1. Peter faces criticism from other believers.

2. Peter holds firm to his new message that is now open to the Gentiles, as well as the Jews.

1. Antioch was another major trade city and was along one of the major trade routes to Jerusalem.

2. Antioch was 300 miles north of Jerusalem in Syria.

3. It was at Antioch that believers were first called Christians!

1. Barnabas was a strong believer! He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and strong in faith. He saw many people come to the Lord!

2. Barnabas was from the island of Cyprus, just west of Syria.

3. Barnabas was one of the first to defend Paul.

4. The church sent Barnabas to Antioch.

5. Barnabas and Paul become a teaching team.

1. King Herod Agrippa had James killed.

2. King Herod Agrippa had Peter imprisoned.

3. Peter escapes by the power of the Holy Spirit.

4. The church prayed but was surprised at the answer!

5. Herod's love of popularity and power was his disaster.

Peter
- Peter faced criticism from his friends and fellow believers! In spite of their criticism, he continued to hold fast to his belief in what God had shown him. In spite of the fact that this new belief contradicted all of his previous beliefs and understandings.
Are you willing to remain strong, even if those around you criticize your faith and belief in Christ?

- Peter continued to hold strong, even though his partner in ministry was killed. Peter continued in ministry and believing that God would work all things for goo, in spite of significant setbacks.
Are you able to hold on, in spite of trials that seem beyond reason or understanding? Are you able to trust God even when it's hard?

- God brought Peter through a miraculous escape. Peter's trust brought him through a near-death experience and back to sharing the message of Christ with others.
Are you trusting God for a miraculous work in your life or your loved ones? Keep believing!

Barnabas
- Barnabas was known for his empathy to outsiders.
Are you willing to reach past your comfort level to be inclusive in your love and acceptance?

- Barnabas was willing to follow the call of God to Antioch.
Are you willing to go where God sends you to follow His will?

- Barnabas saw the evidence of God working and was filled with joy.
What excites you in life? Do you get excited about God working powerfully in the church and the lives around you?

- Barnabas was not only a great encourager, he was trustworthy.
Are you one who encourages those around you? Or do you wait for them to encourage you? Are you the type people trust with their secrets, their resources, and their lives?

Herod Agrippa
- Herod was most concerned about the praise of people and pleasing people.
Do you allow the praise of people to direct your steps? Do you depend on other people's praise rather than God's? Are you more concerned about being popular with your friends than popular with God?

- Herod was willing to take credit and praise and put himself in the place of God.
How do you handle the praise of men? Do you accept it willingly or do you realize that the credit goes to God?