This session focuses on Paul’s second and third missionary journeys. Along the way, we attempt to address some persistent questions that arise from these chapters of Acts. Why do Paul and Barnabas get into such a fierce disagreement? Why does Paul circumcise Timothy right after the Jerusalem Council said circumcision is unnecessary? What does it mean when the narrative switches from “they” to “we,” and why does it do so at Troas? Why does Paul seldom preach to pagans? Join us as we embark on this geographical whirlwind tour of Paul’s world and his amazing adventures as an ambassador for the Je ..read more

This episode is the second of a two-part discussion on Acts 15. This chapter of Acts is the centrepiece on which any interpretation of the book hinges. While Acts 15 is traditionally understood as a rejection of Torah, recent scholarship has decisively challenged this view. In part one, we examined the role of circumcision and attempted to unravel the debate over the rationale behind the apostles’ choice of four prohibitions. This episode continues the discussion by unpacking the so-called Noahide laws and comparing them with Acts 15 and other early Jewish expectations for non-Jews. We also lo ..read more

The Jerusalem Council has been described as the heart of the book of Acts. It was this meeting of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem that determined the fate of the Gentile mission. Yet the nature of this meeting and its ramifications are subjects of much debate. Who were the “circumcisers”? Why was circumcision such a big deal? Why did the apostles choose four prohibitions for non-Jewish believers? Where did they get these prohibitions from and what was their purpose? While previous generations of interpreters assumed that Acts 15 represents the Christian rejection of Torah, this session ta ..read more

Outside of Jerusalem, Antioch was one of the most important centres for the early movement of Yeshua-followers. It is in Antioch that the message begins to spread not only to Jews, but also to non-Jews. Antioch would also become a sort of headquarters for Saul of Tarsus (Paul), as it is from there that he embarks on his main missionary journeys. In other words, Antioch becomes the headquarters of the Gentile mission. As we will see in a future episode, it also becomes the flashpoint for the first major controversy to rock the early Yeshua movement, and again the issue concerns Gentiles. In thi ..read more

Stephen’s martyrdom had a significant effect on the early community of Yeshua-followers. Up until this point, the followers of Yeshua have been flocking to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is like a magnet. The movement had been centripetal. The death of Stephen sparked an abrupt change to a centrifugal (outward) movement. Now the good news is going out from Jerusalem. Remember in Acts 1:8, Yeshua told his apostles “You will be my witnesses in (1) Jerusalem and Judea, (2) Samaria, and (3) to the ends of the earth.” God took this terrible event of Stephen’s death and used it to accomplish great good and to ..read more

In this session, we discuss Luke’s eschatology. What was Luke’s perspective of the end times? Luke gives us a portrayal of the early community of the followers of Yeshua in the book of Acts. Notice how much the early believers met in the Temple.  Outside of the land of Israel, the believers continue to gather in synagogues. In Jerusalem, the believers are continually gathering in the Temple. We read about Stephen, the first martyr for Yeshua. What charges were brought against Stephen? How do they foreshadow the accusations against Paul that will come up later in the book of Acts? We discu ..read more

In this session we will look at Peter’s sermons in Acts 2 and 3. The speeches in Acts are important. Luke imbeds his theology in the words of his protagonists. In Peter’s first speech, there is a Davidic emphasis; Yeshua is the promised heir to David’s throne. Luke describes the four devotions: Believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. What does this show us about their way of worship? Peter says a second and third speech with important Messianic elements in them. Watch a video of this session below, or use the player at the top of this ..read more

This week we are starting into the book of Acts. First we lay some groundwork and discuss the audience and purpose of Luke-Acts. Next, we talk about Yeshua’s Commission and Ascension: How do we interpret what Yeshua said to the disciples about his Kingdom? Why did the disciples need to choose another apostle? When looking at Acts chapter 2, we discuss the significance of Shavuot (Pentecost) in the book of Acts. We also look at Peter’s speech in this chapter. Luke conveys his theology through speeches. Is Acts 2 really the ultimate fulfillment of Joel 2? Watch a video of this session below, or ..read more

In this podcast episode, we focus on the last three chapters of Luke. This is where we get to the focal point of the Gospels: Yeshua’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Everything has been building up to this point. We look at Yeshua’s final Passover Seder with his disciples, Luke’s passion chronology, and we compare what happens to Messiah with what happens to Israel. Watch a video of this session below, or use the player at the top of this page to listen to just the audio. For a list of all the sessions in this series, click here. You can also check out our YouTube channel or subscribe to ..read more

In this podcast episode, we look at passages that anticipate Jerusalem’s destruction. But there are also hints of restoration. We discuss Luke 13:35 together with Acts 3:19-21 and understand the necessary condition for Yeshua’s return and Israel’s restoration. Yeshua will return as he left, but how will the circumstances be different? Watch a video of this session below, or use the player at the top of this page to listen to just the audio. For a list of all the sessions in this series, click here. You can also check out our YouTube channel or subscribe to the Segullah audio teachings podcast ..read more