Podcasts about Barnabas

Luke 2:8-12 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." John 16:22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.  (Joy on center wall/screen here) Jolly Isn't Joy  Jolly is a mood. Joy is a miracle.     What difference does joy make? Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Joy strengthens.   James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Joy transforms.     Acts 13:49-52 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Joy fills.   1 Peter 1:6-9 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Joy anticipates.     Hebrews 12:2-3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Joy endures.   How do we access this joy?   Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 126:3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

How can a church know it's truly fulfilling God's mission? In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas give us a pattern every church should follow — preaching the Gospel, strengthening believers, and persevering through trials. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace as he reveals the first keys to a thriving, biblical church.

I think fences are what caused Paul and Barnabas (two men who had partnered in planting churches across the Roman Empire) to reach a point where they called it quits. They had prayed together, labored together, and witnessed God's power together, but their relationship fell apart because of fences. And some of us are dealing with a fence or fences right now. We have barriers with family members, friends, coworkers, church members, or even spouses. If there's anything this message invites us into, it's learning how to tear down the fences that ruin our relationships.

Acts 15:6-11 In Antioch, Gentile believers were living freely in Christ. Unfortunately, their freedom (salvation) was not celebrated by all. In the eyes of a group that had come Judea, they deemed the Gentiles salvation insufficient. This heresy was a direct challenge the 'heart' of salvation (God's grace). Their agenda was adamant 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.' Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem. They met with the apostles and elders to consider a consequential matter. The meeting of the minds wasn't just about differences of opinion; it was a critical time for the early church both theologically and culturally.

(This podcast was previously published on January 13, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   As the children of Israel were rebellious against the Word of God, the New Testament church today rebels against specific scriptures which conflicts with that which they have learned at their churches.   But God today sends HIS prophets to the church ministers and individuals, though they often harden their hearts today to that word of God that is carried to them and continue in their own preferences.   Ezekiel 2:3-8   And HE (God) said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against ME: they and their fathers have transgressed against ME, even unto this very day.   4 For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.   5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.   6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.   7 And thou shalt speak MY words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.   8 But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.   *****   After Jesus ascends into heaven, HE sets up the New Testament church.   Ephesians 4   8 ... When HE ascended up on high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.   11-12   And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;   12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:   ***   God taught me the following concerning the work of apostle and prophet to which I am called and set in the New Testament church today.   * apostle:  God took me to Acts 15 to show me the basic work of an apostle.   A question concerning "doctrine" arose in the church.  "Do the Gentile believers have to be circumcised?"  The elders and apostles met at Jerusalem to discuss this matter and to make a ruling for the other churches to follow.   Peter spoke.  Paul spoke.  James heard what they said and then he pronounced the ruling concerning the Gentiles.   They wrote this ruling and sent it to the other churches in writing.  (There was no NT Bible in those days of the early church.)   Today we have the New Testament Bible which the early church did not have.   Basically what God showed me is this:  apostles are ordained by God in dealing with church doctrines.   Churches today fall away from New Testament Bible rulings and we try to turn individuals back to what the Bible says.    ***   * prophet:  In the New Testament Bible we have these examples of the work of a New Testament prophet.   Agabus: Acts 11:27-30   And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.   28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.   29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:   30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.   ***   Acts 21:7-11  And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.  8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.   10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.  11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.   ***   Other New Testament prophets cited in the New Testament Bible:   Acts 13:1   Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.   Acts 15:31   And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.   I Corinthians 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.   I Corinthians 14:29  (Paul says concerning the gathering of the New Testament Church)   Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.   ***   Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of God using prophets to carry messages of correction and instruction to the church.  Prophets of God are not sent to the world but to the church.   Ezekiel 3:4-7 And HE (God) said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with MY words unto them.   5 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel;   6 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.   7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto ME: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.   ***   Matthew 23   Jesus says:   37  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!   38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.   39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see ME henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.   ***   Matthew 23:29-35   Jesus says:   29  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,   30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.   31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.   32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.   33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?   34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:   35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.  

What happens when admiration turns into idolatry? The people of Lystra tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods—but in moments, their praise turned to violence. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace and see how pride and popularity can quickly destroy what only humility can build.

Daily Dose of Hope December 11, 2025   Scripture – Acts 15   Prayer: Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name.  Thank you for who you are and all you do.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Today, we are working through Acts 15.   This is a pretty crucial moment for the young church.  Some people from Judea have gone to the churches and said that to follow Jesus, you must first be a Jew first and follow the law of Moses.  That means being circumcised and the whole bit.  Well, Paul and Barnabas are appalled and they debate fiercely with these men.  Thus, they are invited to go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders to discuss the matter.  This is a pivotal moment.  Will the council in Jerusalem put the burden of the Law on these new Gentile believers?  Because the Law is a heavy burden. Even the Jews can't handle it.   Amazingly, it seems that the discussion at the council meeting is both civil and Spirit-filled.  Don't we wish all church meetings could be this way?  Paul and Barnabas give testimony to what they have witnessed with Gentile believers receiving the Holy Spirit.  James stands up and quotes Scripture from the prophets which points to Gentiles accepting the Lord.  Thus, they come up with a compromise to not make the burden too heavy for the new believers.  They are to avoid sexual immorality, not eat meat dedicated to idols or meat from strangled animals or blood.  All three of these were very pagan behaviors associated with idol worship.  This is where they decide to draw the line and it makes sense.  We know this won't be the end of the story but it is a great place to start.   As the chapter progresses, there is a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas.  They are ready for another missionary journey and Barnabas wants to bring John Mark.  Paul does not.  Apparently, John Mark abandoned them on the last journey.  It must have been a pretty heated argument in which neither party backed down.  So, they went their separate ways.  Barnabas took John Mark and they went one way.  Paul took Silas and they went another way.  While some of us might be surprised that believers had such an intense dispute, they are still human beings.  It appears they weren't ugly about it and they came up with a solution.    This is the truth.  We will not always agree.  Even as Christians.  We aren't always going to agree but we don't have to be disagreeable.  We can show respect, we can be kind, and we can do our best to find a compromise.  In the end, the Gospel won out because now there were two different missionary journeys occurring at the same time.  More people get to hear about Jesus!   This would be a good time to talk about conflict.  Are you in one?  How are you dealing with it?    Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

What happens when people start praising the messenger instead of the message? In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas faced both belief and backlash as the city divided over their preaching. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace and learn what the Bible says about pride, popularity, and the danger of celebrity faith.

Daily Dose of Hope December 10, 2025   Scripture – Acts 14   Prayer: Almighty God, We come before you today, in the middle of our week, with both humility and gratefulness.  You are so powerful, so holy, and so wise.  We need you.  We seek you.  We are desperate to hear a word from you today, Lord.  We also know that we have failed over and over again.  Lord, forgive us for our sins, for the ways we fall short.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...Jesus, help us stay focused on you and your Word today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Today, we are working through Acts 14.   Today, we read more about Paul and Barnabas' missionary journeys.  Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe are all in what is now south-central Turkey, just to provide some geographical context.  In Lystra, they were preaching and noticed a man who was disabled since birth, in that he could not walk.  The Scripture says that they could tell he had faith to be healed so they healed him.  And then basically all heck breaks loose!  The locals believe they are gods and want to make sacrifices to them.  Talk about getting the wrong idea.    Think about it.  In these towns, they worshiped the Greek and/or Roman gods.  Their everyday lives were very much intertwined with this kind of god worship.  Want a better crop?  Pray to this god and give him a few sacrifices.  Want to be more fertile?  Pray to this god and offer some sacrifices here and there.  That was their world.  And so it makes sense that when Paul and Barnabas healed, that must mean they are gods.  Of course, Paul and Barnabas were appalled at all of this but it won't be the last time something like this occurs.  The Gospel was freeing, refreshing, but also a totally new concept for many of these people groups.  It takes them time to understand what it means to follow the one true God.   As the chapter closes, we learn that they appoint elders everywhere they go.  The church needs leaders.  They visit the places they have been before and basically check on them.  They commit the leaders to the Lord.  It's amazing to me that God raised up leaders so quickly in these young churches.  These were baby Christians but God knew exactly what they needed.  A church needs structure.  A church needs guidance.  Without it, it would be easy to have total anarchy.  Everyone has a role and a job.  That's how the body of Christ is most effective and fruitful.  Paul is setting up a model that he knows works well.    What attributes make for a solid, fruitful, effective Christian leader?  Who do you know that leads well in the church and who do you know who doesn't lead well.  I often say we learn just as much from those who lead poorly as those who lead well.  What have you learned from the Christian leaders you have served under?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Call: 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 Scripture: Acts 14:8-18 NASB The sermon centers on Acts 14:8–18, highlighting how a miraculous healing of a lifelong cripple in Lystra—performed by Paul—leads the pagan crowd to mistake the apostles for Zeus and Hermes, revealing the human heart's natural inclination toward idolatry even in the face of divine power. Despite the apostles' clear proclamation of the one true God and their urgent correction of the crowd, the people remain entrenched in their false worship, underscoring the necessity of divine regeneration over human persuasion. The preacher emphasizes that no amount of miracles, eloquence, or evidence can convert a heart apart from the Holy Spirit's work, calling believers to prioritize prayer for spiritual transformation over mere evangelistic tactics. Paul and Barnabas' response—tearing their robes and rushing to redirect glory to God—models a zealous commitment to divine honor, even amid danger and misunderstanding. Ultimately, the passage affirms God's common grace in sustaining all people through creation and provision, while insisting that salvation comes only through faith in Christ, not human effort or compromise, and that the gospel must be proclaimed with unwavering fidelity to the one true God.

In this episode, we dig into one of the most overlooked themes of the Christian life: why God makes us wait. Drawing from the story of Barnabas in the book of Acts, Sam explores how delays aren't punishments—they're God's training ground. You'll discover: What God develops in you during seasons of waiting How Barnabas went from quiet encourager to history-shaping leader Why delays protect you, prepare you, and multiply your impact How curiosity turns frustration into spiritual growth And what God may be building in you right now that you can't see yet If you're in a waiting season—career, health, relationships, purpose—this episode will help you see your delay through a completely different lens. Listen now and learn why your breakthrough may be closer than you think.

In this episode, Joel and Andy welcome their new producer, Mark Graff, to the booth. They sit down with community leader Vince Turner before his move to Fairhope, Alabama. Vince reflects on his three distinct careers: sports broadcasting—where he called Notre Dame's 1988 championship—leading development at Bashor Children's Home, and working in banking. He shares...

Daily Dose of Hope December 9, 2025   Scripture – Acts 13   Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you today with humility.  You are holy, you are perfect, and I am painfully flawed.  Forgive me, Lord, for the way I fall short over and over again.  Forgive me for not being loving, patient, and kind.  Jesus, I want to follow your example.  I want to have a clean and pure heart.  How I need you.  Create in me a pure heart, Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.  I love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been walking through the Gospels over the last few months and now we are mid-way through the book of Acts.  Today, we are walking through Acts 13.   In today's passage, we read about the first missionary journeys.  The believers feel the Holy Spirit calling them to go, so they go.  Paul and Barnabas, especially, feel called to be missionaries and go to new places with the Gospel message.    In Cyprus, the disciples encounter a Jewish sorcerer (seems like an oxymoron) and false prophet who was getting in the way of the proconsul, or governor, coming to belief in Jesus.  Maybe the sorcerer sees Paul as a threat to his own power, we really can't tell.  But Paul doesn't stand for it.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, he speaks boldly and tells the sorcerer that he is a child of the devil.  The man actually becomes blind.  Seeing the power of God at work, the proconsul accepts Christ.    This particular incident is worth mentioning because it doesn't take long for Paul and Barnabas to encounter opposition.  They know they are sent by the Holy Spirit, they are sharing the Gospel, and there are forces that aren't happy about it!  But Paul and Barnabas are undeterred.  They take care of the sorcerer and keep on going.  I think too often when we encounter resistance, we consider giving up.  We think, "Maybe God isn't calling me to do this ministry or maybe God isn't calling me to share my story with this group."  It's possible, at times, that resistance can mean we are doing the wrong thing IF that resistance comes from godly people.  However, more often, I think resistance means we're pushing against powers that need to be brought down.  Keep going and DO NOT COMPROMISE.  Stay the course.   Back to our passage - notice that wherever Paul and Barnabas go, they stop in the synagogue first and preach to the Jews.  Some follow and believe which simply angers the Jewish leaders and they cause trouble.  It's then that Paul basically says, "Look, we tried to offer you salvation in Jesus.  You reject us so we are moving on to the Gentiles!"  The Gentiles are very pleased.  And the word spreads and many people believed.  This is a pattern we will see repeated again and again.   I think sometimes we keep trying to do something, over and over and over again, without a lot of success because we feel like God has called us to do so.  Sometimes, as in this passage, that is simply a door we need to close so that we can open up a more productive one.  It's okay to say no to good to do what's great for God's Kingdom.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 5, 2025   Scripture – Acts 11   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come to you today with humble hearts.  We are broken and we need you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you this morning.  Help us set aside distractions so we might hear your voice.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us just focus on Jesus...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope once again.  This is the podcast and devotional that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We are working through the book of Acts and today we are talking about Acts 11.   What a great chapter!  It starts with Peter explaining why he entered the house of a Gentile and how the new believers received the Holy Spirit.  Isn't it interesting that the church leaders in Jerusalem don't start by asking Peter about the Gentiles' conversion?  No, they are more worried about Peter being a good Jew.  They are more worried about the superficial.  They are fixated on Peter entering a Gentile's home and eating with him.  Man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart.  God is less worried about the food that's eaten and more concerned about the souls of people.    At the same time, I get it.  These Jewish church leaders had been taught the law from the time they were wee ones.  Yes, Jesus had opened up new doors and broken down barriers, but the law is the law.  This struggle with whether/how to follow the Mosaic Law as a follower of Jesus will be a major theme throughout the rest of the New Testament.  We are quite removed from it as Gentile believers 2000 years later, but this was a big, big deal.  It was very complex deciding what to keep and not keep, what to follow and not follow.  There was also such a huge disparity in background between the Gentile believers and the Jewish believers.  This will come in to play in the next few chapters.   Let's talk a little bit about the church at Antioch.  This is the first place the Jesus followers are called Christians and we have the scattered Jews and the local Greeks worshiping together.  Large numbers of Gentiles come to believe in Jesus, showing God's divine favor in this new direction of the Gospel.  Antioch became a model for a diverse church, but it also became a hub of sorts for Paul and Barnabas' missionary journeys.  This was a church that was driven by a mission to save the lost and they kept expanding past the walls of their own church and community.   What might we learn from Antioch?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki          

We are tracing the overflow of God's goodness, as the gospel wave breaks powerfully over ancient boundaries. In our first study of Acts 11:19–30 we saw a good purpose, a good word, a good step, a good hand, and a good number. Keeping our eye on the mercy and grace of God in Christ, next we turn to a good man called Barnabas, a good work in Antioch, a good plan to involve Saul of Tarsus, a good name for the disciples, and a good gift to Jerusalem, the church in Antioch having received some from them already.

FBC Missions Document: Why: Missions is the church's God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered task of making disciples and planting churches among all the peoples of the earth. Psalm 67:1-7 God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah. 2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. 5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. Revelation 5:9 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” John Piper: Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever. Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal of missions. It's the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white hot enjoyment of God's glory. How: Missions at FBC is accomplished through sharing the gospel, supporting disciple-making, supplicating in prayer, supplying needs, and sending commissioned pastors and missionaries. Sharing the gospel. 2 Cor. 5:19-21 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Mt. 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Supporting Disciple-Making. Acts 15:36 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Acts 14:21-22 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God I Thes. 3:1-10 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,… 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Acts 28:11-15 11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 2 Tim. 1:15-18 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus. Supplicating in Prayer. Luke 11:2 2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Eph. 6:18-20 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Supplying Resources. 2 Cor. 9:5-10 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 3 John v. 5 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. Phil. 4:14 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Sending Commissioned Pastors and Missionaries. Rom. 15: 19-21 so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Acts 13:1-3 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 15:1-5 Our text today deals with a conflict, a disagreement of theological matters concerning the Gentile converts. The conflict centered on whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses in order to be saved – In essence – legalism was being required for salvation. Certain men from Judea – known as Judaizers, held strongly to tradition and the law. In their eyes the legalistic adherence to the law superseded grace. In order for Gentiles to become Christians, they must comply with Jewish customs. This inevitably led to a conflict with Paul and Barnabas, who strongly disagreed. In order to resolve the conflict, the church in Antioch sent Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders about this matter.

What happens when Satan tries to block the mission God has called you to? Paul and Barnabas faced opposition from a sorcerer on their very first journey—but the power of God proved unstoppable. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace and see how faith can overcome any spiritual resistance.

Explore the pivotal Jerusalem Council and its resolution of the Question of the Law in the early church. This episode delves into the debate over whether Gentile converts should follow Law of Moses, particularly regarding circumcision and dietary restrictions. Learn about the roles of key figures like Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James in this crucial decision-making process. Discover how the early church navigated cultural differences and theological disputes to affirm salvation by grace through faith.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Over the last few weeks, we've been discussing the need for an imagination, led by the Spirit for recognizing all that God is at work doing. In this passage, we get a closer look at Barnabas and how he models the kind of faith that allows him to recognize the genuine work of God. 

Episode 2 - The Challenges Facing Catholic Educators Today In this second episode of A Call to Lead, Steve Lawrence joins us again to dive deep into the real challenges facing Catholic educators and school leaders today. From the inspiring role of Barnabas in forming St Paul, to the pressures teachers face in modern schooling systems, this conversation shines a light on the heart of Catholic leadership—encouragement, formation, discernment, and courage. Steve unpacks how the example of Barnabas' mentorship shaped St Paul and what this means for leaders today, reflecting on the essential role of encouragement for principals, teachers, and staff. He explores the tension between authentic Catholic identity and increasing secular pressures, while also addressing the unique struggles educators face from administrative overload and the loneliness of being one of the few faith-filled staff members, to the challenges of teaching sensitive topics in a culture that often misunderstands or resists the Church's perspective. Steve also discusses the importance of strong relationships between schools and families, the impact of social media on young minds, and why the Catholic vision of salvation and the supernatural must once again become central in forming our students. Whether you are a teacher, leader, parent, or anyone passionate about the future of Catholic education, this episode offers wisdom, clarity, and hope for building strong, faith-filled communities in our schools. Stay tuned for the next episode where we explore how to grow a culture of faith. Visit Steve's website: stevelawrence.com.au Steve's book Tiny Book for Giant Men: https://parousiamedia.com/the-tiny-book-for-giant-men-steve-lawrence-paperback/ Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men. He also encourages us to remain courageous in the tribulations we face, finding strength in other believers, and running toward the eternal and imperishable goal of salvation. Today's readings are Acts 14, 1 Corinthians 9-10, and Proverbs 28:7-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Explore the tumultuous first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. From Antioch to into modern-day Turkey, follow these early Christian apostles as they spread the gospel message. Witness their encounters with both acceptance and fierce opposition in cities like Pisidian Antioch and Lystra. Learn about Paul's powerful sermons, miraculous healings, and the challenges they faced, including being mistaken for Greek gods and Paul's near-fatal stoning.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

This month on the Velvet Ashes Legacy Podcast, Denise and Sarah open the episode with a joyful December check-in and a little book talk—because what better way to start a conversation than with reading rhythms and favorite formats from our community?But the heart of this episode is something deeply special. Sarah sits down with her former professor, Rick Clark, to talk about the extraordinary life and legacy of his mother, Marian Clark. Marian grew up in Ecuador, returned as an adult to serve with creativity and courage, and became a faithful presence through radio, television, storytelling, and hospitality. Her story intersects with key moments in missions history, but it also shines in the quiet, steady ways she loved people and followed Jesus.It's a moving, tender conversation—full of rich history, surprising connections, and a beautiful reminder of what it looks like to echo God's joy and faithfulness through generations.Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Velvet Ashes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Velvet Ashes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Featured music is "Doxology of Mercy" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or wherever you get music!We are grateful to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnabas International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about the 2026 In-Person Tuscany Retreat Check out the Advent Mini-Advent Learn about Marian ClarkThe History of HCJB Radio The new Velvet Ashes book, Yet We Still Laugh, is available on ⁠Amazon⁠ and ⁠Barnes & Noble

Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, instructing us how to fast and empty ourselves to feel our spiritual need for Christ. He also discusses faithfulness in vocations and living out the life God has called you to. Today's readings are from Acts 13, 1 Corinthians 7-8, and Proverbs 28:4-6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Pastor Doug Horner preaches from Acts 4:32-5:11, showing us the contrast between Barnabas, who had a heart of generosity and Ananias and Sapphira, who had hearts of hypocrisy.

GATHERING TO GIVE THANKSPastor Kacy BensonBannockburn ChurchIn this special message, Pastor Kacy unpacks Acts 14:26–28 to show how the early church modeled a powerful rhythm of gratitude, testimony, and mission. After completing their God-given work, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch—not to boast, but to declare all that God had done with them. Their gathering wasn't casual or routine; it was a moment of worship, celebration, and shared joy in the grace of God.Pastor Kacy reminds us that biblical gratitude isn't just a feeling—it's a response. God's grace sends us, empowers us, sustains us, protects us, and accomplishes His mission through us. And when we gather, we strengthen one another by sharing the stories of God's faithfulness.This message challenges us to slow down and intentionally thank God for the ways He opens doors, walks with us through hardship, and uses us to bless others. The early church gathered to give thanks—and we're called to do the same.Key Takeaways:God's grace is active: it sends, carries, covers, uses, and brings us home.The mission of God is accomplished through ordinary people empowered by extraordinary grace.Gratitude grows when we testify to what God has done.God doesn't always prevent hardship—He meets us in it and helps us through it.We are called to celebrate every open door God provides for the gospel.Related Scriptures:Acts 14:26–282 Corinthians 1:4Psalm 40Colossians 3:15–17If your heart needs encouragement today, this message is a reminder that God is still opening doors, still working through His people, and still worthy of all our thanks.Need prayer? Visit bannockburnchurch.com/prayer#GatheringToGiveThanks #Acts14 #BannockburnChurch #PastorKacyBenson #Testimony #GodsGrace #ChristianCommunity #FaithInAction #BibleTeaching #ChurchOnline #ChristianLiving #GiveThanks

Sunday AM Sermon

Fr. Mike begins by explaining the confusion experienced by the early Christians as they struggled to integrate the Gentiles into the Church. We also hear more about Barnabas, missionary companion of St. Paul, who was named by God as the "Son of Encouragement." Lastly, Fr. Mike delves into the history surrounding paganism and hedonism in pre-Christian Corinth and the need to encourage the Greeks to leave their old ways of worship. Today's readings are Acts 11, 1 Corinthians 3-4, Proverbs 27:23-27. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251128dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 Paradise We have to wait for heaven. That’s just true. And things aren’t always going to be easy while we are waiting. The apostle Paul and his fellow missionary Barnabas couldn’t have said it any more plainly than they did during their first missionary journey. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). So then, what a great deal Jesus was offering one of the men hanging on a cross next to him. The man had confessed his sin and placed his confidence in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. He had boldly asked, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And how did our Savior answer? You’ll have to wait? No! “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “today you will be with me in paradise.” Skip the line! Have paradise today! The Bible does not tell us that the thief on the cross was transported, body and soul, to heaven that day, like the Old Testament believers Enoch and Elijah were. No, he died that day. His body was removed from the cross and presumably buried to await the day of resurrection. Yes, his believing soul went to dwell with God, but the reunion of his body and soul in heaven would have to wait until Jesus comes again. We’ll have to wait for heaven, too. But like the thief on the cross, we can be confident that paradise is ours because the heavy burden of our sin was left on the cross with our Savior. And, we have the promise from the Bible that, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Prayer: Jesus, thank you, for your sake I can be confident of my place in paradise. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251128dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 Paradise We have to wait for heaven. That’s just true. And things aren’t always going to be easy while we are waiting. The apostle Paul and his fellow missionary Barnabas couldn’t have said it any more plainly than they did during their first missionary journey. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). So then, what a great deal Jesus was offering one of the men hanging on a cross next to him. The man had confessed his sin and placed his confidence in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. He had boldly asked, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And how did our Savior answer? You’ll have to wait? No! “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “today you will be with me in paradise.” Skip the line! Have paradise today! The Bible does not tell us that the thief on the cross was transported, body and soul, to heaven that day, like the Old Testament believers Enoch and Elijah were. No, he died that day. His body was removed from the cross and presumably buried to await the day of resurrection. Yes, his believing soul went to dwell with God, but the reunion of his body and soul in heaven would have to wait until Jesus comes again. We’ll have to wait for heaven, too. But like the thief on the cross, we can be confident that paradise is ours because the heavy burden of our sin was left on the cross with our Savior. And, we have the promise from the Bible that, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Prayer: Jesus, thank you, for your sake I can be confident of my place in paradise. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Paul and Barnabas on Their First Missionary Journey Part 3 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251128dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 Paradise We have to wait for heaven. That’s just true. And things aren’t always going to be easy while we are waiting. The apostle Paul and his fellow missionary Barnabas couldn’t have said it any more plainly than they did during their first missionary journey. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). So then, what a great deal Jesus was offering one of the men hanging on a cross next to him. The man had confessed his sin and placed his confidence in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. He had boldly asked, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And how did our Savior answer? You’ll have to wait? No! “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “today you will be with me in paradise.” Skip the line! Have paradise today! The Bible does not tell us that the thief on the cross was transported, body and soul, to heaven that day, like the Old Testament believers Enoch and Elijah were. No, he died that day. His body was removed from the cross and presumably buried to await the day of resurrection. Yes, his believing soul went to dwell with God, but the reunion of his body and soul in heaven would have to wait until Jesus comes again. We’ll have to wait for heaven, too. But like the thief on the cross, we can be confident that paradise is ours because the heavy burden of our sin was left on the cross with our Savior. And, we have the promise from the Bible that, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Prayer: Jesus, thank you, for your sake I can be confident of my place in paradise. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Paul and Barnabas on Their First Missionary Journey Part 2 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111

Paul and Barnabas on Their First Missionary Journey Part 1 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111

As allegiance to Jesus Christ spread across the Roman Empire in the second century, writings, practices, and ideas erupted in a creative maelstrom. Many of the patterns of practice and belief that later become normative emerged, in the midst of debate and argument with neighbours who shared or who rejected that allegiance. Authoritative texts, principles of argument, attitudes to received authority, the demands of allegiance in the face of opposition, identifying who belonged and who did not, all demanded attention. These essays explore those divergent voices, and the no-less diverse and lively debates they have inspired in recent scholarship. Judith M. Lieu is the author of Explorations in the Second Century: Texts, Groups, Ideas, Voices (Brill, 2025). She was Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge from 2007-2018. She studied at Durham and Birmingham Universities and previously taught at The Queen's College, Birmingham, King's College London (where she was Professor of New Testament Studies, 1999-2006), and Macquarie University, Sydney. From January 2020–June 2021 she was Frothingham Visiting Professor in New Testament and Early Christianity at Harvard Divinity School. She is on the editorial board of a number of journals and series and was previously Editor of New Testament Studies. She is a Fellow of the British Academy (2014) and International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2019). 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

In this episode, we explore Acts 14:21–22, where Paul and Barnabas return to the churches they planted and “strengthened the disciples … reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” We unpack what it means to prepare new believers not with a promise of ease, but with the reality of trials — because hardship refines faith and builds spiritual resilience. Drawing on biblical parallels (like Philippians 1:29 and Matthew 13:22), we discuss how believers today can both endure suffering and support others in their faith journey.Support the show

As allegiance to Jesus Christ spread across the Roman Empire in the second century, writings, practices, and ideas erupted in a creative maelstrom. Many of the patterns of practice and belief that later become normative emerged, in the midst of debate and argument with neighbours who shared or who rejected that allegiance. Authoritative texts, principles of argument, attitudes to received authority, the demands of allegiance in the face of opposition, identifying who belonged and who did not, all demanded attention. These essays explore those divergent voices, and the no-less diverse and lively debates they have inspired in recent scholarship. Judith M. Lieu is the author of Explorations in the Second Century: Texts, Groups, Ideas, Voices (Brill, 2025). She was Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge from 2007-2018. She studied at Durham and Birmingham Universities and previously taught at The Queen's College, Birmingham, King's College London (where she was Professor of New Testament Studies, 1999-2006), and Macquarie University, Sydney. From January 2020–June 2021 she was Frothingham Visiting Professor in New Testament and Early Christianity at Harvard Divinity School. She is on the editorial board of a number of journals and series and was previously Editor of New Testament Studies. She is a Fellow of the British Academy (2014) and International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2019). 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/biblical-studies

If you've ever opened the Book of Acts and thought, “What is even happening right now?” — you're not alone. In this episode, we break down the most confusing parts of Acts with honesty, humor, and real-life stories. From chaotic missionary journeys to Paul's dramatic conversion to the wild moments of Pentecost, we dig into why this book feels overwhelming—and why it's also one of the most important books in the Bible.We also talk discipleship, mentorship, and how the early church navigated culture, conflict, and calling—issues we still deal with today. Dalton joins us to share what it's like living out his faith in school, how people respond, and why young believers play a bigger role in the church than they realize.Since it's Thanksgiving week, we wrap up with what we're grateful for, how God shapes us through everyday moments (including puppies), and why gratitude is a spiritual practice we desperately need.If you want a down-to-earth conversation about Acts, faith, and real Christian life—this one's for you.Suggested Segment Markers:Intro chaos, Thanksgiving greetings, student listeners“What's the most confusing part of the Bible?”Why Acts feels chaotic (Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Luke, etc.)Breaking down the missionary journeysPaul's conversion and mentorshipHoly Spirit moments that shaped the early churchLiving out faith in school (Dalton's story)Gratitude, family, and Thanksgiving reflectionsFinal shoutouts + ministry plugs

Witnessing to the Ends of the Earth concludes our mission-focused series by diving into Acts 13, where the church in Antioch fasts, worships, and sends Paul and Barnabas into the heart of gospel work. This message explores how missions begin with worship, advance through Spirit-led obedience, and still call every believer today to say, “Lord, send me.”In this sermon, we look at:Acts 13:1–12 — Paul, Barnabas, Elymas, and the conversion of Sergius PaulusPsalm 67 — God's heart for the nationsRevelation 5:9 — Christ purchasing people from every tribe, language, and nationMatthew 24:14 — The gospel proclaimed to the whole worldWhy global missions flow from a right view of God and a right view of humanityHow God still uses ordinary people with willing hearts to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth

Acts 11:19-30Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Here's a message from our guest pastor, Nick Pruett. Paul and Barnabas preached the word as they went along. It wasn't a small afterthought in their life but a fundamental part of everything they did. 

The Lord's Call of Barnabas and Saul Part 3 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111

In this transformative episode of The Fellowship of Kingdom Professionals, Michael Blue continues to unpack one of Scripture's most overlooked leadership principles: shared credibility. Using the lives of Barnabas, Saul/Paul, and John Mark, he reveals how God advances His work through the imputation of trust, the transfer of influence, and the humility to raise up others, even when they eventually surpass us. Listeners will encounter powerful insights from Proverbs 27, Acts 9, Acts 11, and Acts 15 as Michael Blue examines how Barnabas used his own credibility to open doors for Saul and later John Mark. This teaching illuminates both the risk and the reward of sharing power, the necessity of generational leadership, and God's redemptive ability to restore those with damaged reputations. New podcast episodes are available every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this Bible Story, we learn about certain Jewish believers forcing Gentiles to be circumcised to be accepted into the family of God. Outraged by this, Paul and Barnabas hold a council of all the leaders in Jerusalem. They debate whether Gentiles should be forced to follow the Jewish customs laid out in the law. This story is inspired by Acts 15:1-35. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 15:19 from the King James Version.Episode 230: The lies that began in Antioch continued to spread throughout the Christian communities causing division between Jewish and Gentile believers. So Paul and Barnabas called for the apostles and pastors to hold a council around this issue. In the middle of this debate, Peter stood and addressed the crowd reminding them what God has done among the Gentiles in their presence. In the end, James and the leaders wrote a letter of encouragement to clear up the confusion for the Gentile believers.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 16, 2025 | Pastor Ben Mandrell looks at the influence and ministry of Barnabas to highlight the need for encouraging people in the Christian church. Acts 11:21–26 shows us that this early missionary was a helper of others like Paul. God used Barnabas to strengthen the church, develop leaders, and spark a movement around the world. How can we be more like Barnabas today?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

In this Bible Story, Paul is nearly stoned to death by Jewish Christians who seek to control Gentiles by the law. They are dangerous and controlling. Yet Paul does not let the stones stop him. This story is inspired by Acts 14. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 14:19 from the King James Version.Episode 229: As Paul and Barnabas entered Iconium to preach, both Jews and Gentiles were receptive and restored by the message of love and mercy in Jesus that they brought. But not everyone in the city was happy about this change. Certain men of influence added poison to these teachings and stirred the people against Paul and Barnabas. So they fled to Lystra where they healed a man and were called gods by the men of the city. Just as Paul and Barnabas convinced the crowd that they were mere men, the elders of Antioch came and captured Paul, bringing him out to the city to be stoned. But because of what God did for him, Paul went right back to the city the next day to continue preaching the good news of Jesus.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Scripture passages are Lamentations 4 - 5 | Psalm 79 | Acts 15:36 - 16:10.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

In this Bible Story, Paul and Barnabas began their journey to preach the gospel in parts of Greece and Rome. Although they are met with some opposition, the Lord moves. This story is inspired by Acts 13. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 13:9 from the King James Version.Episode 228: The Church in Antioch continued to grow under the direction of God and His servants Barnabas and Saul. As they were praying, God showed them His call for them to move on to the next city. As the men ventured to Paphos they met a man named Bar-Jesus. A man filled with evil intent who held great influence over the people. When Paul and Bar-Jesus came face to face, the sorcerer was blinded by the power of God and the people came to believe the message of Jesus.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bible Story, Saul and Barnabas team up to advance the gospel in Antioch. Saul is still learning about what it truly means to walk with Jesus, and Barnabas acts as a brilliant mentor and friend. This story is inspired by Acts 11:19-30. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 11:26 from the King James Version.Episode 226: As more men and women came to faith in Jerusalem, more were beaten and thrown into jail. Because of this, many believers scattered across the Roman Empire setting as far as Cyprus and Antioch for safety. In these cities, the gospel began to break out from being a Jewish-only message, now Greeks and Hellenists were receiving Jesus too! The attitude of the believers in the city was so helpful that people began to refer to these followers as little Christs, a name that has stuck with us for generations.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.