Biblical Narratives Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andy Ragone
Paul, Gaius, and a sickly Aristarchus flee from Ephesus after a brief farewell to the likes of Priscilla, Aquila, Epaphras and some of the other young Ephesian leaders.
Acts 20:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10
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Ephesus nearly riots and gathers in the Theater to protest Paul’s ministry
Acts 19:28-41; 2 Timothy 4:5-8; Philippians 1:20-24; 1 Corinthians 15:30-31
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Dimitrius hosts a banquet for his trade guild, where he motivates his colleagues to arrest Paul and his followers to face an angry Ephesian crowd.
Acts 19:23-34; Matthew 11:11-14, 18-19
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Jewish leaders send Alexander as their representative to the city officials in an effort to separate themselves from the rapidly growing church. Dimitrius begins to beat the war drums against the Teacher from Syria. Timothy and Erastus arrive in Macedonia and remain there while sending Gaius and Aristarchus with an update to Paul.
Acts 19:22-28; Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 21:40-45; Philippians 2:9-11
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Dimitrius conducts reconnaissance of the rapidly growing Christ community; Paul sends Sosthanes back to Corinth with important instructions. Aquila encourages Epaphras to minister in Colossae.
Acts 19:21-24; Galatians 4:19-29; Acts 21:18-21; Philippians 3:2-7
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Eliezer turns away from his magical practices; Paul and Sosthanes begin writing First Corinthians; Ephesus turns away from its magic practices.
Acts 19:17-20; Matthew 10:34-39; James 3:1-5; James 3:13-18
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Immer and Yedaiah, two of Sceva’s sons, wish to harness Paul’s power for their own exorcism practice. Eliezer has a moment of reckoning.
Acts 19:17-20; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Ephesians 6:10-18
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The Seven Sons of Sceva underestimate a demon possessed man and come to realize a world much larger than they’ve known.
Acts 19:11-15; Matthew 16:24-28; John 3:18-21; Colossians 1:11-14; James 5:13-16
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The Seven Sons of Sceva are in over their heads as they come across something far more heinous than they’ve encountered so far. Eliezer learns that witchcraft doesn’t necessarily pan out as he originally thought it would. Sosthanes discovers Paul’s work in Ephesus to be every bit as fruitful as it was in Corinth, if not even more so.
Acts 19:11-15; 2 Corinthians 11:21-29; 2 Timothy 2:2-4
Acts 19:9-10; Matthew 28:18-20
Paul is in full training mode at the Hall of Tyrannus in Ephesus. The seven sons of Sceva are making progress in their new career as exorcists. The businessmen of Ephesus are becoming nervous about Paul’s progress. Paul receives an unexpected visitor from Corinth.
Paul and his followers begin ministry out of the school of Tyrannus. The seven sons of Sceva are emboldened to conduct exorcisms. Eliezer sinks deeper into the use of sorcery to get rid of Paul.
Acts 19:9-10, Joel 2:28-32; Jeremiah 31:31-34
Acts 19:8-20, Acts 2:1-12
Paul is confronted by the synagogue leaders who had resorted to using magic to bring about a curse on Paul. Timothy and the church in Corinth receive a letter from Paul that proves to be confusing.
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Paul ramps up his ministry in Ephesus, specifically in the synagogues. Jews and converted Jews alike are receptive to him… at first.
Acts 19:1-10; Luke 19:36-40; 2 Timothy 4:6-8
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Paul gets settled in Ephesus and begins his ministry; Apollos reconnects with Zenas in Corinth; Demetrius the silversmith celebrates with his fellow silversmiths
Acts 19:1-10; Titus 3:13-14; Revelation 2:1-7
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Paul arrives in Ephesus, reunites with Aquila and Priscilla, while Apollos gets established in Corinth
Acts 19:1; Romans 3:19-31; Galatians 3:1-14
To Paul and Apollos alike, this problem of infusing the Law of Moses into the new Christ-centered community confronted them in just about every single ministry moment they had. Given the fact that Paul had touched on this problem in nearly every letter he wrote, as armchair quarterbacks, it doesn’t take much to see a pattern.
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Paul ventures back into modern-day Turkey for his third missionary trip. Meanwhile, Apollos confounds the Jewish community and meets up with the Corinthian church.
Acts 18:23, 27-28; Psalm 2, 8
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Paul begins his third mission tour and arrives in Lystra. He discovers that little had been done with the tiny church there in Roman Galatia with few gatherings, poor leadership, and little fruit to show for.
Acts 18:23, 27-28; Galatians 1:6-9; Galatians 2:4-5; Galatians 2:15-21; Galatians 3:1-4
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Paul clarifies his next ministry endeavor and prepares for his third missionary trip. Meanwhile, Apollos has a significant “A ha!” moment and discovers Jesus on a whole new level.
Acts 18:23, 26; Matthew 11:2-6
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Paul’s burden for ministry continues to increase while Aquila and Priscilla meet up to learn more about Apollos.
Acts 18:23, 26; 2 Timothy 4:5-7; Isaiah 55:10-11; Colossians 1:6; Philippians 3:12-14; 21
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As Paul’s third mission trip begins, another prominent and outspoken figure arrives in Ephesus.
Acts 18:24-26
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Paul’s second mission trip comes to an end with a brief but eventful layover in Ephesus followed by a boat ride back to Caesarea, Jerusalem and Antioch of Syria.
Acts 18:19-22; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
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Paul changes gears as he finalizes his ministry in Corinth for the time and begins to set his sights on heading back home to Jerusalem and Antioch. But his time in Corinth has paid off, especially as the core group he has impacted shows up in a surprise visit in Cenchrea.
Acts 18:18-22; Ephesians 1:17-21
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Acts 18:18-22; 2 Timothy 2:1-6
Paul wraps up his ministry in Corinth. Silas takes his final trip with Paul and returns back to Jerusalem and Antioch. But that doesn’t mean Silas hangs up his ministry shoes and doesn’t keep at it. He does. His role would change.
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Gallio gets word of the unsettling conflict taking place within Corinth’s Jewish community. Paul is arrested by a hostile crowd and brought before the city’s governor in an impromptu trial. It's a "No Win" Situation for Paul and Sosthanes.
Acts 18:11-21, Luke 22:41-42
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Acts 18:11-21; John 17:9-18; Psalm 91:14-16; Psalm 31:19-24
A pressured Sosthanes makes the hard decision to deal with a Syrian Jewish evangelist named Paul. The efforts to get rid of this troublemaker by some of the more zealous types have not panned out--even to the point of gaining the attention of the city official.
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Paul shares a key message with the first believers in Corinth about what the Law of Moses can and cannot do. Sosthanes, the leader in the Corinthian synagogue, feels the pressure intensify from his own people.
Acts 18:7-17; Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 3:19-20
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Shifting his focus from Saul to Peter, Luke places us in two Judean villages where God uses Peter as a catalyst for belief (Acts 9:32-43).
Paul ramps up his dedication to the Lord and takes on the Nazarite Vow. Sosthanes confides in his wife and has an unexpected conversation with Crispus.
Acts 18:6-10, Numbers 6:1-21
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Paul, Silas, Timothy and Titius Justus encounter some major hostility from certain individuals from the synagogue next door to Titius Justus’ home. While Sosthanes is now fully in charge, he’s feeling the mounting pressure coming from certain special interest groups within a divided synagogue. Meanwhile Paul is having a moment of crisis where Jesus shows up.
Acts 18:9; 2 Timothy 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:7-10; 2 Corinthians 1:23-24
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(Paul in Corinth, Expelled from Synagogue, Crispus Gets Baptized)
Acts 18:6-8; John 6:53-58, 6:66-69; Philippians 3:4-8
In Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus, this experience changed everything for him: His career, his obsession with destroying the early church, his position in the Sanhedrin and his ambition to move up within the ranks of all Jewish authority. Yet… once he met Jesus, nothing else mattered.
In the previous episode, we saw Paul confronted by Sosthanes and forcefully expelled out from the synagogue. In today’s episode, we’ll see what happens to Paul and others who have taken an interest in his teachings.
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(Paul in Corinth, Full Time Ministry, From Synagogue to Titius Justus House)
Acts 18:1-5; Romans 1:14-17; Romans 3:21-26
Paul in Corinth becomes public enemy number one in the local synagogue. With Timothy and Silas’ arrival, Paul is able to double down his efforts by going back into full time ministry.
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Acts 18:1-5; Isaiah 45:23-25; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16
- Two synagogue leaders part ways when the Gospel is explained
- Paul in Corinth gets acclimated; Paul goes into full time ministry; Paul begins writing 1 Thessalonians
The wisdom of God sometimes might seem crazy… moronic… yet, for those who have journeyed with Christ over the years, they have come to appreciate how God’s ways are so much better than the prevailing wisdom of the day.
Jumping into today’s episode, we discover two synagogue leaders are not seeing eye to eye, especially as Paul has shared a risen Messiah to an audience that has already rejected the idea. Things become even more problematic after Timothy and Silas return from Thessalonica and Athens to help Paul in Corinth out. What happens as the missionary group settles down in Corinth? Stick around, and with that… let’s get started!
Acts 18:1-4; Acts 9:13-16; Acts 22:24-29; Philippians 3:7-8, 20-21; 1 Corinthians 7:21-24; 1 Timothy 6:17-18
A Jesus follower's response when things get tense
Wherever you may find yourself in society’s structures, Jesus has purchased you with his life-giving sacrifice, and now you are a bond-servant, a volunteer slave, to Jesus himself. Your life mission… as a slave to Christ… is to further the Kingdom of Heaven.
In today’s episode, we see Paul in Corinth getting acclimated, whereby he befriends husband and wife team, Aquila and Priscilla. They had recently relocated to Corinth after being expelled from Rome along with thousands of other Jewish folks and having to start over. As Paul situates himself in his new surroundings, he once again discovers the tensions of what life is like in yet another city under the Roman Empire.
So… what happens when Paul starts his mission work in Corinth? Stick around to find out… with that, let’s get started!
One key ingredient that will make all the difference
Acts 18:1; James 3:7-12; Matthew 15:11, 16-19; Ephesians 4:11-24; Galatians 5:16-26
Paul in Corinth: Paul happens upon a very special couple who share some things in common. Forced out from Rome, this Jewish couple moved to start over in Corinth. What precipitated this turn of events, and what do they discover upon meeting Paul? Tune in and find out. With that, let’s get started.
Acts 18:1; Luke 6:6-11; Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6
What is the internal flaw within me that feels like I’ve got to prove myself to others? I know just enough to be dangerous. The even bigger problem comes when I grow over confident in my understanding of a subject, which when further analyzed only reveals a deeper insecurity within. Call it laziness. Call it baseless pride. Call it my struggle to leave my mark on the world. Whatever the case, I don’t like to be wrong, which unfortunately only cripples my ability to see God at work within me. It stunts my growth.
I guess I’m not alone in this matter. In fact we’ll discover this issue when we see how Jesus is confronted by the religious and political leaders of the day. It’s also what Paul encounters when he arrives in Corinth. Catching up with today’s episode, Timothy travels back to Thessalonica to check in with the church there, Silas stays in Athens to follow up with the newly forming group of believers there, and Paul moves on to Corinth to introduce the good news about Jesus being raised from the dead and reconciling humanity to God. What happens when he arrives? Tune in to find out, and with that… let’s get started.
What's makes this resurrection so different?
Acts 17:19-33; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; Deuteronomy 19:15-21
Picking up in today’s episode, we see Paul addressing a crowd of philosophers, elite thinkers, and even a judge at the Areopagus… You may know it as Mars Hill. How is his teaching received? How do folks regard his message concerning the resurrection of Jesus? Tune in, find out, and you be the judge. With that, let’s get started!
Three unintended consequences that emerge within us when feeling threatened
Acts 17:16-21; Matthew 5:3-14; Psalm 26
Picking up with today’s episode, we find Paul teaching to a growing crowd of people in an Athenian marketplace. Some philosophers have observed Paul to be encroaching on their territory and feel that something needs to be done about it. What happens next? Well, tune in and find out. With that, let’s get started.
Two realities we encounter when trying to experience “The God life.”
Acts 17:16-19, Joshua 24:15, Luke 16:13, Mark 10:45, Ephesians 4:15-16
We long to know and connect with God, but we don’t seem to know how to do it. We often find ourselves stuck. While connecting with God isn’t necessarily difficult, we should understand that knowing Him will come with a costly choice. There are two things you might want to know before making the choice to move forward with God.
As we pick up into today’s episode, Silas and Timothy catch up with Paul who has already made an impression in Athens. You see, they’re on a mission because they have committed themselves to the God life.
Four realities that confront the Christian way of life... and what to do about them
Acts 17:15-34, Matthew 13:24-30
In real life, the good seeds, the God-inspired seeds, we plant into others are seeds that inspire, encourage and motivate others to move closer to Him. Our challenge? We’re not always the good seed. In fact, sometimes we can relate a little too closely to the old curmudgeons up in the muppet balcony.
Picking up in today’s episode, we see Paul has been secretly escorted out of Berea all the way to Athens, some 315 miles to the south. Arriving in Athens, Paul discovers how cosmopolitan the city is, filled with very different ways of thinking. While Paul finds himself frustrated with the culture, he still has to figure out a way to deal with it. How will he adjust to this new environment? Well stick around and find out, and with that… Let’s get started!
Though Not Everybody Wants to Hear Us...
Acts 17:11-15, Romans 10:14-21
Some warnings… we just don’t want to hear. We ignore them, until… What’s even worse is when we ignore and even fight against the warnings. This was the issue with the prophets. They warned Israel time and time again, but listening? Nope. This was also the issue with how many perceived Paul’s message too.
Don’t worry though… It’s not just with Israel… it’ with us too.
As we pick up from last time, we see that Paul and Silas have arrived at Berea, and they have been received well from the overseers of that synagogue. No doubt, their time spent here must have been seen as a time of respite. But, their rest would only be temporary when some old issues from Thessalonica make their way to Berea. What happens? Tune in to find out. And with that, let’s get started!
Podcast Transcript
Acts 17:11-13; Matthew 23:29-36; 1 Kings 22:1-28; Isaiah 53:1-6
Picking up in today’s episode, we meet up with the Berean synagogue leaders who have afforded Paul a hearing with them to make his case about Messiah--who showed up and was rejected by his own. The idea that God’s conquering king would be rejected by those who were waiting for him sounds absurd, yet that’s the case Paul builds before the Berean leaders. What’s Paul’s argument here? Well, tune in to find out. But, first we need to see what’s brewing back in Thessalonica. And, with that… Let’s get started.
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Acts 17:10-15; 2 John 7-11
Instead of just writing somebody off and not valuing her as a human being, be willing to listen to her concerns or thoughts. Then, on your own time, perform the due diligence needed to validate or invalidate the claims she is making.
Jumping into today’s message, we meet up with Paul and Silas, as they flee Thessalonica by night and make their way to Berea. How are they treated upon their arrival to that city? Stick around and find out. And, with that… let’s get started!
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Acts 17:6-10; Philippians 2:9-11, Philippians 3:20-21
Jumping into today’s episode, we’ll see what has unfolded in Thessalonica, as Paul and Silas have once again stepped on a hornet’s nest of their own, causing no small amount of disruption within the city. Stick around for the end notes to explore more as to why their visits were so controversial.
So what happens in Thessalonica? Let’s find out together, and with that… let’s get started.
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Acts 17:4-10; Matthew 21:43-46; Ephesians 3:6-9
Economy… we think of the word “economics,” and money comes to mind. But there’s much more to the word “economy” than just money. The fusion of Oikia, meaning house, and Nomos, meaning Law. The law of the house speaks of how an administration carries out the way it rules over a family, a people, an organization, or even a nation.
What happens when God changes the economy? What happens when God chooses to run things differently than before?
Some will like it… many won’t--especially those who seem to be doing well in the current system or economy. Picking up in today’s episode, we will wrap up our time in Thessalonica where we see Paul and Silas on the run once again after explaining how God’s economy has shifted. What happens to them? What happens to the others who have impacted by Paul and Silas?
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Acts 17:1-9; Matthew 21:43-45; Matthew 10:32-36; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
Blogs, podcasts, livestreaming, social media, email, text, instant messaging, endless websites and apps, youtube and other video platforms--in addition to more traditional television, radio, books, and yes the town crier--have afforded anyone and everyone to have a voice. What if you had a voice that could influence others for the Kingdom of Heaven? What might that look like.
Picking up into today’s episode, we see Paul and Silas run into more trouble on account of using their voices. They have gone from city to city, synagogue to synagogue, to reason with Jews (and converted Gentiles) scattered across Asia and Europe about Messiah and his offer of the Kingdom of Heaven. What happens in Thessalonica? Tune in and find out.
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Acts 17:1-4; Philippians 3:7-8; Matthew 16:24-27
Our episode begins right after Paul presents his case to a packed room in a synagogue. What was the nature of his message? Paul shared his own story about how he was confronted by a risen Jesus while walking on the road to Damascus to destroy the newly formed Christ follower communities. It’s likely that this was the first time those in the room heard a message like this. As you might imagine, many of those who heard it had a lot of questions. So with that… let’s get started.
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Acts 17:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-10
The last we heard from Paul and Silas, they were just beaten, imprisoned and nearly died. But God had other plans. In an absolutely crazy turn of events, Paul and Silas were freed from jail as well as their likely execution. They helped get the church in Philippi off the ground, and people were being reconciled with God. While Luke, Gaius, and even Timothy, for a shortwhile, stayed behind, Paul and Silas travelled west towards the larger city of Thessalonica to continue with the mission of reconciling people with God.
In doing so, we can begin to see three key insights emerge within Paul and Silas’ ministry strategy. What are those key values? Tune in and discover for yourselves. And, with that, let’s get started!
Acts 16:37-40; 1 Peter 3:8-15; Romans 12:17-21; Luke 6:27-31
We want others to pay for the hurt they’ve caused us. We want others to be punished for their mistreatment of us. We’ve been hurt, so when given the chance, we aim to make them pay for their wrong doing. Of course, here there is the added dimension that the secret admirer didn’t internally possess something that a Superhero possessed. But he certainly had the drive to change that.
As we get into today’s episode, we’re picking things up to see what happens after Paul and Silas just dropped the bomb on the chief authorities in Philippi. They are Roman Citizens, and they’ve been woefully mistreated. What do they do about it? Let’s listen in and with that, let’s get started.
Acts 16:33-37; Galatians 5:16, 22-24; 2 Corinthians 11:23-30; Matthew 16:24-27
If we’re all self-serving in nature... if we’re all deserving of the label, “Chumps of the Decade,” then what might happen if we choose to put others first? What might happen if we prioritized the needs of God’s Kingdom first?
Picking up from last time, we see Paul and Silas miraculously freed from their jail cells. It was truly a God moment, where the jailer was about to take his own life for the fear and shame that comes with not carrying out his primary duties. What happens with the jailer? What becomes of Paul and Silas? Let’s listen in and find out, and with that, let’s get started!
Acts 16:27-40; Acts 17:24-27; Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 2:14
I say this somewhat tongue and cheek, but with our world “on fire” right now--the virus, the tanking economy on a global scale, the protests, and the polarization of our country--we can’t help but wonder… “God, what are you doing here?” Our world is like a supervolcano. While this question certainly motivates us to reexamine our understanding of the end times, I think we should also be asking this: What do we do when God shakes our world?
As we get into today’s episode, we pick up where the Philippian jailer is about to end his own life. His own world gets shaken up. So what happens? Stick around. And with that, let’s get started!
Acts 16:25-27; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5; 2 Cor 3:2-6
Getting into today’s episode, we pick up with Paul and Silas who are incarcerated in a dark, cold and foul smelling jail, awaiting their future judgment by the city authorities. Paul, Silas and the gang have shaken up the city and both Paul and Silas face a potential sentence of enslavement or even death.
So, what happens to Paul and Silas during their stay in the Philippian jail? What does wearing a mask have to do with this episode? Well, you’ll find out soon enough, and with that, let’s get started.
Acts 16:22-26; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Christ followers may not know what the future holds, but they do know Who holds the future. Christ followers have been risk takers, recognizing that their lives are inconsequential when resurrection is certain. How so? Christ followers no longer live as if death is on the line.
Getting into today’s episode, we see that Paul and Silas have gotten themselves into a little bit of trouble. Let’s pick up where we left last time when Paul and Silas have been assaulted and indicted before the Roman authorities in Philippi. And, with that… Let’s get started!
Acts 16:19-20
We had to end last episode with Paul standing face to face with a demon possessed woman on the main road just outside of the city gates in Philippi. Here Paul and Silas are seen as threats to the entire city. What will happen to Cora? What will her owners, Xander and Orion, do? Moreover, what becomes of Paul and Silas? Let’s tune in, and with that, let’s get started!
Acts 16: 15-18; Romans 6:3-7; Deuteronomy 18:9-14
As we get into today’s episode, you’ll find that we cover some fairly dark subject matter. But, this is the real stuff of ancient Roman and Greek culture. Furthermore, this demonstrates the power of God in the midst of such circumstances and how the good news about the resurrection of Jesus stands out in stark contrast to the crazy thinking of the day.
Acts 16:14-15; Hebrews 11:8-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
While we love those pivotal preaching moments from the likes of Peter, Steven, and Paul, we might find ourselves wondering more about the everyday conversations Paul would have with those who are learning more about the faith. What would he say at meals? What were their discussions about?
Well, today’s podcast is all about such a backyard discussion between Paul and Lydia’s family, shortly before they would all be baptized. How does the discussion go? What will they talk about in Lydia’s backyard? Stick around... and with that, let’s get started!
Acts 16:12-14; Isaiah 9:1-7
As we get into today’s episode, we’re going to see that the Kingdom of Heaven is advanced by gutsy individuals. The message of the Kingdom of Heaven goes against culture and will be seen as a threat to many. With fuller understanding, we realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is much different than any earthly kingdom, but that’s why we are here--to explain what the Kingdom of Heaven is truly about.
And today, we’ll see an individual who exhibits such bravado! Such guts! So, with that, let’s get started.
Acts 16:6-11
This resurrected hope not only tells us that there is life after death, but that it is the life worth pursuing the most. Our hope is in the God who makes immortality possible, and that is a hope worth sharing. Like I said, hope swims.
Today, we’ll journey with Paul and four other men who have opted to travel with him into the unknown. Will Paul make it to Colossae or Ephesus, or does God have other plans? Let’s listen in and find out. So with that, let’s get started.
Acts 16: 1-5; Genesis 13:14-17; Philippians 3:20-21
Similar to reading and riding oceanic waves, the more experience you get in reading and riding the Kingdom waves of God, the more at ease you will become at catching them and becoming one with them.
Today, we’re getting a glimpse of a moment where God makes a huge promise to an important biblical figure. Then, we’ll catch up with Paul, Silas, Gaius, and now Timothy has also joined their group. Getting ready to leave Lystra--the place where Paul had been earlier left for dead--the gang heads up to Iconium and Antioch Pisidia. Are they ready for such a trip--especially when the city leaders previously tried to kill Paul and Barnabas? Yikes! Will Timothy’s parting with his mom, grandmother, and the church in Lystra be easy? Well, that’s what’s ahead of us today, and with that… Let’s get started!
Acts 16:1-5; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
After a rocky start on their way to Derbe, Paul and Silas make it back to Lystra, and they bring Gaius along with them. Paul is slowly fashioning his band of Disciples in preparation for future ministry and who is next on the list to join his group? Let’s find out! And with that, let’s get started...
Acts 15:40-16:1; 2 Corinthians 4:7-17; 2 Corinthians 11: 23-27
Joy is what defines us as followers of Christ, and joy is viral. It’s contagious! While this doesn’t mean that we don’t have bad days, it does mean that we have hope--hope that God is going to accomplish His purposes for us and through us, no matter how crazy things might get.
Today’s episode begins a new chapter in Paul and Barnabas’ ministries, and despite their disagreement, both press on in the hope that they share and will not be deterred by circumstantial setbacks. So, what happens when Paul and Silas begin their trek back into modern-day Turkey? Listen in and discover what just might have happened on their way to Derbe. With that, let’s get started!
Acts 15:36-41; Galatians 2:11-21
Getting into our episode today, we’ll see that those believers sent up from Jerusalem don’t seem interested in staggering their lego blocks. What does this mean for the Gentile believers who don’t share their bloodline? Meanwhile, what is happening between Paul, Barnabas and John Mark? Will they take their next mission trip together? Will their friendship survive? Oh my, so much is unfolding, so we better get moving. With that, let’s get started!
John 1:35-41; Matthew 3:11-17; Luke 3:21-22; Mark 1:4-11
Some have been so wounded that they just give up and refuse to step back into the box. In essence, they “tap out” and stop living with any sense of purpose. For most of us, we know that we have to make a go of it, sometimes even against our will.
Here’s the thing: We can become so numb to the present and anxious about the future, especially in light of our wounded past, that we don’t face it with the trust God wants for us. What happens when we don’t trust God for that next season of life? Opportunity is lost, lessons are not learned, and we will stop living on purpose. Trapped in a fearful state, we may find ourselves becoming more and more controlling and less trusting. But God has other plans!
Acts 15:36-41; Galatians 2:11-21
The church in Antioch is growing, and as with any growing organization there are bound to be painful moments that come along with such growth. One such instance reveals itself with the Jewish believers who have freshly arrived from Jerusalem. Not only that, but as Paul and Barnabas discuss up and coming mission plans, both begin to notice a new obstacle that emerges. What’s the problem? That’s what we’re about to discover in today’s podcast. So with that, let’s get started!
Acts 15:22-35; Galatians 2:11-12
The verdict came back from the Jerusalem council to keep the Gentiles free from the constraints found in the Law of Moses. So, in an official capacity, the apostles in Jerusalem send Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Barsabbas and others back to Antioch armed with an official letter decreeing the verdict.
How will the church that is made up of mostly Gentiles receive this official decree? What will happen between Jewish and Gentile believers here in Antioch? Will they get along? Will the chasm of multiculturalism be resolved, and will the family of God be able to play nicely together? Let’s find out in today’s episode.
Acts 15:6-21; Romans 14:1-4
A new wrinkle has surfaced. Yes, the ruling is found in favor of the Gentiles who are being changed by the Spirit of God without obedience to Mosaic Law. However, many Jews, who have clear moral guidelines, will be hard pressed not to hold their Gentile counterparts in contempt for violating the assumed moral codes that have been taught in the synagogues for centuries.
Acts 15:5-12; John 15 (excerpts), John 16:1-3; Matthew 23:23-26
Instead of routinely working on the fundamentals and getting back to basics, what blew it for me was an unhealthy dependence upon ritual. This can often happen in our spiritual development as well, where we easily trade ritual for relationship. Instead of developing greater sensitivity to the Spirit’s direction, we often revert back to following rules or ceremonial rituals, thinking that somehow God is happy with those efforts. What’s lacking? Two words: Dependence and Empowerment.
Acts 15:4-5; James 2:1-9 Being on the outside is rarely a pleasant feeling, as it conjures feelings of rejection... feelings of not belonging--which is such an intrinsic and fundamental human need. Today, we see Titus feeling quite out of place when the church in Jerusalem gathers together. But this is only the tip of the iceberg when a much deeper issue surfaces and requires a clear decision that would determine the future of the church.
Biblical Narratives Podcast - Biblical details, historical context, that puts you in the action!
Acts 15:4; Galatians 2:1-9 Even the early church ran the risk of adding the weight of the Mosaic Law without even realizing it. That’s the reason Paul, Barnabas and Titus have made the 400 mile trip from Antioch of Syria down to Jerusalem. They knew that the added weight would cloud the otherwise clear message of the Gospel of Jesus and the New Covenant. What happens when they arrive to Jerusalem? Will they be met with grace or hostility? That’s the tension found in this episode, so with that, let’s get started!
Acts 15:3; Luke 10:30-37 Samaria has had a peculiar role in the spread of Christianity, as it was not considered a part of the house of Israel during the time of Jesus, but it had enough roots and heritage to be regarded as closer to Judaism than any of the Gentiles that had no knowledge of God. While Jesus uses the story of the Good Samaritan as a polemic to call out some privileged and less than loving Jewish leaders of the day, today we will get a background of the bad blood between Israel and Samaria.
Acts 15:3; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Galatians 5:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 Today, we’re entering into the much anticipated chapter of Acts 15, which, more or less, is a record of the New Testament church’s first council meeting. This meeting addressed a major issue happening within the early church--namely requiring Gentiles to adhere to the Law of Moses. Moreover, this reflects a deeper issue regarding the role of the Mosaic Covenant in the life of the church. Is the Law of Moses still to be followed? Do non-Jewish people need to follow the Jewish Law? Is that what Jesus taught? All of these issues come to a head at the Jerusalem Council in 48 AD and is spelled out for us here in Acts 15.
Acts 15:1; Matthew 23:1-11 To say our world is polarized is an understatement! Well, the church had one major internal problem that polarized it in the early years. It was so divisive that the first council convened to remedy the issue at hand. What was the issue? Can non-Jews be pleasing to God without need of the Law? One group believed that the Law was absolutely necessary; whereas, the other said, “No. The Spirit of God is now upon us and will guide our way.” What’s to become of the Law of Moses as it relates to the activities within the church? That’s the issue we face today, so with that, let’s get started!
Luke 6:6-11; Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6 Here, the Law is designed to orient humanity to the things of God, yet in its insatiable effort to apply how the Law fits in every behavioral situation, humanity loses sight of God’s intention for the Law in the first place. Instead of developing a culture hungry for knowing God, we become a culture ever focused on what we can and cannot do.
Acts 14:28; Galatians 2:1; Luke 15:1-32; Romans 2:1-29 Even at the lowest levels of heat, things eventually begin to simmer and take on a new composition. As we prepare for Acts 15, we would do well to see what has been simmering for some time now and how the composition of the church is about to radically change.
Acts 14:26-28; 2 Timothy 2:20-21 As Paul and Barnabas return from their travels, both are uncertain as to the condition of the church and wonder what they might find upon their arrival. Is this to be a sweet homecoming, or will their return be met with some unsightly challenges? While Acts takes us to this reunion at the end of chapter 14, we would do well to get a glimpse of what might be brewing in Jerusalem. And with that, let’s get started!
Acts 14:24-25; Matthew 21:33-46; Ephesians 2 When bringing a God inspired and new idea to the table, we might not realize who is listening or tuning in. It becomes especially difficult when our new idea is given to us by God and we find ourselves bristling against the current establishment.
Acts 14:21-24; Galatians 3:1-5; Ephesians 2:14-18; Romans 7:4-6; Romans 8:1-4 This is one of the biggest issues both Paul and Barnabas will face for the remainder of their ministries. Yes, there are many more “Dad Saves” to come. It’s a biggy that Paul repeatedly addresses through nearly each of his letters. The church, the followers of Jesus, is to be governed not by the Law of Moses but by the Spirit of God.
Acts 14:20-24 Grit produces future unforeseen opportunities and the Kingdom of Heaven advances because of it.
Acts 14:1-20 Pursuing after Jesus can be risky, and it is especially notable when your allegiance to and message about Jesus strikes a painful nerve in the hearts of those within your spheres of influence.
Acts 13:46-52 I might even be speaking truth, God’s truth, but the way I respect others in the process is every bit as important. If there is ever a group of people who should thrive at understanding the perspectives of others, it should be Christ followers who claim to have been changed by the Spirit of God.
Acts 13:44-45; Romans 7:4-6 Paul gave up all to pursue after Christ. Nothing came between him and growing closer to Jesus. Paul would be defined by moments like these, knowing some would be receptive to him while others would want him dead. In the end, he didn’t care.
Acts 13:42-43; Matthew 20:1-6; Gal 3:19-29 On the heels of Paul’s message given to the synagogue in Antioch Pisidia (Galatia), the fallout begins as a portion of those listening refuse to budge and hatch a plan to remove the messengers.
Acts 13:14-43; Jeremiah 22:40-23:8 Like those who attended the other synagogues and had mixed reactions to the messages delivered by Paul and Barnabas, many were divided after being challenged to rethink their understanding of Messiah and consider if Jesus was a plausible applicant.
2nd Samuel 7; 1st Chronicles 17 If we had the picture on the box, the Bible in all of its complexity--its 66 books and its 40+ authors spanning a time frame of some 1500 years--could be better understood. Well, that’s what this episode is all about. Today is designed to show you the picture on the box.
Luke 3:3-22; Matthew 3:1-12; Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 19:46-48 Despite the power plays, the ruthless authoritative checkmates, God seems to be orchestrating something far deeper and much more involved than anyone could guess. Nobody saw resurrection as a viable option.
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19 This one hope of Messiah, the coming chosen king who would rule on God’s behalf, was anticipated by just about every Jewish person alive.
Acts 13, Psalm 2, Matthew 6:33 Why am I building more and more wealth? Is it to benefit myself, or like Barnabas, do I aim to give it away?
Luke 23:27-31 Jesus goes to his own death, labeled as a fraud, mocked as a king, tortured as a criminal, and killed as a warning against insurrection. Why? Because they missed him. Whoops.
Acts 13; Genesis 49:1-12; Revelation 11:15-18 God will use the current affairs of even today’s turbulent world in a seemingly effortless manner to orchestrate the majestic climax of His Son’s return as King.
Acts 13:12-13 Long term commitment is tough, as it requires you to learn through repeated failure and frustration. However, the glory of long term commitment is only experienced once you’ve actively sought out to address and work through the problems that invariably emerge.
Acts 13:9-12; 1 Kings 18:21-40 Nobody has regretted pursuing relationships with family and loved ones, even at the expense of their personal ambitions. Also curious, is how nobody has ever regretted their pursuit of knowing God more fully, whereby they have experienced his inward transformative work in their own lives.
Acts 12:6-12, Deuteronomy 28-30 Self preservation is at the root of many of our decisions, and God doesn’t seem interested in our efforts to build up our own kingdoms. Instead, God invites us into a trust relationship whereby we desire what He desires!
The feeling of being exposed can be unnerving! It’s uncomfortable to learn that God is well aware of our actions and our interactions with others. It’s far worse to learn that he knows our hidden motives and thoughts and how he will judge them accordingly at the right time.
Acts 13:6-7; Luke 14:7-11 Elymas’ purpose for life, his identity is being threatened, and his world is in danger of crashing down. When threatened, it shouldn’t surprise us to see him act out negatively. Self-preservation often shows up in with some nasty behaviors. What happens when your world faces such danger? Moreover, what do you do with the words of Jesus that encourage us not to get wrapped up in position or self-advancement?
Acts 13:6; Matthew 10:5-42; Mark 6:6-13 God is looking for FATR servants--Faithful, available, teachable and responsive people who desire to be used by Him for His Kingdom purposes. When we make a regular practice of yielding to the Spirit of God, God grows these fruitful attitudes within us.
Acts 13:5 If God were to strike you upside the head with a cosmic 2” x 4”, what obsession, what fixation, what “blind” issue would He point at in your life and tell you to knock it off?
Acts 13:3-5 What happens when we encounter a changed life and yet treat such changes with skepticism or indifference? At those moments, don’t we question the power of God at work? Following that line of thinking, if we question the work of God others, it’s likely that we don’t see or care about how God is at work in our own lives. If we refuse to see Him work in the lives of others, isn’t it reasonable to assume that we ourselves have grown stubborn towards the things of God?
Acts 12:24-13:3 The Kingdom of Heaven advances on the backs of those who have experienced the transformation of God. They’ve been changed from the inside out, and they will continue forward without worrying about what structures may be present.
Acts 12:24-25; Mark 14:32-52 When John Mark shows up at an Antioch church gathering, the people get their first encounter with a disciple of Jesus who knew and followed him while he did his ministry in Judea. Outside of Saul, who met a risen Jesus, John Mark is the first living disciple who actually knew Jesus first hand and spent time with him.
Acts 12:19-23 For those, like Herod Agrippa, who wish to destroy the work of God--no matter how spiritual you might seem--working against Jesus is working against God. And, that’s a place where you don’t want to be. Conversely, God rewards those who passionately pursue a relationship with Jesus. If this is you, then you get to see God at work around you today and forever.
Acts 12:17-19 For some, God places them in such situations where they choose to speak out for His Kingdom purposes and align themselves with Jesus. In doing so, they risk their very lives, trusting that God will bring comfort and encouragement along the way. They also understand that death is not the final blow. Christ defeated death when God raised him from the dead and that will hold true for those who follow Jesus.
Acts 12:6-16 When you have enough time with Jesus under your belt, you develop the peace of God that goes beyond whatever circumstance you may be facing at any given time. When you have spent enough time with Jesus, you know who holds the future.
Acts 12:4-6 - We value a lot of things… our health, our families, our lifestyles, our status, our sense of purpose. Yet, Jesus causes us to rethink our values and reconsider what is truly most important. With a knowledge that suffering would be part of the deal, Jesus lays down the commitment needed to follow him. Putting him and the Kingdom of Heaven before our own desires.
ACTS 11:26-30 What happens when the very people who have been rejected by another group of people choose not to do in kind? Instead of rejecting their rejectors, this group of people who have been deeply impacted by the love of Christ come to the aid of many who have flat out rejected them.
When learning, it’s not uncommon to give a half-hearted effort. What might change in us if we took on an attitude of learning for mastery?
ACTS 11:23-26 We tend to get in the way of God when we force our will upon others. We also get in God's way when we fail to allow Him to work through us to accomplish His purposes. How so? When we write people off, thinking they could never be changed by God. In those moments, we're essentially telling God that we know better and that He isn't powerful enough to handle a wayward individual or people group. Our job isn't to play god in these situations. No, our job is to demonstrate the love of God that empowers and moves through us.
Acts 11:23-25 Have you ever been excited to take on a challenge, only to be overwhelmed and uncertain with your next steps? You’re not alone!
Arriving at his first Gentile church experience, Barnabas is amazed by what he sees. Moreover, Barnabas is challenged by what comes next. This is definitely a work in progress.
Whether stepping on a scale, taking a test, or working through a moves management system, if it doesn’t get measured, it’s unlikely that change can happen.
Acts 11 (Barnabas Arrives in Antioch) The closer we look at what was happening in Acts some 2,000 years ago, the better we can identify the very unique nature of the Spirit led Christ centered life.
While flattered by a guy’s words and interest, Madi has to put on the breaks when the “red flags” start to wave.
God shows up in conversations much like this one held between Barnabas and a merchant. In an organic way, Barnabas gracefully reveals the anticipated coming king that he and his fellow Jews have been waiting to follow.
While Madi is out sick today, I did recently have a conversation with Megan about producing her own one-act play scripts.
God often expands the Kingdom of Heaven amongst earthly chaos… one life at a time. Using the right leverage at the right time, God will use difficult moments to bring people to Himself, helping them see how He is the source of all things good. That's exactly what Peter identifies here in this passage in Acts (11:19-22).
It doesn't take much for me to become a barrier to the mission of God. My traditions or even my personal hangups get in the way, and this is what confronts Peter when he heads back to Jerusalem to explain how God has shown favor to the Gentiles.
Today, Madi and I briefly work through the reality of how passions and relationships consume time. At the end of the day, we have to figure out what’s most important and work from there.
God plays no favorites. God simply gives grace to those who pursue him. It’s not about your bloodline, your social status, your bank account, your popularity, or your position. In God’s eyes, none of these matter. Race doesn’t matter, ethnicity doesn’t matter, wealth doesn’t matter, family lineage doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is a person who searches God out and is willing to be changed by him. That’s it.
On his back to Caesarea, Peter has an extended prayer time which brings about a whole new level of understanding. In this podcast, we will look at the end of Matthew 19 and three parables found in Matthew 20, 21, and 22, in an effort to see the bigger plan of God come together.
Madi brings out her idea journal where she writes and artistically designs an idea every day. While many of the ideas may never come to be, Madi loves the daily practice of getting her ideas down on paper. This leads to a discussion with parenting and creating environments for kids who need to learn how to positively struggle through problems.
God is opening up a much bigger world in front of his followers. To date, they have been but children—Paul calls them pedagogues (young students)—and they have learned the do’s and don’ts of the Law so rigidly up unto this point, they now are reeling from the new discovery that God has had bigger plans all along. It’s going to be a bumpy ride for Peter, especially as he has to unlearn some false assumptions he has had about God.
What happens when a stubborn people, an even deeply religious people, dig in their heels? They might just be missing out on what God is doing.
When it comes to experiencing the Christ-centered life, seeking God and personal flexibility are key. Watch what God is doing, and be willing to join in. It’s as simple as that, but it takes a desire to observe and seek. While in Acts 10, today's narrative takes on some historical and cultural realities that Peter, Simon, and Cornelius' right hand man would've faced.
This morning at Ragamuffin, Madi came up with the idea to begin recording our Wednesday’s together. Here’s an excerpt from this am. Waiting for others to tell you what to do only demoralizes and removes incentive. Instead, we’re here to “see” deficiencies and produce helpful solutions.
Before parting ways in Caesarea Maritime, the apostles in the early church experience a culture that is radically different than what they know.
After a huge encounter with God, don't be surprised if you find yourself in the desert for awhile. God uses this wilderness time to build your trust and resolve, ultimately to an end where conviction and direction become clear.
http://nexteps.org/2018/11/04/wilderness-experience-how-pain-is-an-opportunity-for-future-dependence/
Extending forgiveness doesn’t come easily, especially when someone has knowingly cause you harm. Yet, God has a way of shaking people up at the right times. It’s at these pivotal moments where forgiveness reshapes their perspectives on what’s important. You can be that instrument to make such life change.