Appreciation for Antioch Seminar 2026

Following are thoughts from the IBTM group on the 2026 Antioch Seminar (Acts 13—First Missionary Journey)

My wife and I had an unforgettable time with you, the IBTM family and the Tutku tour participants and teachers. We were impressed to see firsthand IBTM’s (your) work providing training, networking and support for our brothers and sisters around the globe. We feel inspired to expand connections inside and outside our ICOC fellowship along with our biblical knowledge. We especially look forward to keeping up communications with our brothers and sisters from Indonesia, Africa and India. Our exposure to ancient ruins and accompanying expert insights made our Bible heroes come to life even more. Our fellowship with modern day, unsung heroes in our fellowship topped it all off. We are so honored to have had this amazing opportunity. — Colorado, US

My dear brother, words cannot adequately capture how full my heart is of awe  towards God. I thank you for your love, generosity and partnership. You went above and beyond for us, and me in particular, so that I could have this amazing Spirit-led experience in Asia Minor. Only God knows the true impact on my life and ministry. May God bless you and keep you, dear brothers and sisters. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. — Harare, Zimbabwe

I was fortunate to attend the 2026 Antioch teaching tour with Douglas Jacoby. The trip provided in-depth teaching and opportunities to see the sites of the first missionary journey, insight into Paul and Peter’s conflict, Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement, and in-depth looks at the books of Galatians and Colossians. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear firsthand from world-renowned scholars like David deSilva, Ben Witherington, Douglas Jacoby, and Mark Wilson. The fellowship with scholars from our fellowship and other seminaries was invaluable. Spending a week with committed Christians from all over the world was inspiring. Overall the trip motivated and reignited my love for the teaching ministry. Thank you for the amazing, life-changing trip. — California, US

I am deeply grateful for the trip and all that I experienced. Our recent journey through Turkey and Cyprus, following in the footsteps of the apostle Paul and Barnabas, was truly unforgettable. From Antioch to Salamis, Paphos, and Perge, we walked through places where the message of Jesus first took root and spread across the ancient world. Along the way, we heard outstanding classes from leading biblical scholars on early Christianity, explored the ruins of ancient cities, and reflected deeply on the courage, faith, and mission of the first-century church. The beauty of Turkey and Cyprus provided a remarkable setting for the experience. The food and accommodations were excellent, and the fellowship exquisite. I came away deeply inspired, moved, and enriched. I learned a great deal about the early church, and I was reminded again that many of the lessons from the first century have powerful and urgent implications for the church in the twenty-first century. — Madrid, Spain

The Antioch Seminar on Paul and Peter was extremely gratifying on many levels. We heard insightful lectures from leading scholars and were also able to enjoy personal conversations with them as well. It was my first tour with Tutku and I was very pleased with their friendliness and thorough attention to all the logistics. We were well taken care of! The sites we visited were amazing, nicely augmented with informative insights from our guides. On top of all that, I got to meet some great people. My deepest appreciation to Douglas and IBTM for providing me with this unforgettable opportunity. — Georgia, US

For my whole Christian life (40 years+) I have been encouraged to attend events that promised to be life-changing. Unexpectedly, this one actually was! So grateful to have been able to participate. — Massachusetts, US

I have no words to express my gratitude for your grace in inviting me to join the group. It was so transformative. I benefited most from looking at the ruins of Salamis and Antalya. To know that Paul and Barnabas walked into worldly cities just like ours but were bold to preach Christ. In comparison, I find that I am lacking boldness and zeal—yet am looking forward to a new phase of golden years ahead. I learned from Bible scholars, and made new friends. I plan to keep learning. — Bangalore, India

I’ve traveled to 28 countries, but this was my first-ever group tour. This is the best way to rub shoulders with like-minded people and Bible experts, and to see part of the NT world. The streets of Ephesus came alive with their expert commentary. The organization and accommodations were all top notch. Thanks for the invite. — San Diego, US

I have come back to Oxford and work so refreshed. It can't because we didn't do much—quite the opposite. It was so full-on. Of all the books I've bought and brought home with me, the one given by Mark Wilson, The Spirit said Go—Guidance in the book of Acts is the one I'm most looking forward to reading. I know John Stott lamented the lack of any proper home for Paul or studies of Paul in Turkey, and he would have been delighted to see what has happened in Antalya. The talks were diverse and of high quality. There was something for everyone.  I especially liked (1) Ben Witherington's engagement with the New Perspective on Paul—great to have an update on that debate, (2) Ron Herms' study on James the Lord's brother—I don't think I've ever heard a study just on him, and I totally agree with the conclusion, that the best way to describe his role is as a 'Validator' —that chimes with how I would consider him, (3) the fascinating links between the Maccabees story about Eleazar, the word hypocrisy and acting and the location of Antioch as crucial background to Galatians 2, and (4) your Douglas Jacoby's inspiring rallying call, not just to study but to live and follow the Spirit's leading, along with book recommendations. The fellowship was remarkable, and I found myself waking up yesterday morning missing everybody... The mingling of Church of Christ, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Southern Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, and Mennonite was effortless—just as it ought to be, or at least showing that it is possible in the right contexts! Maybe there is hope for the Christian world after all. — Oxford, UK

Our journey to Antioch and Cyprus, exploring the sites connected with the early ministry of Paul and Barnabas, was a truly enriching experience. The trip brought Scripture to life through fascinating historical locations, insightful lessons, and knowledgeable teachers who provided valuable context and understanding at every stop. The tour was exceptionally well organized, and the accommodations were comfortable and excellent throughout. What I appreciated most, however, was the rich fellowship with my fellow travelers. Sharing discoveries, conversations, worship, and meals with such a wonderful group added a special dimension to the experience. This trip strengthened my faith, deepened my understanding of the early church, and created memories and friendships that I will treasure for years to come. — California, US

It was a huge privilege for me to attend the Antioch Seminar. As a Bible teacher, my faith and knowledge base were challenged as I visited sites I only read about, and took in meal times with professors and scholars whose books I read in graduate school. I gained fresh perspectives on history, archaeology, and doctrine. This will no doubt go down as the highest point of my year, and an experience I will encourage every serious scholar and believer to embark on. I am grateful for the generous support to attend this life-changing event.— Lagos, Nigeria

What a great opportunity to make a personal connection with significant places, events and people in the Book of Acts, enhanced by outstanding lectures from experts in biblical archaeology and history. Sharing extended fellowship with disciples from around the world was one of the greatest benefits. — Massachusetts, US

Visiting sites inhabited by first-century Christians and interacting with scholars helped my wife and me to understand the controversies and challenges that early Christians faced. Doing this with fellow believers from around the world in various streams of Christian tradition enabled us to make new friends and reminded us that the common threads of our beliefs should bind us together. — Virginia, US

We just returned from the Antioch Seminar, and it has to be one of the most meaningful experiences we've ever had.  It brings the Bible to life with deeper understanding. The teaching, experiencing the Biblical places, and meeting fellow believers, each with their own moving life stories, was profoundly rewarding. Thank you to everyone who gives to make this journey possible. — Georgia, US

I highly recommend this tour to any disciple who is eager to learn from multiple experts on Christianity in 1st-2nd century Asia Minor.  The combination of lectures, visiting sites and fellowship has enriched my faith and I am eager to share what I learned with the brothers & sisters here in Tokyo. —Tokyo, Japan

A heartfelt thank you to Douglas, and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes. This was the ultimate seminar for Christians worldwide-an experience that will remain with me for a lifetime. Thank you all for your love, dedication and faithful service! — California, US

Walking through the very places where the gospel was initially preached brought the profound sacrifices of the early church to life. Alongside these powerful sites, the intensive seminar lectures provided rich theological and historical insights, serving to anchor everything we saw. This combined experience has profoundly challenged me to examine my own heart, renewing my eagerness to preach the gospel, and witness the doors of salvation open for others. Thank you, IBTM donors, for making this transformative and meaningful journey possible. — Chennai, India

What an experience! To walk in the very places where Paul, Peter, Barnabas, John and others witnessed about our risen King, to do so with fellow believers from around the world, and to be taught by some of the best biblical scholars alive, elevated my faith and understanding in ways that nothing else could! — Colorado, US