Podcasts about Antioch

    Have you ever been interrogated by someone really pressing you to explain something you did or said or even something you strongly believe? That can be a deeply troubling experience, especially if your interrogator is relentless in their pressure and arousing doubt in the minds of all who hear you.  Let’s rejoin what is sometimes called “the Jerusalem Council” as recorded by Dr. Luke in Acts 15. Paul and Barnabas had come from Syrian Antioch, accompanied by some Gentiles from the Antioch church who were followers of Jesus in that great, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. You’ll recall it was there, in Syrian Antioch, not Jerusalem that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians”, (Acts 11:27) In this historic meeting it didn’t take long for the gauntlet to be laid down by those disputing the Gospel as presented by the apostle Paul and Barnabas: “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” They said. (Acts 15:5) (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

Phil Schafer shares in our series, Acts. Today we look at Acts 13:13-52.

A Distinct AccentActs 11:19-30Teacher: Pastor Tommy BaileyDate: June 21, 2026In Acts 11:19-30, the gospel reaches Syrian Antioch, the third-largest city in the ancient world. Believers scattered by persecution arrived, speaking the name of Jesus, and the hand of the Lord was with them. Something about their words and their lives set them apart, a spiritual accent the city had never heard. Their way of life was so unusual that the pagan city of Antioch had no category for them. Likely as a derogatory term, believers were called Christiansfor the first time.Join Pastor Tommy as we consider what made this young church so unique: what they said, how they lived, and who they turned to. These believers were so captured by Jesus that their whole way of life pointed to another home.Join Our Community:Our Sunday morning worship services are comprised of verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Christ-centered worship, and a time of congregational prayer.In-Person: 9 am & 11 am in Nashville, TNOnline: 10 am at https://thevillagechapel.online.churchConnect With Us:Dive deeper into our verse-by-verse studies. Access our full archive of sermon transcripts, study guides, and teaching series to help you grow in your knowledge of God's Word. thevillagechapel.com/resourcesPlanning to join us in person? From parking to childcare, find everything you need to know about what to expect during your first Sunday at The Village Chapel. thevillagechapel.com/visitStay up to date with everything happening in our community. Find information on upcoming classes, small groups, and special fellowship gatherings. thevillagechapel.com/eventsSupport the Mission: Your generosity allows us to continue sharing the Gospel in Nashville and beyond. If you'd like to partner with us financially, you can give securely online. thevillagechapel.com/giveSupport the showTo find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

How should Christians work together? Paul tells the Ephesian church to walk worthy of their calling, but how can people walk worthy? Pastor Derrick Lynch continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 4:1-6. Notes in this sermon: Walk Worthy Walk Together Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.

A House of Freedom The greatest barriers to spiritual growth are often not hidden truths but familiar assumptions. People can look directly at what God is doing and still miss it because a veil remains over their understanding. Paul tells the Corinthians that the old covenant was glorious, but it was temporary. Moses covered his fading glory with a veil, and that veil now represents the spiritual blindness that keeps people from seeing God clearly. The solution is not more information but an encounter with Christ, because “the veil is taken away” when a person turns to the Lord. True freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want. Paul declares, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” and that freedom is the ability to see God face to face, know His will, and follow Him. The Spirit does not change the words of Scripture. The Spirit removes the veil from the reader so that the words become life. “The freedom is being able to see God face to face. Knowing his will. Following him.” Religious certainty can become a veil that prevents people from recognizing God when He is standing in front of them. The Pharisees watched Jesus heal a man with a withered hand, yet instead of worshiping they began plotting His death. “The veil was gone. They were still blind.” Their commitment to their framework was stronger than their desire to receive life. The presence of Jesus transforms how people see reality. The disciples gathered behind locked doors in fear after the crucifixion, but the risen Christ entered the room and declared, “Peace be to you.” Their circumstances had not changed, yet their perception changed because they encountered Him. Fear gave way to joy, panic gave way to peace, and they were sent into the world with confidence. A house built by the Spirit becomes a house of freedom. The believers in Antioch gathered to worship, fast, and minister to the Lord. As they focused on serving God rather than themselves, the Holy Spirit spoke with clarity and direction. Freedom is found where people continually bring themselves before Christ, allow Him to remove the veil, and learn to see life, Scripture, and their future through His presence rather than through their assumptions. As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following: The greatest obstacle to seeing God is often not a lack of information but the assumptions you already carry. Where might a veil of familiarity, tradition, fear, or certainty be preventing you from seeing what God is doing right in front of you? Freedom is more than deliverance from problems. Freedom is the ability to know God, hear His voice, and follow Him. Are you seeking God primarily for what He can do for you, or because you desire to know Him face to face? The Holy Spirit speaks most clearly to people who are actively ministering to the Lord. Consider your current posture toward worship, prayer, service, and fellowship. Are you positioning yourself to hear God’s direction, or are you waiting for direction before you engage with Him? The post A House of Freedom appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

Barnabas is one of the most important yet least talked about figures in the entire New Testament. His name means son of encouragement, and his life changed the course of Christian history in ways most people never realize. Without Barnabas, there may have been no Paul as we know him. Without Barnabas, John Mark may never have written the Gospel of Mark. Barnabas himself wrote nothing in the New Testament, yet his fingerprints are all over it.This message explores who Barnabas was, why he matters so much to the early church, and what his life teaches us about becoming encouragers today. Drawing from Acts 4, Acts 9, Acts 11, Romans 16, and more, we look at three defining marks of a true encourager and how ordinary believers can become the kind of spiritual fathers and mothers who fan revival into flame.Topics covered include: the meaning of the name Barnabas and its connection to the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, how Barnabas vouched for Saul when the entire church was afraid of him, why Barnabas left a thriving revival to go find and invest in Paul, how Barnabas gave John Mark a second chance after he failed, the role of Phoebe as a female example of this same encouraging spirit, and what it means to be a spiritual father or mother regardless of age, gender, or family background.If you have ever wondered how to encourage others in a meaningful way, how to recognize God-given potential in the people around you, or how to become the kind of person who builds others up rather than tearing them down, this message is for you.Whether you are a new believer or have been walking with Christ for decades, the call to become an encourager is for every follower of Jesus. The church grows not through the loudest voices or the most dominant personalities, but through people with a heart for others.Keywords: Barnabas in the Bible, who was Barnabas, son of encouragement, how to encourage others, spiritual fathers and mothers, early church Acts, Paraclete Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas, John Mark second chances, Phoebe Romans 16, Christian encouragement, how to build others up, spiritual mentorship, Acts 4 Acts 9 Acts 11, New Testament figures, church growth, discipleship, Christian community, walking in the Way, revival in Antioch

The gospel wasn't just spread. It was intentionally sent...In this next part of our journey through Acts, we see how the early believers move beyond their borders to carry the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth. From the shores of Antioch to the heart of Rome, they step into the unknown, navigating cultural barriers, trials, and shipwrecks along the way. What looks like a dangerous journey is actually God's direction. As the Church is sent, the gospel transforms the world, and that same mission is handed to us today.

You Don't Have To Change The World Single Handed; Just Be A Part Of The Ripple That God's Love Makes Acts 6:5-7 5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

St. John Chrysostom (c. 349 - c. 407)Translated by Gross Alexander (1852 - 1915)St. Chrysostom's Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians is continuous, according to chapter and verse, instead of being arranged in Homilies, with a moral or practical application at their close, as in his exposition of other Epistles. It was written in Antioch, as Montfaucon infers from a reference which the Author, makes upon Chap. i., ver. 16 to other of his writings, which certainly were written about the same time in that city. (Introduction from the preface by John Henry Newman)Genre(s): Christianity - CommentaryLanguage: EnglishKeyword(s): religion (744), bible (494), Christianity (382), commentary (61), Galatians (8)

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses those great Holy Saints who persevered to the end of life on earth, including, Job, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saints John the Baptist, Ignatius of Antioch, Perpetua, Monica, Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, Thérèse of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich

Acts 13:1–2A. Antioch was a church marked by Diversity.B. Antioch was a church marked by gifted Leaders.C. Antioch was a church marked by active Worship.A. The call came from the Holy Spirit.B. The sending was carried out by the Church.The church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas.1. The Church recognizes Missionaries2. The Church prays for Missionaries3. The Church sends Missionaries1. Through Prayer2. Through Financial Support3. Through Hospitality4. Through People

What's next for the next generation at Antioch? In this episode of Growing Forward, Pastor Andy Comer and Kids Director Angela Asher talk about the heart behind NXT (Antioch's VBS), writing in-house KIDS curriculum, and why investing in the next generation may be the most important discipleship step you can take!

In the library of a theological seminary, a researcher opens Eusebius's Church History and traces the bishops of Jerusalem - the mother church, the apostolic see of sees. He finds fifteen names spanning nearly two centuries. Marcus. Cassian. Publius. Maximus. Julian. Gaius. Symmachus. And eight more.No biographies. No letters. No sermons. No doctrines. No martyrdom accounts. Not a single quotation from their enemies. Fifteen bishops, two hundred years - and a perfect, surgical silence.Rome, Antioch, and Alexandria - churches that suffered the same persecutions - all preserved rich documentary traditions. Only Jerusalem is a vacuum. Not a damaged record. An erasure.This is Part 1 of "Sleight of Hand, Sleight of Scripture" - a documentary series from Pre-Nicene Perspective, hosted by Darren Kelama, based on the 2026 paper "The Myth of the Jerusalem Continuity" by Chancellor A.W. Mitchell (Journal of Pre-Nicene Christian Studies).In this episode, we walk the crime scene: Aelia Capitolina, the pagan colony Hadrian built on the rubble of Jerusalem in AD 135. Banned from the city on pain of death were not only Jews - but Jewish scriptures. Inside those walls, the only Christian canon that could legally exist was one without the Old Testament: the Evangelion and the Apostolikon. Hadrian, unwittingly, granted the unalloyed Pauline gospel a two-hundred-year sanctuary.And we meet the first ghost: Marcus, the first Gentile bishop of Aelia Capitolina, whom Mitchell identifies as the first Christian bishop in the Pauline sense - leader of a church whose Bible had no Torah, whose God was not Yahweh, whose throne was the mother church itself, and whose treasury held the accumulation of Paul's diaspora collection. ▶ PART 2 DROPS NEXT WEEK—————————⏱ CHAPTERS—————————0:00 — Cold Open: Fifteen Names, Fifteen Ghosts1:52 — The Question That Launched a 1,700-Year Cold Case2:20 — Welcome to Pre-Nicene Perspective (Series Intro)2:48 — Aelia Capitolina (AD 135)4:12 — Possessing the Septuagint Was a Capital Crime5:08 — The Only Christians Who Could Survive in Aelia6:04 — The Mitchell Thesis (2026 Paper)7:00 — Part III — The Red Herrings8:24 — Claim 1: "The Records Were Lost"9:48 — Claim 2: Irenaeus Never Quotes Them10:44 — Claim 3: "Jerusalem Was Always Yahwist"11:40 — Part IV — The Investigation Begins12:36 — The First Christian Bishop in the Pauline Sense13:04 — The Treasury of the Mother Church13:52 — The Apostolikon — Paul's War Report14:28 — Marcus Resolves to Act (Cliffhanger — Part 2 Next Week)—————————ACADEMIC SOURCES & FURTHER READING—————————

How does Jesus fulfill God's promise to David? Why does Paul highlight this? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Paul's sermon in Acts 13:13-52, addressing how Jesus fulfilled God's promises to King David. Together, draw connections between this passage and 2 Samuel 7 to see how Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant—the true promised Messiah and King—and why it was so important for Paul to draw this conclusion for his audience at the synagogue in Antioch. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 2 Samuel 7: 16 // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  S4:268 Acts 12-14 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-268-acts-12-14/id1600151923?i=1000735847137)  // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:  Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org 

Send us a message!We read Acts 13 and watch the mission of Paul and Barnabas take center stage as the Holy Spirit sends them out and opens doors for the gospel. We also wrestle with the jealousy that erupts when God's grace reaches people we did not expect, and we ask what that reveals in our own hearts. • Antioch's leaders worshipping, fasting, praying, and listening for the Holy Spirit • Barnabas and Saul set apart and sent for missionary work • A confrontation with Elymas the magician and the proconsul's response • Paul's synagogue message tracing Israel's story to Jesus' resurrection • Forgiveness of sins and justification through belief in Jesus • Crowds, jealousy, persecution, and the turn toward the Gentiles • A personal heart check on envy, contentment, and celebrating God's generosity  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Dr. Justin Dancer continues through the book at Acts, focusing on Acts 11:19-29. God's hand is woven throughout Scripture as a picture of His power, deliverance, guidance, and even righteous discipline. In John 10, Jesus makes a stunning promise that no one can snatch His people out of His hand, grounding our security entirely in His grip rather than our own. The early church in Antioch experienced this firsthand, as ordinary, unnamed believers proclaimed Jesus into a pagan city and saw a great number turn to the Lord. Barnabas arrived and called them to remain faithful with a resolute heart, holding fast to the One who was already holding fast to them. The church God blesses is one where every member ministers, grace is chosen over criticism, the Word is faithfully taught, and generosity flows freely. God's hand is not distant or passive. He is actively holding you, and the invitation is to hold fast to Him in return.

Are you truly prepared for the moment God calls your name?In this episode of The Purpose City Church Podcast, we continue our powerful message series, Unstoppable: A Journey Through the Book of Acts. Speaker Kyle Welton takes us into Acts chapter 13 to unpack what it means to live in a constant state of spiritual preparation."Jesus will call, but you prepare in His presence."Through the unexpected stories of football legend Tom Brady, a high school driver's education lesson, and the first missionary journey of Barnabas and Saul, Kyle illustrates that our walk with God is about deep communion rather than transactional rewards. We also learn how to navigate, confront, and overcome the inevitable opposition that comes when we step out in obedience.Key Takeaways From This MessageThe Purpose of Preparation: True preparation is a daily walk of worship, prayer, and fasting. It requires positioning your mind, body, and soul to submit entirely to His authority.Diversity in the Kingdom: A profound look at how the early church at Antioch intentionally brought together people from completely different backgrounds, colors, and nationalities for one single mission.Overcoming Spiritual Opposition: Why obedience often attracts warfare, and how Paul used the power and discernment of the Holy Spirit to look the enemy in the eye and stand in victory.Intergenerational Unity: A vital call for the older generation to actively pass down their wisdom and for the younger generation to remain humble, coachable, and ready to learn.Reflection Questions For Your WeekHave you positioned your daily life to be consistently immersed in the presence of God?Did you do the last thing that God explicitly told you to do?Are you attempting to walk this journey of faith alone, or are you actively connecting with a community of believers?Next Steps and ResourcesJoin a Purpose Group: Do not allow the enemy to isolate you. Connect with brothers and sisters in Christ by joining a Purpose Group at Purpose City Church.Share the Message: If this episode ignited something in your faith, share it with a friend or family member who needs spiritual encouragement today.Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Purpose City Church Podcast on RedCircle or your favorite podcast platform to receive automatic updates every time a new episode drops.

Randall Robinson, a longtime member and Antioch graduate of Hope Church, opens by sharing his own story of being commissioned and sent to Kansas City to help plant a church — a story that mirrors the very passage he's preaching from. Picking up in Acts 13–14, he walks the congregation through Paul's first missionary journey with Barnabas, beginning at the church in Antioch where the Holy Spirit called them out while the believers were already actively worshiping, fasting, and seeking God. From there, Paul and Barnabas traveled through Cyprus and into the region of Galatia, going first to the synagogues and then to the Gentiles, boldly proclaiming the gospel in ways tailored to each audience — while keeping the message itself unchanged. Randall draws out five key points from these two chapters: the mission starts with God's initiative, the gospel must be proclaimed clearly, the gospel will be both received and rejected, the mission advances through resilient faith, and the glory for the results belongs to God alone. He's especially careful to remind the congregation that when people reject the gospel, they are not rejecting the person sharing it — they are rejecting God, and it is God who is ultimately responsible for the outcome. Closing with a personal reflection on God's faithfulness through job loss, illness, and transition, Randall challenges every believer to live sent, learn to share the gospel clearly, expect resistance, and hold the results with an open hand before the Lord.

Send us a message!We follow the gospel's unstoppable momentum as Peter defends God's welcome of the Gentiles and the church grows beyond old boundaries. We also wrestle with a tough question from Acts 12: do we pray like we truly expect God to answer, even faster than we imagined? • the Book of Acts as the story of the Holy Spirit building the church through ordinary people • Peter's vision and the shift from “unclean” labels to God's expanded family • the Jerusalem believers' objections and why Peter refuses to hinder what God is doing • Antioch as a turning point for mission, teaching, and the first use of the name Christians • generosity in crisis as the church sends relief during a coming famine • Herod's persecution, Peter's imprisonment, and the church praying earnestly • Peter's rescue by an angel and the comic shock of answered prayer at the door • humility before God contrasted with Herod accepting worship and receiving judgment • a practical challenge to pray with faith that expects God can act right now  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

How should we pray for the church? Paul teaches us to pray that the church would be filled with more of God and less of ourselves. Kevin Pragel, Director of Children's Ministries - Antioch, continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 3:14-21. Notes in this sermon: Pray that the church would be filled with more of God Pray that the church would be filled with less of themselves Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.

With season 1 and 2 complete we move into Acts: Season 3. The narrative shifts to Antioch and the focus is on Paul - previously called Saul - as he shares the gospel in Gentile areas. ___ When we have confidence that God is writing our story we are free to shake the dust off our feet and move on. We can exchange jealousy for joy.

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Unity across culture, class, race, social status, and nationality serves as proof that God is in the midst. The early church at Antioch brought together former terrorists, refugees, immigrants, and royalty under one roof. What made this impossible unity possible? The Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts working together. Listen to this episode and discern how God's power can work through your ordinary life to create extraordinary impact. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All Saints of North America and Antioch St. Matthew 4:18-23 On the Sunday of All Saints of North America and Antioch, Fr. Anthony reflects on how the same American instincts that often lead people to Orthodoxy can become obstacles to spiritual growth once they arrive. While habits of inquiry, comparison, and evaluation help many converts discover the Church, the Christian life requires a transition from constantly judging and analyzing to trusting the Church's proven path of formation. Drawing on examples from marriage, culture, and the lives of the saints, he argues that the Church has been making saints for two thousand years and invites us to relax into that process of transformation. --- In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to Jesus Christ! This is the Second Sunday after Pentecost, which means we celebrate the saints. Now, some of you are thinking, "Father, wasn't that last Sunday?" Yes—but this Sunday we celebrate the saints who are the fruit of the Christian faith in particular places. Here in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, we commemorate both the Saints of Antioch and the Saints of North America. Antioch is where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. North America is where that same faith has borne fruit in our own land. Today we celebrate what happens when the Holy Spirit takes root in a people and a place and brings forth holiness. The saints were not abstractions. They were not merely names in books or faces in icons. They had families, homes, occupations, and daily struggles. They lived in particular places and faced particular temptations, just as we do. Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for another age or another people. It is the calling of every Christian. I know some people who are jealous of Christians who lived in other times and places. I understand the temptation. We imagine what it must have been like to live in a culture where everyone was Christian, where theology, marriage, friendship, and worship were reinforced by the world around you. It can seem as though faith would come naturally in such a setting. But every culture has its own strengths and weaknesses. Every age has its temptations. Ours certainly does. This is one reason I often speak about the long, slow slog of salvation. It takes time for Christ to gain traction in our lives. It takes time for the Holy Spirit to draw us out of our sins, reorder our desires, and teach us to see the world according to the truth. As much as we may romanticize other places and times, the reality is that the whole world groans under the weight of sin. Consider the relationship between Church and state. Some Christians look with envy at times when governments openly supported the Church. One of my favorite examples is Saint Volodymyr of Kyiv. The church he built became known as the Church of the Tithes because he dedicated a tenth of his wealth to support it. That kind of patronage can be a tremendous blessing. It keeps the doors open. It provides a place where people can encounter Christ. But there is also a danger. If people do not intentionally offer themselves to the life of the Church, they can begin to take it for granted. Historians, sociologists, and political scientists have repeatedly observed that when the Church becomes too dependent on state support, participation often becomes passive. The buildings remain full, the clergy remain funded, but the active fellowship of the faithful can become hollowed out unless people are deeply intentional about their commitment. In modern language, we might say that people need some "skin in the game." Faith must become personal. It must become sacrificial. We cannot simply inherit it; we must offer ourselves to it. The same pattern appears elsewhere. My Greek friends often point out that Hellenistic culture provided many of the intellectual tools that helped people understand and articulate the Christian faith. Concepts such as the Logos and the philosophical vocabulary of the ancient world became powerful instruments in the service of theology. And yet those same intellectual strengths carried their own dangers. Some Christians were tempted toward Gnosticism. Others drifted into excessive rigorism. The very strengths of a culture can become weaknesses if they are not transformed by Christ. The same is true for us as Americans. There is much about our culture that I celebrate. We are approaching the 250th anniversary of our nation, and as a son of the American Revolution, I appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. The First Amendment protects our ability to seek the truth and worship God according to our conscience. Many of us found Orthodoxy precisely because we were free to look beyond the assumptions of our surrounding culture. But there is another characteristic of American life that deserves our attention: consumerism. Consumerism is not merely an economic system; it is a pattern of thought. It trains us to compare, evaluate, and choose. Every trip to the grocery store involves a series of cost-benefit analyses. We compare quality and price. We examine options. We decide which product best meets our needs. That habit of evaluation has actually helped many converts find Orthodoxy. Most of us arrived here because we became dissatisfied with something. We sensed that something was missing. We began asking questions. We read books, listened to lectures, watched videos, and compared alternatives. We weighed ideas the same way we weigh products. Eventually, we discovered Orthodoxy and recognized that it offered something we had not found elsewhere: a way of life capable of leading us into deeper communion with Christ. For many of us, that process was a blessing. Without it, we might never have escaped the assumptions we inherited from our surroundings. We might never have realized that another way was possible. Now here is the challenge. The same habits that helped many of us find Orthodoxy can become obstacles once we are inside the Church. Let me explain through an analogy. Think about the way Americans approach courtship today. We live in a culture of options. Dating apps, personality profiles, compatibility scores, and endless advice all encourage us to evaluate potential spouses through a kind of cost-benefit analysis. We compare possibilities and try to determine which person is the best match. Now, thank God, many people eventually find someone they love. They build a life together, get married, and begin a family. But what happens if they never leave behind that consumer mindset? What happens if they continue to evaluate their spouse the way they once evaluated potential spouses? Sooner or later they discover something unexpected. They find an imperfection they did not anticipate. They encounter a habit they dislike. They discover a weakness that was not apparent before. At that point the consumer instinct kicks in. Some begin looking around, wondering whether there might be something better. Others begin trying to "fix" their spouse, treating the relationship like a renovation project. After thirty-six years of marriage, I can tell you that my wife became much happier when she gave up trying to fix me. There are some things that simply cannot be fixed. More importantly, that is not how healthy relationships work. A good marriage is not built through constant evaluation. It is built through trust, commitment, patience, sacrifice, and love. At some point you stop analyzing the relationship from the outside and begin living it from the inside. You relax into it. You allow yourself to be formed by it. That does not mean you stop growing. It means growth happens through love rather than manipulation. The same principle applies to the Church. I celebrate the fact that many of us found Orthodoxy because we were willing to ask questions, compare alternatives, and search for the truth. Those habits served us well. But once we arrive, we must be careful. If you have ever been a catechumen with me, you have heard me say something that may sound strange: don't become a catechumen unless you are ready to trust. You do not have to know everything before becoming Orthodox. No one does. We make sure people understand the essentials. We address the major questions and objections. But eventually there comes a point where a person must decide whether this is a place where he can be formed. If we carry the spirit of consumerism into the Church, we begin treating everything the same way we treated products on a shelf. We evaluate constantly. We compare constantly. We judge constantly. Combined with the polarization that already infects our culture, this can become spiritually destructive. We begin dividing ourselves into camps. We become critics rather than disciples. Instead of allowing the Church to form us, we place ourselves above it as evaluators. Now, that does not mean we stop improving things. We are always working to improve parish life. We renovate buildings. We develop ministries. We solve problems. But there is a profound difference between building up and tearing down. One spirit seeks to serve. The other seeks to dominate. One spirit acts from love. The other acts from judgment. One spirit strengthens communion. The other undermines it. At some point we must surrender the very habit of analysis that helped bring us here, just as a husband and wife must eventually stop evaluating one another and begin living together in trust. Once you have given your life to Christ and entered His Church, relax. You are in the right place. This is not a pig in a poke. Most of my catechumens know that expression. For those who do not, a "poke" is an old word for a bag. If you were buying a pig at market, you always looked inside the bag before handing over your money. Otherwise you might discover later that someone had sold you something entirely different. Orthodoxy is not a pig in a poke. You have looked inside the bag. You have examined the evidence. You have read the books. You have asked the questions. You have seen what the Church is. Now trust it. The Church has been forming saints for two thousand years. It has done so in Syria and Lebanon, in Greece and Romania, in Kyiv and Moscow, in Alaska and North America. It has formed saints in every culture, every language, and every century. It can form saints here. It can form saints out of us. But only if we allow it to do its work. There are very few places left in modern life where we can lower our defenses, let go of constant evaluation, and simply receive. The Church should be one of those places. This is one reason our worship is so carefully ordered. The prayers have been tested by generations. The hymns have been handed down through centuries. The services have been shaped by the wisdom of the saints. The Church knows what she is doing. Now, I still tell my catechumens and students to keep a little filter active during the homily. The prayers have been vetted by the Church. The sermon comes from me, and I am still a work in progress. But the larger point remains. Let the Church form you. The Church has been creating saints for two thousand years. It is not a cookie-cutter process. Saint Nicholas, Saint Tikhon, and Saint John were very different men. Yet all were united in Christ. The Church knows how to confront our sins. It knows how to heal anger, lust, despondency, pride, and despair. It knows how to help us become more patient, more loving, more peaceful, and more faithful. You do not need a guru. You do not need another internet rabbit hole. You do not need endless searches for the next great spiritual secret. The saints have already shown us the way. Pray. Love sacrificially. Open yourself to God's grace in the sacraments. Love God. Love your neighbor. This is the calling of every human being. This is the vocation of the royal priesthood. This is the path walked by the saints of Antioch, the saints of North America, and the saints throughout the world. And it is the path set before us today. May God strengthen us as we walk it together. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

This Sunday, we begin Sent, a new series through Acts 13–16. We'll start with the church at Antioch: a diverse community that prioritized God's presence, walked in obedience, and was outwardly focused. Together, we'll ask what it means for us to be a church that listens, obeys, and follows where God leads.We hope you were blessed by this message! Visit our website for more information about Grove City Vineyard.

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is 'Them Christians' In Antioch: A Recipe For Church Growth From Acts 11:19-30. Sermon Outline - 7 Ingredients Of Antioch's Church Growth So We Can Emulate 'Them': 1. Evangelistic Members (v. 19-20) 2. Energized By God (v. 21) 3. Exemplary Reputation (v. 22) 4. Expanding Numerically (v. 23-24) 5. Equipping The Saints (v. 26a) 6. Enduring Difficulty (v. 26b) 7. Extending Support (v. 29-30)

Barnabas encouraged the church in Antioch to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. We need the same encouragement today. In Acts chapter 11 we see the Christ followers getting involved in the work of the ministry, living a lifestyle that reflects Christ, and giving generously. All ways that we can be faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. Main Scripture passage: Acts 11

The sermon presents Barnabas as a model of Christ-like character, emphasizing his role as a 'son of consolation' through acts of generosity, encouragement, and reconciliation. Drawing from key passages in Acts, it highlights his sacrificial giving of property to meet the needs of the early church, his courageous defense of the repentant Saul (Paul), and his leadership in nurturing the church at Antioch into a community of mature believers. The preacher underscores the biblical progression from believer to disciple to Christian, illustrating how Barnabas's faith, fullness of the Holy Spirit, and commitment to teaching produced lasting spiritual fruit. Ultimately, the message calls the congregation to emulate Barnabas's grace, trust, and intentional investment in others, recognizing that true Christian maturity is marked by love, unity, and the visible grace of God in the church.

The gospel wasn't just spread. It was intentionally sent...In this next part of our journey through Acts, we see how the early believers move beyond their borders to carry the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth. From the shores of Antioch to the heart of Rome, they step into the unknown, navigating cultural barriers, trials, and shipwrecks along the way. What looks like a dangerous journey is actually God's direction. As the Church is sent, the gospel transforms the world, and that same mission is handed to us today.

In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit commissions Barnabas and Saul from the Antioch church for a mission that requires divinely empowered spiritual leaders to directly confront and overcome opposition. This remains God's blueprint for the church today to push past cultural hostility and successfully advance the gospel.

Support us on Patreon for Member access to our special podcast series where we go in depth on books of the Bible. Ongoing season: Hebrews. You will also gain access to the entire archive of Season 1: The Gospel of John and Season 2: The Book of Exodus Apply for Saint Paul's House of Formation Email us Music by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications Word & Table Episode Index

Send us Fan MailEncouragement can sound like a personality trait until you watch it reshape the Church. Saint Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, shows up in the Acts of the Apostles as the kind of disciple who doesn't just feel compassion, he puts it to work. We walk through his story as a Catholic saint who lives “faith in action” through concrete choices: selling his field, strengthening struggling believers, and stepping into tense moments where unity could have collapsed.One of the most gripping scenes is Barnabas welcoming Saul of Tarsus after Saul's conversion, when the community's fear is understandable and the stakes are high. We talk about discernment, holy accompaniment, and what it means to bet on grace without being reckless. If you've ever struggled to trust someone's change, or wondered how to support a new convert, Barnabas offers a clear model of courage that protects the Church while still making room for God to surprise us.From there we move to Antioch, where Barnabas encourages Gentile believers to remain faithful with steadfast purpose and helps form a community shaped by prayer, teaching, shared life, and care for the poor. His partnership with Saint Paul becomes a lesson in collaboration and evangelization, reminding us that missionary discipleship is never a solo act. If you're craving spiritual encouragement, practical Catholic living, and a renewed sense of mission, this journey with Saint Barnabas will give you concrete next steps. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review. Where could you be a Barnabas this week?Open by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings you Super Saints PodcastsChat with US 24/7 Ask us anything https://chatting.page/mjxs9aerrtgm3lmpndlcepmbyosntrjnDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Journeys of Faith is blessed to provide Catholic media, including podcasts and inspirational content, free of charge across multiple media platforms for viewers and listeners around the world. While access to this content remains free, there are significant and continually increasing costs associated with producing, hosting, and distributing these programs. Your support helps us continue sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with souls everywhere. We want to reach more souls and you can help us do that by becoming a Mission Angel. Make a Donation Any AmountRefer a FriendYou can help us ...

Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Barnabas; a Levite; not one of the Twelve, but referred to as an "apostle" by St. Luke; he was a friend to St. Paul, and brought him before the apostles, when he was seeking to redeem his reputation; Barnabas and Paul went to Antioch, where they taught Christians for a year; afterwards, Barnabas traveled through Asia Minor and was a respected missionary and advisor Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/11/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle Lectionary: 580/362 The Saint of the day is Saint Barnabas Saint Barnabas' Story Saint Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was closely associated with Saint Paul—he introduced Paul to Peter and the other apostles—and served as a kind of mediator between the former persecutor and the still suspicious Jewish Christians. When a Christian community developed at Antioch, Barnabas was sent as the official representative of the church of Jerusalem to incorporate them into the fold. He and Paul instructed in Antioch for a year, after which they took relief contributions to Jerusalem. Later Paul and Barnabas, now clearly seen as charismatic leaders, were sent by Antioch officials to preach to the gentiles. Enormous success crowned their efforts. After a miracle at Lystra, the people wanted to offer sacrifice to them as gods—Barnabas being Zeus, and Paul, Hermes—but the two said, “We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God” (see Acts 14:8-18). But all was not peaceful. They were expelled from one town, they had to go to Jerusalem to clear up the ever-recurring controversy about circumcision, and even the best of friends can have differences. When Paul wanted to revisit the places they had evangelized, Saint Barnabas wanted to take along his cousin John Mark, author of the Gospel, but Paul insisted that since Mark had deserted them once, he was not fit to take along now. The disagreement that followed was so sharp that Barnabas and Paul separated: Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus, Paul taking Silas to Syria. Later they were reconciled—Paul, Barnabas and Mark. When Paul stood up to Peter for not eating with gentiles for fear of his Jewish friends, we learn that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (see Galatians 2:1-13). Reflection Saint Barnabas is spoken of simply as one who dedicated his life to the Lord. He was a man “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby, large numbers were added to the Lord.” Even when he and Paul were expelled from Antioch in Pisidia—modern-day Turkey—they were “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

3 REASONS Bakit Simbahang Katoliko ang Totoong Tinatag ni Kristo | Punto por Punto debateng Katoliko vs INC, Born Again & JW gamit ang Biblia — Catholic Faith Defender

Acts 13:1-8 New International Version   13 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper. 6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

I was a Flash Gordon freak when I was a kid. Now, you probably have led a deprived life and you may be saying, “Flash who?” Let me bring you up-to-date. Flash Gordon was an inter-galactic hero that was made famous in a serialized movie that I think might have been filmed way back in the 1930s. No, I did not see it when it first came out! But it kept going on and on and on forever. I think you might still be able to find it sometimes on late night TV. Every episode ended with Flash Gordon in a jam, and he was always ready to be destroyed by some space monster or death ray. And you were sure there was no way Flash was going to get out of this one. There always was. He always did, and there is always a way out for you and me, too, if you're working for the right director. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Rescued Again and Again.” Now, you probably have a life full of close calls, just like old Flash Gordon. Except his were on movies and yours and mine are for real. There's a man who had a life full of close calls in the Bible – the Apostle Paul. He talks about them in our word for today from the Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:11 he says, “You know the persecutions and sufferings and what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.” But listen to this, “Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” Now, I have kind of a convoluted mind (you know that already), because as soon as I read that verse, I think of Flash Gordon. No, he's not in the Bible, and I know I've got a mental problem. I can't help that, but I remember that he was always rescued out of every close call. That's the bottom line for every child of God. He will sometimes let you go to the edge. It may look like there's no way out, but He will never let you go over the edge. “But the Lord rescued me out of them all.” You can say that, and so can I. It's not that it hasn't been close sometimes, but just look at the exciting episodes from your past; the time that the money ran out, or your friends ran out, or your family ran out, or your strength ran out. Maybe you've been so lonely at times in the past you couldn't stand it, or frustrated because every door seemed to slam shut in your face. There were these people that you had depended on, and they were suddenly gone. Or maybe you're hopelessly buried in work and responsibility and stress. And you say, “I'll never get out of this mess!” You've been to the edge of desperation, but remember the Lord rescued you out of them all. Maybe you're in a perilous or a painful place again. This time it looks like there is no way out of this, but then it's looked like that before at the end of other episodes and you're still here. Get some perspective. Stand back. Remember a lifetime of the Lord rescuing you. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out..." He will let you have heavy loads, but never more than you can handle. Jesus is, after all, your Savior. He can save you from this comparatively small crisis. He'll change the situation or He'll enlarge you to deal with the situation. But one way or the other, your Savior will rescue you. Look, He always has. Now, Flash Gordon, my old hero, got in big trouble – some big jams, a lot of close calls – so will you. But Flash Gordon always got rescued, and so will you. The God of the universe is writing your script and the God of the universe is producing your future.

What would you do if you were pressured to support a rebellion that you believed was misguided and doomed to failure? What if the safety of your family and business depended on your answer? In A Ram for Mars (NFB Publishing, 2026), Marcus and Miriam, recently freed slaves from Asia Minor, arrive in Israel buoyed by hopes of finding Marcus's long-lost mother and starting a new life together. They discover that the land is seething with social and political unrest, with anti-Roman parties in the ascendancy. ​Marcus, who grew up in a Roman colony and owes his present prosperity to a Roman master, finds these anti-Roman sentiments perplexing. His uncertainty increases when war breaks out and he's asked to ship supplies to the rebel army, including a newfound cousin who protects the northern front. As his entanglement with the rebellion deepens, Marcus is torn between loyalty to the world in which he was nurtured and the need to secure his family's safety. Then his adopted son runs off to join the rebels. What is he to do? Fans of Conn Iggulden, Ken Follett, and Robert Graves will be captivated by this richly detailed and compelling exploration of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73 AD/CE) through the lens of a pro-Roman Jew in the rural district of Galilee. More about A Ram for Mars, as well as the trilogy, “A Slave's Story,” can be found here. Christopher D. Stanley is a social and religious historian who writes about early Christianity and Judaism in the Greco-Roman world. He served for over twenty years as a professor at St. Bonaventure University in western New York, where he holds the title of Professor Emeritus. Dr. Stanley has written or edited ten books and dozens of professional articles on early Christian texts and history and presents papers at academic conferences around the world. The “A Slave's Story” trilogy, which grew out of his historical research on first-century Asia Minor, is his first foray into fiction. He continues to write for the academic world as well, including a recently finished book on sickness and healing in the Greco-Roman world that explores some of the history behind this trilogy, Paul and Asklepios: The Greco-Roman Quest for Healing and the Apostolic Mission (T&T Clark, 2023). Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Charles G. Robinette | Apostolic Mentoring PodcastWhat if the greatest revival in human history will begin the same way the Church began?In this powerful and prophetic teaching, International Evangelist Charles G. Robinette explores the biblical pattern of Gateway City Outpourings and reveals why God has repeatedly chosen strategic cities to ignite worldwide revival.From Jerusalem to Antioch, from Ephesus to Rome, from Azusa Street 1906 to the prophetic possibilities of our generation, discover how one outpouring in a strategic city can impact entire nations and accelerate the fulfillment of Joel 2:28, Matthew 24:14, and Revelation 7:9.Could God once again be preparing to pour out His Spirit in major gateway cities around the world?Could millions be born again in those cities while billions are impacted globally?This message is more than history. It is a call to repentance, apostolic unity, prophetic prayer, bold faith, and Kingdom collaboration in preparation for the greatest end-time harvest the world has ever seen.Charles also delivers a sobering prophetic challenge to the modern Church, warning against the destructive influence of fear, jealousy, and control, and calling believers to embrace faith, humility, and complete dependence upon the Holy Ghost.If you have been praying for global revival, world evangelism, end-time harvest, or a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, this message will challenge your thinking and inspire your faith.Topics Include:• Gateway Cities in the Book of Acts• Why Pentecost began in Jerusalem• Antioch and the multiplication of revival• Azusa Street and modern Pentecostal history• Why strategic cities matter in global evangelism• Twelve potential gateway cities for end-time outpouring• Apostolic unity and Partnership of Faith• The prophetic significance of Revelation 7:9• The call to reach every tribe, tongue, people, and nation• How the Church can prepare for the greatest harvest in historyThe harvest is ready.The nations are gathering.The Spirit is still being poured out.Will the Church prepare for BILLIONS?Subscribe to the Apostolic Mentoring Podcast and join us as we equip millions 2 reach billions through apostolic doctrine, Spirit-led ministry, prophetic prayer, and global harvest.#GatewayCities #GlobalHarvest #EndTimeRevival #Pentecost #HolyGhost #Acts238 #Revival #WorldEvangelism #Apostolic #Outpouring #JesusName #RevivalFire #KingdomOfGod #Revelation79 #Joel228 #CharlesGRobinetteWe love to hear from our listeners! Thank you! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639030158?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VZBSV9T4GT4AMRWEWXJE&skipTwisterOG=1 Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@charlesgrobinettehttps://www.instagram.com/charles.g.robinette/https://author.amazon.com/bookshttps://charlesgrobinette.com/

What would you do if you were pressured to support a rebellion that you believed was misguided and doomed to failure? What if the safety of your family and business depended on your answer? In A Ram for Mars (NFB Publishing, 2026), Marcus and Miriam, recently freed slaves from Asia Minor, arrive in Israel buoyed by hopes of finding Marcus's long-lost mother and starting a new life together. They discover that the land is seething with social and political unrest, with anti-Roman parties in the ascendancy. ​Marcus, who grew up in a Roman colony and owes his present prosperity to a Roman master, finds these anti-Roman sentiments perplexing. His uncertainty increases when war breaks out and he's asked to ship supplies to the rebel army, including a newfound cousin who protects the northern front. As his entanglement with the rebellion deepens, Marcus is torn between loyalty to the world in which he was nurtured and the need to secure his family's safety. Then his adopted son runs off to join the rebels. What is he to do? Fans of Conn Iggulden, Ken Follett, and Robert Graves will be captivated by this richly detailed and compelling exploration of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73 AD/CE) through the lens of a pro-Roman Jew in the rural district of Galilee. More about A Ram for Mars, as well as the trilogy, “A Slave's Story,” can be found here. Christopher D. Stanley is a social and religious historian who writes about early Christianity and Judaism in the Greco-Roman world. He served for over twenty years as a professor at St. Bonaventure University in western New York, where he holds the title of Professor Emeritus. Dr. Stanley has written or edited ten books and dozens of professional articles on early Christian texts and history and presents papers at academic conferences around the world. The “A Slave's Story” trilogy, which grew out of his historical research on first-century Asia Minor, is his first foray into fiction. He continues to write for the academic world as well, including a recently finished book on sickness and healing in the Greco-Roman world that explores some of the history behind this trilogy, Paul and Asklepios: The Greco-Roman Quest for Healing and the Apostolic Mission (T&T Clark, 2023). Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

In Acts 13, we see a turning point in the story of the early church. While most people move through life trying to get something—more success, more comfort, more security—the followers of Jesus were sent to give the world the most important message it has ever heard. As the Holy Spirit sends Paul and Barnabas from Antioch, the Gospel begins moving toward the ends of the earth. Why? Because the gospel was never meant to stay still. In this message, Pastor Ben Stuart shares eight powerful attributes of the Gospel and shows us how God uses ordinary people are used to carry the hope of Jesus to a world in need. Whether you're searching for purpose, direction, or a deeper understanding of God's mission, Acts 13 reminds us that we are called not just to receive the Gospel, but to share it. Key Verses // Acts 13  — Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: passiondc.link/give  — Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages: www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc — Follow along with Passion City Church DC: www.instagram.com/passioncitydc — Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_ — Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Council of Constantinople as part of Sam and Hank's church Fathers series.00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:45 - Fourth Century Review00:16:00 - The Council begins00:20:20 - The Macedonians00:23:00 - Meletius of Antioch00:28:30 - Gregory of Nazianzus00:38:40 - Nectarius of Constantinople00:44:40 - The Canons of Constantinople00:49:20 - Aftermath00:55:30 - The Creed, or lack thereofRoman EmperorsConstantine the Great (Emperor who convened the Council of Nicaea)Constans (Son of Constantine, ruler of the West)Constantius II (Son of Constantine, ruler of the East)Julian the Apostate (Nephew of Constantine who rejected Christianity)Jovian (Imperial bodyguard commander who briefly succeeded Julian)Valentinian I (Western Emperor who appointed his brother Valens)Valens (Pro-Arian Eastern Emperor killed at Adrianople)Theodosius the Great (Spanish general made Emperor who convened the Council of 381)The Cappadocian Fathers & Allied TheologiansGregory of Nazianzus (Theologian, short-lived chairman of the Council, and Bishop of Constantinople)Basil the Great (Bishop of Caesarea who orchestrated the pro-Nicene strategy)Gregory of Nyssa (Brother of Basil, theologian who delivered Meletius's funeral oration)Meletius of Antioch (Initial chairman of the Council of Constantinople whose sudden death caused turmoil)Other Historical Church FiguresAmbrose of Milan (Influential Western bishop and advisor to emperors)Nectarius of Constantinople (The unbaptized Senator suddenly elected as Bishop and Council chairman)Paulinus of Antioch (Rival pro-Nicene bishop of Antioch backed by Rome and Alexandria)Euzoius of Antioch (Arian bishop appointed to replace Meletius)Maximus the Cynic (Rival candidate whose claim to the see of Constantinople was invalidated by Canon 4)Augustine of Hippo (Prolific Western Church Father referenced in the aftermath)Jerome (Translator of the Vulgate, referenced in the 4th-century timeline)Theological Figures (Eponymous Heresiarchs Mentioned)Arius (Originator of the Arian controversy regarding the Son's divinity)Macedonius I of Constantinople (Pneumatomachian leader whose followers denied the divinity of the Spirit)Eunomius of Cyzicus (Leader of the radical "Anomoean" or hardcore Arian faction)Photinus of Sirmium (4th-century bishop who taught a form of Biblical Unitarianism/Dynamic Monarchianism)Paul of Samosata (3rd-century adoptionist Bishop of Antioch)Apollinaris of Laodicea (Taught that Jesus had a human body but a divine mind instead of a human soul)Sabellius (3rd-century theologian who taught Modalism/Sabellianism)Marcellus of Ancyra (Strict Monarchian theologian condemned for his views on the lifespan of Christ's kingdom)Eudoxius of Constantinople (Prominent Arian bishop referenced in Canon 1)

What is the Christian's job description? Pastor Derrick Lynch continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 3:1-13. Notes in this sermon: Know the unifying message of the gospel Serve the undeniable mission of the gospel Serve the gospel with humility Serve the gospel with conviction Serve the gospel with confidence Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.

In this message, we looked at the church in Antioch, one of the most influential churches in the first century, and the birthplace of foreign missions. As we examine what marked this church, we're reminded that it's the same God, the same gospel, the same Spirit, and the same mission today. Through four questions, we were challenged to be fully present, fully expectant, and eager to join God in what he wants to do in and through his church.

Ignatius of Antioch lived so close to the time of the apostles that his life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed.In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston introduce listeners to Ignatius of Antioch, an early church leader whose courage, writings, and final journey to Rome continue to challenge and encourage Christians today.Ignatius was arrested for being a Christian and sentenced to die in the Roman arena. Yet instead of responding with panic or bitterness, his letters reveal confidence, joy, and unwavering hope in Christ. Through his story, we see the importance of church unity, the danger of false teaching, and the eternal perspective that has sustained believers through suffering for nearly 2,000 years.Chapters:01:00 Who Was Ignatius of Antioch?Ignatius of Antioch was one of the earliest and most influential leaders in church history. His life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed.02:00 Antioch and the Early ChurchAntioch was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and a major center for early Christian discipleship, missionary work, and church growth. It was also the city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians.05:15 Ignatius as Bishop of AntiochIgnatius served as the third bishop of Antioch, overseeing a network of house churches spread throughout the city and surrounding region. 07:00 Ignatius' Final Journey to RomeAfter being arrested for his faith, Ignatius was taken from Antioch to Rome to face execution in the arena. Along the way, believers came out to meet him, and hoped to rescue him from his fate.11:30 The Letters of IgnatiusDuring his journey to Rome, Ignatius wrote seven letters that still offer a valuable glimpse into the life of the early church. In them, he addressed church unity, false teaching, faithful leadership, suffering, and perseverance.13:30 Why Church History Still MattersStudying Ignatius reminds Christians that many of the challenges we face today are not new. The early church also dealt with fear, division, doctrinal confusion, cultural pressure, and suffering, yet Christ faithfully sustained His people.17:00 What Ignatius Teaches Us About Eternal HopeIgnatius' final journey points believers to a deeper question: Is Christ truly our greatest treasure? “Ignatius understood something profound; Death is not the end for the believer, and he submitted wholly to the will of God.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

In this message, we looked at the church in Antioch, one of the most influential churches in the first century, and the birthplace of foreign missions. As we examine what marked this church, we're reminded that it's the same God, the same gospel, the same Spirit, and the same mission today. Through four questions, we were challenged to be fully present, fully expectant, and eager to join God in what he wants to do in and through his church.

Construction on the church of Sant Maria dell'Ammiraglio in Palermo, Italy, began in 1143 CE under the patronage of George of Antioch, admiral of King Roger II's navy, from which the church gets its name. The church preserves an extraordinary collection of 12th-century mosaics, the two most important of which are "Christ Coronating King Roger II" and " George of Antioch at the Feet of the Virgin Mary." In later centuries, the church received various Baroque-style additions and decorations, and the nickname "La Martorana" from the nearby Benedictine nunnery.