1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:04,680 Speaker 1: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them 2 00:00:04,740 --> 00:00:06,710 Speaker 1: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 3 00:00:07,080 --> 00:00:12,129 Speaker 1: and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28, 19 Lord Jesus, 4 00:00:13,090 --> 00:00:16,210 Speaker 1: we thank you for the great commission, calling us to 5 00:00:16,290 --> 00:00:20,989 Speaker 1: go and make disciples of all nations. We are humbled 6 00:00:21,270 --> 00:00:26,150 Speaker 1: by this privilege and responsibility. Fill us with your Spirit, 7 00:00:26,950 --> 00:00:31,670 Speaker 1: that we may boldly share the good news. baptizing others 8 00:00:31,810 --> 00:00:35,550 Speaker 1: in Your name and teaching them to follow Your ways. 9 00:00:36,670 --> 00:00:40,240 Speaker 1: Give us the courage to step out in faith, knowing 10 00:00:40,840 --> 00:00:44,620 Speaker 1: You are always with us. Open our eyes to the 11 00:00:44,680 --> 00:00:48,900 Speaker 1: opportunities around us and empower us to be Your hands 12 00:00:49,100 --> 00:00:53,180 Speaker 1: and feet in this world. May our lives be a 13 00:00:53,330 --> 00:00:57,810 Speaker 1: testament to Your love, leading others to the hope and 14 00:00:57,950 --> 00:01:02,770 Speaker 1: salvation of found only in you. In your powerful name, 15 00:01:03,270 --> 00:01:03,710 Speaker 1: we pray. 16 00:01:04,750 --> 00:01:05,010 Speaker 2: Amen. 17 00:01:08,310 --> 00:01:11,740 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 18 00:01:11,760 --> 00:01:16,959 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 19 00:01:17,060 --> 00:01:21,120 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 20 00:01:21,680 --> 00:01:25,110 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 21 00:01:25,190 --> 00:01:31,360 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on our team. Saul's shaking 22 00:01:31,420 --> 00:01:35,750 Speaker 1: knees bent in between two wooden pillars. He placed his 23 00:01:35,810 --> 00:01:39,630 Speaker 1: hands on them and allowed the elders to bind his wrists. 24 00:01:41,130 --> 00:01:45,430 Speaker 1: His rabbi had taught him to obey his elders, honor them, 25 00:01:46,410 --> 00:01:51,040 Speaker 1: respect them. Now his rabbi stood over him with a 26 00:01:51,080 --> 00:01:55,660 Speaker 1: heavy whip firmly gripped in his hands. The whip was 27 00:01:55,760 --> 00:02:00,060 Speaker 1: dark and had four pronged straps frayed at the end. 28 00:02:00,970 --> 00:02:05,060 Speaker 1: with small pieces of bone tied to them. The entire 29 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:10,919 Speaker 1: congregation stood around him, scowling and with spite in their eyes. 30 00:02:12,220 --> 00:02:16,860 Speaker 1: Saul's father was among them, adorned with a blue-fringed robe 31 00:02:16,940 --> 00:02:21,019 Speaker 1: and leather amulet fastened to his headdress. He was a 32 00:02:21,040 --> 00:02:26,220 Speaker 1: Pharisee first and a ten-maker second. Being a concerned father 33 00:02:27,060 --> 00:02:30,950 Speaker 1: was on the lower end of the list. Saul's father 34 00:02:31,030 --> 00:02:35,740 Speaker 1: was the first to accuse him. One by one, they 35 00:02:35,820 --> 00:02:41,280 Speaker 1: read him his sins. Blasphemy, eating in the homes of Gentiles, 36 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:46,990 Speaker 1: and disobedience to elders. These things would have been more 37 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:51,070 Speaker 1: tolerable if they hadn't all been in the name of Jesus. 38 00:02:52,290 --> 00:02:56,550 Speaker 1: Saul had no regrets. Even as the heavy whip rained 39 00:02:56,790 --> 00:03:01,070 Speaker 1: fire onto his back and ribs, Blood spattered across the 40 00:03:01,110 --> 00:03:05,510 Speaker 1: stone floor beneath him. Saul bore his teeth and breathed 41 00:03:05,610 --> 00:03:12,900 Speaker 1: in deeply, awaiting another lash. Twenty-six lashes as punishment, thirteen 42 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:16,940 Speaker 1: on the front and thirteen on the back. He took 43 00:03:17,100 --> 00:03:21,549 Speaker 1: all of them with passion and joy. The whip felt 44 00:03:21,669 --> 00:03:24,810 Speaker 1: like jagged wire tearing furrows. 45 00:03:24,389 --> 00:03:24,870 Speaker 2: In his flesh. 46 00:03:25,889 --> 00:03:28,730 Speaker 1: The frayed ends wrapped around his shoulders to his chest 47 00:03:29,440 --> 00:03:33,180 Speaker 1: and tore away at his skin. Each lash was more 48 00:03:33,300 --> 00:03:38,160 Speaker 1: painful than the last. The words of Christ echoed in 49 00:03:38,200 --> 00:03:38,660 Speaker 1: his heart. 50 00:03:39,300 --> 00:03:42,360 Speaker 2: Blessed are you. I persecute you for. 51 00:03:42,260 --> 00:03:47,090 Speaker 1: My name's sake. Saul didn't consider himself particularly blessed at 52 00:03:47,120 --> 00:03:50,770 Speaker 1: this moment, but he knew great blessings were awaiting him 53 00:03:51,230 --> 00:03:54,530 Speaker 1: at the end of his torture. Saul was called to 54 00:03:54,570 --> 00:03:59,600 Speaker 1: pick up his cross in pursuit of Jesus. All followers 55 00:03:59,650 --> 00:04:04,510 Speaker 1: of Christ must suffer somehow. Saul saw this torture for 56 00:04:04,550 --> 00:04:06,270 Speaker 1: what it was, refining. 57 00:04:07,070 --> 00:04:10,350 Speaker 3: If you do not take care to observe the words 58 00:04:10,390 --> 00:04:13,490 Speaker 3: of the law written in the scriptures, then you are 59 00:04:13,590 --> 00:04:16,089 Speaker 3: right to fear the glory and might of God. 60 00:04:16,790 --> 00:04:22,070 Speaker 1: The rabbi shouted. Saul's entire body was shaking. His hands 61 00:04:22,130 --> 00:04:26,410 Speaker 1: were cold and his head was getting fuzzy. Thirteen more 62 00:04:26,500 --> 00:04:30,540 Speaker 1: lashes were awaiting him. More furrows were sent to his back, 63 00:04:31,260 --> 00:04:34,020 Speaker 1: wrapping around his ribs to the lower end of his waist. 64 00:04:34,779 --> 00:04:39,320 Speaker 1: It was intense pain, almost unbearable. Yet there was a 65 00:04:39,420 --> 00:04:44,670 Speaker 1: small flickering flame within Saul that kept him going. Saul 66 00:04:44,730 --> 00:04:48,790 Speaker 1: endured to the end, grateful that he could share in 67 00:04:48,910 --> 00:04:53,230 Speaker 1: some way the sufferings of Christ. Each tear on his 68 00:04:53,310 --> 00:04:56,770 Speaker 1: skin reminded him that a life lived for Jesus was 69 00:04:57,410 --> 00:05:01,770 Speaker 1: would not be easy. When the flogging was finished, each 70 00:05:01,860 --> 00:05:05,779 Speaker 1: member of the congregation left one by one. All that 71 00:05:05,839 --> 00:05:10,640 Speaker 1: remained were his mother and father. His father, too disgusted 72 00:05:10,680 --> 00:05:13,539 Speaker 1: to look in his eyes, gestured for his servants to 73 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:16,409 Speaker 1: carry him back home so his mother could tend to 74 00:05:16,450 --> 00:05:20,450 Speaker 1: his wounds. They were ashamed of their son, but still 75 00:05:21,190 --> 00:05:24,830 Speaker 1: obliged to host him. Saul lay in bed for a 76 00:05:24,870 --> 00:05:29,200 Speaker 1: few days, trying not to move. Each time he inched 77 00:05:29,240 --> 00:05:32,750 Speaker 1: in a particular direction, he could feel his wounds tearing 78 00:05:32,990 --> 00:05:37,350 Speaker 1: underneath his bandages. He looked up at the ceiling and 79 00:05:37,410 --> 00:05:41,870 Speaker 1: pondered his next steps. His father entered the room quietly 80 00:05:42,470 --> 00:05:46,010 Speaker 1: and sat on the stool in the corner. Saul sat up, 81 00:05:46,420 --> 00:05:49,360 Speaker 1: wincing at the pain. He looked up at his father. 82 00:05:50,120 --> 00:05:53,039 Speaker 1: He was cold, distant, and perturbed. 83 00:05:53,670 --> 00:05:58,070 Speaker 4: The elders have made their decision. You are hereby banished 84 00:05:58,210 --> 00:05:59,230 Speaker 4: from the synagogue. 85 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:06,360 Speaker 1: Saul did not respond at first. He looked at his 86 00:06:06,420 --> 00:06:10,659 Speaker 1: father blankly. Saul's father rubbed his temples and sighed. 87 00:06:11,339 --> 00:06:15,070 Speaker 4: And your inheritance has been taken from you. Nothing I 88 00:06:15,130 --> 00:06:18,150 Speaker 4: have will be passed down to a blasphemer and a 89 00:06:18,190 --> 00:06:19,610 Speaker 4: betrayer of his people. 90 00:06:20,690 --> 00:06:25,280 Speaker 1: Saul once again was silent, saying nothing. His father stood 91 00:06:25,380 --> 00:06:26,940 Speaker 1: up angrily and shouted. 92 00:06:27,700 --> 00:06:32,479 Speaker 4: See what happens when you follow a dead blasphemer! Everything 93 00:06:32,520 --> 00:06:36,839 Speaker 4: you've worked for is lost! Everything that was your birthright 94 00:06:36,920 --> 00:06:37,580 Speaker 4: is gone! 95 00:06:38,460 --> 00:06:39,180 Speaker 3: What do you. 96 00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:40,820 Speaker 2: Have to say for yourself? 97 00:06:42,050 --> 00:06:45,590 Speaker 1: The fresh wounds on Saul's back burned as he stood 98 00:06:45,610 --> 00:06:49,450 Speaker 1: to his feet to face his father. Blood leaked through 99 00:06:49,470 --> 00:06:53,529 Speaker 1: the bandages, but he was determined to meet his father's 100 00:06:53,730 --> 00:06:58,690 Speaker 1: eyeline Saul's response was cutting and resolute. 101 00:06:59,480 --> 00:07:05,260 Speaker 3: Everything I have gained in this life, I consider a loss. 102 00:07:05,400 --> 00:07:06,440 Speaker 2: For Christ's sake. 103 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:10,900 Speaker 1: His voice was shaky from the pain, but his conviction 104 00:07:11,460 --> 00:07:15,580 Speaker 1: was steady. He approached his father with more deliberate steps. 105 00:07:16,260 --> 00:07:22,780 Speaker 3: I see everything as a loss compared to the overwhelming 106 00:07:22,940 --> 00:07:27,610 Speaker 3: gain of knowing Jesus Christ, my Lord. For his sake, 107 00:07:29,170 --> 00:07:31,430 Speaker 3: I will suffer even more than this. 108 00:07:32,210 --> 00:07:35,990 Speaker 1: At this point, blood was dripping from Paul's bandages. A 109 00:07:36,030 --> 00:07:38,910 Speaker 1: few drops hit the floor before Paul grabbed his pack 110 00:07:39,450 --> 00:07:42,050 Speaker 1: and limped to the door. He placed a hand on 111 00:07:42,090 --> 00:07:45,110 Speaker 1: the handle and opened it, and then looked back at 112 00:07:45,150 --> 00:07:45,610 Speaker 1: his father. 113 00:07:46,190 --> 00:07:51,980 Speaker 3: Everything I have lost is Everything you still hold so dear, 114 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:55,750 Speaker 3: I consider a heaping pile of dung compared to what 115 00:07:55,830 --> 00:07:56,690 Speaker 3: I have in Christ. 116 00:07:57,330 --> 00:08:02,130 Speaker 1: With those words, Saul left his home and disappeared into 117 00:08:02,150 --> 00:08:06,310 Speaker 1: the wild country outside Tarsus. He did not know what 118 00:08:06,330 --> 00:08:09,630 Speaker 1: the next step would be, but he knew there would 119 00:08:09,680 --> 00:08:14,220 Speaker 1: be favor at the feet of Jesus. So Saul sought 120 00:08:14,300 --> 00:08:18,380 Speaker 1: out solitude to confide in the Spirit and gain wisdom. 121 00:08:23,940 --> 00:08:26,740 Speaker 5: Are you ready at a moment's notice to pick up 122 00:08:26,880 --> 00:08:29,730 Speaker 5: everything that you knew and press forward to what God 123 00:08:29,770 --> 00:08:34,370 Speaker 5: has for you? Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, cinematic stories 124 00:08:34,429 --> 00:08:38,050 Speaker 5: inspired by the gospel meant to awaken our faith and 125 00:08:38,090 --> 00:08:41,960 Speaker 5: enliven our imagination. Today, we're journeying back to the bustling, 126 00:08:42,280 --> 00:08:47,520 Speaker 5: cosmopolitan city of Antioch as described in Acts 11, 19-30. Now, 127 00:08:47,660 --> 00:08:50,550 Speaker 5: Antioch wasn't your average ancient city. Think of it as 128 00:08:50,630 --> 00:08:53,550 Speaker 5: New York City of its day, diverse, dynamic, and perhaps 129 00:08:53,610 --> 00:08:56,710 Speaker 5: a tad decadent. It was here in this melting pot 130 00:08:56,750 --> 00:09:00,730 Speaker 5: of culture and ideas that God sent two men named 131 00:09:00,870 --> 00:09:02,390 Speaker 5: Saul and Barnabas. 132 00:09:04,710 --> 00:09:08,380 Speaker 1: Barnabas walked the streets of Tarsus, talking to vendors and 133 00:09:08,429 --> 00:09:12,040 Speaker 1: merchants about where to find the nearest synagogue. They all 134 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:15,920 Speaker 1: pointed east toward the hill. The Hellenist synagogue was set 135 00:09:15,980 --> 00:09:19,130 Speaker 1: apart and separated from the rest of the city. He 136 00:09:19,230 --> 00:09:23,709 Speaker 1: marched up the winding path and eventually found himself in 137 00:09:23,730 --> 00:09:27,969 Speaker 1: the courtyard. It became apparent quickly that Saul had been there, 138 00:09:28,530 --> 00:09:32,290 Speaker 1: for many of the elders were debating among themselves regarding 139 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:36,840 Speaker 1: the resurrection of the dead. Wherever Saul went, there seemed 140 00:09:36,880 --> 00:09:40,800 Speaker 1: to be controversy. He approached them humbly with a bow 141 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:41,240 Speaker 1: of his head. 142 00:09:41,900 --> 00:09:45,600 Speaker 2: Shalom, brothers. I was wondering where I might be able 143 00:09:45,640 --> 00:09:48,360 Speaker 2: to find Saul, the tentmaker and Pharisee. 144 00:09:49,740 --> 00:09:53,150 Speaker 3: That traitor was denied access to this synagogue weeks ago. 145 00:09:53,850 --> 00:09:57,459 Speaker 3: He's out fraternizing with Gentiles and sinners down the hill. 146 00:09:58,040 --> 00:10:01,980 Speaker 1: Barnabas bowed his head, stepped back, and paced down the hill. 147 00:10:02,500 --> 00:10:06,020 Speaker 1: He waded through the busy marketplace, keeping an eye out 148 00:10:06,160 --> 00:10:09,650 Speaker 1: for Saul. He didn't need to look long. A large 149 00:10:09,730 --> 00:10:12,950 Speaker 1: crowd was gathering in the center of the marketplace, and 150 00:10:12,990 --> 00:10:19,090 Speaker 1: Barnabas had a sneaking suspicion Saul was somehow responsible. He 151 00:10:19,170 --> 00:10:22,130 Speaker 1: pressed through the sea of people to the center, all 152 00:10:22,170 --> 00:10:29,280 Speaker 1: to find a short, broad-shouldered, bald-bearded Saul speaking to the crowd. 153 00:10:30,260 --> 00:10:33,760 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and crossed his arms. He listened to Saul's 154 00:10:33,840 --> 00:10:38,949 Speaker 1: passionate plea for people to repent and believe in the gospel. 155 00:10:39,450 --> 00:10:43,030 Speaker 1: They ridiculed him, but it did not deter Saul from 156 00:10:43,130 --> 00:10:48,430 Speaker 1: preaching anyway. Barnabas was always impressed by Saul's determination. proclaim 157 00:10:48,470 --> 00:10:51,970 Speaker 1: the gospel, even with clamors of doubt in the background. 158 00:10:52,690 --> 00:10:56,429 Speaker 1: Saul spoke for nearly an hour before being laughed out 159 00:10:56,480 --> 00:10:59,920 Speaker 1: of the marketplace. He stepped down from the steps and 160 00:10:59,980 --> 00:11:03,900 Speaker 1: trotted off. Saul left the fray with people bumping his 161 00:11:03,980 --> 00:11:08,339 Speaker 1: shoulders and throwing food at him, but his head remained high. 162 00:11:09,179 --> 00:11:11,750 Speaker 1: As he was leaving, Saul caught a glimpse of Barnabas 163 00:11:11,770 --> 00:11:15,090 Speaker 1: standing at the corner. Saul's eyes lit up with joy, 164 00:11:15,910 --> 00:11:19,020 Speaker 1: and he ran over to embrace him. They walked out 165 00:11:19,059 --> 00:11:23,800 Speaker 1: of the marketplace together and sat beside an orchard. Barnabas 166 00:11:23,880 --> 00:11:28,400 Speaker 1: noticed something different about Saul. The way he walked was different. 167 00:11:29,260 --> 00:11:33,470 Speaker 1: Bow-legged and slightly hunched over, it was clear that Saul 168 00:11:33,490 --> 00:11:37,069 Speaker 1: had been severely flogged since they had last seen each other. 169 00:11:37,890 --> 00:11:39,730 Speaker 2: It seems like you have suffered here. 170 00:11:40,429 --> 00:11:43,630 Speaker 3: I remember watching Peter and John being beaten outside the 171 00:11:43,690 --> 00:11:47,339 Speaker 3: courtyard of the hall in Jerusalem. They said that it 172 00:11:47,380 --> 00:11:49,870 Speaker 3: was a joy to share in the sufferings of Christ. 173 00:11:50,750 --> 00:11:54,190 Speaker 3: I didn't know what they meant then, but I do now. 174 00:11:56,170 --> 00:11:59,270 Speaker 1: Saul pulled down the shoulder of his tunic, revealing his 175 00:11:59,330 --> 00:12:00,010 Speaker 1: fresh scars. 176 00:12:00,570 --> 00:12:02,330 Speaker 2: Why have you come here, Barnabas? 177 00:12:03,050 --> 00:12:06,910 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and leaned back, soaking in the Tarsian sun. 178 00:12:07,510 --> 00:12:10,569 Speaker 1: He could smell hints of the ocean breeze wafting in 179 00:12:10,750 --> 00:12:11,329 Speaker 1: from the south. 180 00:12:11,809 --> 00:12:16,100 Speaker 2: Much has changed since you left Jerusalem. The one There 181 00:12:16,120 --> 00:12:19,380 Speaker 2: has been a movement of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. 182 00:12:19,940 --> 00:12:24,410 Speaker 2: Can you believe it? Oh, Saul, it is spreading like wildfire. 183 00:12:24,950 --> 00:12:29,170 Speaker 2: Christ's name is being proclaimed to the surrounding regions. The 184 00:12:29,230 --> 00:12:32,970 Speaker 2: apostles sent me to Antioch because many people believe in 185 00:12:33,050 --> 00:12:37,600 Speaker 2: Jesus there. The gathering is enormous, and they are hungry 186 00:12:37,660 --> 00:12:39,400 Speaker 2: to learn more about Jesus. 187 00:12:40,100 --> 00:12:41,559 Speaker 3: Praise be to God. 188 00:12:41,980 --> 00:12:47,000 Speaker 2: It is unlike anything I have seen before. Jews, Gentiles, slaves, 189 00:12:47,110 --> 00:12:50,570 Speaker 2: and nobles are all coming together under the same roof 190 00:12:51,070 --> 00:12:52,309 Speaker 2: to worship and pray. 191 00:12:52,330 --> 00:12:57,690 Speaker 3: But aren't the Jews worried about eating and communing with Gentiles? 192 00:12:58,290 --> 00:13:01,830 Speaker 2: Not as many anymore. Peter received a vision from God 193 00:13:02,370 --> 00:13:05,290 Speaker 2: and went into the home of a Gentile. And all 194 00:13:05,330 --> 00:13:09,910 Speaker 2: of them received the Holy Spirit. Others have had similar experiences. 195 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:15,510 Speaker 2: God is breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles. So 196 00:13:15,630 --> 00:13:18,510 Speaker 2: why have you left Antioch to come here? Because I 197 00:13:18,550 --> 00:13:23,120 Speaker 2: need your help, Saul. The Jews in Antioch, they are Hellenists. 198 00:13:23,820 --> 00:13:28,459 Speaker 2: And you, you speak fluent in Greek. You have a 199 00:13:28,540 --> 00:13:32,359 Speaker 2: much richer understanding of Greek culture than I do. I 200 00:13:32,420 --> 00:13:35,459 Speaker 2: need your help to reach them and raise them in 201 00:13:35,500 --> 00:13:39,340 Speaker 2: the Lord. Saul, will you come back with me? 202 00:13:39,940 --> 00:13:42,830 Speaker 1: It was an easy answer for Saul. He knew his 203 00:13:42,870 --> 00:13:46,800 Speaker 1: time in Tarsus was up. and a new adventure awaited him. 204 00:13:47,340 --> 00:13:50,800 Speaker 1: He and Barnabas set sail for Antioch, the crown jewel 205 00:13:51,160 --> 00:13:54,660 Speaker 1: of Syria. As the sails released and caught the wind, 206 00:13:55,280 --> 00:13:58,740 Speaker 1: Saul looked back at his childhood home. The place that 207 00:13:58,760 --> 00:14:02,360 Speaker 1: had given him so much life and opportunity was now 208 00:14:02,380 --> 00:14:07,340 Speaker 1: a place of heartache. He left his family behind, mindful 209 00:14:07,380 --> 00:14:09,559 Speaker 1: of the words spoken by Jesus. 210 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:13,100 Speaker 6: Whoever does not hate his father and mother will not 211 00:14:13,140 --> 00:14:13,920 Speaker 6: be my disciple. 212 00:14:14,870 --> 00:14:17,250 Speaker 1: Of course, Saul did not hate his father and mother, 213 00:14:17,750 --> 00:14:21,170 Speaker 1: nor did Jesus call anyone to hate his family. However, 214 00:14:21,250 --> 00:14:25,790 Speaker 1: compared to the intense love he experienced in Jesus, all 215 00:14:25,880 --> 00:14:31,080 Speaker 1: other familial commitments seemed small. He left Tarsus in peace, 216 00:14:31,860 --> 00:14:39,000 Speaker 1: knowing his true family awaited him in Antioch. From the outside, 217 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:42,260 Speaker 1: it was the greatest city Saul had ever seen. After 218 00:14:42,300 --> 00:14:46,900 Speaker 1: walking sixteen miles beside the Orontes River, they beheld the 219 00:14:46,980 --> 00:14:51,960 Speaker 1: glory of Antioch. The river flowed peacefully beside the city, 220 00:14:52,540 --> 00:14:58,580 Speaker 1: covering the surrounding plains in wildflowers and fresh vegetation. The 221 00:14:58,660 --> 00:15:04,380 Speaker 1: splendid metropolis rested beside the canyons of Mount Silpius. Saul 222 00:15:04,420 --> 00:15:08,390 Speaker 1: looked at the side of the mountain and gasped. Carved 223 00:15:08,690 --> 00:15:11,810 Speaker 1: into the side of the canyon, was a faceless human 224 00:15:11,910 --> 00:15:16,230 Speaker 1: head with a scepter beside it. The carving was glorious 225 00:15:16,890 --> 00:15:24,120 Speaker 1: and haunting simultaneously. A faceless giant and watchman looming over 226 00:15:24,160 --> 00:15:29,020 Speaker 1: the city with intimidation. Barnabas gestured to the mountain's carving. 227 00:15:29,560 --> 00:15:34,200 Speaker 2: That is a carving of Sharon, the ferryman of the underworld. 228 00:15:35,300 --> 00:15:38,310 Speaker 2: The Gentiles in the city claim the river goes straight 229 00:15:38,350 --> 00:15:41,400 Speaker 2: to Hades. and Sharon ferries them there. 230 00:15:42,020 --> 00:15:46,150 Speaker 1: The city was a magnificent example of Greek architecture and 231 00:15:46,230 --> 00:15:51,870 Speaker 1: Roman wealth. However, as Saul entered, its splendor dissipated. Signs 232 00:15:51,930 --> 00:15:56,130 Speaker 1: of poverty and despair laced the streets below, while the 233 00:15:56,170 --> 00:15:59,980 Speaker 1: upper hills of the city gleamed with whitewashed wealth. The 234 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:05,320 Speaker 1: disparity was staggering. Temples for pagan gods were erected on 235 00:16:05,580 --> 00:16:09,610 Speaker 1: every street corner, and everywhere there wasn't a temple, There 236 00:16:09,620 --> 00:16:14,570 Speaker 1: were theaters and the Hippodrome for gladiator games and chariot races. 237 00:16:15,470 --> 00:16:19,770 Speaker 1: The two men walked south, eventually passing the Grove of Daphne. 238 00:16:20,570 --> 00:16:26,120 Speaker 1: Hundreds of temple prostitutes laid bare-chested against the walls, luring 239 00:16:26,200 --> 00:16:30,980 Speaker 1: men and women for their lewd worship. Even by Roman standards, 240 00:16:31,780 --> 00:16:37,350 Speaker 1: Antioch was debased. Saul averted his eyes. not yet desensitized 241 00:16:37,370 --> 00:16:41,860 Speaker 1: to the world's wickedness outside the synagogue. Paul and Barnabas 242 00:16:41,890 --> 00:16:45,440 Speaker 1: made their way to Syngon Street in the Epiphania district 243 00:16:45,580 --> 00:16:50,580 Speaker 1: of Antioch. Saul cringed to see Charon's looming head looking 244 00:16:50,660 --> 00:16:54,500 Speaker 1: down at him. Barnabas led Saul to a modest home 245 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:59,450 Speaker 1: near the Pantheon. The house was bustling and crowded with Jews, Greeks, 246 00:16:59,650 --> 00:17:03,970 Speaker 1: rich and poor. Food flowed in and out of the kitchen. 247 00:17:04,630 --> 00:17:08,350 Speaker 1: to provide for the sick, widowed, and orphaned sitting in 248 00:17:08,369 --> 00:17:13,560 Speaker 1: the courtyard. A continental cacophony of prayer and music could 249 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:17,340 Speaker 1: be heard from the upper room. The believers met every 250 00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:21,780 Speaker 1: day throughout the day to accommodate the different lifestyles and schedules. 251 00:17:22,700 --> 00:17:25,859 Speaker 1: So people were in and out of the house daily, 252 00:17:26,320 --> 00:17:32,189 Speaker 1: checking in, praying, and breaking bread. It was magnificent for 253 00:17:32,230 --> 00:17:35,980 Speaker 1: Paul to see. A tall, dark man with broad shoulders 254 00:17:36,380 --> 00:17:40,170 Speaker 1: and a deep voice approached Barnabas and took his hand. 255 00:17:41,090 --> 00:17:45,330 Speaker 3: We are glad you have returned, Barnabas. You have been missed. 256 00:17:46,550 --> 00:17:50,190 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled at the man, then gestured behind his shoulder 257 00:17:50,450 --> 00:17:50,929 Speaker 1: to Saul. 258 00:17:51,550 --> 00:17:54,560 Speaker 2: Saul, I would like you to meet Simon of Cyrene. 259 00:17:58,300 --> 00:18:01,659 Speaker 1: Saul paused and looked the man up and down. The 260 00:18:01,680 --> 00:18:05,180 Speaker 1: two of them had met before. Simon was a prominent 261 00:18:05,260 --> 00:18:08,880 Speaker 1: member of the church of Jerusalem before most believers were 262 00:18:08,980 --> 00:18:13,140 Speaker 1: run out of the city. Because of Saul's threats, Simon 263 00:18:13,230 --> 00:18:16,950 Speaker 1: fled with his wife and young sons, Rufus and Alexander. 264 00:18:17,710 --> 00:18:24,530 Speaker 1: Saul bowed his head in contrition. Simon of Cyrene, I am... 265 00:18:25,350 --> 00:18:31,310 Speaker 1: You are forgiven, Saul. My wife and I are pleased 266 00:18:31,470 --> 00:18:34,230 Speaker 1: to have you here in our home. Saul would come 267 00:18:34,270 --> 00:18:36,970 Speaker 1: to find out that Simon was the man who helped 268 00:18:37,070 --> 00:18:41,030 Speaker 1: Jesus carry his cross up to Golgotha, and his wife 269 00:18:41,109 --> 00:18:44,949 Speaker 1: was a mother to the entire church of Antioch. Saul 270 00:18:44,990 --> 00:18:48,520 Speaker 1: himself would come to call her his own mother, and 271 00:18:48,600 --> 00:18:54,240 Speaker 1: Rufus and Alexander his brothers. Antioch gave Saul a sense 272 00:18:54,300 --> 00:18:58,380 Speaker 1: of belonging, something he had not felt in over a decade. 273 00:18:59,300 --> 00:19:02,439 Speaker 1: It became a place of healing and restoration for his 274 00:19:02,560 --> 00:19:07,420 Speaker 1: weary soul. God was answering his prayers and preparing him 275 00:19:07,830 --> 00:19:12,710 Speaker 1: for the hardships ahead. Saul melded with the believers in Antioch, 276 00:19:13,350 --> 00:19:18,390 Speaker 1: eventually becoming their shepherd and leader. Together they forged new 277 00:19:18,490 --> 00:19:22,330 Speaker 1: partnerships in the city, hosted meals for the widowed and orphaned, 278 00:19:22,850 --> 00:19:27,080 Speaker 1: and taught the words of Jesus in every home. People 279 00:19:27,180 --> 00:19:31,199 Speaker 1: entered Simon's house daily to hear Saul weave the gospel 280 00:19:31,359 --> 00:19:36,300 Speaker 1: into every account in Scripture. Every day his skills in 281 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:40,310 Speaker 1: orating the word of God grew sharper, and his passion 282 00:19:40,730 --> 00:19:45,740 Speaker 1: deepened with every passing day. Saul was a man on fire, 283 00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:50,619 Speaker 1: and everyone who passed him was ignited. The church of 284 00:19:50,720 --> 00:19:54,859 Speaker 1: Antioch became well known in the city. So prominent that 285 00:19:54,900 --> 00:19:59,380 Speaker 1: the local authorities came up with a new name for them. Christians. 286 00:20:00,330 --> 00:20:06,350 Speaker 1: Little Christs. The storm was unrelenting. And the howling wind 287 00:20:06,430 --> 00:20:10,520 Speaker 1: slammed against the roof like giants. The Christians of Antioch 288 00:20:10,580 --> 00:20:14,560 Speaker 1: remained inside the house of Simon, huddled together for comfort. 289 00:20:15,359 --> 00:20:20,060 Speaker 1: Saul was among them, passing out warm broth to the children. 290 00:20:20,820 --> 00:20:25,220 Speaker 1: The storm had raged for days, and everyone was unsure 291 00:20:25,320 --> 00:20:30,420 Speaker 1: when the sun would return. Lightning struck violently, flashing light 292 00:20:30,480 --> 00:20:35,590 Speaker 1: against the looming head of Charon. Underneath the mountain, dredging 293 00:20:35,630 --> 00:20:40,730 Speaker 1: through the mud and wind, four hooded figures approached Simon's home. 294 00:20:41,260 --> 00:20:45,540 Speaker 1: Their steps were slow and fatigued as they traversed the 295 00:20:45,580 --> 00:20:49,619 Speaker 1: wet roads. Saul looked out the window and saw them coming. 296 00:20:50,220 --> 00:20:54,000 Speaker 1: He opened the door, and rain began to pour in violently. 297 00:20:54,580 --> 00:20:58,119 Speaker 1: He ran to them, braving the wind, to receive them 298 00:20:58,340 --> 00:20:58,760 Speaker 1: at the gate. 299 00:20:59,600 --> 00:21:03,699 Speaker 2: Hello, I am Saul, the shepherd of this church. Are 300 00:21:03,740 --> 00:21:04,880 Speaker 2: you in need of shelter? 301 00:21:05,570 --> 00:21:08,250 Speaker 1: One of the hooded men lifted his head and looked 302 00:21:08,310 --> 00:21:12,560 Speaker 1: at Saul. He was an older man, no younger than seventy, 303 00:21:12,940 --> 00:21:16,050 Speaker 1: and his grey curls covered half of his bearded face. 304 00:21:16,869 --> 00:21:20,649 Speaker 1: His right eye seemed scarred by some burn, and no 305 00:21:20,690 --> 00:21:25,080 Speaker 1: longer worked. It was a dreadful sight, but something about 306 00:21:25,119 --> 00:21:26,840 Speaker 1: him exuded authority. 307 00:21:27,480 --> 00:21:28,500 Speaker 2: I am Agabus. 308 00:21:29,180 --> 00:21:31,900 Speaker 1: His voice was as deep as thunder. 309 00:21:32,359 --> 00:21:34,540 Speaker 6: I have come with a word from the spirit. 310 00:21:37,200 --> 00:21:39,560 Speaker 1: Saul took their packs and led them into the house. 311 00:21:40,180 --> 00:21:44,050 Speaker 1: Simon's wife greeted them with wine and warm broth. They 312 00:21:44,090 --> 00:21:48,790 Speaker 1: received it gladly and composed themselves. Dozens of people were 313 00:21:48,810 --> 00:21:52,010 Speaker 1: in the same room, waiting intently for the men to 314 00:21:52,090 --> 00:21:56,169 Speaker 1: speak and explain why they had traveled to them. Agabus 315 00:21:56,210 --> 00:21:59,470 Speaker 1: stood before them and raised his shaking hand. 316 00:22:00,010 --> 00:22:02,210 Speaker 6: The Spirit of our Lord Jesus has brought me from 317 00:22:02,280 --> 00:22:06,909 Speaker 6: Jerusalem to you and all the churches outside Palestine. A 318 00:22:07,030 --> 00:22:11,350 Speaker 6: great famine is coming, one unlike we have ever seen 319 00:22:11,390 --> 00:22:15,200 Speaker 6: in our lifetime. Christ desires that his church would rise 320 00:22:15,260 --> 00:22:17,080 Speaker 6: to meet the needs of the people in their. 321 00:22:16,960 --> 00:22:17,879 Speaker 2: Time of distress. 322 00:22:18,580 --> 00:22:23,360 Speaker 6: Prepare, labor, seek out food and provisions to share among 323 00:22:23,380 --> 00:22:26,260 Speaker 6: yourselves and the poor. Do not delay. 324 00:22:26,980 --> 00:22:30,050 Speaker 2: This will be the last storm in many months. 325 00:22:30,710 --> 00:22:34,969 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas exchanged looks and nodded. They had no 326 00:22:35,030 --> 00:22:38,040 Speaker 1: reason to doubt Agabus. or the men who accompanied him. 327 00:22:38,660 --> 00:22:42,540 Speaker 1: Saul saw this as an opportunity to unite the churches 328 00:22:42,780 --> 00:22:47,680 Speaker 1: throughout the world. They could collect provisions and share resources 329 00:22:48,040 --> 00:22:51,850 Speaker 1: to meet each other's needs during the famine. In so doing, 330 00:22:52,730 --> 00:22:56,090 Speaker 1: perhaps the Jewish believers would be united with the Gentile 331 00:22:56,130 --> 00:22:57,170 Speaker 1: believers as well. 332 00:22:57,609 --> 00:23:00,149 Speaker 3: If we can meet the needs of our people, that 333 00:23:00,190 --> 00:23:03,310 Speaker 3: will be a testimony to the world. This is our 334 00:23:03,390 --> 00:23:06,169 Speaker 3: chance to prove that the body of Christ can be 335 00:23:06,210 --> 00:23:10,420 Speaker 3: a light in the darkness. It is also an opportunity 336 00:23:10,500 --> 00:23:13,419 Speaker 3: for unity among the Jews and Gentiles. 337 00:23:14,080 --> 00:23:17,959 Speaker 1: Barnabas agreed, and the two rallied the surrounding churches to 338 00:23:18,030 --> 00:23:22,450 Speaker 1: store resources for the coming famine. They spent months gathering 339 00:23:22,510 --> 00:23:26,369 Speaker 1: whatever they could to redistribute to areas of greatest need. 340 00:23:27,050 --> 00:23:30,359 Speaker 1: As it turned out, the greatest need was in Jerusalem. 341 00:23:30,880 --> 00:23:34,320 Speaker 1: Things had grown darker there under the rule of Herod Agrippa. 342 00:23:34,800 --> 00:23:39,090 Speaker 1: His cruelty rivaled that of his predecessor, who beheaded John 343 00:23:39,150 --> 00:23:44,090 Speaker 1: the Baptist. He expanded the walls of Jerusalem northward, creating 344 00:23:44,190 --> 00:23:47,989 Speaker 1: stress on the city's laborers. He also began a campaign 345 00:23:48,090 --> 00:23:52,660 Speaker 1: against the Christians of Jerusalem. He beheaded James, the brother 346 00:23:52,700 --> 00:23:57,720 Speaker 1: of John, and imprisoned Peter. Although Peter was able to escape, 347 00:23:58,220 --> 00:24:01,890 Speaker 1: the sting of James' death lingered and caused a great 348 00:24:01,950 --> 00:24:06,040 Speaker 1: deal of panic among the disciples. Saul was determined to 349 00:24:06,119 --> 00:24:10,540 Speaker 1: bring them aid and establish himself as a reliable figure 350 00:24:10,820 --> 00:24:15,020 Speaker 1: and leader for the church. As Saul worked, he looked 351 00:24:15,119 --> 00:24:18,949 Speaker 1: inward and asked himself if he was doing this for 352 00:24:19,030 --> 00:24:19,770 Speaker 1: selfish gain. 353 00:24:20,330 --> 00:24:24,629 Speaker 3: Am I aiming to please the apostles? Is this offering 354 00:24:24,690 --> 00:24:26,330 Speaker 3: a bribe to get their approval? 355 00:24:27,310 --> 00:24:31,730 Speaker 1: Saul never used to ask such questions. His selfish ambitions 356 00:24:32,150 --> 00:24:36,210 Speaker 1: and righteous mission were one and the same. But now 357 00:24:36,270 --> 00:24:40,060 Speaker 1: that he had the Lord's Spirit dwelling within him, guiding 358 00:24:40,480 --> 00:24:45,000 Speaker 1: and convicting, he could truly assess the nature of his intentions. 359 00:24:45,900 --> 00:24:50,200 Speaker 1: Saul looked up and closed his eyes. He sighed a prayer. 360 00:24:52,880 --> 00:24:56,139 Speaker 3: Not for my glory, but yours, Lord Jesus. 361 00:24:57,010 --> 00:25:00,310 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas secured the provisions necessary to aid the 362 00:25:00,350 --> 00:25:04,850 Speaker 1: church in Jerusalem. It was a significant endeavor that required 363 00:25:04,930 --> 00:25:09,610 Speaker 1: great precision and administration. First they must hire a charter 364 00:25:09,950 --> 00:25:13,310 Speaker 1: to sail the supplies to Joppa. From there they would 365 00:25:13,330 --> 00:25:16,869 Speaker 1: set up a mule train to travel from Joppa to Jerusalem. 366 00:25:17,830 --> 00:25:21,169 Speaker 1: Saul recruited a young man named Titus to aid them 367 00:25:21,210 --> 00:25:26,550 Speaker 1: in the mission. However, Titus was an uncircumcised Greek Barnabas 368 00:25:26,609 --> 00:25:31,100 Speaker 1: feared the Jewish believers might shun him. The rebel within 369 00:25:31,170 --> 00:25:35,800 Speaker 1: Saul was eager to push those boundaries. He shrugged and 370 00:25:36,040 --> 00:25:37,600 Speaker 1: explained his reasons to Barnabas. 371 00:25:38,960 --> 00:25:42,740 Speaker 3: What has happened here in Antioch is a miracle. The 372 00:25:42,780 --> 00:25:45,919 Speaker 3: apostles need to see that there are Gentile believers who 373 00:25:45,940 --> 00:25:46,379 Speaker 3: can lead. 374 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:51,480 Speaker 2: You will be instigating debate, Saul. It seems to be 375 00:25:51,520 --> 00:25:52,419 Speaker 2: a gift of mine. 376 00:25:53,080 --> 00:25:56,890 Speaker 1: Titus joined them. and the three companions set sail for Joppa. 377 00:25:57,590 --> 00:26:00,670 Speaker 1: The church in Antioch prayed over them and sent them 378 00:26:00,810 --> 00:26:04,840 Speaker 1: off with joy. Saul was eager to return to Jerusalem. 379 00:26:05,260 --> 00:26:08,280 Speaker 1: He was not the same as when he left. He 380 00:26:08,300 --> 00:26:12,280 Speaker 1: was an established shepherd of a church and experienced in leading. 381 00:26:12,980 --> 00:26:16,140 Speaker 1: In the quiet of his heart, God had revealed that 382 00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:20,469 Speaker 1: he was appointed an apostle of Jesus Christ. Yet his 383 00:26:20,530 --> 00:26:25,310 Speaker 1: relationship with Jesus was different than the others. Saul wondered 384 00:26:25,369 --> 00:26:27,590 Speaker 1: if he would ever be accepted as one of them. 385 00:26:28,230 --> 00:26:31,050 Speaker 1: He leaned over the bow of the ship and thought 386 00:26:31,130 --> 00:26:34,330 Speaker 1: about his calling. The Spirit had stirred him up in 387 00:26:34,350 --> 00:26:38,369 Speaker 1: the past year, and his mission was becoming more evident. 388 00:26:39,030 --> 00:26:44,000 Speaker 1: The multicultural church in Antioch showcased the heart of God 389 00:26:44,480 --> 00:26:48,520 Speaker 1: for all people groups to know him. Saul now knew, 390 00:26:48,960 --> 00:26:52,040 Speaker 1: beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he was called 391 00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:56,270 Speaker 1: to be an Apostle to the Gentiles, the one who 392 00:26:56,330 --> 00:26:59,730 Speaker 1: could bring the gospel of Jesus to the ends of 393 00:26:59,790 --> 00:27:04,310 Speaker 1: the earth, thus fulfilling the great commission of Christ. 394 00:27:04,810 --> 00:27:09,379 Speaker 4: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. 395 00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:17,240 Speaker 5: The passage begins with believers scattered due to persecution that 396 00:27:17,280 --> 00:27:20,730 Speaker 5: arose over Stephen. They traveled far and wide, Phoenicia, Cyprus, 397 00:27:20,770 --> 00:27:23,790 Speaker 5: and yes, Antioch. spreading the word, but initially only to 398 00:27:23,810 --> 00:27:27,449 Speaker 5: fellow Jews. But then, some daring souls from Cyprus and 399 00:27:27,490 --> 00:27:30,879 Speaker 5: Cyrene decided to shake things up. They began sharing the 400 00:27:30,920 --> 00:27:34,560 Speaker 5: good news with the Greeks and Gentiles. This was revolutionary. 401 00:27:34,800 --> 00:27:36,820 Speaker 5: It was like adding hot sauce to a recipe that's 402 00:27:36,960 --> 00:27:37,939 Speaker 5: always been mild. 403 00:27:38,300 --> 00:27:38,960 Speaker 3: And what happened? 404 00:27:39,180 --> 00:27:41,290 Speaker 5: It says that the hand of the Lord was with them, 405 00:27:41,350 --> 00:27:44,510 Speaker 5: and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Sometimes, 406 00:27:44,690 --> 00:27:47,530 Speaker 5: stepping out of our comfort zones is precisely what's needed 407 00:27:47,650 --> 00:27:50,450 Speaker 5: for God's work to flourish. Word got back to Jerusalem 408 00:27:50,490 --> 00:27:53,550 Speaker 5: at that point about this unexpected revival among the Gentiles. 409 00:27:53,890 --> 00:27:57,260 Speaker 5: The church decided to send Barnabas to Antioch. Now, Barnabas' 410 00:27:57,300 --> 00:28:00,100 Speaker 5: name means son of encouragement, and he definitely lives up 411 00:28:00,140 --> 00:28:02,359 Speaker 5: to it. When he arrives, he sees the grace of 412 00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:05,560 Speaker 5: God at work. He's glad, not skeptical or jealous, and 413 00:28:05,600 --> 00:28:09,680 Speaker 5: encourages them all to remain faithful. Barnabas doesn't stop there though. 414 00:28:10,160 --> 00:28:13,550 Speaker 5: Realizing the magnitude of the task, he sets off to 415 00:28:13,630 --> 00:28:17,050 Speaker 5: Tarsus to find Saul. Yes, the very Saul who once 416 00:28:17,130 --> 00:28:22,070 Speaker 5: persecuted Christians but had since become a powerhouse for the gospel. Together, 417 00:28:22,270 --> 00:28:24,409 Speaker 5: they spend a whole year teaching and building up the 418 00:28:24,450 --> 00:28:27,980 Speaker 5: church in Antioch. Isn't it beautiful how God uses community 419 00:28:28,020 --> 00:28:31,139 Speaker 5: to strengthen us? Barnabas knew he couldn't do it alone, 420 00:28:31,380 --> 00:28:34,439 Speaker 5: so he brought Saul into the fold. It reminds me 421 00:28:34,480 --> 00:28:37,440 Speaker 5: that collaboration often multiplies our effectiveness. 422 00:28:38,060 --> 00:28:38,620 Speaker 3: Here's the kicker. 423 00:28:38,840 --> 00:28:41,400 Speaker 5: It says in Acts 11.26 that the disciples were first 424 00:28:41,440 --> 00:28:45,490 Speaker 5: called Christians in Antioch. Before this, followers of Jesus were 425 00:28:45,530 --> 00:28:49,830 Speaker 5: known by various names. Disciples, saints, believers, followers of the way. 426 00:28:50,210 --> 00:28:53,770 Speaker 5: But now, they're being labeled Christians, which means belonging to 427 00:28:53,830 --> 00:28:58,680 Speaker 5: Christ or little Christs. Interestingly, this name wasn't necessarily given 428 00:28:58,720 --> 00:29:01,260 Speaker 5: as a compliment. It may have been more of a 429 00:29:01,300 --> 00:29:04,360 Speaker 5: term of mockery from those outside of the faith. Yet, 430 00:29:04,660 --> 00:29:07,220 Speaker 5: the believers embraced it. They wore it as a badge 431 00:29:07,260 --> 00:29:10,620 Speaker 5: of honor because it identified them with Jesus. What does 432 00:29:10,660 --> 00:29:13,500 Speaker 5: being called a Christian mean to us today? Is it 433 00:29:13,640 --> 00:29:20,300 Speaker 5: just a demographic checkbox, or does it reflect our deepest identity? 434 00:29:20,760 --> 00:29:23,360 Speaker 5: In a world eager to define us by our jobs, politics, 435 00:29:23,420 --> 00:29:28,050 Speaker 5: or social status, let's remember that our primary identifier is Jesus. 436 00:29:28,590 --> 00:29:31,330 Speaker 5: The story doesn't end there, though. Prophets come from Jerusalem 437 00:29:31,370 --> 00:29:34,850 Speaker 5: to Antioch, one of whom, Agabus, predicts a severe famine. 438 00:29:35,270 --> 00:29:38,830 Speaker 5: The believers in Antioch respond immediately. Each, according to their ability, 439 00:29:38,890 --> 00:29:41,730 Speaker 5: decide to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea. 440 00:29:42,360 --> 00:29:46,620 Speaker 5: Now consider this. These were predominantly Gentile believers collecting aid 441 00:29:46,660 --> 00:29:49,760 Speaker 5: for Jewish believers, a group that might have previously seen 442 00:29:49,780 --> 00:29:54,040 Speaker 5: them as outsiders. This act of generosity transcended cultural and 443 00:29:54,140 --> 00:29:57,370 Speaker 5: ethnic barriers. It's what Christianity in action is supposed to 444 00:29:57,390 --> 00:30:01,250 Speaker 5: look like, a tangible expression of love and unity. Antioch 445 00:30:01,290 --> 00:30:03,840 Speaker 5: was a city where believers first embraced the name Christian, 446 00:30:04,260 --> 00:30:06,920 Speaker 5: turning a label into a legacy. They showed us that 447 00:30:07,080 --> 00:30:10,300 Speaker 5: faith knows no boundaries, and that encouragement fuels growth, and 448 00:30:10,320 --> 00:30:13,440 Speaker 5: that our identity in Christ should permeate every aspect of 449 00:30:13,500 --> 00:30:16,719 Speaker 5: our lives. As we navigate our own Antiochs, cities and 450 00:30:16,780 --> 00:30:20,500 Speaker 5: communities filled with diversity and challenges, let's remember who we 451 00:30:20,660 --> 00:30:23,600 Speaker 5: are and whose we are. Let's live boldly, love generously, 452 00:30:23,960 --> 00:30:25,830 Speaker 5: and let the world see the grace of God at 453 00:30:25,870 --> 00:30:26,380 Speaker 5: work in us.