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Try the BibleACTS app!: ⁠https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe⁠ Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: ⁠https://cut2theheart.com⁠ What happens when following God's will leads directly into suffering, persecution, and imprisonment? In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 21, where Paul journeys toward Jerusalem despite repeated warnings about the suffering awaiting him. From prophetic warnings to his arrest in the temple, this chapter raises important questions about obedience to God, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the cost of following Jesus Christ. In this episode, we discuss: Paul's determination to travel to Jerusalem despite warnings The disciples urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem Agabus prophesying Paul's arrest and imprisonment Whether Paul was following or resisting the Holy Spirit Paul's willingness to suffer and die for Jesus Christ James and the elders addressing concerns about Paul's teaching Paul's participation in Jewish purification customs The relationship between Jewish traditions and the New Covenant False accusations against Paul in the temple The violent mob and Paul's arrest by Roman soldiers What it means to remain faithful to God regardless of the consequences Acts 21 challenges us to consider whether we are truly willing to obey Jesus when obedience comes at a personal cost. Paul knew that suffering awaited him, yet he refused to allow fear, opposition, or even the concerns of fellow believers to turn him away from his mission. This chapter also raises important questions about prophecy, spiritual discernment, Christian freedom, and the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Was Paul making the right decision by going to Jerusalem? And what can his example teach us about discerning God's will in our own lives? Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com **Did Jesus give the apostles authority that was meant to be passed down through generations of church leaders? Or was their authority unique to their role in establishing the early Church?** In this episode, we sit down with a devout Catholic friend for a friendly but serious discussion about one of the biggest theological differences between Catholics and Protestants: **apostolic succession**. The Catholic Church teaches that the apostles passed down their authority through an unbroken succession of bishops. But is this doctrine actually supported by Scripture? What did Jesus give the apostles authority to do, and does the Bible teach that this same authority would continue through their successors? In Part 1 of this conversation, we discuss: - What apostolic succession is and why Catholics believe in it - The biblical authority Jesus gave to His apostles - Whether the apostles could pass their authority to others - The distinction between apostles, elders, and bishops - What Scripture reveals about leadership in the early Church - The relationship between apostolic authority and church tradition - Whether apostolic succession can be established from the Bible - How Catholics and Protestants interpret these passages differently Our goal in this conversation isn't to attack Catholics or Protestants, but to **honestly examine the Scriptures, challenge our assumptions, and pursue the truth together**. Can apostolic succession be defended biblically, or does the doctrine go beyond what the apostles themselves taught? Join us for Part 1 of this respectful theological debate as we examine the evidence and seek to understand what God's Word actually says. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more biblical discussions, theological debates, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, and Christian podcasts.

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com Give: https://valiantmi.com/give In **Acts 20**, Paul continues his missionary journey, raises a young man from the dead, and delivers one of his most powerful and emotional messages to the elders of the church in Ephesus. This chapter gives us an incredible picture of **faithful ministry, perseverance, biblical leadership, and the responsibility of shepherding God's people.** Paul reflects on his own example while warning that false teachers and spiritual dangers will arise even from within the Church. In this episode, we discuss: - Paul's continued travels and encouragement to the churches - Eutychus falling from a third-story window and being raised from the dead - The early Christians gathering on the first day of the week to break bread - Paul's determination to finish the ministry Jesus gave him - What it means to preach the whole counsel of God - Paul's example of humility, tears, and perseverance through trials - Why church elders must shepherd and protect God's flock - Paul's warning about savage wolves and false teachers entering the Church - The importance of remaining alert and grounded in God's Word - Why Paul declared himself innocent of the blood of all men - Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders Acts 20 challenges every believer—especially those called to ministry—to consider what **faithfulness to Jesus Christ** truly looks like. Paul wasn't concerned with building a reputation, gaining wealth, or protecting his own comfort. His desire was to finish his race, proclaim the gospel, and faithfully prepare the Church to stand firm in the truth. **Are we willing to follow Paul's example of sacrificial service, sound doctrine, and unwavering obedience to Christ?** Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Give: https://valiantmi.com/give Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In **Acts 19**, Paul arrives in Ephesus and encounters disciples who had never heard about the Holy Spirit. What follows is an incredible chapter filled with baptism, the gifts of the Spirit, extraordinary miracles, demonic encounters, repentance, and eventually an entire city thrown into an uproar because of the impact of the gospel. In this episode, we discuss: - The disciples who had only received John's baptism - Being baptized in the name of Jesus - Paul laying hands on believers to receive the Holy Spirit - Speaking in tongues and prophesying - Paul's daily teaching and ministry in Ephesus - Extraordinary miracles through Paul - The seven sons of Sceva attempting to cast out a demon - Why simply using the name of Jesus isn't a magic formula - New believers publicly renouncing their former occult practices - The enormous value of the magic books they burned - How the gospel began disrupting the idol-making business in Ephesus - The riot surrounding the temple of Artemis Acts 19 gives us a striking picture of what happens when the gospel truly transforms a community. People didn't merely profess belief—they abandoned their former practices, destroyed what connected them to their old lives, and began following Jesus in a way that was noticeable enough to affect the surrounding culture. Through it all, **“the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”** Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Give to support the ministry: https://valiantmi.com/give Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In **Acts 18**, Paul arrives in Corinth and continues preaching that Jesus is the Christ despite opposition. Along the way, he meets Priscilla and Aquila, receives encouragement directly from the Lord, and spends a year and a half teaching the Word of God. Later, we meet **Apollos**—a knowledgeable, passionate, and powerful teacher of Scripture who still has something important to learn. In this episode, we discuss: - Paul meeting Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth - Paul working as a tentmaker while preaching the gospel - Opposition to Paul's preaching among the Jews - God telling Paul, **“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking”** - Gallio refusing to judge the accusations against Paul - Priscilla and Aquila's continued ministry alongside Paul - Apollos being eloquent, knowledgeable, and fervent in spirit - Priscilla and Aquila privately explaining “the way of God more accurately” to Apollos - The humility required to both give and receive correction - Apollos becoming a powerful help to other believers Acts 18 gives us a powerful picture of **discipleship, perseverance, humility, and teamwork in ministry**. Paul keeps preaching despite opposition, Priscilla and Aquila invest in another teacher, and Apollos is humble enough to receive correction and become even more effective for the Kingdom of God. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary. #Acts18 #BibleStudy #Apollos #Paul #PriscillaAndAquila #EarlyChurch #ChristianPodcast #BibleCommentary #VerseByVerse #BookOfActs

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In **Acts 17**, Paul continues preaching the gospel across the ancient world—reasoning from the Scriptures, facing opposition, and eventually standing in Athens to proclaim the true God to a culture filled with idols. This chapter gives us a powerful example of how Christians can **know the Scriptures, test what they hear, and communicate the gospel to people who see the world very differently.** In this episode, we discuss: * Paul reasoning from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ * The opposition Paul and Silas faced in Thessalonica * Why the Bereans were called more noble * Examining the Scriptures daily to test what we're taught * Paul's reaction to the idolatry throughout Athens * Sharing the gospel in a culture with completely different beliefs * Paul's famous message about the "unknown god" * God as Creator and His relationship to humanity * God's command for all people everywhere to repent * The resurrection of Jesus and coming judgment * The different responses people had to Paul's preaching Acts 17 challenges believers to be both **grounded in Scripture and prepared to communicate the truth to the culture around us**. Like the Bereans, we should examine what we're taught against God's Word—and like Paul, we should be ready to boldly proclaim Christ wherever God places us. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary. #Acts17 #BibleStudy #Bereans #Paul #UnknownGod #Athens #EarlyChurch #ChristianPodcast #BibleCommentary #VerseByVerse

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through **Acts 14**, following Paul and Barnabas as they boldly preach the gospel, perform signs and wonders, face intense persecution, and establish new churches. Acts 14 gives us a powerful picture of what following Jesus and advancing the gospel looked like in the early Church—great fruit, supernatural works, fierce opposition, and perseverance through it all. In this study, we discuss: * Paul and Barnabas preaching boldly despite opposition * Signs and wonders confirming the message of grace * The healing of the crippled man at Lystra * Paul and Barnabas refusing to receive worship as gods * Paul being stoned and left for dead * Continuing to preach after severe persecution * “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” * Strengthening believers and encouraging them to continue in the faith * Appointing elders in the newly established churches Acts 14 challenges the idea that following Jesus guarantees an easy life. Paul and Barnabas experienced incredible works of God alongside tremendous suffering, yet they refused to quit. They continued preaching Christ, strengthening believers, and calling disciples to remain faithful through whatever trials came their way. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through **Acts 13**, where Paul and Barnabas are set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent out to preach the gospel. In this study, we discuss: * The Holy Spirit calling Paul and Barnabas to ministry * Fasting, prayer, and being sent out by the Church * Paul confronting Elymas the sorcerer * Paul’s powerful sermon in Antioch * How Israel’s history points to Jesus as the promised Savior * Forgiveness and justification through faith in Christ * The response of both Jews and Gentiles to the gospel * Opposition, persecution, and continuing faithfully in God’s mission Acts 13 shows the gospel advancing into new territory as ordinary believers obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. Even when the message brings opposition, Paul and Barnabas continue boldly proclaiming Jesus and making Him known. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary. #Acts13 #BibleStudy #Paul #Barnabas #Gospel #MissionaryJourney #EarlyChurch #BibleCommentary #ChristianPodcast #VerseByVerse

Try the BibleACTS app!: ⁠https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe⁠ Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: ⁠https://cut2theheart.com⁠ In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 12, where persecution against the early Church intensifies under King Herod. James is killed, Peter is imprisoned, and the Church responds by earnestly praying to God. In this study, we discuss: Peter being imprisoned and guarded by soldiers The Church praying earnestly for Peter An angel miraculously freeing Peter from prison and why Peter confused this with having a vision The believers’ surprising reaction when Peter arrives Herod’s pride and refusal to give glory to God Herod’s judgment and death Acts 12 is a powerful reminder that God remains sovereign even in persecution. Some believers experienced miraculous deliverance while others, like James, suffered for their faith—yet through it all, God’s purposes continued and His Word kept spreading. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary. #Acts12 #BibleStudy #Peter #Prayer #Herod #EarlyChurch #Persecution #BibleCommentary #ChristianPodcast #VerseByVerse

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through **Acts 11**, where Peter explains why he entered the home of Gentiles and how God confirmed that salvation through Jesus Christ was available to them as well. We also see the gospel continue to spread through persecution and the beginning of the influential church at Antioch. In this study, we discuss: * Peter being questioned for eating with Gentiles * Peter recounting his vision and the conversion of Cornelius * The Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentile believers * God granting repentance that leads to life * Why Peter concluded, “Who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” * Persecution causing the gospel to spread even farther * Barnabas encouraging the growing church in Antioch * Saul joining Barnabas to teach the believers * The disciples being called “Christians” for the first time Acts 11 shows the gospel breaking through cultural and religious barriers as God continues building His Church among both Jews and Gentiles. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 10, where God brings Peter and Cornelius together in a pivotal moment for the early Church. Through Peter’s vision and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God makes it clear that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for every nation and people. In this study, we discuss: Cornelius and his prayers and generosity before God Peter’s vision of the clean and unclean animals What “What God has made clean, do not call common” means in context God showing no partiality between Jew and Gentile Peter preaching the gospel to Cornelius and his household The Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentiles The Gentiles speaking in tongues and magnifying God The baptism of Cornelius and his household Acts 10 marks a major turning point in the Book of Acts: God shows that no nation or ethnicity is excluded from the gospel. Everyone who fears Him and responds to Jesus Christ in faith can receive the salvation He offers. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through **Acts 9**, where the fiercest persecutor of the early Church encounters the risen **Jesus Christ** and is completely transformed. Saul's dramatic conversion marks a turning point in the book of Acts and demonstrates the power of God's grace to change even the hardest heart. In this study, we discuss: * Saul's persecution of the early Church * His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus * The role of Ananias in Saul's conversion and baptism * Saul's immediate proclamation that Jesus is the Son of God * How genuine faith produces a transformed life * Saul's escape from those seeking to kill him * Barnabas encouraging the believers to receive Saul * The healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) Acts 9 reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. When a person truly encounters Christ, their life is changed, their priorities are transformed, and they become a witness to the very gospel they once opposed. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary. #Acts9 #BibleStudy #Paul #Saul #Conversion #DamascusRoad #BibleCommentary #ChristianPodcast #VerseByVerse #JesusChrist

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 6–7, following the appointment of the seven servants, the powerful ministry of Stephen, and his bold defense before the Jewish council. Stephen's sermon traces Israel's history, revealing God's faithfulness and exposing the people's repeated rejection of His messengers—culminating in their rejection of Jesus Christ. In this study, we discuss: Why the seven servants were appointed to meet practical needs Stephen's wisdom, faith, and power in ministry The accusations brought against Stephen How Stephen uses Israel's history to point to Christ Israel's repeated rejection of God's prophets and deliverers Stephen's rebuke of hardened hearts resisting the Holy Spirit Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God The first Christian martyr and what his death teaches believers today Acts 6–7 reminds us that faithful obedience to Christ often brings opposition, but God's servants are called to proclaim the truth with courage regardless of the cost. Stephen's life and death challenge us to stand firm in the gospel, trust God's sovereign plan, and remain faithful even in the face of persecution. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 5, where God powerfully demonstrates both His holiness and His power in the early Church. From the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira to the apostles' bold witness before the Jewish leaders, this chapter reminds us that God desires sincerity, obedience, and unwavering faithfulness. In this study, we discuss: The sin of Ananias and Sapphira and why God judged them The importance of honesty and integrity before God How the fear of the Lord impacted the early Church The many signs and wonders performed through the apostles The apostles' arrest and miraculous release from prison The boldness of the early believers in the face of persecution Rejoicing for the privilege of suffering for the name of Jesus Christ Acts 5 reminds us that the same God who pours out grace is also holy and worthy of reverence. The early Christians refused to compromise the truth, choosing obedience to God even when it cost them their comfort, reputation, and freedom. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 4, where Peter the Apostle and John the Apostle are arrested for preaching Jesus Christ after the healing of the lame man. Rather than shrinking back under pressure, the apostles boldly proclaim the gospel and demonstrate what it looks like to obey God above all else. In this verse-by-verse Bible study, we discuss: Peter and John's arrest by the religious leaders Peter's bold defense before the Sanhedrin Why believers must obey God rather than men The early church's prayer for boldness instead of comfort God answering their prayer by filling them with boldness The unity and generosity of the early church What bold, Spirit-filled Christianity looks like today Acts 4 reminds us that opposition to the gospel should never silence believers. Instead, the early church responded with prayer, courage, and unwavering commitment to proclaiming Christ. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary. #Acts4 #BibleStudy #Peter #John #Boldness #Persecution #EarlyChurch #BibleCommentary #ChristianPodcast #VerseByVerse