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

Day 347: Witness to Unbelievers (2025)

Date: December 13, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Scripture Readings: Acts 26, Ephesians 1-3, Proverbs 29:18-21

Overview

Today’s episode centers on the theme of bearing witness to unbelievers—drawing from Paul’s defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26 and his Letter to the Ephesians written from house arrest. Fr. Mike highlights the profound unity brought by Christ, the message of hope for those without God, and the call to recognize the inheritance shared by all believers, whether Jew or Gentile. Through Paul’s words and example, listeners are invited to understand the depth of transformation in Christ and the universality of the Church.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paul's Defense Before Agrippa: Bearing Witness in Trial

• Set Against Hostility: Paul uses his trial not to defend himself alone, but as an opportunity to share the Gospel with his accusers and the gathered Roman authorities (00:06–05:20).
• The Virtue of Hope: Fr. Mike marvels at Paul’s hope and ability to see possibility for good, even in dire circumstances:
  • “You think about this, like, I don’t want to say just positivity…even more the deep virtue, the deep theological virtue of hope, which is God, you can do anything with any circumstance. God, you can do any good, even in the worst possible situation.” (Fr. Mike, 19:45)
• Paul’s Conversion Story: Paul recounts his zeal as a persecutor, followed by his dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (05:20–07:40).
• Evangelistic Intent: Paul boldly challenges Agrippa:
  • “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” (...)"In a short time, would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:27–29 discussed at 20:30–21:20)
  • Paul’s reply: “Short or long doesn’t matter… I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29, reflected on 21:30)

2. Context and Significance of Ephesians

• Paul’s Situation: Written from house arrest in Rome; Fr. Mike details the practicalities and how Paul uses even confinement as a mission field (22:45–24:00).
• About Ephesus: A large, cosmopolitan, and religious city—confronting both Jewish and Gentile converts (24:20–24:50).

3. Unity in Christ: The Core of Ephesians

• Jew & Gentile Reconciliation: Paul's urgent message—no matter the background, all are united through Christ’s sacrifice.

  • “We’re all coming from these different places, and yet we’re united in the one Spirit, one baptism, one faith, one God and Father of us all, one Jesus Christ.” (Fr. Mike, 26:00)

• Spiritual Blessings and Inheritance:

  • Paul insists on the abundance given to every believer: “...in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us.” (Ephesians 1:7, emphasized at 27:30)

• From Death to Life: All—Jews and Gentiles alike—have been made alive in Christ.

  • “You all were dead, and now you’re all alive in Jesus Christ. Whether you came from a Jewish tradition or…Greco-Roman Gentile tradition, you were dead, and now you are alive.” (Fr. Mike, 28:00)

4. The Power and Necessity of Hope

• Paul on the Gentiles before Christ: “...having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12, quoted at 29:00)

• Fr. Mike’s reflection: “Having no hope and living without God in the world—this is how so many people live right now.” (29:30)

• The Missionary Mandate:

  • “We know that all of those who don’t know Jesus Christ, the idea of hope is just wishful thinking…But that’s not what hope is. Hope is, I know I can trust in another…” (Fr. Mike, 30:00)

5. Identity and Transformation in Christ

• No Longer Strangers:
  • “So we are no longer strangers, we are no longer sojourners, but now we’re brothers and sisters. We are sons and daughters of the Father. And that’s so incredible.” (Fr. Mike, 32:00)
• Closing Benediction: Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Eph 3:20-21) is embraced as a fitting conclusion:
  • “Now to him who, by the power at work within us, is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21, cited at 32:50)

6. Wisdom from Proverbs

• Caution about lack of vision and the importance of discipline and restraint (Proverbs 29:18-21, briefly referenced).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you give him some lemons and a bunch of sugar, he’s going to make lemonade.” — Fr. Mike on Paul’s resourcefulness (19:15)
• “But God…”
  • Fr. Mike highlights these words as central to the Christian experience:
    • “If you want to just write something, put it on a throw pillow … these two words, but God. B-U-T, capital G-O-D. But God. So we were dead…but God, who is rich in mercy…made us alive…” (28:45)
• Pope Benedict’s Reflection: Referenced on “having no hope and without God in the world” (29:04), showing its theological depth and relevance today.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Acts 26 — Paul’s Defense and Evangelization: 00:06–07:40
• Paul’s Intent with Agrippa (“You think to make me a Christian?”): 20:30–21:30
• Ephesians Context and Unity Theme: 24:00–28:00
• From Death to Life, “But God…” and the Gift of Grace: 28:00–29:00
• Hope and the Human Condition Without Christ: 29:30–30:30
• No Longer Strangers — Adoption in Christ: 32:00
• Paul’s Prayer to Close (Ephesians 3:20-21): 32:50–End

Final Reflection

Fr. Mike emphasizes the extraordinary power of witness, the unifying work of Christ, and the deep hope that comes from belonging to the household of God. All are called not only to recognize their own inclusion in this family, but also to become bridges of hope and witnesses for those still “far off.”

“I’m praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (34:00)

This summary captures the main spiritual insights, reflections, and scriptural themes for listeners seeking understanding and encouragement in the journey of faith.