Antioch to Ephesus

/ St. Mark's Episcopal Church/

The Gospel, the Spirit, and the Rise of the Early Church

October 20 - November 24, 2026

The expansion of the early Church from Antioch into the Gentile world reveals a community guided by the Holy Spirit, strengthened through suffering, and united in the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

This course explores a decisive stage in the expansion of the early Church as the gospel moves from Jerusalem into the wider Gentile world through the missionary ministry of Saint Paul, Saint Barnabas, and the church at Antioch. These chapters of Acts reveal a Church shaped by the Holy Spirit, strengthened through suffering, and united around the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

Attention is given to the theological meaning of mission, the formation of Christian communities, spiritual opposition, and perseverance amid cultural and political resistance. The course culminates in Paul’s farewell discourse to the Ephesian elders, offering one of the deepest portraits of Christian ministry and faithful witness.

This course is offered through the Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching in partnership with St. Mark’s on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm online via Zoom. Our Senior Warden, Dr. Randy Furushima, is the instructor for this course. Enrollment is requested of participants. This study is highly recommended for those participating in the Türkiye 2027 Pilgrimage.

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