Doug’s Coffee Break

Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch with a groundbreaking report: the gospel had reached the Gentiles by faith alone. This episode closes out their first missionary journey, highlighting God's grace, the breaking of ethnic and religious barriers, and the likely backdrop for the writing of Galatians.

From being worshiped to being stoned—Paul’s dramatic experience in Lystra reveals the volatile nature of early gospel work. This episode traces Paul and Barnabas’ resilience, the surprising success in Derbe, and their deliberate return to nurture and organize the fledgling churches, offering both warning and hope.

When the apostles were mistaken for gods, they tore their clothes in distress—a dramatic rejection of idolatry. This episode explores how Paul and Barnabas pivoted from being worshiped to preaching the one true Creator, offering a model for engaging those outside the biblical tradition through nature and providence.

When Paul heals a crippled man in Lystra, the crowd misreads the miracle entirely—seeing gods, not apostles. In a blend of local legend and pagan fervor, they mistake Paul and Barnabas for Hermes and Zeus, rushing to offer sacrifices. This episode unpacks the cultural layers behind their reaction and the challenge of preaching the gospel across belief systems.

In this episode, we explore Paul’s dramatic healing of a crippled man in Lystra—a moment packed with symbolism, power, and deep echoes of Peter’s earlier miracles. Discover how this act bridges Jewish and Gentile audiences and affirms Paul’s apostolic authority.

In Iconium, the gospel took root—but not without resistance. As miracles confirmed the message, opposition mounted. Paul and Barnabas stayed bold, but when threats turned violent, they moved on to Lystra, still carrying the mission forward with courage and clarity.

The gospel’s impact in Antioch was undeniable—spreading fast, provoking joy, and stirring opposition. Even as persecution rose, Paul and Barnabas stayed faithful, leaving behind a Spirit-filled community and pressing on to Iconium. The mission continues.

Paul's bold pivot from Jews to Gentiles echoes through history and scripture alike. Quoting Isaiah, he embraces his role as a light to the nations, and the Gentiles respond with joy.

Paul’s sermon concludes with a powerful offer: forgiveness through Jesus, not the Law. But it comes with a warning—reject this grace, and you risk missing God’s movement. The crowd responds with eagerness, setting the stage for both revival and resistance.

Paul boldly proclaims Jesus’ resurrection and kingship, holding nothing back. Drawing on Psalms and Isaiah, he connects Jesus’ exaltation and resurrection with Old Testament prophecy, confirming the gospel’s deep roots and radical hope.