Commuter Bible NT

At this point in our reading of Acts, it has become clear that the Gentiles are welcomed by God Himself into this burgeoning body of Christ followers known as the church. The Gentiles did not have Abraham as their father and were not originally part of the Jewish community, which raises the question: should they be required to abide by the customs of God’s covenant with Israel? The apostles and elders of the early church discuss two important factors: 1) The Spirit has been freely given to the Gentiles without distinction, 2) it was prophesied that David’s fallen tent would be rebuilt so that all humanity may seek the Lord. Their advice includes abstaining from certain freedoms as well as abstaining from the sin of sexual immorality. Later, Paul and Barnabas amiably part ways and continue preaching.

:::
Christian Standard Bible translation.
All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.
Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible
facebook.com/commuterbible
instagram.com/commuter_bible
twitter.com/CommuterPod
patreon.com/commuterbible
[email protected]

Barnabus and Paul are on a missionary journey together, traveling through towns in the Roman empire to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. They have just left Antioch of Pisidia where they preached Christ in a Jewish synagogue, and while many of the people received them warmly, the Jewish community at large was displeased and expelled them from their district. Today, Barnabus and Paul visit Iconium where the Lord performs signs and wonders through them. When they discover some have plans to stone them, they flee to Lystra. There, a man who is unable stand is healed, and the crowds declare our missionaries to be Greek gods in human form. Jews come from the previous two towns and successfully stone Paul, but escapes death and continues preaching the gospel.

:::
Christian Standard Bible translation.
All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.
Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible
facebook.com/commuterbible
instagram.com/commuter_bible
twitter.com/CommuterPod
patreon.com/commuterbible
[email protected]

In our last episode, we concluded midway through Paul’s sermon at a synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia. Attending the synagogue on the Sabbath, the two men sat down only to be addressed by the leaders, asking if they had any word of encouragement. Today, he continues that sermon and at its conclusion it’s clear that his teaching has gained an audience. When he returns to teach on the following Sabbath, the whole town shows up to hear him. The Jews in Antioch are displeased with his popularity and begin to contradict and insult him. When Paul mentions that they are turning to the Gentiles with their message of salvation, the crowd rejoices and the good news continues to spread.

:::
Christian Standard Bible translation.
All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.
Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible
facebook.com/commuterbible
instagram.com/commuter_bible
twitter.com/CommuterPod
patreon.com/commuterbible
[email protected]

Barnabus and Saul are about to be set apart for the work of spreading the gospel to other lands. If you’ve ever ventured into the back of your printed Bible you’re likely to find a map of Paul’s first missionary journey. That journey begins today. Saul is first called Paul in today’s chapter, and is referred to by that name from here on. Sent by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabus travel to varying cities proclaiming the gospel in Jewish synagogues. At Paphos, they witness to the proconsul, but a Jewish false-prophet who works for the proconsul tries to dissuade him from believing their message. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul rebukes him and the man is miraculously blinded. Our episode concludes midway through one of Paul’s sermons to fellow Israelites in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch.

:::
Christian Standard Bible translation.
All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.
Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible
facebook.com/commuterbible
instagram.com/commuter_bible
twitter.com/CommuterPod
patreon.com/commuterbible
[email protected]

Our reading today begins with an event that is not described in detail, but which must have been another disheartening blow to the early church. Having recently endured the Sanhedrin’s execution of Stephen, they now find themselves at odds with Herod who has executed James the brother of John. James was not only one of the twelve, but one of three disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Christ. Seeing that it pleased the Jews, Herod arrests Peter also in order to execute him. Though his power is great, it is no match for the power of God Almighty, who has other plans for Peter.

:::
Christian Standard Bible translation.
All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.
Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible
facebook.com/commuterbible
instagram.com/commuter_bible
twitter.com/CommuterPod
patreon.com/commuterbible
[email protected]