Episode Summary: "Day 338: Death Defeated"
Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Scripture Readings: Acts 17; 1 Corinthians 15; Proverbs 28:16-18
Main Theme
Victory Over Death and the Reality of the Resurrection
This episode centers on Paul's proclamation of Jesus' resurrection—the very core of Christian hope—and what it means for believers: death is not the end but has been conquered through Christ. Fr. Mike unpacks key moments in both Acts and 1 Corinthians, bridging the original context and the implications for Christians today. The enduring invitation is to live hope-filled, countercultural lives marked by the reality of resurrection.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Paul’s Missionary Journey: Uproar and Fruit in Thessalonica and Athens
- (00:52–05:12) In Acts 17, Paul preaches in Thessalonica, provoking both conversions and violent opposition.
- Notable: Jason is dragged before city authorities; Christians are accused of “turning the world upside down.”
- Paul then ministers in Beroea (where Jews are more “noble,” eagerly examining Scriptures), and finally, Athens.
- Cultural clash in Athens: Paul addresses the philosophically minded Athenians at the Areopagus, speaking of the "unknown God" and boldly proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection—a teaching many dismiss.
2. The Significance of the Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15
- (05:12–11:35) St. Paul emphasizes the resurrection as foundational:
- Historical witnesses: Christ died, was buried, rose, and appeared to Cephas, the Twelve, and many others.
- No resurrection, no faith: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor 15:17, 10:52)
- Firstfruits of resurrection: Christ’s resurrection guarantees that “as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor 15:22)
- Nature of resurrection: Paul compares the difference between our current and resurrected bodies—physical versus spiritual, perishable versus imperishable.
3. Fruits and Challenges of Living the Gospel
- (12:03–18:00) Fr. Mike reflects on inevitable opposition when Christians live authentically:
- The apostles' fruitfulness is always met with oppression: “That oppression does not discourage them.”
- Christians are to turn the world upside down by how differently they live, even if it invites persecution.
4. Body and Spirit: A Countercultural Christian Teaching
- (14:00–17:00)
- The belief in bodily resurrection counters both ancient Greek dualism and modern ideas.
- Identity: “You are your body; you are your soul... the body you have is the right body.” —Fr. Mike
- Bodily resurrection is not just symbolism; it’s physical reality, restoring and redeeming the whole person.
5. The Final Victory: No More Fear of Death
- (17:00–20:00) Paul’s proclamation:
- “Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:54-55)
- Because of Jesus' resurrection, believers do not grieve like those “who have no hope.”
- Resurrection life: Our bodies will be transformed, like Christ’s, and creation itself will be renewed.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Turning the World Upside Down
- “They said this...these men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.” —Fr. Mike, referencing Acts 17:6 (13:00)
- “If I'm like everyone else, then I'm not like Jesus... there's no turning the world upside down if you're just looking like the rest of the world.” —Fr. Mike (13:50)
- On Resurrection as Essential, Not Optional
- “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” —St. Paul, 1 Cor 15:17 (10:52)
- “There was a movement…that said Jesus only rose in their hearts. Well, that goes against what St. Paul declares today.” —Fr. Mike (15:30)
- Hope and Invitation
- “We do not mourn like the rest... we do not weep in vain, because we have not believed in vain. You have conquered death and we will rise.” —Fr. Mike’s prayer (12:30)
- “What Jesus’ resurrected body looked like is what our bodies will share in... So your physical body resurrected from the dead will need a physical place to abide.” —Fr. Mike (18:32)
- “I’m praying... that one day if we don’t meet in this life, that we’re able to meet literally face to face in the resurrected flesh, in God’s presence in heaven.” —Fr. Mike (20:40)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Introduction and Readings: 00:04–12:03
- Reflective Opening Prayer: 12:03–13:00
- Acts 17 Commentary (Turning the World Upside Down): 13:00–14:30
- Countercultural Nature of Resurrection/Bodily Identity: 14:30–17:00
- 1 Corinthians 15 Commentary (Victory Over Death): 17:00–19:30
- Closing Reflections and Blessing: 20:30–21:34
Flow and Takeaways
Fr. Mike’s commentary is passionate, accessible, and convicting. He blends scriptural exegesis with modern application—challenging Christians to live resurrection hope in tangible, often countercultural ways. The resurrection is not a distant belief but a present reality that reshapes grief, mortality, identity, and purpose.
Listeners are encouraged to:
- Embrace the reality of bodily resurrection.
- Fearlessly live in hope, standing out in a culture desperately seeking meaning.
- Trust that suffering and persecution do not nullify the Christian witness but can serve as fertile ground for fruitfulness.
- Anticipate the fullness of God’s promise—a future where death is truly defeated, and joy is made complete.
Summary prepared for those seeking depth and clarity on Episode 338. This episode is a powerful resource for reflecting on the ultimate Christian hope: death is defeated—forever—in Christ.