Paul’s Fight for Unity: The Jerusalem Council and the Missionary Journeys

What do you do when faith gets complicated? When people disagree, doors close, and the road ahead feels uncertain. Paul lived in that tension. In this episode, we step into one of the biggest turning points in the early church—the Jerusalem Council—where Paul fought to remove unnecessary barriers to faith. Then, we’ll follow him through his second and third missionary journeys, navigating opposition, tough decisions, and unexpected roadblocks. Through his story, we’ll explore how to lead with both conviction and grace, how to trust God when the plan changes, and why perseverance in faith always pays off.

Key Themes in This Episode

• Breaking Down Barriers – Paul’s fight at the Jerusalem Council ensured that all could freely follow Jesus.
• Following God’s Lead – Paul didn’t move by his own plans—he followed the Spirit, even when doors closed.
• The Power of Perseverance – Despite prison, riots, and rejection, Paul kept going. What fueled his endurance?
• A Bold Gospel in a Pagan World – From Ephesus to Athens, Paul debated philosophers and reshaped communities.
• Lessons in Disagreement – Even great leaders (Paul and Barnabas) had sharp disagreements. What can we learn?

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you about Paul’s approach to unity and inclusion?
2. Have you ever had a door close that you thought was the right path? How did you respond?
3. What can Paul’s perseverance teach us about facing rejection or opposition in our own lives?
4. How do we balance conviction and grace when we disagree with others, as Paul and Barnabas did?
5. Where is God calling you to take bold steps of faith?

Why Listen?

Paul’s missionary journeys were about laying the foundation of the Church, challenging traditions, and making faith accessible to all. Whether you’re facing opposition, struggling with waiting on God’s timing, or wrestling with how to engage a culture that doesn’t understand your faith, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement.