his sins. Blasphemy, eating 40 00:02:53,520 --> 00:02:59,310 Speaker 1: in the homes of Gentiles, and disobedience to elders. These 41 00:02:59,389 --> 00:03:02,549 Speaker 1: things would have been more tolerable if they hadn't all 42 00:03:02,669 --> 00:03:07,690 Speaker 1: been in the name of Jesus. Saul had no regrets. 43 00:03:08,630 --> 00:03:11,829 Speaker 1: Even as the heavy whip rained fire onto his back 44 00:03:11,889 --> 00:03:16,060 Speaker 1: and ribs, blood spattered across the stone floor beneath him. 45 00:03:17,130 --> 00:03:21,950 Speaker 1: Saul bore his teeth and breathed in deeply, awaiting another lash. 46 00:03:23,169 --> 00:03:29,090 Speaker 1: Twenty-six lashes as punishment. 13 on the front and 13 47 00:03:29,090 --> 00:03:32,340 Speaker 1: on the back. He took all of them with. 48 00:03:32,320 --> 00:03:33,860 Speaker 2: Passion and joy. 49 00:03:34,580 --> 00:03:38,780 Speaker 1: The whip felt like jagged wire tearing furrows in his flesh. 50 00:03:39,640 --> 00:03:42,540 Speaker 1: The frayed ends wrapped around his shoulders to his chest 51 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:46,940 Speaker 1: and tore away at his skin. Each lash was more 52 00:03:47,080 --> 00:03:51,950 Speaker 1: painful than the last. The words of Christ echoed in 53 00:03:51,990 --> 00:03:52,450 Speaker 1: his heart. 54 00:03:53,090 --> 00:03:53,710 Speaker 2: Blessed are you. 55 00:03:54,870 --> 00:03:56,910 Speaker 4: I persecute you for my name's sake. 56 00:03:57,790 --> 00:04:02,310 Speaker 1: Saul didn't consider himself particularly blessed at this moment, but 57 00:04:02,370 --> 00:04:05,450 Speaker 1: he knew great blessings were awaiting him at the end 58 00:04:05,490 --> 00:04:08,780 Speaker 1: of his torture. Saul was called to pick up his 59 00:04:08,900 --> 00:04:14,260 Speaker 1: cross in pursuit of Jesus. All followers of Christ must 60 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:20,000 Speaker 1: suffer somehow. Saul saw this torture for what it was, refining. 61 00:04:20,839 --> 00:04:24,120 Speaker 5: If you do not take care to observe the words 62 00:04:24,160 --> 00:04:27,260 Speaker 5: of the law written in the scriptures, then you are 63 00:04:27,339 --> 00:04:29,860 Speaker 5: right to fear the glory and might of God. 64 00:04:30,540 --> 00:04:35,849 Speaker 1: The rabbi shouted. Saul's entire body was shaking. His hands 65 00:04:35,910 --> 00:04:40,170 Speaker 1: were cold and his head was getting fuzzy. Thirteen more 66 00:04:40,270 --> 00:04:44,330 Speaker 1: lashes were awaiting him. More furrows were sent to his back, 67 00:04:45,029 --> 00:04:47,330 Speaker 1: wrapping around his ribs to the lower end. 68 00:04:47,210 --> 00:04:47,710 Speaker 6: Of his waist. 69 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:53,080 Speaker 1: It was intense pain, almost unbearable. Yet there was a 70 00:04:53,200 --> 00:04:58,440 Speaker 1: small flickering flame within Saul that kept him going. Saul 71 00:04:58,500 --> 00:05:02,550 Speaker 1: endured to the end, grateful that he could share in 72 00:05:02,690 --> 00:05:07,010 Speaker 1: some way the sufferings of Christ. Each tear on his 73 00:05:07,089 --> 00:05:11,410 Speaker 1: skin reminded him that a life lived for Jesus would 74 00:05:11,510 --> 00:05:15,920 Speaker 1: not be easy. When the flogging was finished, each member 75 00:05:15,940 --> 00:05:20,210 Speaker 1: of the congregation left one by one. All that remained 76 00:05:20,330 --> 00:05:24,560 Speaker 1: were his mother and father. His father, too disgusted to 77 00:05:24,620 --> 00:05:27,599 Speaker 1: look in his eyes, gestured for his servants to carry 78 00:05:27,640 --> 00:05:30,659 Speaker 1: him back home, so his mother could tend to his wounds. 79 00:05:31,500 --> 00:05:35,539 Speaker 1: They were ashamed of their son, but still obliged to 80 00:05:35,580 --> 00:05:39,239 Speaker 1: host him. Saul lay in bed for a few days, 81 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:43,160 Speaker 1: trying not to move. Each time he inched in a 82 00:05:43,190 --> 00:05:47,970 Speaker 1: particular direction, He could feel his wounds tearing underneath his bandages. 83 00:05:48,990 --> 00:05:52,430 Speaker 1: He looked up at the ceiling and pondered his next steps. 84 00:05:53,490 --> 00:05:56,830 Speaker 1: His father entered the room quietly and sat on the 85 00:05:56,890 --> 00:06:01,230 Speaker 1: stool in the corner. Saul sat up, wincing at the pain. 86 00:06:02,029 --> 00:06:05,420 Speaker 1: He looked up at his father. He was cold, distant, 87 00:06:06,060 --> 00:06:06,810 Speaker 1: and perturbed. 88 00:06:07,420 --> 00:06:11,859 Speaker 7: The elders have made their decision. You are hereby banished 89 00:06:11,980 --> 00:06:12,960 Speaker 7: from the synagogue. 90 00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:20,120 Speaker 1: Saul did not respond at first. He looked at his 91 00:06:20,160 --> 00:06:24,419 Speaker 1: father blankly. Saul's father rubbed his temples and sighed. 92 00:06:25,100 --> 00:06:28,820 Speaker 7: And your inheritance has been taken from you. Nothing I 93 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:33,279 Speaker 7: have will be passed down to a blasphemer and a betrayer. 94 00:06:32,670 --> 00:06:33,370 Speaker 4: Of his people. 95 00:06:34,450 --> 00:06:39,070 Speaker 1: Saul once again was silent, saying nothing. His father stood 96 00:06:39,150 --> 00:06:40,690 Speaker 1: up angrily and shouted. 97 00:06:41,460 --> 00:06:45,190 Speaker 7: See what happens when you follow a dead blasphemer! 98 00:06:45,850 --> 00:06:47,110 Speaker 4: Everything you've worked. 99 00:06:46,850 --> 00:06:47,810 Speaker 2: For is lost! 100 00:06:48,510 --> 00:06:52,790 Speaker 4: Everything that was your birthright is gone! What do you 101 00:06:52,850 --> 00:06:54,570 Speaker 4: have to say for yourself? 102 00:06:55,810 --> 00:06:59,360 Speaker 1: The fresh wounds on Saul's back burned as he stood 103 00:06:59,380 --> 00:07:03,219 Speaker 1: to his feet to face his father. Blood leaked through 104 00:07:03,240 --> 00:07:07,920 Speaker 1: the bandages, but he was determined to meet his father's eyeline. 105 00:07:09,120 --> 00:07:12,450 Speaker 1: Saul's response was cutting and resolute. 106 00:07:13,230 --> 00:07:18,200 Speaker 5: Everything I have gained in this life, I consider a 107 00:07:18,260 --> 00:07:20,200 Speaker 5: loss for Christ's sake. 108 00:07:20,780 --> 00:07:24,660 Speaker 1: His voice was shaky from the pain, but his conviction 109 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:29,350 Speaker 1: was steady. He approached his father with more deliberate steps. 110 00:07:30,050 --> 00:07:36,570 Speaker 5: I see everything as a loss compared to the overwhelming 111 00:07:36,710 --> 00:07:41,369 Speaker 5: gain of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord. For his sake, 112 00:07:42,930 --> 00:07:45,190 Speaker 5: I will suffer even more than this. 113 00:07:45,990 --> 00:07:49,750 Speaker 1: At this point, blood was dripping from Paul's bandages. A 114 00:07:49,790 --> 00:07:52,670 Speaker 1: few drops hit the floor before Paul grabbed his pack 115 00:07:53,210 --> 00:07:55,810 Speaker 1: and limped to the door. He placed a hand on 116 00:07:55,850 --> 00:07:58,870 Speaker 1: the handle and opened it, and then looked back at 117 00:07:58,910 --> 00:07:59,370 Speaker 1: his father. 118 00:07:59,950 --> 00:08:05,770 Speaker 5: Everything I have lost, everything you still hold so dear, 119 00:08:06,610 --> 00:08:09,710 Speaker 5: I consider a heaping pile of dung compared to what I. 120 00:08:09,690 --> 00:08:10,390 Speaker 2: Have in Christ. 121 00:08:11,080 --> 00:08:15,880 Speaker 1: With those words, Saul left his home and disappeared into 122 00:08:15,920 --> 00:08:20,060 Speaker 1: the wild country outside Tarsus. He did not know what 123 00:08:20,100 --> 00:08:23,410 Speaker 1: the next step would be, but he knew there would 124 00:08:23,430 --> 00:08:27,970 Speaker 1: be favor at the feet of Jesus. So Saul sought 125 00:08:28,070 --> 00:08:32,130 Speaker 1: out solitude to confide in the Spirit and gain wisdom. 126 00:08:37,710 --> 00:08:40,489 Speaker 8: Are you ready at a moment's notice to pick up 127 00:08:40,650 --> 00:08:43,500 Speaker 8: everything that you knew and press forward to what God 128 00:08:43,540 --> 00:08:48,120 Speaker 8: has for you? Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Cinematic stories 129 00:08:48,200 --> 00:08:51,820 Speaker 8: inspired by the gospel meant to awaken our faith and 130 00:08:51,860 --> 00:08:55,710 Speaker 8: enliven our imagination. Today, we're journeying back to the bustling, 131 00:08:56,050 --> 00:09:01,290 Speaker 8: cosmopolitan city of Antioch as described in Acts 11, 19-30. Now, 132 00:09:01,410 --> 00:09:04,319 Speaker 8: Antioch wasn't your average ancient city. Think of it as 133 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:07,300 Speaker 8: New York City of its day, diverse, dynamic, and perhaps 134 00:09:07,380 --> 00:09:10,480 Speaker 8: a tad decadent. It was here in this melting pot 135 00:09:10,520 --> 00:09:14,500 Speaker 8: of culture and ideas that God sent two men named 136 00:09:14,620 --> 00:09:16,140 Speaker 8: Saul and Barnabas. 137 00:09:18,490 --> 00:09:22,130 Speaker 1: Barnabas walked the streets of Tarsus, talking to vendors and 138 00:09:22,210 --> 00:09:25,790 Speaker 1: merchants about where to find the nearest synagogue. They all 139 00:09:25,890 --> 00:09:29,689 Speaker 1: pointed east toward the hill. The Hellenist synagogue was set 140 00:09:29,750 --> 00:09:32,900 Speaker 1: apart and separated from the rest of the city. He 141 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:37,459 Speaker 1: marched up the winding path and eventually found himself in 142 00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:41,750 Speaker 1: the courtyard. It became apparent quickly that Saul had been there, 143 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:46,070 Speaker 1: for many of the elders were debating among themselves regarding 144 00:09:46,130 --> 00:09:47,590 Speaker 1: the resurrection. 145 00:09:46,970 --> 00:09:47,390 Speaker 2: Of the dead. 146 00:09:47,990 --> 00:09:52,790 Speaker 1: Wherever Saul went, there seemed to be controversy. He approached 147 00:09:52,850 --> 00:09:54,770 Speaker 1: them humbly with a bow. 148 00:09:54,610 --> 00:09:58,770 Speaker 2: Of his head. Shalom, brothers. I was wondering where I 149 00:09:58,809 --> 00:10:02,189 Speaker 2: might be able to find Saul. the tentmaker and Pharisee. 150 00:10:03,510 --> 00:10:06,910 Speaker 5: That traitor was denied access to this synagogue weeks ago. 151 00:10:06,929 --> 00:10:11,219 Speaker 5: He's out fraternizing with Gentiles and sinners down the hill. 152 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:15,740 Speaker 1: Barnabas bowed his head, stepped back, and paced down the hill. 153 00:10:16,280 --> 00:10:19,790 Speaker 1: He waded through the busy marketplace. keeping an eye out 154 00:10:19,910 --> 00:10:23,390 Speaker 1: for Saul. He didn't need to look long. A large 155 00:10:23,470 --> 00:10:26,690 Speaker 1: crowd was gathering in the center of the marketplace, and 156 00:10:26,750 --> 00:10:32,870 Speaker 1: Barnabas had a sneaking suspicion Saul was somehow responsible. He 157 00:10:32,950 --> 00:10:35,890 Speaker 1: pressed through the sea of people to the center, all 158 00:10:35,950 --> 00:10:43,050 Speaker 1: to find a short, broad-shouldered, bald-bearded Saul speaking to the crowd. 159 00:10:44,010 --> 00:10:47,530 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and crossed his arms. He listened to Saul's 160 00:10:47,620 --> 00:10:52,709 Speaker 1: passionate plea for people to repent and believe in the gospel. 161 00:10:53,190 --> 00:10:56,790 Speaker 1: They ridiculed him, but it did not deter Saul from 162 00:10:56,890 --> 00:11:01,690 Speaker 1: preaching anyway. Barnabas was always impressed by Saul's determination to 163 00:11:01,740 --> 00:11:05,740 Speaker 1: proclaim the gospel, even with clamors of doubt in the background. 164 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:10,219 Speaker 1: Saul spoke for nearly an hour before being laughed out 165 00:11:10,260 --> 00:11:13,700 Speaker 1: of the marketplace. He stepped down from the steps and 166 00:11:13,750 --> 00:11:17,510 Speaker 1: trod it off. Saul left the fray with people bumping 167 00:11:17,550 --> 00:11:20,569 Speaker 1: his shoulders and throwing food at him, but his head 168 00:11:21,290 --> 00:11:24,870 Speaker 1: remained high. As he was leaving, Saul caught a glimpse 169 00:11:24,910 --> 00:11:28,250 Speaker 1: of Barnabas standing at the corner. Saul's eyes lit up 170 00:11:28,290 --> 00:11:32,250 Speaker 1: with joy, and he ran over to embrace him. They 171 00:11:32,290 --> 00:11:36,449 Speaker 1: walked out of the marketplace together and sat beside an orchard. 172 00:11:37,170 --> 00:11:41,250 Speaker 1: Barnabas noticed something different about Saul. The way he walked 173 00:11:41,670 --> 00:11:46,660 Speaker 1: was different. Bow-legged and slightly hunched over it was clear 174 00:11:46,720 --> 00:11:50,040 Speaker 1: that Saul had been severely flogged since they had last 175 00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:51,000 Speaker 1: seen each other. 176 00:11:51,660 --> 00:11:55,160 Speaker 2: It seems like you have suffered here I remember watching 177 00:11:55,240 --> 00:11:58,150 Speaker 2: Peter and John being beaten outside the courtyard of the 178 00:11:58,190 --> 00:12:01,770 Speaker 2: hall in Jerusalem they said that it was a joy 179 00:12:01,830 --> 00:12:05,070 Speaker 2: to share in the sufferings of Christ I didn't know 180 00:12:05,110 --> 00:12:06,250 Speaker 2: what they meant then. 181 00:12:07,190 --> 00:12:08,210 Speaker 5: But I do now. 182 00:12:09,950 --> 00:12:13,140 Speaker 1: Saul pulled down the shoulder of his tunic revealing his. 183 00:12:13,120 --> 00:12:16,110 Speaker 6: Fresh scars Why have you come here, Barnabas? 184 00:12:16,809 --> 00:12:20,700 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and leaned back, soaking in the Tarsian sun. 185 00:12:21,280 --> 00:12:24,340 Speaker 1: He could smell hints of the ocean breeze wafting in 186 00:12:24,520 --> 00:12:25,100 Speaker 1: from the south. 187 00:12:25,580 --> 00:12:29,820 Speaker 2: Much has changed since you left Jerusalem. For one, there 188 00:12:29,860 --> 00:12:33,160 Speaker 2: has been a movement of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. 189 00:12:33,730 --> 00:12:38,189 Speaker 2: Can you believe it? Oh, Saul, it is spreading like wildfire. 190 00:12:38,710 --> 00:12:42,930 Speaker 2: Christ's name is being proclaimed to the surrounding regions. The 191 00:12:42,990 --> 00:12:46,730 Speaker 2: apostles sent me to Antioch because many people believe in 192 00:12:46,809 --> 00:12:51,350 Speaker 2: Jesus there. The gathering is enormous, and they are hungry 193 00:12:51,410 --> 00:12:55,820 Speaker 2: to learn more about Jesus. Praise be to God! It 194 00:12:55,900 --> 00:13:00,800 Speaker 2: is unlike anything I have seen before. Jews, Gentiles, slaves, 195 00:13:00,880 --> 00:13:05,120 Speaker 2: and nobles are all coming together under the same roof to. 196 00:13:05,020 --> 00:13:06,059 Speaker 4: Worship and pray. 197 00:13:06,080 --> 00:13:11,429 Speaker 5: But aren't the Jews worried about eating and communing with Gentiles? 198 00:13:12,070 --> 00:13:15,590 Speaker 2: Not as many anymore. Peter received a vision from God 199 00:13:16,130 --> 00:13:19,050 Speaker 2: and went into the home of a Gentile. And all 200 00:13:19,090 --> 00:13:23,690 Speaker 2: of them received the Holy Spirit. Others have had similar experiences. 201 00:13:24,350 --> 00:13:29,300 Speaker 2: God is breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles. So 202 00:13:29,420 --> 00:13:32,280 Speaker 2: why have you left Antioch to come here? Because I 203 00:13:32,340 --> 00:13:36,880 Speaker 2: need your help, Saul. The Jews in Antioch, they are Hellenists. 204 00:13:37,600 --> 00:13:41,390 Speaker 2: And you, you speak fluent in Greek. You have much knowledge. 205 00:13:41,940 --> 00:13:45,120 Speaker 2: You have a much richer understanding of Greek culture than 206 00:13:45,250 --> 00:13:48,470 Speaker 2: I do. I need your help to reach them and 207 00:13:48,610 --> 00:13:52,710 Speaker 2: raise them in the Lord. Saul, will you come back 208 00:13:52,770 --> 00:13:53,090 Speaker 2: with me? 209 00:13:53,710 --> 00:13:56,570 Speaker 1: It was an easy answer for Saul. He knew his 210 00:13:56,630 --> 00:14:00,590 Speaker 1: time in Tarsus was up and a new adventure awaited him. 211 00:14:01,110 --> 00:14:04,550 Speaker 1: He and Barnabas set sail for Antioch, the crown jewel 212 00:14:04,910 --> 00:14:08,439 Speaker 1: of Syria. As the sails released and caught the wind, 213 00:14:09,059 --> 00:14:12,490 Speaker 1: Saul looked back at his childhood home The place that 214 00:14:12,530 --> 00:14:16,110 Speaker 1: had given him so much life and opportunity was now 215 00:14:16,170 --> 00:14:21,130 Speaker 1: a place of heartache. He left his family behind, mindful 216 00:14:21,150 --> 00:14:23,340 Speaker 1: of the words spoken by Jesus. 217 00:14:23,890 --> 00:14:26,880 Speaker 4: Whoever does not hate his father and mother will not 218 00:14:26,920 --> 00:14:27,740 Speaker 4: be my disciple. 219 00:14:28,520 --> 00:14:31,020 Speaker 1: Of course, Saul did not hate his father and mother, 220 00:14:31,520 --> 00:14:34,960 Speaker 1: nor did Jesus call anyone to hate his family. However, 221 00:14:35,040 --> 00:14:39,580 Speaker 1: compared to the intense love he experienced in Jesus, all 222 00:14:39,660 --> 00:14:44,850 Speaker 1: other familial commitments seemed small. He left Tarsus in peace, 223 00:14:45,630 --> 00:14:52,790 Speaker 1: knowing his true family awaited him in Antioch. From the outside, 224 00:14:52,950 --> 00:14:56,030 Speaker 1: it was the greatest city Saul had ever seen. After 225 00:14:56,070 --> 00:15:00,670 Speaker 1: walking sixteen miles beside the Orontes River, they beheld the 226 00:15:00,750 --> 00:15:05,730 Speaker 1: glory of Antioch. The river flowed peacefully beside the city, 227 00:15:06,310 --> 00:15:12,350 Speaker 1: covering the surrounding plains and wildflowers and fresh vegetation. The 228 00:15:12,420 --> 00:15:18,150 Speaker 1: splendid metropolis rested beside the canyons of Mount Silpius. Saul 229 00:15:18,190 --> 00:15:22,150 Speaker 1: looked at the side of the mountain and gasped. Carved 230 00:15:22,450 --> 00:15:25,600 Speaker 1: into the side of the canyon was a faceless human 231 00:15:25,670 --> 00:15:30,000 Speaker 1: head with a scepter beside it. The carving was glorious 232 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:37,880 Speaker 1: and haunting simultaneously. A faceless giant and watchman looming over 233 00:15:37,950 --> 00:15:42,790 Speaker 1: the city with intimidation. Barnabas gestured to the mountain's carving. 234 00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:48,020 Speaker 2: That is a carving of Charon, the ferryman of the underworld. 235 00:15:49,060 --> 00:15:52,040 Speaker 2: The Gentiles in the city claim the river goes straight 236 00:15:52,100 --> 00:15:55,160 Speaker 2: to Hades, and Charon ferries them there. 237 00:15:55,800 --> 00:15:59,900 Speaker 1: The city was a magnificent example of Greek architecture and 238 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:05,640 Speaker 1: Roman wealth. However, as Saul entered, its splendor dissipated. Signs 239 00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:09,880 Speaker 1: of poverty and despair laced the streets below. while the 240 00:16:09,920 --> 00:16:13,720 Speaker 1: upper hills of the city gleamed with whitewashed wealth. The 241 00:16:13,760 --> 00:16:19,080 Speaker 1: disparity was staggering. Temples for pagan gods were erected on 242 00:16:19,320 --> 00:16:23,370 Speaker 1: every street corner. And everywhere there wasn't a temple, there 243 00:16:23,390 --> 00:16:28,330 Speaker 1: were theaters and the hippodrome for gladiator games and chariot races. 244 00:16:29,230 --> 00:16:33,550 Speaker 1: The two men walked south, eventually passing the Grove of Daphne. 245 00:16:34,330 --> 00:16:39,870 Speaker 1: Hundreds of temple prostitutes laid bare-chested against the walls. luring 246 00:16:39,950 --> 00:16:44,740 Speaker 1: men and women for their lewd worship. Even by Roman standards, 247 00:16:45,540 --> 00:16:51,140 Speaker 1: Antioch was debased. Saul averted his eyes, not yet desensitized 248 00:16:51,160 --> 00:16:55,620 Speaker 1: to the world's wickedness outside the synagogue. Paul and Barnabas 249 00:16:55,680 --> 00:16:59,210 Speaker 1: made their way to Syngon Street in the Epiphania district 250 00:16:59,350 --> 00:17:04,350 Speaker 1: of Antioch. Saul cringed to see Charon's looming head looking 251 00:17:04,430 --> 00:17:08,260 Speaker 1: down at him. Barnabas led Saul to a modest home 252 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:13,200 Speaker 1: near the Pantheon. The house was bustling and crowded with Jews, Greeks, 253 00:17:13,400 --> 00:17:17,399 Speaker 1: rich and poor. Food flowed in and out of the 254 00:17:17,440 --> 00:17:22,020 Speaker 1: kitchen to provide for the sick, widowed and orphaned sitting 255 00:17:22,060 --> 00:17:26,760 Speaker 1: in the courtyard. A continental cacophony of prayer and music 256 00:17:27,180 --> 00:17:30,640 Speaker 1: could be heard from the upper room. The believers met 257 00:17:30,810 --> 00:17:34,750 Speaker 1: every day throughout the day to accommodate the different lifestyles 258 00:17:34,910 --> 00:17:38,820 Speaker 1: and schedules. So people were in and out of the 259 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:44,310 Speaker 1: house daily, checking in, praying, and breaking bread. It was 260 00:17:44,450 --> 00:17:48,830 Speaker 1: magnificent for Paul to see. A tall, dark man with 261 00:17:48,890 --> 00:17:53,500 Speaker 1: broad shoulders and a deep voice approached Barnabas and took 262 00:17:53,560 --> 00:17:53,940 Speaker 1: his hand. 263 00:17:54,880 --> 00:17:57,480 Speaker 2: We are glad you have returned, Barnabas. 264 00:17:58,020 --> 00:17:59,100 Speaker 5: You have been missed. 265 00:18:00,340 --> 00:18:03,960 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled at the man, then gestured behind his shoulder 266 00:18:04,220 --> 00:18:04,720 Speaker 1: to Saul. 267 00:18:05,350 --> 00:18:05,689 Speaker 5: Saul! 268 00:18:06,180 --> 00:18:08,300 Speaker 2: I would like you to meet Simon of Cyrene. 269 00:18:12,040 --> 00:18:15,409 Speaker 1: Saul paused and looked the man up and down. The 270 00:18:15,450 --> 00:18:18,970 Speaker 1: two of them had met before. Simon was a prominent 271 00:18:19,030 --> 00:18:22,670 Speaker 1: member of the church of Jerusalem before most believers were 272 00:18:22,750 --> 00:18:26,910 Speaker 1: run out of the city. Because of Saul's threats, Simon 273 00:18:27,010 --> 00:18:30,740 Speaker 1: fled with his wife and young sons, Rufus and Alexander. 274 00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:33,860 Speaker 1: Saul bowed his head in contrition. 275 00:18:34,520 --> 00:18:43,260 Speaker 6: Simon of Cyrene, I am. You are forgiven, Saul. My 276 00:18:43,320 --> 00:18:46,399 Speaker 6: wife and I are pleased to have you here in 277 00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:46,820 Speaker 6: our home. 278 00:18:47,260 --> 00:18:49,929 Speaker 1: Saul would come to find out that Simon was the 279 00:18:49,990 --> 00:18:53,570 Speaker 1: man who helped Jesus carry his cross up to Golgotha, 280 00:18:54,170 --> 00:18:56,949 Speaker 1: and his wife was a mother to the entire church 281 00:18:57,010 --> 00:19:01,010 Speaker 1: of Antioch. Saul himself would come to call her his 282 00:19:01,109 --> 00:19:06,750 Speaker 1: own mother, and Rufus and Alexander his brothers. Antioch gave 283 00:19:06,869 --> 00:19:10,690 Speaker 1: Saul a sense of belonging, something he had not felt 284 00:19:11,210 --> 00:19:14,350 Speaker 1: in over a decade. It became a place of healing 285 00:19:14,750 --> 00:19:19,149 Speaker 1: and restoration for his weary soul. God was answering his 286 00:19:19,260 --> 00:19:24,940 Speaker 1: prayers and preparing him for the hardships ahead. Saul melded 287 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:29,940 Speaker 1: with the believers in Antioch, eventually becoming their shepherd and leader. 288 00:19:30,540 --> 00:19:34,830 Speaker 1: Together they forged new partnerships in the city, hosted meals 289 00:19:34,910 --> 00:19:37,690 Speaker 1: for the widowed and orphaned, and taught the words of 290 00:19:37,850 --> 00:19:42,959 Speaker 1: Jesus in every home. People entered Simon's house daily to 291 00:19:43,000 --> 00:19:47,230 Speaker 1: hear Saul weave the gospel into every account in Scripture. 292 00:19:47,970 --> 00:19:51,600 Speaker 1: Every day, his skills improved. orating the Word of God 293 00:19:51,960 --> 00:19:56,760 Speaker 1: grew sharper, and his passion deepened with every passing day. 294 00:19:57,400 --> 00:20:01,830 Speaker 1: Saul was a man on fire, and everyone who passed 295 00:20:01,869 --> 00:20:06,090 Speaker 1: him was ignited. The church of Antioch became well known 296 00:20:06,310 --> 00:20:10,010 Speaker 1: in the city, so prominent that the local authorities came 297 00:20:10,109 --> 00:20:15,120 Speaker 1: up with a new name for them, Christians, Little Christs. 298 00:20:17,020 --> 00:20:20,960 Speaker 1: The storm was unrelenting, and the howling wind slammed against 299 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:25,399 Speaker 1: the roof like giants. The Christians of Antioch remained inside 300 00:20:25,460 --> 00:20:29,879 Speaker 1: the house of Simon, huddled together for comfort. Saul was 301 00:20:29,960 --> 00:20:34,689 Speaker 1: among them, passing out warm broth to the children. The 302 00:20:34,750 --> 00:20:39,409 Speaker 1: storm had raged for days, and everyone was unsure when 303 00:20:39,550 --> 00:20:44,510 Speaker 1: the sun would return Lightning struck violently, flashing light against 304 00:20:44,550 --> 00:20:49,570 Speaker 1: the looming head of Charon. Underneath a mountain, dredging through 305 00:20:49,590 --> 00:20:54,480 Speaker 1: the mud and wind, four hooded figures approached Simon's home. 306 00:20:55,020 --> 00:20:59,320 Speaker 1: Their steps were slow and fatigued as they traversed the 307 00:20:59,359 --> 00:21:03,399 Speaker 1: wet roads. Saul looked out the window and saw them coming. 308 00:21:03,980 --> 00:21:07,780 Speaker 1: He opened the door, and rain began to pour in violently. 309 00:21:08,340 --> 00:21:11,879 Speaker 1: He ran to them, braving the wind. to receive them 310 00:21:12,119 --> 00:21:12,500 Speaker 1: at the gate. 311 00:21:13,380 --> 00:21:16,639 Speaker 2: Hello, I am Saul, the shepherd of this church. 312 00:21:17,380 --> 00:21:18,640 Speaker 5: Are you in need of shelter? 313 00:21:19,340 --> 00:21:22,020 Speaker 1: One of the hooded men lifted his head and looked 314 00:21:22,060 --> 00:21:25,960 Speaker 1: at Saul. He was an older man, no younger than 70, 315 00:21:25,960 --> 00:21:29,820 Speaker 1: and his gray curls covered half of his bearded face. 316 00:21:30,640 --> 00:21:34,399 Speaker 1: His right eye seemed scarred by some burn and no 317 00:21:34,460 --> 00:21:39,230 Speaker 1: longer worked. It was a dreadful sight, but something about. 318 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:40,459 Speaker 6: Him exuded authority. 319 00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:42,260 Speaker 4: I am Agabus. 320 00:21:42,940 --> 00:21:45,640 Speaker 1: His voice was as deep as thunder. 321 00:21:46,100 --> 00:21:48,380 Speaker 4: I have come with a word from the Spirit. 322 00:21:50,960 --> 00:21:53,320 Speaker 1: Saul took their packs and led them into the house. 323 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:57,800 Speaker 1: Simon's wife greeted them with wine and warm broth. They 324 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:02,570 Speaker 1: received it gladly and composed themselves. Dozens of people were 325 00:22:02,590 --> 00:22:05,770 Speaker 1: in the same room, waiting intently for the men to 326 00:22:05,850 --> 00:22:09,949 Speaker 1: speak and explain why they had traveled to them. Agabus 327 00:22:09,990 --> 00:22:13,200 Speaker 1: stood before them. and raised his shaking hand. 328 00:22:13,760 --> 00:22:15,980 Speaker 9: The spirit of our Lord Jesus has brought me from 329 00:22:16,020 --> 00:22:19,580 Speaker 9: Jerusalem to you and all the churches outside Palestine. A 330 00:22:20,810 --> 00:22:25,129 Speaker 9: great famine is coming, one unlike we have ever seen 331 00:22:25,170 --> 00:22:28,970 Speaker 9: in our lifetime. Christ desires that his church would rise 332 00:22:29,030 --> 00:22:30,850 Speaker 9: to meet the needs of the people in their. 333 00:22:30,730 --> 00:22:31,650 Speaker 4: Time of distress. 334 00:22:32,359 --> 00:22:37,140 Speaker 9: Prepare, labor, seek out food and provisions to share among 335 00:22:37,180 --> 00:22:38,260 Speaker 9: yourselves and the poor. 336 00:22:39,280 --> 00:22:42,979 Speaker 4: Do not delay. This will be the last storm in 337 00:22:43,100 --> 00:22:43,800 Speaker 4: many months. 338 00:22:44,460 --> 00:22:48,719 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas exchanged looks and nodded. They had no 339 00:22:48,780 --> 00:22:51,810 Speaker 1: reason to doubt Agabus or the men who accompanied him. 340 00:22:52,420 --> 00:22:56,310 Speaker 1: Saul saw this as an opportunity to unite the churches 341 00:22:56,550 --> 00:23:01,429 Speaker 1: throughout the world. They could collect provisions and share resources 342 00:23:01,830 --> 00:23:05,590 Speaker 1: to meet each other's needs during the famine. In so doing, 343 00:23:06,480 --> 00:23:09,850 Speaker 1: Perhaps the Jewish believers would be united with the Gentile 344 00:23:09,880 --> 00:23:10,910 Speaker 1: believers as well. 345 00:23:11,369 --> 00:23:13,909 Speaker 5: If we can meet the needs of our people, that 346 00:23:13,950 --> 00:23:17,090 Speaker 5: will be a testimony to the world. This is our 347 00:23:17,170 --> 00:23:19,949 Speaker 5: chance to prove that the body of Christ can be 348 00:23:19,990 --> 00:23:24,190 Speaker 5: a light in the darkness. It is also an opportunity 349 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:27,199 Speaker 5: for unity among the Jews and Gentiles. 350 00:23:27,859 --> 00:23:31,739 Speaker 1: Barnabas agreed, and the two rallied the surrounding churches to 351 00:23:31,800 --> 00:23:36,190 Speaker 1: store resources for the coming famine. They spent months gathering 352 00:23:36,250 --> 00:23:40,139 Speaker 1: whatever they could to redistribute to areas of greatest need. 353 00:23:40,800 --> 00:23:44,179 Speaker 1: As it turned out, the greatest need was in Jerusalem. 354 00:23:44,660 --> 00:23:48,100 Speaker 1: Things had grown darker there under the rule of Herod Agrippa. 355 00:23:48,580 --> 00:23:52,869 Speaker 1: His cruelty rivaled that of his predecessor, who beheaded John 356 00:23:52,900 --> 00:23:57,870 Speaker 1: the Baptist. He expanded the walls of Jerusalem northward, creating 357 00:23:57,950 --> 00:24:01,770 Speaker 1: stress on the city's laborers. He also began a campaign 358 00:24:01,869 --> 00:24:06,420 Speaker 1: against the Christians of Jerusalem. He beheaded James, the brother 359 00:24:06,460 --> 00:24:11,460 Speaker 1: of John, and imprisoned Peter. Although Peter was able to escape, 360 00:24:11,960 --> 00:24:15,660 Speaker 1: the sting of James' death lingered and caused a great 361 00:24:15,720 --> 00:24:19,800 Speaker 1: deal of panic among the disciples. Saul was determined to 362 00:24:19,880 --> 00:24:24,300 Speaker 1: bring them aid and establish himself as a reliable figure 363 00:24:24,590 --> 00:24:28,790 Speaker 1: and leader for the church. As Saul worked, he looked 364 00:24:28,890 --> 00:24:32,709 Speaker 1: inward and asked himself if he was doing this for 365 00:24:32,790 --> 00:24:33,450 Speaker 1: selfish gain. 366 00:24:34,080 --> 00:24:38,379 Speaker 5: Am I aiming to please the apostles? Is this offering 367 00:24:38,440 --> 00:24:40,100 Speaker 5: a bribe to get their approval? 368 00:24:41,060 --> 00:24:45,500 Speaker 1: Saul never used to ask such questions. His selfish ambitions 369 00:24:45,920 --> 00:24:49,990 Speaker 1: and righteous mission were one and the same. But now 370 00:24:50,030 --> 00:24:53,830 Speaker 1: that he had the Lord's Spirit dwelling within him, guiding 371 00:24:54,250 --> 00:24:58,770 Speaker 1: and convicting, he could truly assess the nature of his intentions. 372 00:24:59,690 --> 00:25:03,930 Speaker 1: Saul looked up and closed his eyes. He sighed a prayer. 373 00:25:06,650 --> 00:25:09,930 Speaker 5: Not for my glory, but yours, Lord Jesus. 374 00:25:10,770 --> 00:25:14,070 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas secured the provisions necessary to aid the 375 00:25:14,130 --> 00:25:18,610 Speaker 1: church in Jerusalem. It was a significant endeavor that required 376 00:25:18,690 --> 00:25:23,380 Speaker 1: great precision and administration. First, they must hire a charter 377 00:25:23,710 --> 00:25:27,080 Speaker 1: to sail the supplies to Joppa. From there, they would 378 00:25:27,119 --> 00:25:30,660 Speaker 1: set up a mule train to travel from Joppa to Jerusalem. 379 00:25:31,600 --> 00:25:34,960 Speaker 1: Saul recruited a young man named Titus to aid them 380 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:39,800 Speaker 1: in the mission. However, Titus was an uncircumcised Greek and 381 00:25:39,880 --> 00:25:44,419 Speaker 1: Barnabas feared the Jewish believers might shun him. The rebel 382 00:25:44,500 --> 00:25:49,340 Speaker 1: within Saul was eager to push those boundaries. He shrugged 383 00:25:49,460 --> 00:25:51,370 Speaker 1: and explained his reasons to Barnabas. 384 00:25:52,720 --> 00:25:56,510 Speaker 5: What has happened here in Antioch is a miracle. The 385 00:25:56,550 --> 00:25:59,689 Speaker 5: apostles need to see that there are Gentile believers who 386 00:25:59,710 --> 00:26:00,150 Speaker 5: can lead. 387 00:26:00,650 --> 00:26:02,650 Speaker 2: You will be instigating debate, Saul. 388 00:26:04,490 --> 00:26:06,109 Speaker 5: It seems to be a gift of mine. 389 00:26:06,850 --> 00:26:10,650 Speaker 1: Titus joined them, and the three companions set sail for Joppa. 390 00:26:11,350 --> 00:26:14,450 Speaker 1: The church in Antioch prayed over them and sent them 391 00:26:14,570 --> 00:26:18,590 Speaker 1: off with joy. Saul was eager to return to Jerusalem. 392 00:26:19,030 --> 00:26:22,030 Speaker 1: He was not the same as when he left. He 393 00:26:22,070 --> 00:26:26,050 Speaker 1: was an established shepherd of a church and experienced in leading. 394 00:26:26,730 --> 00:26:29,889 Speaker 1: In the quiet of his heart, God had revealed that 395 00:26:29,950 --> 00:26:34,209 Speaker 1: he was appointed an apostle of Jesus Christ. Yet his 396 00:26:34,270 --> 00:26:39,070 Speaker 1: relationship with Jesus... was different than the others. Saul wondered 397 00:26:39,130 --> 00:26:41,350 Speaker 1: if he would ever be accepted as one of them. 398 00:26:41,990 --> 00:26:44,820 Speaker 1: He leaned over the bow of the ship and thought 399 00:26:44,890 --> 00:26:48,100 Speaker 1: about his calling. The Spirit had stirred him up in 400 00:26:48,119 --> 00:26:52,139 Speaker 1: the past year, and his mission was becoming more evident. 401 00:26:52,800 --> 00:26:57,760 Speaker 1: The multicultural church in Antioch showcased the heart of God 402 00:26:58,260 --> 00:27:02,280 Speaker 1: for all people groups to know him. Saul now knew 403 00:27:02,720 --> 00:27:05,760 Speaker 1: beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was called 404 00:27:06,160 --> 00:27:10,030 Speaker 1: to be an apostle to the Gentiles, the one who 405 00:27:10,090 --> 00:27:13,510 Speaker 1: could bring the gospel of Jesus to the ends of 406 00:27:13,550 --> 00:27:18,080 Speaker 1: the earth, thus fulfilling the great commission of Christ. 407 00:27:18,580 --> 00:27:23,129 Speaker 4: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. 408 00:27:27,859 --> 00:27:31,000 Speaker 8: The passage begins with believers scattered due to persecution that 409 00:27:31,040 --> 00:27:34,480 Speaker 8: arose over Stephen. They traveled far and wide, Phoenicia, Cyprus, 410 00:27:34,530 --> 00:27:37,570 Speaker 8: and yes, Antioch, spreading the word, but initially only to 411 00:27:37,590 --> 00:27:41,230 Speaker 8: fellow Jews. But then, some daring souls from Cyprus and 412 00:27:41,270 --> 00:27:44,649 Speaker 8: Cyrene decided to shake things up. They began sharing the 413 00:27:44,690 --> 00:27:48,310 Speaker 8: good news with the Greeks and Gentiles. This was revolutionary. 414 00:27:48,580 --> 00:27:50,600 Speaker 8: It was like adding hot sauce to a recipe that's 415 00:27:50,740 --> 00:27:51,719 Speaker 8: always been mild. 416 00:27:52,080 --> 00:27:52,740 Speaker 6: And what happened? 417 00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:55,060 Speaker 8: It says that the hand of the Lord was with them, 418 00:27:55,119 --> 00:27:58,250 Speaker 8: and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Sometimes, 419 00:27:58,430 --> 00:28:01,270 Speaker 8: stepping out of our comfort zones is precisely what's needed 420 00:28:01,410 --> 00:28:04,230 Speaker 8: for God's work to flourish. Word got back to Jerusalem 421 00:28:04,270 --> 00:28:07,310 Speaker 8: at that point about this unexpected revival among the Gentiles. 422 00:28:07,670 --> 00:28:11,010 Speaker 8: The church decided to send Barnabas to Antioch. Now, Barnabas' 423 00:28:11,070 --> 00:28:13,850 Speaker 8: name means son of encouragement, and he definitely lives up 424 00:28:13,890 --> 00:28:16,109 Speaker 8: to it. When he arrives, he sees the grace of 425 00:28:16,150 --> 00:28:19,310 Speaker 8: God at work. He's glad, not skeptical or jealous, and 426 00:28:19,369 --> 00:28:23,450 Speaker 8: encourages them all to remain faithful. Barnabas doesn't stop there, though. 427 00:28:23,930 --> 00:28:27,290 Speaker 8: Realizing the magnitude of the task, He sets off to 428 00:28:27,369 --> 00:28:30,790 Speaker 8: Tarsus to find Saul. Yes, the very Saul who once 429 00:28:30,869 --> 00:28:35,850 Speaker 8: persecuted Christians, but had since become a powerhouse for the gospel. Together, 430 00:28:36,030 --> 00:28:38,170 Speaker 8: they spend a whole year teaching and building up the 431 00:28:38,230 --> 00:28:41,740 Speaker 8: church in Antioch. Isn't it beautiful how God uses community 432 00:28:41,780 --> 00:28:44,900 Speaker 8: to strengthen us? Barnabas knew he couldn't do it alone, 433 00:28:45,140 --> 00:28:48,219 Speaker 8: so he brought Saul into the fold. It reminds me 434 00:28:48,240 --> 00:28:51,120 Speaker 8: that collaboration often multiplies our effectiveness. 435 00:28:51,830 --> 00:28:52,370 Speaker 3: Here's the kicker. 436 00:28:52,590 --> 00:28:54,890 Speaker 8: It says in Acts 11 26 that the disciples were 437 00:28:54,950 --> 00:28:59,050 Speaker 8: first called Christians in Antioch. Before this, followers of Jesus 438 00:28:59,110 --> 00:29:02,950 Speaker 8: were known by various names. Disciples, saints, believers, followers of 439 00:29:03,150 --> 00:29:06,690 Speaker 8: the way. But now they're being labeled Christians, which means 440 00:29:06,830 --> 00:29:11,650 Speaker 8: belonging to Christ or little Christs. Interestingly, this name wasn't 441 00:29:11,690 --> 00:29:14,880 Speaker 8: necessarily given as a compliment. It may have been more 442 00:29:14,900 --> 00:29:17,260 Speaker 8: of a term of mockery from those outside of the faith. 443 00:29:17,880 --> 00:29:20,670 Speaker 8: Yet the believers embraced it. They wore it as a 444 00:29:20,730 --> 00:29:24,190 Speaker 8: badge of honor because it identified them with Jesus. What 445 00:29:24,230 --> 00:29:30,240 Speaker 8: does being called a Christian mean to us today? Is 446 00:29:30,280 --> 00:29:33,160 Speaker 8: it just a demographic checkbox, or does it reflect our 447 00:29:33,220 --> 00:29:35,990 Speaker 8: deepest identity? In a world eager to define us by 448 00:29:36,010 --> 00:29:39,250 Speaker 8: our jobs, politics, or social status, let's remember that our 449 00:29:39,310 --> 00:29:43,580 Speaker 8: primary identity identifier is Jesus. The story doesn't end there, though. 450 00:29:43,860 --> 00:29:46,920 Speaker 8: Prophets come from Jerusalem to Antioch, one of whom, Agabus, 451 00:29:47,050 --> 00:29:51,470 Speaker 8: predicts a severe famine. The believers in Antioch respond immediately. Each, 452 00:29:51,530 --> 00:29:54,070 Speaker 8: according to their ability, decide to send relief to the 453 00:29:54,110 --> 00:29:57,680 Speaker 8: brothers and sisters in Judea. Now consider this. These were 454 00:29:57,760 --> 00:30:02,240 Speaker 8: predominantly Gentile believers collecting aid for Jewish believers, a group 455 00:30:02,280 --> 00:30:05,640 Speaker 8: that might have previously seen them as outsiders. This act 456 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:10,190 Speaker 8: of generosity transcended cultural and ethnic barriers. It's what Christianity 457 00:30:10,230 --> 00:30:12,870 Speaker 8: in action is supposed to look like, a tangible expression 458 00:30:12,910 --> 00:30:16,270 Speaker 8: of love and unity. Antioch was a city where believers 459 00:30:16,330 --> 00:30:19,510 Speaker 8: first embraced the name Christian, turning a label into a legacy. 460 00:30:19,990 --> 00:30:22,530 Speaker 8: They showed us that faith knows no boundaries and that 461 00:30:22,570 --> 00:30:25,850 Speaker 8: encouragement fuels growth. and that our identity in Christ should 462 00:30:25,940 --> 00:30:29,050 Speaker 8: permeate every aspect of our lives. As we navigate our 463 00:30:29,110 --> 00:30:32,630 Speaker 8: own Antiochs, cities and communities filled with diversity and challenges, 464 00:30:33,210 --> 00:30:35,890 Speaker 8: let's remember who we are and whose we are. Let's 465 00:30:35,930 --> 00:30:38,680 Speaker 8: live boldly, love generously, and let the world see the 466 00:30:38,700 --> 00:30:40,170 Speaker 8: grace of God at work in us.