1 00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:03,400 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, 2 00:00:04,280 --> 00:00:09,379 Speaker 1: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5.10 Heavenly Father, 3 00:00:10,020 --> 00:00:13,060 Speaker 1: we come to you with hearts full of trust in 4 00:00:13,140 --> 00:00:17,610 Speaker 1: Jesus our Savior. Your words remind us that those who 5 00:00:17,650 --> 00:00:22,569 Speaker 1: are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed, for theirs is 6 00:00:22,610 --> 00:00:25,470 Speaker 1: the kingdom of heaven. We thank you for the strength 7 00:00:25,530 --> 00:00:29,760 Speaker 1: you give us to stand firm in our faith, even now. 8 00:00:30,120 --> 00:00:33,290 Speaker 1: when we face trials. Help us to trust in your 9 00:00:33,350 --> 00:00:38,350 Speaker 1: promises and to remain faithful, knowing that you are with us. 10 00:00:39,150 --> 00:00:42,530 Speaker 1: When we face opposition for following Jesus, fill us with 11 00:00:42,650 --> 00:00:48,110 Speaker 1: courage and peace. Let our lives reflect his love and truth, 12 00:00:48,790 --> 00:00:53,629 Speaker 1: and may we always find refuge in your presence. In Jesus' 13 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:54,720 Speaker 1: name we pray. 14 00:00:55,450 --> 00:00:55,720 Speaker 2: Amen. 15 00:00:57,920 --> 00:01:00,910 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 16 00:01:00,950 --> 00:01:06,560 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another dramatized story inspired 17 00:01:06,620 --> 00:01:09,700 Speaker 1: by the book of Acts and the birth of the church. 18 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:14,020 Speaker 1: If this podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow 19 00:01:14,500 --> 00:01:20,479 Speaker 1: so you never have to miss an episode. James trudged 20 00:01:20,560 --> 00:01:24,650 Speaker 1: forward under the watchful eye of King Herod's soldiers. Their 21 00:01:24,770 --> 00:01:29,290 Speaker 1: armor clanged with each forceful pull of the chains. James' 22 00:01:29,410 --> 00:01:33,810 Speaker 1: bloodied hands twisted beneath his shackles. To the soldiers, his 23 00:01:33,890 --> 00:01:38,640 Speaker 1: chains ensured he couldn't escape. But to James, they were 24 00:01:38,670 --> 00:01:42,720 Speaker 1: a reminder that he would always be free. 25 00:01:43,580 --> 00:01:48,740 Speaker 3: Great are you, O Lord, for even in man's chains... 26 00:01:49,420 --> 00:01:52,740 Speaker 3: I will forever be set free by your grace. 27 00:01:53,360 --> 00:01:54,660 Speaker 4: Quiet down, dog! 28 00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:58,610 Speaker 1: The soldier behind the apostle blared at him, kicking him 29 00:01:58,750 --> 00:02:03,170 Speaker 1: forward with his boot. With the Roman influence, Herod's men 30 00:02:03,250 --> 00:02:06,940 Speaker 1: had mastered the art of torture, not just of the body, 31 00:02:07,450 --> 00:02:11,380 Speaker 1: but of the mind. James stumbled, but had learned through 32 00:02:11,440 --> 00:02:15,840 Speaker 1: experience that falling over did little to slow down their march. 33 00:02:16,669 --> 00:02:19,890 Speaker 1: The only thing worse than walking in this current state 34 00:02:20,450 --> 00:02:24,799 Speaker 1: was being dragged along the stone walkway. James could hear 35 00:02:24,820 --> 00:02:29,820 Speaker 1: the ominous caw of vultures as their broad wingspans cast 36 00:02:29,919 --> 00:02:33,839 Speaker 1: swirling shadows. The scavengers had learned the signs of when 37 00:02:33,880 --> 00:02:37,530 Speaker 1: their next meal was coming. James and the soldiers marched 38 00:02:37,560 --> 00:02:41,910 Speaker 1: toward a belligerent crowd. They encircled an open dirt patch. 39 00:02:42,590 --> 00:02:46,079 Speaker 1: At the center stood a large wooden platform, only a 40 00:02:46,120 --> 00:02:50,440 Speaker 1: few inches high. A large wooden throne sat on the 41 00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:54,790 Speaker 1: far end, where King Herod sat, wholly satisfied with the 42 00:02:54,850 --> 00:02:58,790 Speaker 1: scene before him. The soldiers led James to the platform 43 00:02:59,290 --> 00:03:03,669 Speaker 1: and forced him to take a stand. Once stable, James 44 00:03:03,790 --> 00:03:08,010 Speaker 1: locked eyes with Herod. He was a confident king, to 45 00:03:08,050 --> 00:03:11,050 Speaker 1: be sure. His recent persecutions of the people of the 46 00:03:11,110 --> 00:03:15,720 Speaker 1: way had brought unwavering support from the Jews and Despite 47 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:20,919 Speaker 1: the believers' resilience, King Herod was doing his part to 48 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:23,450 Speaker 1: topple them over stone by stone. 49 00:03:24,169 --> 00:03:28,770 Speaker 5: James, son of Zebedee, you are guilty of crimes against 50 00:03:28,810 --> 00:03:33,540 Speaker 5: the Jews. Your penalty is death by sword. 51 00:03:34,180 --> 00:03:38,880 Speaker 1: The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. The only sound James 52 00:03:38,900 --> 00:03:42,840 Speaker 1: heard the sliding of metal against metal as the soldier 53 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:45,440 Speaker 1: behind him drew his sword from its sheath. 54 00:03:48,500 --> 00:03:50,980 Speaker 6: The apostles all knew it was coming. They all knew 55 00:03:51,060 --> 00:03:53,080 Speaker 6: that it was only a matter of time before one 56 00:03:53,260 --> 00:03:56,180 Speaker 6: or all of them faced the same fate that Jesus faced. 57 00:03:56,860 --> 00:03:58,860 Speaker 6: But they did so with joy in their hearts. 58 00:03:59,260 --> 00:04:00,460 Speaker 4: Yes, it was hard. 59 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:04,830 Speaker 6: Yes, it caused anguish and despair. But that despair always 60 00:04:04,870 --> 00:04:07,750 Speaker 6: gave way to hope in the end. Welcome to the 61 00:04:07,790 --> 00:04:11,570 Speaker 6: Jesus Podcast. Today, we're rounding out our mini-series through the 62 00:04:11,590 --> 00:04:14,350 Speaker 6: birth of the church. We're diving into a story inspired 63 00:04:14,400 --> 00:04:18,320 Speaker 6: by Acts 12, verses 1-23. A passage that reads like 64 00:04:18,360 --> 00:04:21,440 Speaker 6: an epic drama with villains, heroes, suspense, and a plot 65 00:04:21,500 --> 00:04:24,479 Speaker 6: twist that would make Hollywood jealous. We're talking about kings 66 00:04:24,500 --> 00:04:27,419 Speaker 6: who think they're gods, prisons that can't hold apostles, and 67 00:04:27,440 --> 00:04:29,700 Speaker 6: a praying church that shakes the heavens. 68 00:04:30,279 --> 00:04:30,680 Speaker 4: Let's go. 69 00:04:33,710 --> 00:04:37,670 Speaker 1: John wept in the dining room, dragging his fingernails through 70 00:04:37,710 --> 00:04:41,880 Speaker 1: the table. marks in the wood, pulled with blood from 71 00:04:41,920 --> 00:04:46,020 Speaker 1: his mangled hands. John barely noticed the pain he was 72 00:04:46,100 --> 00:04:51,130 Speaker 1: causing himself. The grieving brother released his inner turmoil. He 73 00:04:51,270 --> 00:04:55,770 Speaker 1: pounded the table before pressing his palms hard against the surface. 74 00:04:56,390 --> 00:04:59,650 Speaker 1: He leaned over the table and kicked his chair back 75 00:04:59,990 --> 00:05:00,710 Speaker 1: against the wall. 76 00:05:01,390 --> 00:05:02,560 Speaker 4: It's not fair! 77 00:05:03,060 --> 00:05:06,060 Speaker 5: Saul went around murdering us and he's given a second chance? 78 00:05:06,680 --> 00:05:07,779 Speaker 7: James never hurt a fly. 79 00:05:08,690 --> 00:05:13,030 Speaker 1: Now he's... John's anger quickly turned to sobs of despondency. 80 00:05:13,630 --> 00:05:16,890 Speaker 1: His forehead thudded in the puddle of blood as it 81 00:05:17,010 --> 00:05:18,590 Speaker 1: mixed with his pouring tears. 82 00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:22,140 Speaker 3: Why couldn't it have been me? 83 00:05:23,279 --> 00:05:27,460 Speaker 4: I don't know what to do without him. It's always 84 00:05:27,500 --> 00:05:32,000 Speaker 4: been James and John, sons of thunder. But now it 85 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:34,760 Speaker 4: feels like I'm a wisp of a cloud being burnt 86 00:05:34,810 --> 00:05:35,370 Speaker 4: by the sun. 87 00:05:36,029 --> 00:05:39,190 Speaker 1: Losing his brother was like losing a part of himself. 88 00:05:40,070 --> 00:05:42,650 Speaker 1: The other apostles did their best to console him, but 89 00:05:43,170 --> 00:05:47,450 Speaker 1: found themselves short on words. They knew that nothing they 90 00:05:47,550 --> 00:05:52,099 Speaker 1: could say would bring James back. Instead, they flocked around 91 00:05:52,160 --> 00:05:55,980 Speaker 1: him and cried. Sometimes the best thing to do for 92 00:05:56,020 --> 00:05:59,580 Speaker 1: a mourning loved one is to mourn with them. Deep 93 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:04,159 Speaker 1: called to deep as the storm of John's emotions rocked 94 00:06:04,220 --> 00:06:09,229 Speaker 1: his spirit's like a rickety vessel tossed at sea. But 95 00:06:09,270 --> 00:06:14,270 Speaker 1: in time, the breakers would send him careening against the 96 00:06:14,450 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 1: rock of ages. 97 00:06:16,600 --> 00:06:21,140 Speaker 3: John, we know you are hurting, but we just want 98 00:06:21,180 --> 00:06:26,480 Speaker 3: you to know we are here for you. And more importantly, 99 00:06:27,320 --> 00:06:29,000 Speaker 3: the Lord is here with you. 100 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:33,140 Speaker 1: Peter couldn't help but feel awkward, trying to comfort his 101 00:06:33,220 --> 00:06:37,050 Speaker 1: longtime friend. He knew he had no reason to, but 102 00:06:37,529 --> 00:06:42,220 Speaker 1: in a way he felt guilty, offering consolation, knowing full 103 00:06:42,260 --> 00:06:45,700 Speaker 1: well that his own brother was standing just on the 104 00:06:45,740 --> 00:06:49,040 Speaker 1: other side of the room. Not wanting to press too hard, 105 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:53,299 Speaker 1: Peter took a step back from John and allowed others. 106 00:06:53,160 --> 00:06:53,860 Speaker 4: To fill the gap. 107 00:06:54,540 --> 00:06:59,419 Speaker 1: Matthew stepped forward, his eyes reflecting a deep well of pain. 108 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:03,790 Speaker 1: He couldn't match John's sorrow, but he could remind him 109 00:07:04,290 --> 00:07:06,390 Speaker 1: of the hope that lay within. 110 00:07:06,550 --> 00:07:10,500 Speaker 8: John say it with me blessed are those who are 111 00:07:10,540 --> 00:07:16,180 Speaker 8: persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is for theirs is 112 00:07:16,860 --> 00:07:18,060 Speaker 8: the kingdom of. 113 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:22,500 Speaker 1: Heaven back in his palace king herod dined with his 114 00:07:22,580 --> 00:07:26,440 Speaker 1: trusted advisors the martyrdom of james had given him another 115 00:07:26,500 --> 00:07:29,930 Speaker 1: victory among the jews and he had no intention of 116 00:07:29,990 --> 00:07:34,770 Speaker 1: losing traction in gaining their favor his table was eloquently 117 00:07:34,870 --> 00:07:39,480 Speaker 1: set with the finest delicacies. Roasted lamb with fig glaze, 118 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:44,160 Speaker 1: perfectly ripe fruit from his orchards, and baked bread from 119 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:48,450 Speaker 1: the country's purest flour. He stuffed his mouth with his dinner, 120 00:07:49,030 --> 00:07:52,970 Speaker 1: as his advisors stuffed his mind with plans for further 121 00:07:53,070 --> 00:07:55,190 Speaker 1: persecution of the people of the way. 122 00:07:55,770 --> 00:07:59,310 Speaker 4: My lord, it appears you've won the hearts of the people. 123 00:07:59,770 --> 00:08:02,850 Speaker 4: Yet our efforts are doing very little to slow down 124 00:08:02,910 --> 00:08:07,620 Speaker 4: the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. They gain traction by 125 00:08:07,680 --> 00:08:11,540 Speaker 4: the day. Even Saul of Tarsus has turned to them. 126 00:08:12,140 --> 00:08:17,480 Speaker 4: Perhaps they need another stark reminder of your unmatched authority. 127 00:08:18,140 --> 00:08:20,690 Speaker 4: At the very least, it's sure to earn you more 128 00:08:20,750 --> 00:08:21,910 Speaker 4: praise from the people. 129 00:08:22,610 --> 00:08:26,380 Speaker 1: Elias had served in Herod's courts for several years. devoting 130 00:08:26,460 --> 00:08:29,480 Speaker 1: all of his margin to climbing the ranks. He had 131 00:08:29,540 --> 00:08:32,890 Speaker 1: finally earned the right to tickle the king's ears, and 132 00:08:32,929 --> 00:08:36,670 Speaker 1: from Herod's sly smile, he was doing a fine job. 133 00:08:37,510 --> 00:08:41,830 Speaker 3: Oh, yes. A good thought, young. 134 00:08:43,890 --> 00:08:45,530 Speaker 4: Elias, my lord. 135 00:08:46,110 --> 00:08:50,069 Speaker 1: Elias bowed his head, not letting the king's ignorance bruise 136 00:08:50,190 --> 00:08:50,750 Speaker 1: his pride. 137 00:08:51,350 --> 00:08:56,240 Speaker 5: Yes, yes, Elias. It suits me to put your plan 138 00:08:56,280 --> 00:09:02,200 Speaker 5: into action. What do you recommend as the next steps? 139 00:09:02,780 --> 00:09:06,229 Speaker 1: Elias did his best to remain dignified, though he wanted 140 00:09:06,260 --> 00:09:10,430 Speaker 1: to dance through the streets as his professional aspirations. 141 00:09:10,090 --> 00:09:13,770 Speaker 4: Came to life. It appears that one Peter of Galilee 142 00:09:13,809 --> 00:09:17,810 Speaker 4: has become a foundational part of this little movement. I 143 00:09:17,870 --> 00:09:21,390 Speaker 4: would recommend we seize him. Now would be the perfect time, 144 00:09:21,870 --> 00:09:25,380 Speaker 4: as the festival of unleavened bread will undoubtedly have the 145 00:09:25,420 --> 00:09:29,420 Speaker 4: city swarming with people. If we play our cards just right, 146 00:09:29,980 --> 00:09:33,260 Speaker 4: the size of the audience at his trial will be unprecedented. 147 00:09:33,980 --> 00:09:37,160 Speaker 4: Every Jew in the land will know your strong hand. 148 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:45,340 Speaker 1: King Herod remained absorbed in thought, strategizing his next move. 149 00:09:46,059 --> 00:09:50,110 Speaker 1: His drunken, meandering thoughts faded in and out of a 150 00:09:50,140 --> 00:09:53,150 Speaker 1: desire for bloodshed and political tenets. 151 00:09:55,010 --> 00:09:59,990 Speaker 5: Elias, on the day of the festival, you will take... 152 00:10:00,179 --> 00:10:03,500 Speaker 5: a small platoon of soldiers into the lower. 153 00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:04,360 Speaker 3: Parts of the city. 154 00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:08,500 Speaker 5: My men have scouted the area and have confirmed the 155 00:10:08,540 --> 00:10:12,870 Speaker 5: whereabouts of the, uh, uh, what do they call themselves? 156 00:10:12,929 --> 00:10:14,290 Speaker 4: Aposties? 157 00:10:16,210 --> 00:10:17,890 Speaker 3: Apostles? Apostles, yeah. 158 00:10:18,890 --> 00:10:22,090 Speaker 5: I'll have a spy go out before you to confirm 159 00:10:22,110 --> 00:10:24,430 Speaker 5: that Peter is among them. 160 00:10:25,490 --> 00:10:29,220 Speaker 1: Elias was ecstatic at the opportunity. Little did he know, 161 00:10:29,740 --> 00:10:33,960 Speaker 1: King Herod's move was calculated and tipped the scales in 162 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:39,020 Speaker 1: his favor. Should things go according to plan, Herod only 163 00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:42,709 Speaker 1: bolstered his status further. But putting Elias at the front 164 00:10:42,730 --> 00:10:46,750 Speaker 1: of the charge meant that should things go south, all 165 00:10:46,809 --> 00:10:50,760 Speaker 1: the blame would be easily shifted to him. But the 166 00:10:50,800 --> 00:10:55,040 Speaker 1: young man's vigor and vim provided him with the same 167 00:10:55,179 --> 00:10:59,950 Speaker 1: kind of foresight. He greedily accepted the offer to lead 168 00:11:00,010 --> 00:11:09,630 Speaker 1: the king's soldiers as visions of grandeur filled his head. Meanwhile, 169 00:11:09,690 --> 00:11:13,770 Speaker 1: the apostles were busily preparing for the Passover meal, the 170 00:11:13,809 --> 00:11:18,430 Speaker 1: long-awaited start of the festival of unleavened bread. The holiday 171 00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:22,339 Speaker 1: had become bittersweet to many of the believers, but it 172 00:11:22,400 --> 00:11:27,120 Speaker 1: was that same bittersweet taste that made its significance all 173 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:31,450 Speaker 1: the more greater. For the people of the way, Passover 174 00:11:31,570 --> 00:11:35,990 Speaker 1: not only symbolized God's faithfulness to Israel during their flee 175 00:11:36,050 --> 00:11:40,130 Speaker 1: from Egypt, but now it had become a reminder of 176 00:11:40,190 --> 00:11:45,040 Speaker 1: the tender love of Christ. He was their Passover lamb 177 00:11:45,559 --> 00:11:49,550 Speaker 1: that saved the from the throes of death. While the 178 00:11:49,610 --> 00:11:52,280 Speaker 1: rest of the apostles had gone to the marketplace for 179 00:11:52,320 --> 00:11:56,500 Speaker 1: some forgotten ingredients, Peter and Andrew had convinced John to 180 00:11:56,820 --> 00:12:00,280 Speaker 1: stay back and help them prepare the meal. They had 181 00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:03,200 Speaker 1: hoped that some time alone would be a relief to 182 00:12:03,240 --> 00:12:06,840 Speaker 1: John and his grieving. They thought that perhaps the sharing 183 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:11,130 Speaker 1: of memories and time with childhood friends would be therapeutic. 184 00:12:11,650 --> 00:12:13,530 Speaker 7: John, can you pass me what's left of the cinnamon? 185 00:12:14,190 --> 00:12:15,750 Speaker 7: We can have the rest when the others get back. 186 00:12:16,640 --> 00:12:19,140 Speaker 7: I find the Cherisette's flavor to be much more balanced 187 00:12:19,179 --> 00:12:20,500 Speaker 7: when it's had time to sit. 188 00:12:21,900 --> 00:12:24,590 Speaker 4: Oh, look at my brother, the chef. 189 00:12:25,280 --> 00:12:28,849 Speaker 3: You know, John, when we were boys, Andrew didn't even 190 00:12:28,890 --> 00:12:31,550 Speaker 3: know how to hold a knife right. Ema had to 191 00:12:31,610 --> 00:12:35,329 Speaker 3: hold his hands the first time we helped prepare for Passover. 192 00:12:35,890 --> 00:12:39,270 Speaker 1: John chuckled at the brothers as he reminisced about his home. 193 00:12:40,309 --> 00:12:44,740 Speaker 1: His heart felt the sharp pangs of mourning intermingled with 194 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:49,280 Speaker 1: the warmth of nostalgia. A tear slipped around the corner 195 00:12:49,340 --> 00:12:53,490 Speaker 1: of his smile. As they continued to cook, the friends 196 00:12:53,570 --> 00:12:55,809 Speaker 1: could hear muffled voices outside. 197 00:12:56,390 --> 00:12:58,770 Speaker 4: It sounds like the others are back. Hurry up with 198 00:12:58,809 --> 00:13:00,630 Speaker 4: that cinnamon before Andrew goes mad. 199 00:13:01,070 --> 00:13:05,809 Speaker 1: Suddenly, the door burst open, sending splinters into every corner 200 00:13:05,850 --> 00:13:09,690 Speaker 1: of the room. Dust billowed into the small house, followed 201 00:13:09,809 --> 00:13:15,569 Speaker 1: closely by four armored men carrying swords and shields. They 202 00:13:15,630 --> 00:13:20,219 Speaker 1: stepped aside, creating a gap between them, through which a 203 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:24,400 Speaker 1: much younger man walked. Peter, Andrew, and John pivoted their 204 00:13:24,440 --> 00:13:27,830 Speaker 1: feet back to run, but remained still when they realized 205 00:13:28,330 --> 00:13:31,690 Speaker 1: there was nowhere to turn. Peter stepped in front of them, 206 00:13:32,270 --> 00:13:35,370 Speaker 1: the biggest and burliest of them. He no longer lived 207 00:13:35,550 --> 00:13:39,320 Speaker 1: by the sword, but he was by no means a coward. 208 00:13:40,100 --> 00:13:42,780 Speaker 1: The leader of the group carried an air of naive 209 00:13:42,960 --> 00:13:46,240 Speaker 1: arrogance as he entered. It hadn't taken long for him 210 00:13:46,280 --> 00:13:49,080 Speaker 1: to grow comfortable with his newfound authority. 211 00:13:49,640 --> 00:13:52,990 Speaker 4: On behalf of King Herod, we are looking for the 212 00:13:53,030 --> 00:13:57,650 Speaker 4: man called Simon Bar-Jonah. You may know him as Peter. 213 00:13:58,250 --> 00:14:01,830 Speaker 1: The apostles stared straight ahead, not wanting to give away 214 00:14:01,910 --> 00:14:07,500 Speaker 1: Peter's identity. But Elias' cold stare directly at Peter indicated 215 00:14:07,540 --> 00:14:11,760 Speaker 1: his question was more rhetorical. He knew exactly who he 216 00:14:11,800 --> 00:14:16,270 Speaker 1: was after. Andrew's instincts took control as he stepped forward, 217 00:14:16,900 --> 00:14:18,319 Speaker 1: much to Elias' surprise. 218 00:14:18,800 --> 00:14:20,960 Speaker 7: And what does King Herod want with Peter? 219 00:14:21,540 --> 00:14:25,440 Speaker 1: Elias snarled at Andrew's boldness, but was determined to keep 220 00:14:25,480 --> 00:14:28,680 Speaker 1: his appearance of absolute control over the situation. 221 00:14:29,060 --> 00:14:31,620 Speaker 4: He is to be put on trial for threats to 222 00:14:31,640 --> 00:14:34,100 Speaker 4: the crown and to the people of Israel. 223 00:14:35,620 --> 00:14:38,090 Speaker 7: Threats against the crown? Are you mad? 224 00:14:38,790 --> 00:14:41,750 Speaker 1: Andrew couldn't stand the thought of Peter's life being at 225 00:14:41,870 --> 00:14:45,340 Speaker 1: risk again. After Peter had spent the night in prison 226 00:14:45,420 --> 00:14:48,720 Speaker 1: with John, Andrew had been mortified by the thought of 227 00:14:48,780 --> 00:14:53,680 Speaker 1: losing him. And now that John was living Andrew's worst nightmare, 228 00:14:54,320 --> 00:14:57,410 Speaker 1: he was set on protecting Peter at all cost. 229 00:14:57,790 --> 00:15:00,550 Speaker 4: The only one who is mad here is you. Now 230 00:15:00,630 --> 00:15:03,650 Speaker 4: step aside so we can apprehend the accused. 231 00:15:04,110 --> 00:15:07,410 Speaker 1: Peter took a large step forward with his arms stretched 232 00:15:07,550 --> 00:15:11,430 Speaker 1: out in front of him. His face was resolute. He 233 00:15:11,450 --> 00:15:14,700 Speaker 1: didn't dare look at Andrew for fear of breaking down. 234 00:15:15,260 --> 00:15:18,320 Speaker 1: He knew that the safest option for his brother and 235 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:22,580 Speaker 1: the other believers was to go without quarreling. He had 236 00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:27,070 Speaker 1: been through this before and trusted in the Lord's sovereignty. 237 00:15:27,910 --> 00:15:32,170 Speaker 1: The soldiers strode forward in unison and promptly bound Peter's hands, 238 00:15:32,910 --> 00:15:36,390 Speaker 1: cinching them tighter than was necessary for a man who 239 00:15:36,430 --> 00:15:41,200 Speaker 1: wasn't fighting back. With a smirk, Elias turned his back 240 00:15:41,260 --> 00:15:45,590 Speaker 1: to the stunned Andrew and John. Elias' eyes flickered with 241 00:15:45,650 --> 00:15:50,390 Speaker 1: satisfaction as they marched out the door. He was already 242 00:15:50,490 --> 00:15:54,690 Speaker 1: basking in the glory of his successful raid. When the 243 00:15:54,770 --> 00:15:58,750 Speaker 1: others returned, Andrew and John explained what had happened. With 244 00:15:58,840 --> 00:16:02,480 Speaker 1: heavy hearts, they began to earnestly pray to the only 245 00:16:02,600 --> 00:16:06,720 Speaker 1: one who could save Peter now. Word quickly spread to 246 00:16:06,760 --> 00:16:10,560 Speaker 1: the believers throughout the city, and in one harmonious voice, 247 00:16:11,110 --> 00:16:17,010 Speaker 1: Thousands of people throughout Jerusalem made petitions for the imprisoned apostle. 248 00:16:17,730 --> 00:16:21,710 Speaker 1: The people would find comfort and strength in their God. 249 00:16:24,670 --> 00:16:27,480 Speaker 1: Peter yawned as drips of water trickled down the wall 250 00:16:27,500 --> 00:16:31,760 Speaker 1: of his cell. The cold, damp floor was playing its 251 00:16:31,840 --> 00:16:36,080 Speaker 1: part in keeping him awake. But the rhythmic drops had 252 00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:40,000 Speaker 1: fought hard to lull him to sleep with relative success. 253 00:16:41,120 --> 00:16:44,580 Speaker 1: On either side of Peter sat two soldiers. They were 254 00:16:44,620 --> 00:16:48,140 Speaker 1: chained to Peter, and by the sound of their steady 255 00:16:48,180 --> 00:16:52,290 Speaker 1: breathing and slow dragging of chains against wood, they were 256 00:16:52,370 --> 00:16:58,530 Speaker 1: fast asleep. Just then, piercing the darkness, a bright light appeared. 257 00:16:59,190 --> 00:17:03,970 Speaker 1: The radiance burned behind Peter, rousing him from his half-sleep state. 258 00:17:04,790 --> 00:17:07,250 Speaker 1: Peter rolled over and covered his eyes with his arm. 259 00:17:08,090 --> 00:17:11,100 Speaker 1: He closed his eyes tighter, but was startled by a 260 00:17:11,280 --> 00:17:14,930 Speaker 1: kick in his side. Worried he had awakened the guards, 261 00:17:15,330 --> 00:17:19,429 Speaker 1: and with them, their anger, he sat up abruptly. But 262 00:17:19,450 --> 00:17:24,270 Speaker 1: to his surprise, the two men were still sound asleep. Then, 263 00:17:25,030 --> 00:17:27,629 Speaker 1: someone shouted from outside the cell door. 264 00:17:27,970 --> 00:17:29,389 Speaker 4: Quickly, get up. 265 00:17:30,150 --> 00:17:33,240 Speaker 1: In alarm, Peter pushed himself to his feet. As he 266 00:17:33,280 --> 00:17:36,119 Speaker 1: wheeled around to find the source of the voice, he 267 00:17:36,160 --> 00:17:40,300 Speaker 1: felt his shackles loosen from around his wrists. Looking down, 268 00:17:40,910 --> 00:17:44,300 Speaker 1: the pins had cracked apart. He shook them to the 269 00:17:44,340 --> 00:17:48,119 Speaker 1: ground with a loud clang. The cell door swiveled open 270 00:17:48,200 --> 00:17:52,320 Speaker 1: slowly with a whine. Peter waited for guards to come in, 271 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:56,760 Speaker 1: but the doorway remained empty. He heard the voice again, 272 00:17:57,260 --> 00:17:59,860 Speaker 1: coming from the direction of the light that had awoken 273 00:17:59,900 --> 00:18:01,160 Speaker 1: him outside the cell. 274 00:18:01,500 --> 00:18:03,600 Speaker 4: Put on your clothes and sandals. 275 00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:08,159 Speaker 1: Without thinking, Peter obeyed the command. He quickly dressed and 276 00:18:08,240 --> 00:18:12,000 Speaker 1: stepped out of his cell Before him stood a man 277 00:18:12,500 --> 00:18:16,439 Speaker 1: in white robes. Peter looked at him, then at the 278 00:18:16,480 --> 00:18:21,510 Speaker 1: sleeping guards. Peter wondered if he should be afraid. But 279 00:18:21,550 --> 00:18:25,310 Speaker 1: of whom? He couldn't say. But before he could decide, 280 00:18:25,730 --> 00:18:27,150 Speaker 1: he was given another command. 281 00:18:27,550 --> 00:18:32,210 Speaker 4: Do not worry about them. They won't stir. Quickly, wrap 282 00:18:32,250 --> 00:18:34,810 Speaker 4: your cloak around yourself and follow me. 283 00:18:35,550 --> 00:18:38,950 Speaker 1: Peter followed the man, wondering if he was still asleep. 284 00:18:39,330 --> 00:18:42,810 Speaker 1: and caught in a dream. Whether it was real or 285 00:18:42,830 --> 00:18:46,870 Speaker 1: a figment of his imagination, Peter figured anything was better 286 00:18:47,070 --> 00:18:49,869 Speaker 1: than another night on the dirty floor of his cell. 287 00:18:50,609 --> 00:18:53,520 Speaker 1: He pulled his cloak tightly around his face and followed 288 00:18:53,540 --> 00:18:57,980 Speaker 1: the man. Peter felt like time had frozen. They walked 289 00:18:58,060 --> 00:19:01,360 Speaker 1: past the two outer guards and seemed to be bothered 290 00:19:01,460 --> 00:19:04,800 Speaker 1: from their deep slumber, despite the commotion Peter and the 291 00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:08,590 Speaker 1: angel were causing. The angel led Peter out of the 292 00:19:08,630 --> 00:19:12,950 Speaker 1: prison corridors, straight to the immense iron gates that led 293 00:19:13,210 --> 00:19:17,190 Speaker 1: into the city. Peter marveled when the angel waved his hand, 294 00:19:17,869 --> 00:19:20,070 Speaker 1: and the gates opened in obedience. 295 00:19:20,470 --> 00:19:20,930 Speaker 3: This way. 296 00:19:21,390 --> 00:19:21,810 Speaker 4: Hurry now. 297 00:19:22,390 --> 00:19:26,409 Speaker 1: We're almost out. The angel moved with ease. Though he 298 00:19:26,490 --> 00:19:29,830 Speaker 1: walked like any other man, his elegant motion made it 299 00:19:29,930 --> 00:19:34,050 Speaker 1: seem like he was floating through the air. Peter struggled 300 00:19:34,070 --> 00:19:37,869 Speaker 1: to keep up. Halfway down a street, Peter raised his 301 00:19:37,990 --> 00:19:41,020 Speaker 1: arm to ask his rescuer to wait. But before he 302 00:19:41,060 --> 00:19:46,690 Speaker 1: could say anything, the man disappeared. Peter stopped abruptly. He 303 00:19:46,710 --> 00:19:49,740 Speaker 1: looked around but could find no trace of the man. 304 00:19:50,660 --> 00:19:54,300 Speaker 1: Peter smiled, feeling silly that it had taken him so 305 00:19:54,380 --> 00:19:56,459 Speaker 1: long to realize what had happened. 306 00:19:57,020 --> 00:19:59,550 Speaker 3: Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has 307 00:19:59,609 --> 00:20:03,129 Speaker 3: done it again. He sent his angel and rescued me 308 00:20:03,170 --> 00:20:06,530 Speaker 3: from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were 309 00:20:06,550 --> 00:20:07,290 Speaker 3: hoping would happen. 310 00:20:08,010 --> 00:20:08,490 Speaker 4: Praise you. 311 00:20:09,869 --> 00:20:12,890 Speaker 1: Peter glanced up and down the empty street. He knew 312 00:20:12,950 --> 00:20:15,630 Speaker 1: it wouldn't be long before the guards learned of his escape. 313 00:20:16,210 --> 00:20:19,490 Speaker 1: He had to devise a plan. He recognized a few 314 00:20:19,580 --> 00:20:23,220 Speaker 1: shops and remembered he was near the house of one 315 00:20:23,260 --> 00:20:23,880 Speaker 1: of the believers. 316 00:20:24,640 --> 00:20:27,439 Speaker 3: If I head north from here, it should take me 317 00:20:27,480 --> 00:20:30,680 Speaker 3: to John Mark's mother's house. I can lay low there 318 00:20:30,800 --> 00:20:31,980 Speaker 3: until morning breaks. 319 00:20:32,560 --> 00:20:35,350 Speaker 1: Under the cover of night, Peter made his way to 320 00:20:35,369 --> 00:20:38,929 Speaker 1: the house. When he arrived, He saw the light trickling 321 00:20:39,070 --> 00:20:41,909 Speaker 1: out of the door's cracks. He pulled his cloak down 322 00:20:41,930 --> 00:20:45,910 Speaker 1: around his shoulders and knocked softly. He waited a few 323 00:20:45,950 --> 00:20:50,190 Speaker 1: minutes and knocked again. He heard shuffling inside and saw 324 00:20:50,230 --> 00:20:53,389 Speaker 1: the shadow of two feet stopping on the other side 325 00:20:53,430 --> 00:20:53,890 Speaker 1: of the door. 326 00:20:54,280 --> 00:20:57,899 Speaker 3: Rhoda, is that you? I'm sorry to intrude in the 327 00:20:57,940 --> 00:21:01,400 Speaker 3: middle of the night. It's just your master's house was 328 00:21:01,460 --> 00:21:03,000 Speaker 3: closest and I thought. 329 00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:10,240 Speaker 2: My word, Peter, is that you? Oh, praise Adonai, you're safe. 330 00:21:10,840 --> 00:21:14,330 Speaker 2: The others won't believe it. They've been up praying all night. 331 00:21:14,990 --> 00:21:18,750 Speaker 1: Peter heard the servant's footsteps race away. He knocked again, 332 00:21:19,390 --> 00:21:22,710 Speaker 1: but there was no response. Rhonda ran to the largest 333 00:21:22,790 --> 00:21:26,649 Speaker 1: room of the house, where others were gathered in incessant prayers. 334 00:21:27,330 --> 00:21:30,050 Speaker 1: Without hesitation, the servant interrupted them. 335 00:21:30,530 --> 00:21:32,890 Speaker 2: Peter is here. He's right outside the door. 336 00:21:33,480 --> 00:21:37,810 Speaker 4: Rhoda, please, this isn't funny. Now come, join us again. 337 00:21:37,830 --> 00:21:40,990 Speaker 2: I'm not joking. He's really here. 338 00:21:41,609 --> 00:21:44,550 Speaker 4: Please don't take offense to this, but I think you're tired. 339 00:21:44,570 --> 00:21:46,409 Speaker 4: I mean, we all are. 340 00:21:47,130 --> 00:21:48,770 Speaker 8: Why don't you close your eyes for a bit and 341 00:21:48,790 --> 00:21:50,429 Speaker 8: then you can pray with us in the morning. 342 00:21:50,990 --> 00:21:53,450 Speaker 1: The man was trying to be as tender as possible, 343 00:21:54,170 --> 00:21:55,290 Speaker 1: but Rhonda pressed on. 344 00:21:56,170 --> 00:21:59,169 Speaker 2: You don't understand. He really is here. 345 00:21:59,190 --> 00:22:01,409 Speaker 4: And did you see Peter? 346 00:22:03,609 --> 00:22:04,590 Speaker 6: Well, technically, no. 347 00:22:05,570 --> 00:22:08,240 Speaker 2: But I heard him. I know it's his voice. 348 00:22:09,040 --> 00:22:12,840 Speaker 4: Perhaps what you were hearing was his angel. Peter's in prison, 349 00:22:13,300 --> 00:22:16,240 Speaker 4: and there's no escape from Harrod's ironclad grips. 350 00:22:16,800 --> 00:22:20,300 Speaker 1: Peter could hear snippets of the conversation. He pressed his 351 00:22:20,340 --> 00:22:23,100 Speaker 1: head against the door with a laugh. He had to 352 00:22:23,180 --> 00:22:27,869 Speaker 1: admit everything Rhonda was saying sounded absurd. He knocked hard 353 00:22:27,950 --> 00:22:30,930 Speaker 1: against the door, hoping to rescue the poor girl from 354 00:22:30,990 --> 00:22:31,790 Speaker 1: appearing mad. 355 00:22:32,450 --> 00:22:35,949 Speaker 2: Listen! Do you not hear that knocking? When was the 356 00:22:35,990 --> 00:22:38,060 Speaker 2: last time you had an angel knock at your door, hmm? 357 00:22:39,070 --> 00:22:42,170 Speaker 1: The others in the room sat motionless, with ears perked. 358 00:22:42,680 --> 00:22:46,080 Speaker 1: For the first time, they could hear the knocking. They 359 00:22:46,140 --> 00:22:49,199 Speaker 1: clambered to their feet and hurried to the door. Peter 360 00:22:49,359 --> 00:22:52,260 Speaker 1: heard the latch click and stepped back just as the 361 00:22:52,300 --> 00:22:56,470 Speaker 1: door flung open. The group stared in amazement, wondering if 362 00:22:56,510 --> 00:23:00,270 Speaker 1: their eyes were deceiving them. Peter held up his arms. 363 00:23:00,960 --> 00:23:04,760 Speaker 1: as though to prove he was indeed with them. The 364 00:23:04,780 --> 00:23:10,000 Speaker 1: believers ran outside and embraced Peter with excited shouts. Peter 365 00:23:10,060 --> 00:23:11,140 Speaker 1: laughed at the gaggle. 366 00:23:11,640 --> 00:23:15,240 Speaker 3: Shh, unless you want the whole of Jerusalem to know 367 00:23:15,280 --> 00:23:16,000 Speaker 3: where I am. 368 00:23:18,660 --> 00:23:22,340 Speaker 1: Everyone sat at the table and listened with fascination as 369 00:23:22,440 --> 00:23:27,260 Speaker 1: Peter shared about his midnight escape with the angel. Everyone 370 00:23:27,340 --> 00:23:31,600 Speaker 1: could hardly believe it, but the evidence showed was undeniable. 371 00:23:32,520 --> 00:23:35,680 Speaker 1: Come morning, Herod and his guards would have their own 372 00:23:35,760 --> 00:23:39,139 Speaker 1: problems on their hands. But as for the people of God, 373 00:23:40,170 --> 00:23:44,610 Speaker 1: they would have a story that would resonate throughout history. 374 00:23:45,470 --> 00:23:51,030 Speaker 1: God's Spirit was moving with unstoppable might, and the name 375 00:23:51,170 --> 00:23:56,570 Speaker 1: of Jesus would continue to spread to every corner of 376 00:23:56,609 --> 00:23:56,950 Speaker 1: the world. 377 00:24:05,240 --> 00:24:08,600 Speaker 6: Our story begins with Herod Agrippa I, a king who 378 00:24:08,640 --> 00:24:11,679 Speaker 6: cared more about his approval ratings than justice or righteousness. 379 00:24:12,140 --> 00:24:15,290 Speaker 6: Seeing that persecuting Christians pleased the people, he had James, 380 00:24:15,330 --> 00:24:18,970 Speaker 6: the brother of John, executed. This was the first apostle 381 00:24:19,230 --> 00:24:22,629 Speaker 6: to be killed. But Herod wasn't satisfied. He arrested Peter, 382 00:24:22,790 --> 00:24:25,490 Speaker 6: intending to make a public spectacle of his trial after 383 00:24:25,530 --> 00:24:29,390 Speaker 6: the Passover. Isn't it interesting how things never change? Leaders 384 00:24:29,430 --> 00:24:32,250 Speaker 6: still pander to the masses, often at the expense of 385 00:24:32,330 --> 00:24:36,490 Speaker 6: truth and morality. Herod's actions were driven by politics, not principles. 386 00:24:37,050 --> 00:24:40,169 Speaker 6: But here's the kicker. Earthly power is no match for 387 00:24:40,210 --> 00:24:44,820 Speaker 6: divine purpose. Peter's in prison, guarded by 16 soldiers. Herod 388 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:48,619 Speaker 6: wasn't taking any chances after Peter's previous jailbreak in Acts 389 00:24:48,660 --> 00:24:51,940 Speaker 6: chapter 5. But what is Peter doing on what would 390 00:24:51,980 --> 00:24:55,660 Speaker 6: be the eve of his execution? He's sleeping. Not pacing, 391 00:24:55,800 --> 00:24:58,920 Speaker 6: not plotting an escape. Sleeping so soundly that an angel 392 00:24:58,980 --> 00:25:00,980 Speaker 6: has to whack him on the side to wake him up. 393 00:25:01,660 --> 00:25:04,969 Speaker 6: Talk about a Talk about peace that surpasses all understanding. 394 00:25:05,369 --> 00:25:08,110 Speaker 6: Just like Jesus slept on a boat in the midst 395 00:25:08,130 --> 00:25:10,990 Speaker 6: of a storm, Peter's sleeping in a prison cell as 396 00:25:11,040 --> 00:25:14,420 Speaker 6: he awaits his trial and execution. Peter's trust in God 397 00:25:14,460 --> 00:25:17,020 Speaker 6: was so profound that the chains and the guards didn't 398 00:25:17,080 --> 00:25:19,939 Speaker 6: faze him at all. It challenges us to consider, how 399 00:25:19,960 --> 00:25:23,310 Speaker 6: do we respond when we're imprisoned by our circumstances? Do 400 00:25:23,330 --> 00:25:26,990 Speaker 6: we panic or do we rest in God's sovereignty? Meanwhile, 401 00:25:27,050 --> 00:25:30,200 Speaker 6: the church was earnestly praying for Peter. The original Greek 402 00:25:30,220 --> 00:25:34,820 Speaker 6: implies intense, fervent prayer, stretching themselves out before God. They 403 00:25:34,859 --> 00:25:38,129 Speaker 6: didn't have political influence, wealth, or weapons. All they had 404 00:25:38,170 --> 00:25:41,570 Speaker 6: was prayer, and they wielded it mightily. Here's where it 405 00:25:41,590 --> 00:25:44,490 Speaker 6: gets amusing. Despite their earnest prayers, when Peter shows up 406 00:25:44,520 --> 00:25:47,340 Speaker 6: at the door, they don't actually believe it's him. Rhoda, 407 00:25:47,420 --> 00:25:49,940 Speaker 6: the servant girl, is so excited that she forgets to 408 00:25:49,960 --> 00:25:52,560 Speaker 6: even open the door. She opens the door, hears that 409 00:25:52,580 --> 00:25:54,680 Speaker 6: it's Peter, and then goes to run and tell everybody, 410 00:25:55,119 --> 00:25:57,720 Speaker 6: not even thinking to let him in. The others think 411 00:25:57,820 --> 00:26:00,320 Speaker 6: she's out of her mind or that Peter might. 412 00:26:00,180 --> 00:26:00,919 Speaker 4: Be an angel. 413 00:26:01,500 --> 00:26:04,920 Speaker 6: It seems even the early church had moments of doubt. Yes, 414 00:26:04,980 --> 00:26:07,430 Speaker 6: they were praying for his safety. They were praying for. 415 00:26:07,369 --> 00:26:08,149 Speaker 4: Him to be freed. 416 00:26:08,470 --> 00:26:11,150 Speaker 6: But when it actually happened, it was really hard to believe. 417 00:26:11,590 --> 00:26:13,689 Speaker 6: And that should tell you about the humanity of prayer, 418 00:26:13,730 --> 00:26:16,570 Speaker 6: shouldn't it? We pray for these things earnestly. We pray 419 00:26:16,609 --> 00:26:18,629 Speaker 6: them in trust that God's going to do what he 420 00:26:18,670 --> 00:26:20,970 Speaker 6: says he's going to do. But that doesn't make miracles 421 00:26:21,070 --> 00:26:23,850 Speaker 6: any less surprising to us. You see, they were praying 422 00:26:23,930 --> 00:26:26,310 Speaker 6: for a miracle, but were surprised when it happened. It's 423 00:26:26,330 --> 00:26:29,869 Speaker 6: humorous yet humbling reminder that sometimes we pray without fully 424 00:26:29,930 --> 00:26:31,129 Speaker 6: expecting God to answer. 425 00:26:32,050 --> 00:26:32,710 Speaker 1: Now back to Peter. 426 00:26:32,990 --> 00:26:35,830 Speaker 6: The angel led him past the guards. They led him 427 00:26:35,890 --> 00:26:39,470 Speaker 6: through the gates and into the city streets. Only then 428 00:26:39,510 --> 00:26:41,350 Speaker 6: does Peter realize that it's not a vision. 429 00:26:41,510 --> 00:26:41,990 Speaker 4: It's real. 430 00:26:42,390 --> 00:26:45,430 Speaker 6: God had delivered him from Herod's clutches. On the flip side, 431 00:26:45,530 --> 00:26:48,889 Speaker 6: Herod faces a different fate. After Peter's escape, Herod is 432 00:26:49,130 --> 00:26:53,250 Speaker 6: furious and has the guards executed. Later, during a public address, 433 00:26:53,290 --> 00:26:55,510 Speaker 6: the people shout, this is the voice of God, not 434 00:26:55,530 --> 00:26:58,270 Speaker 6: of a man. And instead of correcting them, Herod revels 435 00:26:58,310 --> 00:27:01,689 Speaker 6: in the undulation. Immediately, an angel strikes him down and 436 00:27:01,750 --> 00:27:07,080 Speaker 6: he dies a gruesome death. You see, Peter's deliverance and 437 00:27:07,260 --> 00:27:11,340 Speaker 6: Herod's gruesome death are actually images of the future of 438 00:27:11,400 --> 00:27:14,250 Speaker 6: someone who is working against the kingdom of God, and 439 00:27:14,290 --> 00:27:17,530 Speaker 6: someone who's working for the kingdom of God. It's actually 440 00:27:17,570 --> 00:27:21,660 Speaker 6: an image and a metaphor for their eternities. Pride comes 441 00:27:21,720 --> 00:27:25,219 Speaker 6: before the fall, doesn't it? Herod's demise contrasts sharply with 442 00:27:25,280 --> 00:27:28,920 Speaker 6: Peter's deliverance. One man's arrogance leads to his downfall, while 443 00:27:28,940 --> 00:27:32,699 Speaker 6: the other man's humility leads to his salvation. Acts 12 444 00:27:32,700 --> 00:27:36,359 Speaker 6: reminds us that while believers may face persecution, God's mission 445 00:27:36,520 --> 00:27:41,280 Speaker 6: is unshackled and unstoppable. Jesus is greater than than any 446 00:27:41,359 --> 00:27:44,840 Speaker 6: circumstance you find yourself in. Which leads me to introduce 447 00:27:44,980 --> 00:27:48,560 Speaker 6: our next mini-series after this one. And that is a 448 00:27:48,720 --> 00:27:51,629 Speaker 6: series called Jesus the Greater. We are going to be 449 00:27:51,670 --> 00:27:56,190 Speaker 6: showing how Jesus is greater than any other character in Scripture. 450 00:27:56,650 --> 00:28:00,490 Speaker 6: Jesus is greater than Joshua. The walls that he topples 451 00:28:00,530 --> 00:28:04,320 Speaker 6: down are greater than the walls that Joshua faced. Jesus 452 00:28:04,380 --> 00:28:07,240 Speaker 6: is the greater Adam. Where Adam gave in to temptation, 453 00:28:07,600 --> 00:28:10,760 Speaker 6: Jesus didn't falter. We're going to be taking the next 454 00:28:10,859 --> 00:28:14,180 Speaker 6: month to really showcase the greatness of Jesus by highlighting 455 00:28:14,300 --> 00:28:17,400 Speaker 6: Old Testament stories, New Testament stories, and binding them all 456 00:28:17,440 --> 00:28:20,389 Speaker 6: together in perfect synergy. I can't wait for you to 457 00:28:20,450 --> 00:28:20,879 Speaker 6: join us.