1 00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:04,670 Speaker 1: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them 2 00:00:04,750 --> 00:00:06,680 Speaker 1: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 3 00:00:07,070 --> 00:00:12,129 Speaker 1: and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28, 19 Lord Jesus, 4 00:00:13,070 --> 00:00:16,190 Speaker 1: we thank you for the great commission, calling us to 5 00:00:16,270 --> 00:00:20,970 Speaker 1: go and make disciples of all nations. We are humbled 6 00:00:21,250 --> 00:00:26,130 Speaker 1: by this privilege and responsibility. Fill us with your Spirit, 7 00:00:26,930 --> 00:00:31,670 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 00:00:40,840 --> 00:00:44,600 Speaker 1: You are always with us. Open our eyes to the 11 00:00:44,680 --> 00:00:48,880 Speaker 1: opportunities around us and empower us to be Your hands 12 00:00:49,090 --> 00:00:53,170 Speaker 1: and feet in this world. May our lives be a 13 00:00:53,330 --> 00:00:57,790 Speaker 1: testament to Your love, leading others to the hope and 14 00:00:57,950 --> 00:01:02,760 Speaker 1: salvation of found only in you. In your powerful name, 15 00:01:03,260 --> 00:01:09,880 Speaker 1: we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 16 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:15,420 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our 17 00:01:15,540 --> 00:01:20,410 Speaker 1: mini-series on the birth of the church. If this podcast 18 00:01:20,420 --> 00:01:23,330 Speaker 1: has blessed you, we would love it if you left 19 00:01:23,390 --> 00:01:27,570 Speaker 1: a review. Doing so makes a huge impact on our team. 20 00:01:30,540 --> 00:01:35,309 Speaker 1: Saul's shaking knees bent in between two wooden pillars. He 21 00:01:35,350 --> 00:01:38,490 Speaker 1: placed his hands on them and allowed the elders to 22 00:01:38,550 --> 00:01:43,590 Speaker 1: bind his wrists. His rabbi had taught him to obey 23 00:01:43,650 --> 00:01:49,560 Speaker 1: his elders, honor them, respect them. Now his rabbi stood 24 00:01:49,640 --> 00:01:53,980 Speaker 1: over him with a heavy whip firmly gripped in his hands. 25 00:01:55,100 --> 00:01:59,520 Speaker 1: The whip was dark and had four pronged straps frayed 26 00:01:59,680 --> 00:02:02,700 Speaker 1: at the end. with small pieces of bone. 27 00:02:02,740 --> 00:02:03,300 Speaker 2: Tied to them. 28 00:02:04,380 --> 00:02:10,120 Speaker 1: The entire congregation stood around him, scowling and with spite 29 00:02:10,340 --> 00:02:15,370 Speaker 1: in their eyes. Saul's father was among them, adorned with 30 00:02:15,410 --> 00:02:19,790 Speaker 1: a blue-fringed robe and leather amulet fastened to his headdress. 31 00:02:20,710 --> 00:02:25,080 Speaker 1: He was a Pharisee first and a ten-maker second. Being 32 00:02:25,120 --> 00:02:28,660 Speaker 1: a concerned father was on the lower end of the list. 33 00:02:30,100 --> 00:02:35,079 Speaker 1: Saul's father was the first to accuse him. One by one, 34 00:02:35,580 --> 00:02:40,440 Speaker 1: they read him his sins. Blasphemy, eating in the homes 35 00:02:40,540 --> 00:02:46,520 Speaker 1: of Gentiles, and disobedience to elders. These things would have 36 00:02:46,560 --> 00:02:50,190 Speaker 1: been more tolerable if they hadn't all been in the 37 00:02:50,250 --> 00:02:55,350 Speaker 1: name of Jesus. Saul had no regrets. Even as the 38 00:02:55,410 --> 00:02:59,850 Speaker 1: heavy whip rained fire onto his back and ribs, blood 39 00:02:59,930 --> 00:03:04,030 Speaker 1: spattered across the stone floor beneath him. Saul bore his 40 00:03:04,120 --> 00:03:10,660 Speaker 1: teeth and breathed in deeply, awaiting another lash. Twenty-six lashes 41 00:03:11,100 --> 00:03:15,660 Speaker 1: as punishment, thirteen on the front and thirteen on the back. 42 00:03:16,639 --> 00:03:20,930 Speaker 1: He took all of them with passion and joy. The 43 00:03:20,970 --> 00:03:24,770 Speaker 1: whip felt like jagged wire tearing furrows. 44 00:03:24,370 --> 00:03:24,889 Speaker 2: In his flesh. 45 00:03:25,870 --> 00:03:28,709 Speaker 1: The frayed ends wrapped around his shoulders to his chest 46 00:03:29,419 --> 00:03:33,160 Speaker 1: and tore away at his skin. Each lash was more 47 00:03:33,300 --> 00:03:38,140 Speaker 1: painful than the last. The words of Christ echoed in 48 00:03:38,180 --> 00:03:38,640 Speaker 1: his heart. 49 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:43,150 Speaker 3: Blessed are you. I persecute you for my name's sake. 50 00:03:44,030 --> 00:03:48,550 Speaker 1: Saul didn't consider himself particularly blessed at this moment, but 51 00:03:48,590 --> 00:03:51,670 Speaker 1: he knew great blessings were awaiting him at the end 52 00:03:51,710 --> 00:03:55,010 Speaker 1: of his torture. Saul was called to pick up his 53 00:03:55,130 --> 00:04:00,470 Speaker 1: cross in pursuit of Jesus. All followers of Christ must 54 00:04:00,530 --> 00:04:06,250 Speaker 1: suffer somehow. Saul saw this torture for what it was, refining. 55 00:04:07,050 --> 00:04:10,330 Speaker 2: If you do not take care to observe the words 56 00:04:10,390 --> 00:04:13,490 Speaker 2: of the law written in the scriptures, then you are 57 00:04:13,570 --> 00:04:16,090 Speaker 2: right to fear the glory and might of God. 58 00:04:16,770 --> 00:04:22,070 Speaker 1: The rabbi shouted. Saul's entire body was shaking. His hands 59 00:04:22,110 --> 00:04:26,390 Speaker 1: were cold and his head was getting fuzzy. Thirteen more 60 00:04:26,500 --> 00:04:30,520 Speaker 1: lashes were awaiting him. More furrows were sent to his back, 61 00:04:31,240 --> 00:04:34,020 Speaker 1: wrapping around his ribs to the lower end of his waist. 62 00:04:34,760 --> 00:04:39,310 Speaker 1: It was intense pain, almost unbearable. Yet there was a 63 00:04:39,430 --> 00:04:44,670 Speaker 1: small flickering flame within Saul that kept him going. Saul 64 00:04:44,730 --> 00:04:48,770 Speaker 1: endured to the end, grateful that he could share in 65 00:04:48,910 --> 00:04:53,210 Speaker 1: some way the sufferings of Christ. Each tear on his 66 00:04:53,290 --> 00:04:56,750 Speaker 1: skin reminded him that a life lived for Jesus was 67 00:04:57,390 --> 00:05:01,750 Speaker 1: would not be easy. When the flogging was finished, each 68 00:05:01,850 --> 00:05:05,750 Speaker 1: member of the congregation left one by one. All that 69 00:05:05,810 --> 00:05:10,630 Speaker 1: remained were his mother and father. His father, too disgusted 70 00:05:10,670 --> 00:05:13,510 Speaker 1: to look in his eyes, gestured for his servants to 71 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:16,380 Speaker 1: carry him back home so his mother could tend to 72 00:05:16,420 --> 00:05:20,440 Speaker 1: his wounds. They were ashamed of their son, but still 73 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:24,800 Speaker 1: obliged to host him. Saul lay in bed for a 74 00:05:24,839 --> 00:05:29,180 Speaker 1: few days, trying not to move. Each time he inched 75 00:05:29,220 --> 00:05:32,750 Speaker 1: in a particular direction, he could feel his wounds tearing 76 00:05:32,990 --> 00:05:37,330 Speaker 1: underneath his bandages. He looked up at the ceiling and 77 00:05:37,390 --> 00:05:41,860 Speaker 1: pondered his next steps. His father entered the room quietly 78 00:05:42,460 --> 00:05:46,020 Speaker 1: and sat on the stool in the corner. Saul sat up, 79 00:05:46,400 --> 00:05:49,360 Speaker 1: wincing at the pain. He looked up at his father. 80 00:05:50,100 --> 00:05:52,940 Speaker 1: He was cold, distant, and perturbed. 81 00:05:53,650 --> 00:05:55,560 Speaker 4: The elders have made their decision. 82 00:05:56,150 --> 00:05:59,220 Speaker 5: You are hereby banished from the synagogue. 83 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:06,340 Speaker 1: Saul did not respond at first. He looked at his 84 00:06:06,400 --> 00:06:10,650 Speaker 1: father blankly. Saul's father rubbed his temples and sighed. 85 00:06:11,330 --> 00:06:13,730 Speaker 2: And your inheritance has been taken from you. 86 00:06:14,510 --> 00:06:17,370 Speaker 5: Nothing I have will be passed down to a blasphemer 87 00:06:17,930 --> 00:06:19,589 Speaker 5: and a betrayer of his people. 88 00:06:20,690 --> 00:06:25,279 Speaker 1: Saul once again was silent, saying nothing. His father stood 89 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:26,940 Speaker 1: up angrily and shouted. 90 00:06:27,680 --> 00:06:32,480 Speaker 5: See what happens when you follow a dead blasphemer! Everything 91 00:06:32,500 --> 00:06:33,320 Speaker 5: you've worked. 92 00:06:33,080 --> 00:06:34,020 Speaker 4: For is lost! 93 00:06:34,750 --> 00:06:39,030 Speaker 5: Everything that was your birthright is gone! What do you 94 00:06:39,089 --> 00:06:40,810 Speaker 5: have to say for yourself? 95 00:06:42,029 --> 00:06:45,570 Speaker 1: The fresh wounds on Saul's back burned as he stood 96 00:06:45,589 --> 00:06:49,430 Speaker 1: to his feet to face his father. Blood leaked through 97 00:06:49,450 --> 00:06:53,529 Speaker 1: the bandages, but he was determined to meet his father's 98 00:06:53,710 --> 00:06:58,680 Speaker 1: eyeline Saul's response was cutting and resolute. 99 00:06:59,460 --> 00:07:04,430 Speaker 2: Everything I have gained in this life, I consider a 100 00:07:04,490 --> 00:07:06,430 Speaker 2: loss for Christ's sake. 101 00:07:07,010 --> 00:07:10,890 Speaker 1: His voice was shaky from the pain, but his conviction 102 00:07:11,450 --> 00:07:15,570 Speaker 1: was steady. He approached his father with more deliberate steps. 103 00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:22,780 Speaker 2: I see everything as a loss compared to the overwhelming 104 00:07:22,920 --> 00:07:27,590 Speaker 2: gain of knowing Jesus Christ, my Lord. For his sake, 105 00:07:29,150 --> 00:07:31,410 Speaker 2: I will suffer even more than this. 106 00:07:32,210 --> 00:07:35,970 Speaker 1: At this point, blood was dripping from Paul's bandages. A 107 00:07:36,010 --> 00:07:38,890 Speaker 1: few drops hit the floor before Paul grabbed his pack 108 00:07:39,430 --> 00:07:42,040 Speaker 1: and limped to the door. He placed a hand on 109 00:07:42,070 --> 00:07:45,100 Speaker 1: the handle and opened it, and then looked back at 110 00:07:45,140 --> 00:07:45,600 Speaker 1: his father. 111 00:07:46,180 --> 00:07:52,010 Speaker 2: Everything I have lost is Everything you still hold so dear, 112 00:07:52,830 --> 00:07:55,730 Speaker 2: I consider a heaping pile of dung compared to what 113 00:07:55,810 --> 00:07:56,670 Speaker 2: I have in Christ. 114 00:07:57,310 --> 00:08:02,110 Speaker 1: With those words, Saul left his home and disappeared into 115 00:08:02,150 --> 00:08:06,300 Speaker 1: the wild country outside Tarsus. He did not know what 116 00:08:06,320 --> 00:08:09,620 Speaker 1: the next step would be, but he knew there would 117 00:08:09,660 --> 00:08:14,200 Speaker 1: be favor at the feet of Jesus. So Saul sought 118 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:18,360 Speaker 1: out solitude to confide in the Spirit and gain wisdom. 119 00:08:23,940 --> 00:08:26,720 Speaker 3: Are you ready at a moment's notice to pick up 120 00:08:26,860 --> 00:08:29,730 Speaker 3: everything that you knew and press forward to what God 121 00:08:29,750 --> 00:08:34,349 Speaker 3: has for you? Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Cinematic stories 122 00:08:34,429 --> 00:08:38,030 Speaker 3: inspired by the gospel meant to awaken our faith and 123 00:08:38,090 --> 00:08:41,930 Speaker 3: enliven our imagination. Today, we're journeying back to the bustling, 124 00:08:42,260 --> 00:08:47,500 Speaker 3: cosmopolitan city of Antioch as described in Acts 11, 19-30. No, 125 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:50,530 Speaker 3: Antioch wasn't your average ancient city. Think of it as 126 00:08:50,610 --> 00:08:53,530 Speaker 3: New York City of its day, diverse, dynamic, and perhaps 127 00:08:53,590 --> 00:08:56,710 Speaker 3: a tad decadent. It was here in this melting pot 128 00:08:56,730 --> 00:09:00,710 Speaker 3: of culture and ideas that God sent two men named 129 00:09:00,850 --> 00:09:02,380 Speaker 3: Saul and Barnabas. 130 00:09:04,720 --> 00:09:08,360 Speaker 1: Barnabas walked the streets of Tarsus, talking to vendors and 131 00:09:08,420 --> 00:09:12,020 Speaker 1: merchants about where to find the nearest synagogue. They all 132 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:15,920 Speaker 1: pointed east toward the hill. The Hellenist synagogue was set 133 00:09:15,960 --> 00:09:19,130 Speaker 1: apart and separated from the rest of the city. He 134 00:09:19,210 --> 00:09:23,689 Speaker 1: marched up the winding path and eventually found himself in 135 00:09:23,710 --> 00:09:27,969 Speaker 1: the courtyard. It became apparent quickly that Saul had been there, 136 00:09:28,510 --> 00:09:32,270 Speaker 1: for many of the elders were debating among themselves regarding 137 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:33,760 Speaker 1: the resurrection. 138 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:33,620 Speaker 2: Of the dead. 139 00:09:34,220 --> 00:09:39,020 Speaker 1: Wherever Saul went, there seemed to be controversy. He approached 140 00:09:39,059 --> 00:09:41,239 Speaker 1: them humbly with a bow of his head. 141 00:09:41,900 --> 00:09:45,580 Speaker 4: Shalom, brothers. I was wondering where I might be able 142 00:09:45,620 --> 00:09:48,360 Speaker 4: to find Saul, the tentmaker and Pharisee. 143 00:09:49,750 --> 00:09:53,130 Speaker 2: That traitor was denied access to this synagogue weeks ago. 144 00:09:53,830 --> 00:09:57,429 Speaker 2: He's out fraternizing with Gentiles and sinners down the hill. 145 00:09:58,010 --> 00:10:01,970 Speaker 1: Barnabas bowed his head, stepped. back, and paced down the hill. 146 00:10:02,490 --> 00:10:06,010 Speaker 1: He waded through the busy marketplace, keeping an eye out 147 00:10:06,130 --> 00:10:09,620 Speaker 1: for Saul. He didn't need to look long. A large 148 00:10:09,700 --> 00:10:12,920 Speaker 1: crowd was gathering in the center of the marketplace, and 149 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:19,080 Speaker 1: Barnabas had a sneaking suspicion Saul was somehow responsible. He 150 00:10:19,150 --> 00:10:22,120 Speaker 1: pressed through the sea of people to the center, all 151 00:10:22,160 --> 00:10:29,260 Speaker 1: to find a short, broad-shouldered, bald-bearded Saul speaking to the crowd. 152 00:10:30,240 --> 00:10:33,770 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and crossed his arms. He listened to Saul's 153 00:10:33,850 --> 00:10:38,929 Speaker 1: passionate plea for people to repent and believe in the gospel. 154 00:10:39,429 --> 00:10:43,030 Speaker 1: They ridiculed him, but it did not deter Saul from 155 00:10:43,120 --> 00:10:48,430 Speaker 1: preaching anyway. Barnabas was always impressed by Saul's determination. proclaim 156 00:10:48,450 --> 00:10:51,950 Speaker 1: the gospel, even with clamors of doubt in the background. 157 00:10:52,670 --> 00:10:56,429 Speaker 1: Saul spoke for nearly an hour before being laughed out 158 00:10:56,470 --> 00:10:59,890 Speaker 1: of the marketplace. He stepped down from the steps and 159 00:10:59,950 --> 00:11:03,870 Speaker 1: trotted off. Saul left the fray with people bumping his 160 00:11:03,950 --> 00:11:08,329 Speaker 1: shoulders and throwing food at him, but his head remained high. 161 00:11:09,150 --> 00:11:11,710 Speaker 1: As he was leaving, Saul caught a glimpse of Barnabas 162 00:11:11,750 --> 00:11:15,070 Speaker 1: standing at the corner. Saul's eyes lit up with joy, 163 00:11:15,890 --> 00:11:19,000 Speaker 1: and he ran over to embrace him. They walked out 164 00:11:19,040 --> 00:11:23,790 Speaker 1: of the marketplace together and sat beside an orchard. Barnabas 165 00:11:23,870 --> 00:11:28,390 Speaker 1: noticed something different about Saul. The way he walked was different. 166 00:11:29,250 --> 00:11:33,460 Speaker 1: Bow-legged and slightly hunched over, it was clear that Saul 167 00:11:33,480 --> 00:11:37,059 Speaker 1: had been severely flogged since they had last seen each other. 168 00:11:37,900 --> 00:11:39,720 Speaker 4: It seems like you have suffered here. 169 00:11:40,420 --> 00:11:43,630 Speaker 2: I remember watching Peter and John being beaten outside the 170 00:11:43,710 --> 00:11:47,329 Speaker 2: courtyard of the hall in Jerusalem. They said that it 171 00:11:47,390 --> 00:11:49,850 Speaker 2: was a joy to share in the sufferings of Christ. 172 00:11:50,730 --> 00:11:54,190 Speaker 2: I didn't know what they meant then, but I do now. 173 00:11:56,170 --> 00:11:59,250 Speaker 1: Saul pulled down the shoulder of his tunic, revealing his 174 00:11:59,309 --> 00:11:59,990 Speaker 1: fresh scars. 175 00:12:00,550 --> 00:12:02,310 Speaker 2: Why have you come here, Barnabas? 176 00:12:03,030 --> 00:12:06,910 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and leaned back, soaking in the Tarsian sun. 177 00:12:07,490 --> 00:12:10,550 Speaker 1: He could smell hints of the ocean breeze wafting in 178 00:12:10,750 --> 00:12:11,309 Speaker 1: from the south. 179 00:12:11,790 --> 00:12:16,080 Speaker 4: Much has changed since you left Jerusalem. The one There 180 00:12:16,100 --> 00:12:19,380 Speaker 4: has been a movement of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. 181 00:12:19,950 --> 00:12:24,390 Speaker 4: Can you believe it? Oh, Saul, it is spreading like wildfire. 182 00:12:24,929 --> 00:12:29,150 Speaker 4: Christ's name is being proclaimed to the surrounding regions. The 183 00:12:29,210 --> 00:12:32,960 Speaker 4: apostles sent me to Antioch because many people believe in 184 00:12:33,030 --> 00:12:37,580 Speaker 4: Jesus there. The gathering is enormous, and they are hungry 185 00:12:37,640 --> 00:12:39,400 Speaker 4: to learn more about Jesus. 186 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:41,559 Speaker 2: Praise be to God. 187 00:12:41,960 --> 00:12:47,010 Speaker 4: It is unlike anything I've seen before. Jews, Gentiles, slaves, 188 00:12:47,090 --> 00:12:50,550 Speaker 4: and nobles are all coming together under the same roof 189 00:12:51,050 --> 00:12:52,290 Speaker 4: to worship and pray. 190 00:12:52,309 --> 00:12:57,670 Speaker 2: But aren't the Jews worried about eating and communing with Gentiles? 191 00:12:58,270 --> 00:13:01,810 Speaker 4: Not as many anymore. Peter received a vision from God 192 00:13:02,350 --> 00:13:05,270 Speaker 4: and went into the home of a Gentile. And all 193 00:13:05,309 --> 00:13:09,910 Speaker 4: of them received the Holy Spirit. Others have had similar experiences. 194 00:13:10,580 --> 00:13:14,340 Speaker 4: God is breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles. 195 00:13:15,190 --> 00:13:18,380 Speaker 2: So why have you left Antioch to come here? Because 196 00:13:18,460 --> 00:13:22,260 Speaker 2: I need your help, Saul. The Jews in Antioch, they 197 00:13:22,300 --> 00:13:27,020 Speaker 2: are Hellenists. And you, you speak fluent in Greek. You 198 00:13:27,260 --> 00:13:31,720 Speaker 2: have a much richer understanding of Greek culture than I do. 199 00:13:32,280 --> 00:13:35,329 Speaker 2: I need your help to reach them and raise them 200 00:13:35,380 --> 00:13:39,330 Speaker 2: in the Lord. Saul, will you come back with me? 201 00:13:39,950 --> 00:13:42,810 Speaker 1: It was an easy answer for Saul. He knew his 202 00:13:42,850 --> 00:13:46,780 Speaker 1: time in Tarsus was up. and a new adventure awaited him. 203 00:13:47,320 --> 00:13:50,800 Speaker 1: He and Barnabas set sail for Antioch, the crown jewel 204 00:13:51,140 --> 00:13:54,640 Speaker 1: of Syria. As the sails released and caught the wind, 205 00:13:55,260 --> 00:13:58,720 Speaker 1: Saul looked back at his childhood home. The place that 206 00:13:58,760 --> 00:14:02,340 Speaker 1: had given him so much life and opportunity was now 207 00:14:02,380 --> 00:14:07,340 Speaker 1: a place of heartache. He left his family behind, mindful 208 00:14:07,380 --> 00:14:09,540 Speaker 1: of the words spoken by Jesus. 209 00:14:10,100 --> 00:14:13,089 Speaker 5: Whoever does not hate his father and mother will not 210 00:14:13,120 --> 00:14:13,900 Speaker 5: be my disciple. 211 00:14:14,870 --> 00:14:17,230 Speaker 1: Of course, Saul did not hate his father and mother, 212 00:14:17,730 --> 00:14:21,170 Speaker 1: nor did Jesus call anyone to hate his family. However, 213 00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:25,780 Speaker 1: compared to the intense love he experienced in Jesus, all 214 00:14:25,860 --> 00:14:31,080 Speaker 1: other familial commitments seemed small. He left Tarsus in peace, 215 00:14:31,860 --> 00:14:39,000 Speaker 1: knowing his true family awaited him in Antioch. From the outside, 216 00:14:39,180 --> 00:14:42,239 Speaker 1: it was the greatest city Saul had ever seen. After 217 00:14:42,280 --> 00:14:46,880 Speaker 1: walking sixteen miles beside the Orontes River, they beheld the 218 00:14:46,960 --> 00:14:51,950 Speaker 1: glory of Antioch. The river flowed peacefully beside the city, 219 00:14:52,520 --> 00:14:58,590 Speaker 1: covering the surrounding plains in wildflowers and fresh vegetation. The 220 00:14:58,650 --> 00:15:04,370 Speaker 1: splendid metropolis rested beside the canyons of Mount Silpius. Saul 221 00:15:04,410 --> 00:15:08,370 Speaker 1: looked at the side of the mountain and gasped. Carved 222 00:15:08,670 --> 00:15:11,350 Speaker 1: into the side of the canyon, It was a faceless 223 00:15:11,430 --> 00:15:15,570 Speaker 1: human head with a scepter beside it. The carving was 224 00:15:15,650 --> 00:15:23,520 Speaker 1: glorious and haunting simultaneously. A faceless giant and watchman looming 225 00:15:23,940 --> 00:15:29,020 Speaker 1: over the city with intimidation. Barnabas gestured to the mountain's carving. 226 00:15:29,540 --> 00:15:34,210 Speaker 4: That is a carving of Sharon, the ferryman of the underworld. 227 00:15:35,310 --> 00:15:38,290 Speaker 4: The Gentiles in the city claim the river goes straight 228 00:15:38,330 --> 00:15:41,390 Speaker 4: to Hades. and Sharon ferries them there. 229 00:15:42,010 --> 00:15:46,130 Speaker 1: The city was a magnificent example of Greek architecture and 230 00:15:46,210 --> 00:15:51,859 Speaker 1: Roman wealth. However, as Saul entered, its splendor dissipated. Signs 231 00:15:51,910 --> 00:15:56,120 Speaker 1: of poverty and despair laced the streets below, while the 232 00:15:56,160 --> 00:15:59,960 Speaker 1: upper hills of the city gleamed with whitewashed wealth. The 233 00:15:59,980 --> 00:16:05,300 Speaker 1: disparity was staggering. Temples for pagan gods were erected on 234 00:16:05,570 --> 00:16:09,590 Speaker 1: every street corner, and everywhere there wasn't a temple, There 235 00:16:09,610 --> 00:16:14,550 Speaker 1: were theaters and the Hippodrome for gladiator games and chariot races. 236 00:16:15,450 --> 00:16:19,750 Speaker 1: The two men walked south, eventually passing the Grove of Daphne. 237 00:16:20,550 --> 00:16:26,110 Speaker 1: Hundreds of temple prostitutes laid bare-chested against the walls, luring 238 00:16:26,170 --> 00:16:30,950 Speaker 1: men and women for their lewd worship. Even by Roman standards, 239 00:16:31,750 --> 00:16:37,350 Speaker 1: Antioch was debased. Saul averted his eyes. not yet desensitized 240 00:16:37,370 --> 00:16:41,840 Speaker 1: to the world's wickedness outside the synagogue. Paul and Barnabas 241 00:16:41,900 --> 00:16:45,420 Speaker 1: made their way to Syngon Street in the Epiphania district 242 00:16:45,560 --> 00:16:50,560 Speaker 1: of Antioch. Saul cringed to see Charon's looming head looking 243 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:54,500 Speaker 1: down at him. Barnabas led Saul to a modest home 244 00:16:54,780 --> 00:16:59,430 Speaker 1: near the Pantheon. The house was bustling and crowded with Jews, Greeks, 245 00:16:59,650 --> 00:17:03,970 Speaker 1: rich and poor. Food flowed in and out of the kitchen. 246 00:17:04,630 --> 00:17:08,340 Speaker 1: to provide for the sick, widowed, and orphaned sitting in 247 00:17:08,380 --> 00:17:13,540 Speaker 1: the courtyard. A continental cacophony of prayer and music could 248 00:17:13,580 --> 00:17:17,320 Speaker 1: be heard from the upper room. The believers met every 249 00:17:17,380 --> 00:17:21,760 Speaker 1: day throughout the day to accommodate the different lifestyles and schedules. 250 00:17:22,700 --> 00:17:25,840 Speaker 1: So people were in and out of the house daily, 251 00:17:26,310 --> 00:17:32,169 Speaker 1: checking in, praying, and breaking bread. It was magnificent for 252 00:17:32,210 --> 00:17:35,970 Speaker 1: Paul to see. A tall, dark man with broad shoulders 253 00:17:36,369 --> 00:17:40,130 Speaker 1: and a deep voice approached Barnabas and took his hand. 254 00:17:41,070 --> 00:17:45,310 Speaker 2: We are glad you have returned, Barnabas. You have been missed. 255 00:17:46,550 --> 00:17:50,180 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled at the man, then gestured behind his shoulder 256 00:17:50,440 --> 00:17:50,919 Speaker 1: to Saul. 257 00:17:51,540 --> 00:17:54,560 Speaker 4: Saul, I would like you to meet Simon of Cyrene. 258 00:17:58,280 --> 00:18:01,639 Speaker 1: Saul paused and looked the man up and down. The 259 00:18:01,680 --> 00:18:05,170 Speaker 1: two of them had met before. Simon was a prominent 260 00:18:05,250 --> 00:18:08,890 Speaker 1: member of the church of Jerusalem before most believers were 261 00:18:08,970 --> 00:18:13,130 Speaker 1: run out of the city. Because of Saul's threats, Simon 262 00:18:13,230 --> 00:18:16,930 Speaker 1: fled with his wife and young sons, Rufus and Alexander. 263 00:18:17,690 --> 00:18:20,070 Speaker 1: Saul bowed his head in contrition. 264 00:18:20,730 --> 00:18:29,480 Speaker 2: Simon of Cyrene, I am... You are forgiven, Saul. My 265 00:18:29,540 --> 00:18:32,619 Speaker 2: wife and I are pleased to have you here in 266 00:18:32,720 --> 00:18:32,879 Speaker 2: our home. 267 00:18:33,470 --> 00:18:36,159 Speaker 1: Saul would come to find out that Simon was the 268 00:18:36,200 --> 00:18:39,780 Speaker 1: man who helped Jesus carry his cross up to Golgotha, 269 00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:43,159 Speaker 1: and his wife was a mother to the entire church 270 00:18:43,220 --> 00:18:47,240 Speaker 1: of Antioch. Saul himself would come to call her his 271 00:18:47,340 --> 00:18:52,980 Speaker 1: own mother, and Rufus and Alexander his brothers. Antioch gave 272 00:18:53,100 --> 00:18:56,920 Speaker 1: Saul a sense of belonging, something he had not felt 273 00:18:57,420 --> 00:19:00,580 Speaker 1: in over a decade. It became a place of healing 274 00:19:00,960 --> 00:19:05,390 Speaker 1: and restoration for his weary soul. God was answering his 275 00:19:05,470 --> 00:19:11,150 Speaker 1: prayers and preparing him for the hardships ahead. Saul melded 276 00:19:11,210 --> 00:19:16,149 Speaker 1: with the believers in Antioch, eventually becoming their shepherd and leader. 277 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:21,080 Speaker 1: Together they forged new partnerships in the city, hosted meals 278 00:19:21,140 --> 00:19:23,939 Speaker 1: for the widowed and orphaned, and taught the words of 279 00:19:24,080 --> 00:19:29,179 Speaker 1: Jesus in every home. People entered Simon's house daily to 280 00:19:29,220 --> 00:19:33,430 Speaker 1: hear Saul weave the gospel into every account in Scripture. 281 00:19:34,180 --> 00:19:37,820 Speaker 1: Every day his skills in orating the word of God 282 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:42,980 Speaker 1: grew sharper, and his passion deepened with every passing day. 283 00:19:43,619 --> 00:19:48,050 Speaker 1: Saul was a man on fire, and everyone who passed 284 00:19:48,090 --> 00:19:52,300 Speaker 1: him was ignited. The church of Antioch became well known 285 00:19:52,520 --> 00:19:56,240 Speaker 1: in the city. So prominent that the local authorities came 286 00:19:56,320 --> 00:20:01,370 Speaker 1: up with a new name for them. Christians. Little Christs. 287 00:20:03,250 --> 00:20:07,190 Speaker 1: The storm was unrelenting. And the howling wind slammed against 288 00:20:07,230 --> 00:20:11,619 Speaker 1: the roof like giants. The Christians of Antioch remained inside 289 00:20:11,680 --> 00:20:16,100 Speaker 1: the house of Simon, huddled together for comfort. Saul was 290 00:20:16,180 --> 00:20:20,899 Speaker 1: among them, passing out warm broth to the children. The 291 00:20:20,960 --> 00:20:25,629 Speaker 1: storm had raged for days, and everyone was unsure when 292 00:20:25,770 --> 00:20:30,750 Speaker 1: the sun would return. Lightning struck violently, flashing light against 293 00:20:30,790 --> 00:20:35,810 Speaker 1: the looming head of Charon. Underneath the mountain, dredging through 294 00:20:35,830 --> 00:20:40,720 Speaker 1: the mud and wind, four hooded figures were approached Simon's home. 295 00:20:41,240 --> 00:20:45,520 Speaker 1: Their steps were slow and fatigued as they traversed the 296 00:20:45,560 --> 00:20:49,600 Speaker 1: wet roads. Saul looked out the window and saw them coming. 297 00:20:50,200 --> 00:20:53,980 Speaker 1: He opened the door, and rain began to pour in violently. 298 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:58,080 Speaker 1: He ran to them, braving the wind to receive them 299 00:20:58,340 --> 00:20:58,740 Speaker 1: at the gate. 300 00:20:59,600 --> 00:21:02,859 Speaker 4: Hello, I am Saul, the shepherd of this church. 301 00:21:03,600 --> 00:21:04,880 Speaker 2: Are you in need of shelter? 302 00:21:05,560 --> 00:21:08,220 Speaker 1: One of the hooded men lifted his head and looked 303 00:21:08,280 --> 00:21:12,550 Speaker 1: at Saul. He was an older man, no younger than seventy, 304 00:21:12,930 --> 00:21:16,030 Speaker 1: and his grey curls covered half of his bearded face. 305 00:21:16,850 --> 00:21:20,629 Speaker 1: His right eye seemed scarred by some burn, and no 306 00:21:20,690 --> 00:21:25,060 Speaker 1: longer worked. It was a dreadful sight, but something about 307 00:21:25,100 --> 00:21:26,820 Speaker 1: him exuded authority. 308 00:21:27,460 --> 00:21:28,480 Speaker 4: I am Agabus. 309 00:21:29,180 --> 00:21:31,900 Speaker 1: His voice was as deep as thunder. 310 00:21:32,350 --> 00:21:34,530 Speaker 4: I have come with a word from the spirit. 311 00:21:37,190 --> 00:21:39,550 Speaker 1: Saul took their packs and led them into the house. 312 00:21:40,170 --> 00:21:44,030 Speaker 1: Simon's wife greeted them with wine and warm broth. They 313 00:21:44,070 --> 00:21:48,770 Speaker 1: received it gladly and composed themselves. Dozens of people were 314 00:21:48,790 --> 00:21:51,990 Speaker 1: in the same room, waiting intently for the men to 315 00:21:52,080 --> 00:21:56,159 Speaker 1: speak and explain why they had traveled to them. Agabus 316 00:21:56,200 --> 00:21:59,440 Speaker 1: stood before them and raised his shaking hand. 317 00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:02,200 Speaker 5: The Spirit of our Lord Jesus has brought me from 318 00:22:02,260 --> 00:22:06,909 Speaker 5: Jerusalem to you and all the churches outside Palestine. A 319 00:22:07,010 --> 00:22:11,340 Speaker 5: great famine is coming, one unlike we have ever seen 320 00:22:11,400 --> 00:22:15,199 Speaker 5: in our lifetime. Christ desires that his church would rise 321 00:22:15,260 --> 00:22:17,060 Speaker 5: to meet the needs of the people in their. 322 00:22:16,940 --> 00:22:17,859 Speaker 4: Time of distress. 323 00:22:18,580 --> 00:22:23,340 Speaker 5: Prepare, labor, seek out food and provisions to share among 324 00:22:23,380 --> 00:22:24,459 Speaker 5: yourselves and the poor. 325 00:22:25,480 --> 00:22:26,260 Speaker 2: Do not delay. 326 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:30,030 Speaker 4: This will be the last storm in many months. 327 00:22:30,710 --> 00:22:34,949 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas exchanged looks and nodded. They had no 328 00:22:35,010 --> 00:22:40,859 Speaker 1: reason to doubt Agabus. Saul saw this as an opportunity 329 00:22:41,380 --> 00:22:45,300 Speaker 1: to unite the churches throughout the world. They could collect 330 00:22:45,359 --> 00:22:49,859 Speaker 1: provisions and share resources to meet each other's needs during 331 00:22:49,900 --> 00:22:54,460 Speaker 1: the famine. In so doing, perhaps the Jewish believers would 332 00:22:54,500 --> 00:22:57,140 Speaker 1: be united with the Gentile believers as well. 333 00:22:57,590 --> 00:23:00,150 Speaker 2: If we can meet the needs of our people, that 334 00:23:00,170 --> 00:23:03,310 Speaker 2: will be a testimony to the world. This is our 335 00:23:03,369 --> 00:23:06,149 Speaker 2: chance to prove that the body of Christ can be 336 00:23:06,210 --> 00:23:10,420 Speaker 2: a light in the darkness. It is also an opportunity 337 00:23:10,500 --> 00:23:13,419 Speaker 2: for unity among the Jews and Gentiles. 338 00:23:14,060 --> 00:23:17,939 Speaker 1: Barnabas agreed, and the two rallied the surrounding churches to 339 00:23:18,030 --> 00:23:22,430 Speaker 1: store resources for the coming famine. They spent months gathering 340 00:23:22,490 --> 00:23:26,350 Speaker 1: whatever they could to redistribute to areas of greatest need. 341 00:23:27,030 --> 00:23:30,359 Speaker 1: As it turned out, the greatest need was in Jerusalem. 342 00:23:30,880 --> 00:23:34,310 Speaker 1: Things had grown darker there under the rule of Herod Agrippa. 343 00:23:34,790 --> 00:23:39,090 Speaker 1: His cruelty rivaled that of his predecessor, who beheaded John 344 00:23:39,130 --> 00:23:44,090 Speaker 1: the Baptist. He expanded the walls of Jerusalem northward, creating 345 00:23:44,170 --> 00:23:47,990 Speaker 1: stress on the city's laborers. He also began a campaign 346 00:23:48,070 --> 00:23:52,660 Speaker 1: against the Christians of Jerusalem. He beheaded James, the brother 347 00:23:52,700 --> 00:23:57,700 Speaker 1: of John, and imprisoned Peter. Although Peter was able to escape, 348 00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:01,880 Speaker 1: the sting of James' death lingered and caused a great 349 00:24:01,930 --> 00:24:06,020 Speaker 1: deal of panic among the disciples. Saul was determined to 350 00:24:06,119 --> 00:24:10,520 Speaker 1: bring them aid and establish himself as a reliable figure 351 00:24:10,800 --> 00:24:15,000 Speaker 1: and leader for the church. As Saul worked, he looked 352 00:24:15,100 --> 00:24:18,940 Speaker 1: inward and asked himself if he was doing this for 353 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:19,740 Speaker 1: selfish gain. 354 00:24:20,320 --> 00:24:24,609 Speaker 2: Am I aiming to please the apostles? Is this offering 355 00:24:24,670 --> 00:24:26,290 Speaker 2: a bribe to get their approval? 356 00:24:27,290 --> 00:24:31,720 Speaker 1: Saul never used to ask such questions. His selfish ambitions 357 00:24:32,140 --> 00:24:36,200 Speaker 1: and righteous mission were one and the same. But now 358 00:24:36,260 --> 00:24:40,060 Speaker 1: that he had the Lord's Spirit dwelling within him, guiding 359 00:24:40,460 --> 00:24:45,000 Speaker 1: and convicting, he could truly assess the nature of his intentions. 360 00:24:45,900 --> 00:24:50,180 Speaker 1: Saul looked up and closed his eyes. He sighed a prayer. 361 00:24:52,859 --> 00:24:56,120 Speaker 2: Not for my glory, but yours, Lord Jesus. 362 00:24:56,990 --> 00:25:00,290 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas secured the provisions necessary to aid the 363 00:25:00,350 --> 00:25:04,850 Speaker 1: church in Jerusalem. It was a significant endeavor that required 364 00:25:04,930 --> 00:25:09,590 Speaker 1: great precision and administration. First they must hire a charter 365 00:25:09,930 --> 00:25:13,290 Speaker 1: to sail the supplies to Joppa. From there they would 366 00:25:13,330 --> 00:25:16,850 Speaker 1: set up a mule train to travel from Joppa to Jerusalem. 367 00:25:17,810 --> 00:25:21,169 Speaker 1: Saul recruited a young man named Titus to aid them 368 00:25:21,210 --> 00:25:26,540 Speaker 1: in the mission. However, Titus was an uncircumcised Greek Barnabas 369 00:25:26,600 --> 00:25:31,080 Speaker 1: feared the Jewish believers might shun him. The rebel within 370 00:25:31,160 --> 00:25:35,780 Speaker 1: Saul was eager to push those boundaries. He shrugged and 371 00:25:36,020 --> 00:25:37,580 Speaker 1: explained his reasons to Barnabas. 372 00:25:38,940 --> 00:25:42,719 Speaker 2: What has happened here in Antioch is a miracle. The 373 00:25:42,760 --> 00:25:45,899 Speaker 2: apostles need to see that there are Gentile believers who 374 00:25:45,920 --> 00:25:51,170 Speaker 2: can lead. You will be instigating debate, Saul. It seems 375 00:25:51,210 --> 00:25:52,409 Speaker 2: to be a gift of mine. 376 00:25:53,070 --> 00:25:56,870 Speaker 1: Titus joined them. and the three companions set sail for Joppa. 377 00:25:57,570 --> 00:26:00,670 Speaker 1: The church in Antioch prayed over them and sent them 378 00:26:00,800 --> 00:26:04,820 Speaker 1: off with joy. Saul was eager to return to Jerusalem. 379 00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:08,260 Speaker 1: He was not the same as when he left. He 380 00:26:08,300 --> 00:26:12,240 Speaker 1: was an established shepherd of a church and experienced in leading. 381 00:26:12,960 --> 00:26:16,130 Speaker 1: In the quiet of his heart, God had revealed that 382 00:26:16,190 --> 00:26:20,449 Speaker 1: he was appointed an apostle of Jesus Christ. Yet his 383 00:26:20,510 --> 00:26:23,470 Speaker 1: relationship with Jesus was different. 384 00:26:23,210 --> 00:26:23,730 Speaker 4: Than the others. 385 00:26:24,590 --> 00:26:27,310 Speaker 1: Saul wondered if he would ever be accepted as one 386 00:26:27,350 --> 00:26:29,830 Speaker 1: of them. He leaned over the bow of the ship 387 00:26:30,530 --> 00:26:33,910 Speaker 1: and thought about his calling. The Spirit had stirred him 388 00:26:34,030 --> 00:26:37,520 Speaker 1: up in the past year, and his mission was becoming 389 00:26:37,580 --> 00:26:43,440 Speaker 1: more evident. The multicultural church in Antioch showcased the heart 390 00:26:43,480 --> 00:26:47,900 Speaker 1: of God for all people groups to know him. Saul 391 00:26:47,960 --> 00:26:51,330 Speaker 1: now knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he 392 00:26:51,350 --> 00:26:55,889 Speaker 1: was called to be an Apostle to the Gentiles, the 393 00:26:55,910 --> 00:26:59,090 Speaker 1: one who could bring the gospel of Jesus to the 394 00:26:59,350 --> 00:27:04,300 Speaker 1: ends of the earth, thus fulfilling the great commission of Christ. 395 00:27:04,800 --> 00:27:09,359 Speaker 5: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. 396 00:27:14,080 --> 00:27:17,230 Speaker 3: The passage begins with believers scattered due to persecution that 397 00:27:17,290 --> 00:27:20,730 Speaker 3: arose over Stephen. They traveled far and wide, Phoenicia, Cyprus, 398 00:27:20,750 --> 00:27:23,780 Speaker 3: and yes, Antioch. spreading the word, but initially only to 399 00:27:23,800 --> 00:27:27,439 Speaker 3: fellow Jews. But then, some daring souls from Cyprus and 400 00:27:27,480 --> 00:27:30,859 Speaker 3: Cyrene decided to shake things up. They began sharing the 401 00:27:30,900 --> 00:27:34,540 Speaker 3: good news with the Greeks and Gentiles. This was revolutionary. 402 00:27:34,780 --> 00:27:36,810 Speaker 3: It was like adding hot sauce to a recipe that's 403 00:27:36,940 --> 00:27:39,790 Speaker 3: always been mild. And what happened? It says that the 404 00:27:39,850 --> 00:27:41,770 Speaker 3: hand of the Lord was with them, and a great 405 00:27:41,830 --> 00:27:45,149 Speaker 3: number believed and turned to the Lord. Sometimes, stepping out 406 00:27:45,190 --> 00:27:48,030 Speaker 3: of our comfort zones is precisely what's needed for God's 407 00:27:48,050 --> 00:27:50,750 Speaker 3: work to flourish. Word got back to Jerusalem at that 408 00:27:50,830 --> 00:27:54,310 Speaker 3: point about this unexpected revival among the Gentiles. The church 409 00:27:54,369 --> 00:27:57,859 Speaker 3: decided to send Barnabas to Antioch. Now, Barnabas' name means 410 00:27:57,900 --> 00:28:00,369 Speaker 3: son of encouragement, and he definitely lives up to it. 411 00:28:00,760 --> 00:28:02,960 Speaker 3: When he arrives, he sees the grace of God at work. 412 00:28:03,200 --> 00:28:06,760 Speaker 3: He's glad, not skeptical or jealous, and encourages them all 413 00:28:06,800 --> 00:28:10,850 Speaker 3: to remain faithful. Barnabas doesn't stop there though. Realizing the 414 00:28:10,950 --> 00:28:14,330 Speaker 3: magnitude of the task, he sets off to Tarsus to 415 00:28:14,369 --> 00:28:18,210 Speaker 3: find Saul. Yes, the very Saul who once persecuted Christians 416 00:28:18,570 --> 00:28:22,050 Speaker 3: but had since become a powerhouse for the gospel. Together, 417 00:28:22,250 --> 00:28:24,389 Speaker 3: they spend a whole year teaching and building up the 418 00:28:24,450 --> 00:28:27,960 Speaker 3: church in Antioch. Isn't it beautiful how God uses community 419 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:31,119 Speaker 3: to strengthen us? Barnabas knew he couldn't do it alone, 420 00:28:31,359 --> 00:28:34,419 Speaker 3: so he brought Saul into the fold. It reminds me 421 00:28:34,460 --> 00:28:38,900 Speaker 3: that collaboration often multiplies our effectiveness. Here's the kicker. It 422 00:28:38,920 --> 00:28:41,620 Speaker 3: says in Acts 11.26 that the disciples were first called 423 00:28:41,720 --> 00:28:45,670 Speaker 3: Christians in Antioch. Before this, followers of Jesus were known 424 00:28:45,690 --> 00:28:49,810 Speaker 3: by various names, disciples, saints, believers, followers of the way, 425 00:28:50,190 --> 00:28:53,760 Speaker 3: but now they're being labeled Christians, which means belonging to 426 00:28:53,840 --> 00:28:58,660 Speaker 3: Christ or little Christs. Interestingly, this name wasn't necessarily given 427 00:28:58,700 --> 00:29:01,260 Speaker 3: as a compliment. It may have been more of a 428 00:29:01,280 --> 00:29:04,360 Speaker 3: term of mockery from those outside of the faith, yet 429 00:29:04,640 --> 00:29:07,230 Speaker 3: the believers embraced it. They wore it as a badge 430 00:29:07,250 --> 00:29:10,610 Speaker 3: of honor because it identified them with Jesus. What does 431 00:29:10,650 --> 00:29:13,460 Speaker 3: being called a Christian mean to us today? Is it 432 00:29:13,620 --> 00:29:20,280 Speaker 3: just a demographic checkbox, or does it reflect our deepest identity? 433 00:29:20,740 --> 00:29:23,340 Speaker 3: In a world eager to define us by our jobs, politics, 434 00:29:23,400 --> 00:29:28,050 Speaker 3: or social status, let's remember that our primary identifier is Jesus. 435 00:29:28,570 --> 00:29:31,310 Speaker 3: The story doesn't end there, though. Prophets come from Jerusalem 436 00:29:31,350 --> 00:29:34,830 Speaker 3: to Antioch, one of whom, Agabus, predicts a severe famine. 437 00:29:35,270 --> 00:29:38,810 Speaker 3: The believers in Antioch respond immediately. Each, according to their ability, 438 00:29:38,870 --> 00:29:41,710 Speaker 3: decide to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea. 439 00:29:42,350 --> 00:29:46,590 Speaker 3: Now consider this. These were predominantly Gentile believers collecting aid 440 00:29:46,650 --> 00:29:49,730 Speaker 3: for Jewish believers, a group that might have previously seen 441 00:29:49,770 --> 00:29:54,030 Speaker 3: them as outsiders. This act of generosity transcended cultural and 442 00:29:54,130 --> 00:29:57,350 Speaker 3: ethnic barriers. It's what Christianity in action is supposed to 443 00:29:57,390 --> 00:30:01,240 Speaker 3: look like, a tangible expression of love, in unity. Antioch 444 00:30:01,280 --> 00:30:03,820 Speaker 3: was a city where believers first embraced the name Christian, 445 00:30:04,240 --> 00:30:06,900 Speaker 3: turning a label into a legacy. They showed us that 446 00:30:07,060 --> 00:30:10,280 Speaker 3: faith knows no boundaries, and that encouragement fuels growth, and 447 00:30:10,300 --> 00:30:13,420 Speaker 3: that our identity in Christ should permeate every aspect of 448 00:30:13,480 --> 00:30:16,700 Speaker 3: our lives. As we navigate our own Antiochs, cities and 449 00:30:16,760 --> 00:30:20,490 Speaker 3: communities filled with diversity and challenges, let's remember who we 450 00:30:20,650 --> 00:30:23,610 Speaker 3: are and whose we are. Let's live boldly, love generously, 451 00:30:23,970 --> 00:30:25,810 Speaker 3: and let the world see the grace of God at 452 00:30:25,870 --> 00:30:26,380 Speaker 3: work in us.