In this episode of What Faith Looks Like, Paul reflects on the often-overlooked figure of Zebedee, the father of James and John. Though Scripture tells us little about him personally, a careful reading reveals a powerful picture of quiet, background faith. Zebedee supports his sons when they leave their family business to follow Jesus, absorbs the disruption and sacrifice that decision brings, and even continues on while his wife serves with Jesus’ traveling group. His story reminds us that much of God’s work depends on unseen believers who faithfully support and sustain others. Zebedee shows us that background faith is just as important and vital to the way we serve. Background faith is just as important and precious to God as a faith lived in the spotlight.

In this episode of What Faith Looks Like, Paul turns to the remarkable partnership of Priscilla and Aquila—a married couple whose faith wasn’t passive or private, but active. Priscilla and Aquila give us examples of being committed to the work of the Lord. Their story shows us what it looks like when marriage becomes not just a personal relationship, but a shared mission rooted in devotion to Christ and willingness to serve wherever God calls.

Paul traces their journey from tentmakers in Corinth, to missionary partners traveling with The Apostle Paul, to anchors of the early Christian community in Ephesus and Rome. They lengthened believers, and helped shape one of the great preachers of the early church, Apollos, by gently filling in his understanding of the gospel. Throughout moves, challenges, and constant change, Priscilla and Aquila remain steady, faithful, and united in purpose. Their example invites us to consider what faith in marriage can look like: mutual support, shared conviction, resilience through difficulty, and a partnership that places serving Christ at the center of life together.

In this episode of What Faith Looks Like, Paul revisits one of the most familiar Bible accounts—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Set in the brutal reality of exile, loss, and intense pressure to conform, this true story shows three faithful young men refusing to compromise their devotion to God, even when obedience means standing alone, defying the most powerful ruler in the world, and facing certain death.

Their courage is not a loud faith, but their conviction is rooted deep in the trust of God. They affirm that God is able to save, yet they are equally prepared to remain faithful even if He does not. That “even if not” faith is at the heart of this episode. As Paul explores the background, and emotional reality of their situation, he reminds us that this story challenges grown-up disciples to consider what loyalty to God really looks like when obedience becomes costly.