From Antioch to Ephesus

This session examines the tension between suWering and divine deliverance in the life of the early Church through the martyrdom of James and the imprisonment of Peter. We will explore how Luke portrays political power as ultimately unable to suppress the advance of the gospel. Particular attention will be given to the role of communal prayer, faithful endurance, and the sovereignty of God amid uncertainty and persecution. The session also considers why Acts places martyrdom and miraculous deliverance side by side without oWering simple explanations. We will reflect on how the early Church remained steadfast in faith while facing fear, opposition, and loss.

This session follows the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul from Antioch and the beginning of the Church’s intentional missionary expansion into the Gentile world. We will examine the relationship between worship, prayer, fasting, and discernment in the sending of missionaries. Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch will serve as a key text for understanding how the early Christians interpreted the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s story. Attention will also be given to the growing tension between acceptance and rejection as the gospel spreads beyond traditional boundaries. Through Acts 13, we will consider how mission emerges from the worshiping life of the Church and is sustained by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

This session traces Paul and Barnabas through Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe as they proclaim the gospel amid misunderstanding, persecution, and suWering. We will explore how Acts presents Christian mission not as triumphal success but as steadfast endurance through tribulation. Particular attention will be given to Paul’s encounter with pagan audiences and the challenge of communicating the gospel across cultural and religious worlds. The session also examines the strengthening of local churches and the appointment of elders as foundations for enduring Christian communities. We will reflect on how perseverance, encouragement, and shared leadership sustain the life of the Church in diWicult times.

This session examines Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, one of the most spiritually and culturally significant cities in the Roman world. We will explore themes of discipleship, spiritual power, repentance, and the confrontation between the gospel and the religious-economic structures of pagan society. Particular focus will be given to the dramatic episodes involving the sons of Sceva, the burning of magic books, and the riot surrounding the cult of Artemis. The session also considers how the gospel disrupted not only personal beliefs but the economic and cultural structures of pagan society. We will reflect on how Christianity continues to challenge the idols, loyalties, and spiritual powers that shape human life and culture.

This concluding session centers on Paul’s farewell discourse to the Ephesian elders, one of the New Testament’s richest portraits of pastoral ministry and apostolic leadership. We will examine Paul’s model of humility, sacrifice, perseverance, and care for the Church in the face of future suWering and false teaching. Particular attention will be given to the theological vision of leadership as shepherding rather than domination, and service rather than status. We will explore the emotional depth of Paul’s farewell and his willingness to surrender his life for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Through Acts 20, we will reflect on the spiritual character of Christian leadership and the enduring responsibility to guard and nurture the people of God.