The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 332: Barnabas and Paul On Mission (2024) Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In the penultimate episode of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the final chapters of the Apostle Paul's teachings and the pivotal moments that shaped the early Christian church. Guided by Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike explores Acts 11, 1 Corinthians 3 & 4, and Proverbs 27:23, 27, drawing connections between scripture and contemporary Christian life.

Scripture Readings

• Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 11
• 1 Corinthians, Chapters 3 & 4
• Proverbs, Chapter 27, Verses 23 & 27
• Bible Translation: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition

Acts 11: Peter's Vision and the Inclusion of the Gentiles

Fr. Mike begins by exploring Acts 11, where Peter addresses the Jerusalem church about the expansion of God's message to the Gentiles. He recounts Peter's dramatic vision and subsequent realization that the Holy Spirit is granted to all believers, transcending cultural and religious barriers.

Notable Quote:

"Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen... speaking the word to none except Jews. But there were some of them... preaching the Lord Jesus."
(00:04:45)

Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of Peter's vision—a sheet filled with unclean animals—which symbolized the removal of old Jewish dietary laws, signifying the new covenant inclusive of Gentiles. This revelation paved the way for the church in Antioch to flourish, marking the first time followers were called "Christians."

Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement

The episode highlights Barnabas as a pivotal figure in the early church. Described as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (00:11:30), Barnabas's role as an encourager was essential in supporting Paul’s missions. His partnership with Paul exemplifies the importance of having supportive companions in ministry, reinforcing the necessity of varied gifts within the Christian community.

Notable Quote:

"Can you imagine how many days Paul tried to spread the good news and was completely rejected? If you were Paul, you would absolutely need a Barnabas in your life."
(00:15:20)

1 Corinthians 3 & 4: Addressing Dissension and Building on the Foundation of Christ

Fr. Mike transitions to 1 Corinthians 3 & 4, where Paul tackles the issues of jealousy and division within the Corinthian church. He underscores Paul's call for unity, reminding believers that they are all building upon the same foundation—Jesus Christ.

Key Insights:

• Foundation and Growth: Paul uses the metaphor of planting and watering, attributing all growth to God. This illustrates that individual contributions are secondary to God’s overarching plan.

• Testing by Fire: The analogy of building with materials tested by fire relates to the concept of purgatory, where one's works are purified to align fully with God's will.

Notable Quote:

"If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw... the fire will test what sort of work each one has done."
(00:23:10)

Fr. Mike connects this to the Catholic understanding of purification after death, emphasizing that while all are saved, their works are evaluated for eternal rewards.

Proverbs 27:23, 27: Stewardship and Diligence

Turning to Proverbs 27:23, 27, Fr. Mike highlights the importance of diligent stewardship and caring for one's responsibilities. This wisdom literature complements the New Testament teachings by reinforcing the value of attention and care in both spiritual and material aspects of life.

Notable Quote:

"Know well the condition of your flocks and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever."
(00:27:50)

Modern Reflections and Applications

Fr. Mike bridges the scriptures to modern Christian life, addressing contemporary issues of division and the need for unity within the church. He reflects on:

• Roles within the Church: Drawing parallels between Barnabas’s encouragement and the various roles individuals play in supporting one another’s spiritual journeys.

• Authority and Leadership: Clarifying the respectful use of titles such as "Father" within the Catholic tradition, aligning it with Paul's own references to paternal roles in the faith community.

Notable Quote:

"Here is St. Paul who is referring to himself as Father. So hopefully, especially if you ever have a tough time, you're like, okay, I like this podcast and everything, but I really hate that he calls himself Father Mike."
(00:35:40)

Fr. Mike reassures listeners that these titles do not contradict Jesus’s teachings but rather reflect the communal and guiding roles within the church.

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, asking for God’s guidance to live faithfully and embrace the roles bestowed upon each believer. He encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith, echoing the lessons from Acts and Corinthians about unity, stewardship, and the transformative power of God's word.

Final Reflections:

"Hopefully, I don't say these things to cause division. I say them because hopefully, we can hear those things and say, oh, okay, I see where Catholics get some of these things. I see where this isn't contradicting scripture. I see that we're more united than we are divided."
(00:40:25)

Fr. Mike emphasizes the unity of all Christians, regardless of denominational differences, underscoring the shared foundation in Christ and the collective journey towards spiritual fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Inclusivity of the Gospel: Peter’s vision in Acts 11 signifies the universal reach of Christianity, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

• Importance of Encouragement: Barnabas exemplifies the critical role of encouragement and support within the Christian mission.

• Unity and Stewardship: 1 Corinthians teaches the necessity of unity and faithful stewardship, highlighting that all efforts are ultimately under God’s sovereignty.

• Personal Application: Listeners are encouraged to identify and embrace their unique roles within the church, fostering a supportive and unified Christian community.

Join the Journey

As Fr. Mike approaches the end of the Bible in a Year journey, he invites listeners to reflect on their spiritual growth and the interconnectedness of biblical narratives. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring story of salvation history and its relevance to believers today.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe: Ensure you receive daily episodes and updates by subscribing to the podcast.
• Download the Reading Plan: Access your personalized Bible in a Year Reading Plan at ascensionpress.com/babylonyear.

Closing Prayer:

"God, lead us closer and closer to you. Let us close and closer to your church. Lead us closer and closer to the truth and the fullness of truth that's revealed in scripture and in the church, in scripture and in tradition. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."

Fr. Mike Schmitz's insightful reflections in this episode provide a profound understanding of the early church's challenges and triumphs, offering valuable lessons for today's Christians striving to live out their faith with unity and purpose.