Doug’s Coffee Break

In this episode, we unpack the Jerusalem Council’s turning point decision on Gentile inclusion in the early Church. Peter’s speech reframes salvation—not as a matter of law but as a matter of grace and faith—declaring boldly that all are saved the same way. It’s a defining moment that reshaped the boundaries of the early Christian community.

A theological flashpoint erupts in Antioch as some insist Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas head to Jerusalem to confront the issue head-on, setting the stage for a defining moment in the early church. This episode explores the rising tension between law and grace, and why the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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.