After the Gospel sweeps through Psidian Antioch, the town is left to side either with angry Jews or with persecuted but rejoicing Christians.
The Holy Spirit launches the first missionary journey for Paul and Barnabas from Antioch into Cyprus. The church now becomes proactive and deliberate about reaching the world for Jesus. Despite opposition from a gospel perverter, Paul through the Spirit brings the proconsul to faith. Additional Scriptures referenced: Matthew 8:12, Matthew 25:30, Isaiah 5:20, John 3:19-20, John 9:39, 1Thess 1:4-5, 1Thess 2:8, 1Thess 2:13
What about James? What about the prayers of the saints for James? Is God not sovereign over suffering? Indeed He is, but He is also a Sovereign who underwent suffering. Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering informs some insights for the midweek lesson at Hampton Roads Church. Acts 12:1-8, 1Corinthians 15:54-56, Galatians 3:27
The Church prays earnestly for James and Peter, but James is executed while Peter is miraculously released. How does one reconcile the difference? Why didn't the disciples believe their own prayers when Peter was released? Why do we pray? And what about James?
The Gospel —and by extension — the sovereignty of Yahweh encroaches here onto foreign soil in Antioch.
