The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 345: One in Christ (2025)
Date: December 11, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast by: Ascension

Episode Overview

On Day 345 of “The Bible in a Year,” Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Acts 24, Galatians 1–3, and Proverbs 29:12–14. This episode centers on themes of authentic Christian faith, the equality of believers “in Christ,” and the transition from the Old Law to the new life in the Spirit.
Fr. Mike reflects on personal transformation through encountering God’s Word and draws practical lessons about living out faith, referencing the debates in the early Church about the requirements for Gentile converts.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Acts 24: Paul before Felix

• Summary: Paul is accused by Jewish leaders before the Roman governor Felix, who listens but ultimately leaves Paul in prison “to do the Jews a favor.”
• Paul makes a calm and reasoned defense, reiterating his hope in the resurrection and his faithfulness to God’s law.
• Felix finds Paul intriguing but remains unmoved, even when convicted by Paul’s message.
• Insight: Fr. Mike notes the peril of being “compelled but unmoved”—conviction does not lead to conversion unless acted upon.
  • Notable Quote:
    “I can be really compelled by the Lord. I can be compelled by God’s grace … but unless I act on that, there is no change.” (13:55)

2. Galatians 1–3: The Heart of the Gospel

a. Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority (Gal 1)

• Paul emphasizes that his gospel is not “from men” but received “through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”
• He recounts his dramatic conversion: “he who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
• Key Point: Authentic authority in the Church is rooted in divine call and revelation, not human prestige.
  • Notable Quote:
    “If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.” (Gal 1:10, paraphrased at 05:30)

b. The Question of the Law vs. the Gospel (Gal 2–3)

• Paul recounts how even “Kepha” (Peter) faltered, separating from Gentile believers out of fear of criticism from strict Jewish Christians.
• Fr. Mike explains:
  • The distinction between 'infallible' (incapable of error in teaching under strict conditions) and 'impeccable' (without sin): Peter was fallible in action, though not in authoritative doctrine.
  • The essential gospel truth: justification comes “through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law.”
• Central Verse Highlighted:
  “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20; Fr. Mike highlights at 18:05)

c. Unity and Equality in Christ (Gal 3)

• Paul’s famous assertion of equality:
  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

• Fr. Mike clarifies this does not erase differences, but signals the radical equality of grace among all believers.

• The “law was our custodian until Christ came,” but now, in Christ, all are heirs of God’s promises.

  • Notable Quote:
    “We’re all one in Christ Jesus. So the ultimate point is … everyone has become an heir in baptism to the promises of the Father … all the way back to Abraham.” (22:30)

3. Proverbs 29:12–14

• Short reflections on rulers and justice: the duty to judge with equity, and the reality that the Lord “gives light to the eyes of both… the poor man and the oppressor.”

Memorable Quotes

• Fr. Mike (13:30): “Would people now looking at me recognize that I’ve spent time with you [Jesus]? … Would they recognize that I’ve allowed your character … to shape my heart, my thoughts, and how I live …?”

• Fr. Mike on Peter’s Failure (17:05): “Infallible does not mean impeccable. Impeccable means without sin. Infallible means doesn’t teach error… Even the first pope here, Peter, was wrong in how he lived.”

• Fr. Mike (21:15): “The law had its purpose… it was our custodian, our guardian, until Christ came. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian.”

• Fr. Mike’s summary (23:10): “Everyone experiences the equality of grace, even amongst the differences between Jew and Greek, or slave and free, or male and female… We’re all one in Christ Jesus.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:54–03:54: Acts 24 – Paul’s trial before Felix and the themes of conviction and inaction.
• 03:54–09:14: Galatians 1–2 – Paul’s apostolic authority and confrontation with Peter.
• 09:14–12:39: Galatians 3 – Faith vs. law, and the unity of all believers in Christ.
• 12:39–13:02: Proverbs 29:12–14 – Wisdom on justice and leadership.
• 13:02–23:35: Fr. Mike's reflection – On conversion, faith, lessons from Paul, historical context, and practical application.

Tone and Language

Fr. Mike maintains a tone that is pastoral, enthusiastic, approachable, and honest—especially when addressing the ongoing challenge of real conversion and acting on conviction. He incorporates personal reflection questions and practical explanations.

Summary Conclusion

Day 345 challenges listeners to examine if their exposure to Scripture is transformative or merely informative, echoing Paul’s insistence that faith—not mere observance of the law—brings salvation, and that true equality and unity are found in Christ. Fr. Mike’s reflections provide not only a theological grounding but also a heartfelt call to conversion and authentic Christian living.

Final Encouragement:
“I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (23:35)