Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 343: God Uses Paul's Past (2024)
Introduction
On Day 343 of The Bible in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, listeners delve into the profound narrative of the Apostle Paul as chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles and the Second Letter to the Corinthians. This episode, released on December 8, 2024, emphasizes how God masterfully utilizes every facet of Paul's past to forge a path for his ministry and the spread of the Gospel.
Scripture Readings Overview
Fr. Mike guides listeners through a comprehensive reading plan inspired by Jeff Cavins' The Great Adventure Bible Timeline. For this episode, the readings include:
- Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 22
- Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapters 9, 10, and 11
- Proverbs, Chapter 29, Verses 5-7
All readings are from the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, using Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible.
Paul's Defense Before the Crowd (Acts 22)
Fr. Mike begins by exploring Paul's defense before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. Paul recounts his background, emphasizing his education under Gamaliel, a renowned rabbi, and his zealous persecution of Christians:
"I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God..." (00:10)
This background sets the stage for Paul's dramatic conversion experience, where a divine encounter on the road to Damascus transforms him from a persecutor to a fervent apostle:
"A great light from heaven suddenly shone about me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (00:35)
Fr. Mike highlights Paul's Roman citizenship as a pivotal element that aids his mission, allowing him to navigate legal challenges and further his evangelical efforts:
"Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen?" (12:45)
Insights on Acts 22
Fr. Mike reflects on how Paul's past, including his legal status and education, unexpectedly becomes instrumental in his mission to preach to both Jews and Gentiles. He underscores the theme that God utilizes every aspect of our history, even those we might deem insignificant or disadvantageous.
Generosity and Giving (2 Corinthians 9)
Transitioning to 2 Corinthians 9, Fr. Mike discusses Paul's exhortation on generosity. Paul encourages the Corinthians to give willingly and cheerfully, emphasizing that:
"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart..." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Fr. Mike connects this to contemporary Christian life, urging listeners to embody genuine generosity without reluctance or compulsion. He shares personal reflections on the importance of being a cheerful giver, not merely fulfilling obligations but giving out of joy and gratitude.
Defending Paul's Ministry (2 Corinthians 10-11)
In 2 Corinthians 10 and 11, Paul defends his ministry against false apostles who undermine his authority and message. Fr. Mike delves into Paul's arguments, highlighting his reliance on divine power rather than worldly credentials:
"For though we live in the world, we are not carrying on a worldly war. For the weapons of our warfare are not worldly..." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)
Paul emphasizes the spiritual nature of his mission, focusing on destroying arguments and obstacles to the knowledge of God:
"We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Fr. Mike draws parallels between Paul's experience and modern-day challenges faced by Christians, such as combating misinformation and maintaining the purity of the Gospel amidst conflicting doctrines.
Confronting False Apostles
Paul's vigorous defense also addresses the super apostles, who boast of their credentials and exploit their positions for personal gain:
"Deliver to them the mild rebukes of the Lord Jesus and not an offense." (2 Corinthians 10:6)
Fr. Mike underscores Paul's humility and steadfast commitment to the Gospel, contrasting it with the self-serving agendas of the false apostles. He encourages listeners to remain rooted in Christ and to discern truth amidst false teachings.
Paul's Perseverance and Suffering
Further into Chapter 11, Paul recounts his sufferings and perseverance as evidence of his genuine apostleship:
"Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews the 40 lashes, less one. Three times I have been beaten with rods..." (2 Corinthians 11:24-25)
Fr. Mike highlights how Paul views his hardships not as detriments but as testimonies to his unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel. He encourages Christians to find strength in their own struggles, trusting that God can use their hardships for His purposes.
Wisdom from Proverbs (Proverbs 29:5-7)
The episode concludes with a brief reading from Proverbs 29:5-7, emphasizing the consequences of flattery and the virtues of righteousness:
"A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. An evil man is ensnared in his transgression. But a righteous man sings and rejoices. A righteous man knows the rights of the poor. A wicked man does not understand such knowledge." (Proverbs 29:5-7)
Fr. Mike reflects on the importance of integrity and genuine relationships, both in personal life and ministry. He warns against the pitfalls of deceit and superficiality, advocating for a life rooted in righteousness and truth.
Reflections and Application
Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike intertwines biblical exegesis with practical applications for contemporary believers:
-
Embracing Our Past: Just as Paul’s background became a tool for his mission, listeners are encouraged to view their own histories as potential instruments for God’s work.
-
Cheerful Generosity: True generosity stems from the heart. Fr. Mike challenges listeners to give not out of obligation but out of genuine joy and gratitude.
-
Spiritual Warfare: Understanding that true battles are spiritual, not physical, empowers believers to rely on divine strength rather than worldly tactics.
-
Discernment Against False Teachings: By recognizing and confronting false doctrines, Christians can safeguard the integrity of their faith and community.
-
Enduring Suffering with Grace: Paul's perseverance through adversity serves as a model for enduring personal trials with faith and resilience.
Prayer and Conclusion
The episode culminates with a heartfelt guided prayer, where Fr. Mike invites listeners to seek God’s presence and surrender their lives to His will:
"Lord God, help us to give you permission. Help us to allow you to do what it is you are trying to accomplish in us this day..." (End of Transcript)
Fr. Mike reinforces the theme of divine guidance and active presence in every season of life, encouraging believers to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Mike reiterates his commitment to the listeners, expressing his eagerness to continue guiding them through the Bible:
"I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (Final Timestamp)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Paul's Conversion:
"A great light from heaven suddenly shone about me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (00:35)
-
Cheerful Giving:
"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully..." (2 Corinthians 9:6)
-
Defining Spiritual Warfare:
"For though we live in the world, we are not carrying on a worldly war. For the weapons of our warfare are not worldly..." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)
-
Paul's Sufferings:
"Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews the 40 lashes, less one..." (2 Corinthians 11:24)
-
Proverbs on Righteousness:
"A righteous man sings and rejoices. A righteous man knows the rights of the poor. A wicked man does not understand such knowledge." (Proverbs 29:7)
Final Thoughts
Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully navigates the complexities of Paul's life and ministry, illustrating how God can transform past experiences into powerful tools for His divine purposes. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that every aspect of our journey—including our struggles, education, and unique backgrounds—can be instrumental in our spiritual growth and service.
Listeners are left inspired to embrace their histories, practice genuine generosity, and stand firm against false teachings, all while relying on the transformative power of God's Word in their daily lives.
Stay Connected
To continue your journey through the Bible, subscribe to Ascension’s The Bible in a Year podcast. Each 20-25 minute episode offers scripture readings, reflections, and guided prayers designed to deepen your understanding and relationship with God.
Visit ascensionpress.com/Bibleineyear to download your own Bible in a Year reading plan.
Note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Parental discretion is advised.