Controversy and Vindication
August 20, 2023
Glenn Smith traces four vignettes in Acts 11 to show how the center of gravity of the early church shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch, bringing geographic, cultural, and numerical expansion as the gospel reaches Greek-speaking pagans. He calls the church to take its context seriously, remain open to the Spirit’s surprising work, and personally learn to recognize and join the hand and grace of God at work.
Presenting the Gospel Among the Religious
October 15, 2023
Huberson Tape reflects on Paul’s ministry in Acts 17:1-15, showing how Paul reasoned from the Scriptures to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah and how different audiences responded with either hostility or noble examination. He calls Christians to present the gospel with wisdom and discernment, while cultivating a Berean spirit that listens carefully, examines Scripture, and responds in humble obedience.
The Trial Before Agrippa
February 18, 2024
James Fuoco recounts Paul’s defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26:1-32, highlighting Paul’s testimony of his former zeal in persecuting Christians and his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He emphasizes the transforming power of the gospel, Paul’s obedience to the heavenly vision, and the central claim that Christ’s suffering and resurrection fulfill the promises of the Scriptures.
On to Caesar and Rome
March 3, 2024
Christian Morasse reflects on the seemingly abrupt ending of Acts and shows that Paul’s arrival in Rome is not the end of the story but the continuation of God’s mission, as the gospel advances despite shipwrecks, imprisonment, and opposition. He concludes by urging the church to see itself as part of the ongoing story, faithfully and effectively advancing the gospel in dependence on the Holy Spirit.