Paul & Barnabas on Mission

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew twenty eight nineteen. Lord Jesus, we thank you for the great commission calling us to go and make disciples of all nations. We are humbled by this privilege and responsibility. Fill us with your spirit that we may boldly share the good news, baptizing others in your name and teaching them to follow your ways. Give us the courage to step out in faith, knowing you are always with us. Open our eyes to the opportunities around us, and empower us to be your hands and feet in this world. May our lives be a testament to your love, leading others to the hope and salvation found only you and your powerful name. We pray Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini series on the birth of the Church. If this podcast has blessed you, we would love it if you left a review. Doing so makes a huge impact on our team. Saul shaking knees bent in between two wooden pillars. He placed his hands on them and allowed the elders to bind his wrists. His rabbi had taught him to obey his elders, honor them, respect them. And now his rabbi stood over him with a heavy whip firmly gripped in his hands. The whip was dark and had four pronged straps frayed at the end, with small pieces of bone tied to them. The entire congregation stood around him, scowling and with spite in their eyes. Saul's father was among them, adorned with a blue fringed robe and leather amulet fastened to his head dress. He was a pharisee first, and a tent maker second. Being a concerned father, was on the lower end of the list. Saul's father was the first to accuse him. One by one, they read him his sins, blasphemy, eating in the homes of gentiles, and disobedience to elders. These things would have been more tolerable if they hadn't all been in the name of Jesus. Saul had no regrets, even as the heavy whip rained fire onto his back and ribs. Blood spattered across the stone floor beneath him. Saul bore his teeth and breathed in deeply, awaiting another lash. Twenty six lashes as punishment, thirteen on the front and thirteen on the back. He took all of them with passion and joy. The whip felt like jagged wire, tearing furrows in his flash. The frayedians wrapped around his shoulders to his chest, and tore away at his skin. Each lash was more painful than the last. The words of Christ echoed in his heart. 00:03:39 Speaker 2: Blessed are you? I persecute you for my namesake. 00:03:43 Speaker 1: Saul didn't consider himself particularly blessed at this moment, but he knew great blessings were awaiting him. At the end of his torture, Saul was called to pick up his cross in pursuit of Jesus. All followers of Christ must suffer. Somehow, Saul saw this torture for what it was refining. 00:04:06 Speaker 3: If you do not take care to observe the words of the law. 00:04:11 Speaker 4: Written in the scriptures, then you are right to fear the glory and might of God. 00:04:16 Speaker 1: The rabbi shouted. Saul's entire body was shaking, his hands were cold, and his head was getting fuzzy. Thirteen more lashes were awaiting him. More furrows were sent to his back, wrapping around his ribs to the lower end of his waist. It was intense pain, almost unbearable, Yet there was a small flickering flame within Saul that kept him going. Saul endured to the end, grateful that he could share in some way the sufferings of Christ. Each tear on his skin reminded him that a life lived for Jesus would not be easy. When the floor was finished, each member of the congregation left one by one. All that remained were his mother and father. His father, too disgusted to look in his eyes, gestured for his servants to carry him back home so his mother could tend to his wounds. They were ashamed of their son, but still obliged to hoist him. Saul lay in bed for a few days, trying not to move. Each time he entched in a particular direction, he could feel his wounds tearing underneath his bandages. He looked up at the ceiling and pondered his next steps. His father entered the room quietly and sat on the stool in the corner. Saul sat up, wincing at the pain. He looked up at his father. He was cold, distant and perturbed. 00:05:53 Speaker 5: The elders have made their decision. You are hereby banished from the synagogue. 00:06:03 Speaker 1: Saul did not respond at first. He looked at his father blankly. Saul's father rubbed his temples and sighed, and. 00:06:11 Speaker 5: Your inheritance has been taken from you. Nothing I have would be passed down to a blasphemer and a betrayer of his people. 00:06:20 Speaker 1: Saul once again was silent, saying nothing. His father stood up angrily and shouted. 00:06:27 Speaker 6: See what happens when you follow a dead blasphemer. Everything you've worked for is lost. Everything that was your birthright is gone. What do you have to say for yourself? 00:06:41 Speaker 1: The fresh wounds on Saul's back burned as he stood to his feet to face his father. Blood leaked through the bandages, but he was determined to meet his father's eye line. Saul's response was cutting and resolute. 00:06:59 Speaker 4: Everything I have gained in this life I consider a loss for Christ's sake. 00:07:06 Speaker 1: His voice was shaky from the pain, but his conviction was steady. He approached his father with more deliberate steps. 00:07:16 Speaker 4: I see everything as a loss compared to the overwhelming gain of knowing Jesus Christ, my Lord. For his sake, I will suffer even more than this. 00:07:32 Speaker 1: At this point, blood was dripping from Paul's bandages, a few drops at the floor before Paul grabbed his pack and limped the door. He placed a hand on the handle and opened it, and then looked back at his father. 00:07:46 Speaker 4: Everything I have lost, everything you still hold, So dear, I consider a heaping pile of dung compared to what I have in Christ. 00:07:57 Speaker 1: With those words, Saul left his horn and disappeared into the wild country outside Tarsus. He did not know what the next step would be, but he knew there would be favor at the feet of Jesus. So Saul sought out solitude to confide in the spirit and gain wisdom. 00:08:23 Speaker 7: Are you ready, at a moment's notice to pick up everything that you knew and press forward to what God has for you? Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Cinematic stories inspired by the Gospel meant to awaken our faith and enliven our imagination. Today we're journeying back to the bustling cosmopolitan city of Antioch has described in Acts eleven nineteen through thirty. Now Antioch wasn't your average ancient city. Think of it, as New York City of its day, diverse, dynamic, and perhaps it had decadent. It was here, in this melting pot of culture and ideas that God sent two men named Saul and Barnabas. 00:09:04 Speaker 1: Barnabas walked the streets of Tarsus, talking to venders and merchants about where to find the nearest synagogue. They all pointed east toward the hill. The Hellenist synagogue was set apart and separated from the rest of the city. He marched up the winding path and eventually found himself in the courtyard. It became apparent quickly that Saul had been there for many of the elders were debating among themselves regarding the resurrection of the dead. Wherever Saul went there seemed to be controversy. He approached them humbly with a bow of his head. 00:09:41 Speaker 3: Shalom, brothers. I was wondering when I might be able to find Saul the tent maker and pharisee Ah. That traitor was denied access to this synagogue weeks ago. He's out fraternized it with gentiles and sinners. Down the hill. 00:09:57 Speaker 1: Barnabas bowed his head, stepped bat and paced down the hill. He waded through the busy marketplace, keeping an eye out for Saul. He didn't need to look law A large crowd was gathering in the center of the marketplace, and Barnabas had a sneaking suspicion Saul was somehow responsible. He pressed through the sea of people to the center, all to find a short, broad shouldered, bald bearded Saul speaking to the crowd. Barnabas smiled and crossed his arms. He listened to Saul's passionate plea for people to repent and believe in the Gospel. They ridiculed him, but it did not deter Saul from preaching anyway. Barnabas was always impressed by Saul's determination to proclaim the Gospel, even with clamors of doubt in the background. Saul spoke for nearly an hour before being laughed out of the marketplace. He stepped down from the steps and off. Saul left the fray, with people bumping his shoulders and throwing food at him, but his head remained high. As he was leaving, Saul caught a glimpse of Barnabas standing at the corner. Saul's eyes lit up with joy, and he ran over to embrace him. They walked out of the marketplace together and sat beside an orchard. Barnabas noticed something different about Saul. The way he walked was different, bow legged and slightly hunched over. It was clear that Saul had been severely flogged since they had last seen each other. 00:11:37 Speaker 3: It seems like you have suffered here. I remember watching Peter and John being beaten outside the courtyard of the Hall in Jerusalem. They said that it was a joy to share in the sufferings of Christ. I didn't know what they meant then, but I do know. 00:11:56 Speaker 1: Saul pulled down the shoulder of his tunic, revealing his fresh scars. 00:12:00 Speaker 3: Why have you come here, Arnivus? 00:12:02 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled and leaned back. Soaking in the Tarcian sun, He could smell hens of the ocean breeze wafting in from the south. 00:12:11 Speaker 3: Much has changed since you left Jerusalem, the one There has been a movement of gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. Can you believe it, oh, Saul, It is spreading like wildfire. Christ's name is being proclaimed to the surrounding regions. The Apostles sent me to Antioch because many people believe in Jesus. There the gathering is enormous, and they are hungry to learn more about Jesus. Praise be to God. It is unlike anything I have seen before. Jews, Gentile, slaves, and nobles are all coming together under the same roof to worship and pray. But aren't the Jews worried about eating and communing with Gentiles? Not as many any more. Peter received a vision from God and went into the home of a Gentile, and all of them received the Holy Spirit. Others have had similar experiences. God is breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles. So why have you left Antioch to come here? Because I need your help, Saul. The Jews in Antioch, they are Hellenists and jew You speak fluent in Greek. You have much. You have a much richer understanding of Greek culture than I do. I need your help to reach them and raise them in the Lord. Saul, will you come back with me? 00:13:39 Speaker 1: It was an easy answer for Saul. He knew his time in Tarsus was up and the new adventure awaited him. He and Barnabas set sail for Antioch, the crown jewel of Syria as the sails released and caught the wind. Saul looked back at his childhood home. The place that had given him so much life an opportunity, was now a place of heartache. He left his family behind, mindful of the words spoken by Jesus. 00:14:10 Speaker 2: Whoever does not hate his father and mother will not be my disciple. 00:14:14 Speaker 1: Of course, Saul did not hate his father and mother, nor did Jesus call anyone to hate his family. However, compared to the intense love he experienced in Jesus, all other familial commitments seem small. He left Tarsus in peace, knowing his true family awaited him in Antioch. From the outside, it was the greatest city Saul had ever seen. After walking sixteen miles beside the Orontas River, they beheld the glory of atioch The river flowed peacefully beside the city, covering the surrounding plains in wild flowers and fresh vegetation. The splendid metropolis rested beside the canyons of Mount Silpius. Saul looked at the side of the mountain and gasped. Carved into the side of the canyon was a faceless human head with a scepter. Beside it, the carving was glorious and haunting simultaneously, a faceless giant and watchman looming over the city with intimidation. Barnabus gestured to the mountains, carving that is. 00:15:30 Speaker 3: A carving of Charon, the ferrymen of the underworld. The gentiles in the city claimed, the river goes straight to Hayes, and Sharon ferries them there. 00:15:42 Speaker 1: The city was a magnificent example of Greek architecture and Roman wealth. However, is Saul entered its splendor, Dissipated signs of poverty and despair lace the streets below, while the upper hills of the city gleamed with whitewashed wealth. The asperity was staggering. Temples for pagan gods were erected on every street corner, and everywhere there wasn't a temple, there were theaters and the hippodrome for gladiator games and chariot races. The two men walked south, eventually passing the grove of Daphne. Hundreds of temple prostitutes laid bare chested against the walls, luring men and women for their loue worship. Even by Roman standards, Antioch was debased. Saul averted his eyes not yet desensitized to the world's wickedness. Outside the synagogue, Paul and Barnabas made their way to Singon Street in the Epiphania district of Antioch. Saul cringed to see Kahran's looming head looking down at him. Barnabas led Saul to a modest home near the Pantheon. The house was bustling and crowded with Jews Greeks, rich and poor. Food flowed in and out of the kitchen to provide for the sick, widowed, and orphaned Sitting in the courtyard. A continental cacophony of prayer and music could be heard from the upper room. The believers met every day throughout the day to accommodate the different lifestyles and schedules, so people were in and out of the house daily, checking in, praying, and breaking bread. It was magnificent for Poulticy. The tall, dark man with broad shoulders and a deep voice approached Barnabas and took his hand. 00:17:41 Speaker 4: We are glad you have returned, Barnabas, you have been missed. 00:17:46 Speaker 1: Barnabas smiled at the man, then gestured behind his shoulder to Saul. 00:17:51 Speaker 3: Saul, I would like you to meet Simon of Surri. 00:17:58 Speaker 1: Saul paused and looked the man up and down. The two of them had met before. Simon was a prominent member of the Church of Jerusalem, before most believers were run out of the city because of Saul's threats. Simon fled with his wife and young sons, Rufus and Alexander. Saul bowed his head in contrition. Simon of Syrene, I am you are forgiven. Saul. My wife and i Ah have pleased to have you here in our home. Saul would come to find out that Simon was the man who helped Jesus carry his cross up to Golgotha, and his wife was a mother to the entire Church of Antioch. Saul himself would come to call her his own mother, and Rufus and Alexander his brothers. Antioch gave Saul a sense of belonging, something he had not felt in over a decade. It became a place of healing and restoration for his weary soul. God was answering his prayers and preparing him for the hardships ahead. Saul melded with the believers in Antioch, eventually becoming their shepherd and leader. Together, they forged new partnerships in the city, hosted meals for the widowed and orphaned, and taught the words of Jesus in every home. People entered Simon's house daily to hear Saul weave the Gospel into every account in scripture. Every day. His skills in orating the Word of God grew sharper, and his passion deepened. With every passing day. Saul was a man on fire, and every one who passed him was ignited. The Church of Antioch became well known in the city, so prominent that the local authorities came up with a new name for them, Christians Little Christs. The storm was unrelenting, and the howling winds slammed against the roof like giants. The Christians of Antioch remained inside the house of Simon, huddled together for comfort. Saul was among them, passing out warm broth to the children. The storm had raged for days, and every one was unsure when the sun would return. Lightning struck violently, flashing light against the looming head of Charon. Underneath a mountain, dredging through the mud and wind, four hooded figures approached Simon's home Their steps were slow and fatigued as they traversed the wet roads. Saul looked out the window and saw them coming. He opened the door, and rain began to pour in violently. He ran to them, braving the wind, to receive them. 00:20:58 Speaker 3: At the gate. I am fall, the shepherd of this church. Are you in need of shelter? 00:21:05 Speaker 1: One of the hooded men lifted his head and looked at Saul. He was an older man, no younger than seventy, and his gray curls covered half of his bearded face. His right eye seemed scarred by some burn and no longer worked. It was a dreadful sight, but something about him exuded authority. 00:21:27 Speaker 2: I am Agabus. 00:21:29 Speaker 1: His voice was as deep as thunder. 00:21:32 Speaker 2: I have come with a word from the spirit. 00:21:37 Speaker 1: Saul took their packs and led them into the house. Simon's wife greeted them with wine and warm broth. They received it gladly and composed themselves. Dozens of people were in the same room, waiting intently for the men to speak and explain why they had traveled to them. Agabas stood before them and raised his shaking hand. 00:22:00 Speaker 8: The spirits of our Lord Jesus has brought me from Jerusalem to you and all the churches outside Palestine. A great famine is coming, one unlike we have ever seen in our lifetime. Christ desires that his Church would rise to meet the needs of the people in their time of distress. Prepare labor, seek out food and provisions to share among yourselves and the poor. 00:22:25 Speaker 2: Do not delay. This would be the last storm in many months. 00:22:30 Speaker 1: Saul and Barnabas exchanged looks and nodded. They had no reason to doubt Agabus or the men who accompanied him. Saul saw this as an opportunity to unite the churches throughout the world. They could collect provisions and share resources to meet each other's needs during the famine, and so doing, perhaps the Jewish believers would be united with the Gentile believers as well. 00:22:57 Speaker 3: If we can meet the needs of our people, that will be a testimony to the world. This is our chance to prove that the body of Christ can be a light in the darkness. It is also an opportunity for unity among the Jews Gentiles. 00:23:14 Speaker 1: Barnabas agreed, and the two rallied the surrounding churches to store resources for the coming famine. They spent months gathering whatever they could to redistribute to areas of greatest need. As it turned out, the greatest need was in Jerusalem. Things had grown darker there under the rule of hero At Agrippa. His cruelty rivaled that of his predecessor, who beheaded John the Baptist. He expanded the walls of Jerusalem northward, creating stress on the city's laborers. He also began a campaign against the Christians of Jerusalem. He beheaded James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter. Although Peter was able to escape, the sting of James's death lingered and caused a great deal of panic among the disciples. Saul was determined to bring the maid and establish himself as a reliable figure and leader for the church. As Saul worked, he looked inward and asked himself if he was doing this for selfish game? 00:24:20 Speaker 3: Am I aiming to please the apostles? 00:24:23 Speaker 4: Is this offering a bribe to get their approval? 00:24:27 Speaker 1: Saul never used to ask such questions. His selfish ambitions and righteous mission were one and the same. But now that he had the Lord's spirit dwelling within him, guiding and convicting, he could truly assess the nature of his intentions. Saul looked up and closed his eyes. He sighed a prayer, not for my glory, but yours, Lord Jesus. Saul and Barnabas secured the provisions necessary to aid the Church in Jerusalem. It was a significant endeavor that required great precision and administration. First, they must hire a charter to sail the supplies to Joppa. From there, they would set up a mule train to travel from Joppa to Jerusalem. Saul recruited a young man named Titus to aid them in the mission. However, Titus was an uncircumcised Greek, and Barnabas feared the Jewish believers might shun him. The rebel within Saul was eager to push those boundaries. He shrugged and explained his reasons to Barnabas. 00:25:38 Speaker 3: What has happened here in Antioch is a miracle. The apostles need to see that there are gentile believers who can lead. You will be instigating debates, Saul, it seems to be a gift of mine. 00:25:53 Speaker 1: Titus joined them, and the three companions set sail for Joppa. The church in Antioch prayed over them and sent them off with joy. Saul was eager to return to Jerusalem. He was not the same as when he left. He was an established shepherd of a church and experienced in leading. In the quiet of his heart, God had revealed that he was appointed an apostle of Jesus Christ. Yet his relationship with Jesus was different than the others. Saul wondered if he would ever be accepted as one of them. He leaned over the bow of the ship and thought about his calling. The spirit had stirred him up in the past year, and his mission was becoming more evident. The multi cultural church in Antioch showcased the heart of God for all people. 00:26:45 Speaker 2: Groups to know him. 00:26:47 Speaker 1: Saul now knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles, the one who could bring the Gospel of Jesus to the ends of the earth, thus fulfilling the great commission of Christ. 00:27:04 Speaker 2: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. 00:27:14 Speaker 7: The passage begins with believers scattered due to persecution that arose over Stephen. They traveled far and wide, Phoenicia, Cypress, and yes Antioch, spreading the Word, but initially only to fellow Jews. But then some daring souls from Cypress and Syreene decided to shake things up. They began sharing the good news with the Greeks and Gentiles. This was revolutionary. It was like adding hot sauce to a recipe that's always been mild. And what happened. It says that the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones is precisely what's needed for God's work to flourish. Word got back to Jerusalem at that point. About this unexpected revival among the Gentiles, the Church decided to send Barnabas to Antioch. Now Barnabas's name means son of encouragement, and he definitely lives up to it. When he arrives, he sees the grace of God at work. He's glad, not skeptical or jealous, and encourages them all to remain faithful. Barnabas doesn't stop there, though, Realizing the magnitude of the task, he sets off to Tarsus to find Saul. Yes, the very Saul who once persecuted Christians but had since become a powerhouse for the Gospel. Together, they spend a whole year teaching and building up the church in Antioch. Isn't it beautiful how God uses community to strengthen us. Barnabas knew he couldn't do it alone, so he brought Saul into the fold. It reminds me that collaboration often multiplies our effectiveness. Here's the kicker. It says in Acts eleven twenty six the Disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Before this, followers of Jesus were known by various names, Disciples, saints, believers, followers of the Way. But now they're being labeled Christians, which means belonging to Christ or little Christs. Interestingly, this name wasn't necessarily given as a compliment. It may have been more of a term of mockery from those outside of the faith. Yet the believers embraced it. They wore it as a badge of honor because it identified them with Jesus. What does being called a Christian mean to us today? Is it just a demographic checkbox or is it just a demographic checkbox? Or does it reflect our deepest identity in a world eager to define us by our jobs? Politics? Or social status. Let's remember that our primary identifier is Jesus. The story doesn't end there, though. Prophets come from Jerusalem to Antioch, one of whom Agabus predicts a severe famine. The believers in Antioch respond immediately, each, according to their ability, decide to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea. Now consider this. These were predominantly gentile believers collecting aid for Jewish believers, a group that might have previously seen them as outsiders. This act of generosity transcended cultural and ethnic barriers. It's what Christianity in action is supposed to look like, a tangible expression of love. Antioch was a city where believers first embraced the name Christian, turning a label into a legacy. They showed us that faith knows no boundaries, and that encouragement feels growth, and that our identity in Christ should permeate every aspect of our lives. As we navigate our own Antiochs, cities and communities filled with diversity and challenges, Let's remember who we are and whose we are. Let's look boldly, love generously, and let the world see the grace of God at work in us.