Doug’s Coffee Break

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.

Paul's first recorded sermon in Acts is a masterclass in connecting Old Testament promises to the gospel of Jesus. Speaking to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, Paul lays out a sweeping history, a bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, and a heartfelt invitation to believe.

John Mark’s unexpected departure leaves a mark on the early mission—but the journey presses on. Paul and Barnabas arrive in Pisidian Antioch, where Paul steps up to deliver his first recorded sermon. It's a turning point of both challenge and bold proclamation.

The gospel’s journey to the Gentile world begins in earnest as Barnabas and Saul sail to Cyprus. A clash with a Jewish sorcerer in Paphos reveals both spiritual power and shifting leadership—Paul takes the lead, and a Roman proconsul becomes a believer. It’s a moment of confrontation, clarity, and the unfolding mission to the nations.

In this episode, we explore the shift from Jerusalem to Antioch as the center of early Christian mission. With a leadership team as diverse as the city itself, the church at Antioch sets apart Barnabas and Saul for their first major missionary journey—guided by the Holy Spirit and confirmed through community. A turning point in the spread of the gospel begins here.

Herod Agrippa’s fatal pride and the diplomatic drama with Tyre and Sidon set the stage for a turning point in Acts. With Herod gone, the gospel gains momentum—proving again that no opposition can stop the Word of God from advancing.

Peter’s miraculous jailbreak and hilarious doorstep delay bring a human and joyful touch to Acts 12. From Rhoda’s excitement to Herod’s wrath, this episode unpacks the tension, humor, and theology—like guardian angels and the early church’s leadership dynamics.

Peter’s miraculous escape from prison shows how deeply he trusted Christ—even sleeping peacefully the night before his trial. With divine intervention and the church’s earnest prayers, Peter walked free and headed straight to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where the early church was already gathered. Another powerful reminder: God’s mission doesn’t stop when opposition rises.

This episode draws a stark contrast between generosity and persecution as Acts 12 opens. While the Antioch church reaches out in love, Herod Agrippa I moves to crush the early believers—executing James and jailing Peter under heavy guard. Yet even in chains, Peter is surrounded by something more powerful: the church's unceasing prayer.