1 00:00:00,530 --> 00:00:04,070 Speaker 1: God exalted him at his right hand as leader and 2 00:00:04,170 --> 00:00:08,910 Speaker 1: Savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 3 00:00:09,810 --> 00:00:17,080 Speaker 1: Acts 5.31 Gracious Lord, we thank you, Jesus, for your 4 00:00:17,140 --> 00:00:23,310 Speaker 1: sacrifice and for the forgiveness you freely offer. You are 5 00:00:23,450 --> 00:00:28,070 Speaker 1: our Prince and Savior, and we are humbled by your mercy. 6 00:00:30,530 --> 00:00:35,830 Speaker 1: Lead us to true repentance. Turn our hearts away from 7 00:00:35,950 --> 00:00:42,220 Speaker 1: sin and towards your righteousness. Empower us to live in 8 00:00:42,260 --> 00:00:47,519 Speaker 1: the freedom of your grace, knowing that through you we 9 00:00:47,580 --> 00:00:52,910 Speaker 1: are forgiven and made new. Help us to share this 10 00:00:52,970 --> 00:00:56,590 Speaker 1: good news with others, that they too may know the 11 00:00:56,670 --> 00:01:02,910 Speaker 1: joy of salvation. and the hope found in you. In 12 00:01:02,930 --> 00:01:04,530 Speaker 1: your mighty name we pray. 13 00:01:06,670 --> 00:01:06,970 Speaker 2: Amen. 14 00:01:08,770 --> 00:01:11,789 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 15 00:01:11,830 --> 00:01:17,430 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another dramatized story inspired 16 00:01:17,470 --> 00:01:20,580 Speaker 1: by the book of Acts and the birth of the church. 17 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:24,900 Speaker 1: If this podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow 18 00:01:25,380 --> 00:01:27,740 Speaker 1: so you never have to miss an episode. 19 00:01:32,020 --> 00:01:32,700 Speaker 3: Saul! 20 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:37,220 Speaker 1: A voice called out from a distance. Saul opened his 21 00:01:37,420 --> 00:01:40,310 Speaker 1: eyes and sat up. He looked around the room for 22 00:01:40,350 --> 00:01:42,990 Speaker 1: the source of the voice, but nobody was there. 23 00:01:45,069 --> 00:01:46,130 Speaker 3: Must have been a dream. 24 00:01:46,850 --> 00:01:49,150 Speaker 1: Saul hung his feet over the edge of his bed 25 00:01:49,290 --> 00:01:53,140 Speaker 1: and rubbed his eyes. He had soft sheets and a 26 00:01:53,180 --> 00:01:58,160 Speaker 1: beautifully woven robe draped down his legs. His room was warm. 27 00:01:59,310 --> 00:02:02,430 Speaker 1: and the lights from the rising sun trickled in through 28 00:02:02,490 --> 00:02:08,030 Speaker 1: the skylight. He stretched out his arms and yawned. His 29 00:02:08,070 --> 00:02:10,960 Speaker 1: servant walked up the stairs into his room with a 30 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:16,160 Speaker 1: hot breakfast prepared. He washed his hands, breathed in deeply, 31 00:02:17,139 --> 00:02:18,960 Speaker 1: and whispered a prayer of blessing. 32 00:02:19,900 --> 00:02:20,320 Speaker 4: Saul! 33 00:02:21,139 --> 00:02:21,679 Speaker 2: Saul! 34 00:02:22,380 --> 00:02:26,320 Speaker 1: A voice called out again. This time Saul could tell 35 00:02:26,410 --> 00:02:29,170 Speaker 1: where the voice was coming from. He looked out the 36 00:02:29,210 --> 00:02:33,410 Speaker 1: window and saw a familiar face. It was Yoel, a 37 00:02:33,450 --> 00:02:35,530 Speaker 1: young servant from the house of Gamaliel. 38 00:02:36,270 --> 00:02:39,090 Speaker 5: Rabbi Saul, it is good to see you again. I 39 00:02:39,880 --> 00:02:43,440 Speaker 5: have a message from Rabbi Gamaliel, one I think you 40 00:02:43,480 --> 00:02:45,120 Speaker 5: would want to hear as soon as possible. 41 00:02:45,680 --> 00:02:49,299 Speaker 1: Saul enthusiastically dressed and walked out into the courtyard. 42 00:02:49,700 --> 00:02:52,540 Speaker 3: You should know better than to yell at people's windows, Yoel, 43 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:54,840 Speaker 3: especially so early in the morning. 44 00:02:55,500 --> 00:02:58,460 Speaker 5: I am sorry, Rabbi, but... I thought that this message 45 00:02:58,500 --> 00:03:02,250 Speaker 5: warranted a little more enthusiasm. I was excited to see you. 46 00:03:02,990 --> 00:03:05,669 Speaker 1: Saul patted Yoel on the back and opened the letter 47 00:03:05,710 --> 00:03:10,190 Speaker 1: from Gamaliel. He read it up and down twice and 48 00:03:10,330 --> 00:03:15,550 Speaker 1: couldn't help but smile. It was finally happening. He had 49 00:03:15,610 --> 00:03:19,960 Speaker 1: been called back to the holy city by the Sanhedrin. 50 00:03:20,750 --> 00:03:23,800 Speaker 1: He would sit among the rulers of the Jews in 51 00:03:23,820 --> 00:03:28,880 Speaker 1: the Hall of Polished Stones. He raised his hands in victory. 52 00:03:29,919 --> 00:03:34,740 Speaker 1: All his hard work and studies had culminated in this moment. 53 00:03:35,560 --> 00:03:39,420 Speaker 1: He was going back to Jerusalem to rule and reign 54 00:03:39,820 --> 00:03:43,910 Speaker 1: among the elite. It seemed as though nothing could stop 55 00:03:43,970 --> 00:03:44,590 Speaker 1: his momentum. 56 00:03:46,010 --> 00:03:49,630 Speaker 3: This is excellent news. You'll remain here for the night 57 00:03:49,970 --> 00:03:53,630 Speaker 3: and then return with my reply tomorrow morning. I will 58 00:03:53,650 --> 00:03:56,210 Speaker 3: let Gamaliel know that I plan to leave as soon 59 00:03:56,250 --> 00:03:56,810 Speaker 3: as possible. 60 00:03:57,430 --> 00:04:01,460 Speaker 5: Rabbi, there was another message from the high priest Ananias 61 00:04:01,500 --> 00:04:04,580 Speaker 5: for you. This is more of a personal note, so 62 00:04:05,200 --> 00:04:07,340 Speaker 5: he asked me to relay it to you myself. 63 00:04:07,840 --> 00:04:08,279 Speaker 3: Go on. 64 00:04:08,820 --> 00:04:10,340 Speaker 6: Jerusalem has changed. 65 00:04:10,960 --> 00:04:13,910 Speaker 5: You're not returning to the same city you left years ago. 66 00:04:13,930 --> 00:04:17,909 Speaker 5: A new sect has caused quite a stir among our people. 67 00:04:19,330 --> 00:04:23,950 Speaker 3: Blasphemies and fanatics are nothing new, York. They will leave 68 00:04:23,990 --> 00:04:25,989 Speaker 3: in due time, like all the others. 69 00:04:26,610 --> 00:04:31,240 Speaker 5: These people are different. They follow a man from Nazareth 70 00:04:31,300 --> 00:04:35,000 Speaker 5: who claims to be the Messiah. He was crucified and 71 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,740 Speaker 5: buried for his crimes, but... Yoel paused for a moment, 72 00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:43,429 Speaker 5: grasping for the right words. His followers claim he rose 73 00:04:43,510 --> 00:04:44,350 Speaker 5: from the grave. 74 00:04:45,270 --> 00:04:49,870 Speaker 3: Foolishness. No doubt his followers robbed the grave and claimed 75 00:04:49,970 --> 00:04:52,190 Speaker 3: resurrection to compel the crowds. 76 00:04:52,700 --> 00:04:55,620 Speaker 5: That is what the Pharisees are saying, but I must 77 00:04:55,700 --> 00:04:59,289 Speaker 5: warn you, Rabbi, these are not men to be underestimated. 78 00:04:59,930 --> 00:05:04,910 Speaker 5: They can do things, miraculous things, and they seem to 79 00:05:04,970 --> 00:05:07,770 Speaker 5: know things about the law of Moses and the prophets 80 00:05:07,810 --> 00:05:11,789 Speaker 5: with little to no education. This is why the Sanhedrin 81 00:05:11,810 --> 00:05:14,100 Speaker 5: has called for you. They need to put an end 82 00:05:14,130 --> 00:05:17,719 Speaker 5: to these people before it gets out of control. It 83 00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:19,380 Speaker 5: seems like it might already have. 84 00:05:20,160 --> 00:05:24,070 Speaker 3: And what sect or temple do these false teachers come from. 85 00:05:24,589 --> 00:05:27,950 Speaker 5: Well, that's just it, Rabbi. Many of them are uneducated 86 00:05:28,050 --> 00:05:32,190 Speaker 5: fishermen from Galilee. They call themselves the people. 87 00:05:31,890 --> 00:05:32,450 Speaker 1: Of the way. 88 00:05:35,450 --> 00:05:39,980 Speaker 7: Jesus said it himself, a house divided can't stand. If 89 00:05:40,020 --> 00:05:43,480 Speaker 7: we are able to stand firm and unified in our convictions, 90 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:48,220 Speaker 7: nothing can stop us. Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a 91 00:05:48,260 --> 00:05:52,510 Speaker 7: year of gospel-inspired stories told with cinematic flair and then 92 00:05:52,570 --> 00:05:55,510 Speaker 7: give in some honest reflection. If you've been blessed by 93 00:05:55,550 --> 00:05:57,970 Speaker 7: this podcast so far, we would love it if you 94 00:05:58,010 --> 00:06:00,570 Speaker 7: left a review and shared it with a friend. These 95 00:06:00,630 --> 00:06:03,710 Speaker 7: small steps might seem tiny, but they actually mean a 96 00:06:03,750 --> 00:06:07,299 Speaker 7: lot to us. Thanks for making the mission possible. Today's 97 00:06:07,339 --> 00:06:11,000 Speaker 7: story began with the introduction of Saul of Tarsus. Saul, 98 00:06:11,120 --> 00:06:14,039 Speaker 7: an ambitious young Pharisee looking to be drafted into the 99 00:06:14,080 --> 00:06:16,940 Speaker 7: ranks of the Sanhedrin, has been assigned to come back 100 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:20,390 Speaker 7: to Jerusalem to help deal with a movement called the 101 00:06:20,450 --> 00:06:24,190 Speaker 7: People of the Way. We use this moment, inspired by 102 00:06:24,310 --> 00:06:27,109 Speaker 7: Acts chapter 5, to make Saul a fly on the 103 00:06:27,150 --> 00:06:31,330 Speaker 7: wall of an interesting courtroom drama between Peter, John, and 104 00:06:31,350 --> 00:06:32,070 Speaker 7: the Sanhedrin. 105 00:06:34,300 --> 00:06:37,580 Speaker 1: It had been years since Saul was in Jerusalem. While 106 00:06:37,640 --> 00:06:41,980 Speaker 1: Saul was away in Tarsus, much had happened. A carpenter 107 00:06:42,040 --> 00:06:46,080 Speaker 1: from Nazareth stirred up a group of zealots. Even though 108 00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:51,290 Speaker 1: he was killed, his followers refused to scatter. Saul had 109 00:06:51,330 --> 00:06:54,970 Speaker 1: been summoned by the Sanhedrin to put his skills to 110 00:06:55,010 --> 00:06:58,710 Speaker 1: the test. Saul entered the great doors into the hall 111 00:06:58,750 --> 00:07:03,750 Speaker 1: of polished stones. The room was massive, and every whisper 112 00:07:04,290 --> 00:07:09,120 Speaker 1: reverberated against the rounded walls and ceiling. The floor was 113 00:07:09,180 --> 00:07:13,220 Speaker 1: hewn from smoothed-out granite, and the pillars holding up the 114 00:07:13,280 --> 00:07:19,350 Speaker 1: dome-like roof were made from pure ivory. Saul entered the 115 00:07:19,410 --> 00:07:24,030 Speaker 1: hall without announcing himself. He could hear the Sanhedrin arguing 116 00:07:24,130 --> 00:07:27,630 Speaker 1: about something. The men sat in a half circle on 117 00:07:27,670 --> 00:07:30,950 Speaker 1: either side of the high priest in the center. They 118 00:07:30,990 --> 00:07:36,060 Speaker 1: were adorned with perfectly woven robes and polished jewels. Standing 119 00:07:36,100 --> 00:07:40,400 Speaker 1: before them were two men bound in rope under some 120 00:07:40,540 --> 00:07:46,060 Speaker 1: sort of investigation. They wore fisherman's clothes and ungroomed beards. 121 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:50,020 Speaker 1: It wasn't common for such raggedy men to appear before 122 00:07:50,060 --> 00:07:55,190 Speaker 1: the Sanhedrin. They usually dealt with more upscale matters. Who 123 00:07:55,570 --> 00:08:00,010 Speaker 1: are they? Instead of making himself known, Saul leaned against 124 00:08:00,050 --> 00:08:04,680 Speaker 1: the pillar and listened. The high priest Ananias was indignant 125 00:08:05,320 --> 00:08:07,580 Speaker 1: and yelled at the two men standing before him. 126 00:08:08,020 --> 00:08:11,680 Speaker 2: Did we not strictly command you not to teach in 127 00:08:11,720 --> 00:08:16,630 Speaker 2: that man's name? Now look what you've done. Jerusalem is 128 00:08:16,670 --> 00:08:21,550 Speaker 2: being corrupted with your doctrine. Cease this now or pay 129 00:08:21,630 --> 00:08:22,490 Speaker 2: the price. 130 00:08:23,270 --> 00:08:25,570 Speaker 1: One of the captured men stood taller than the other. 131 00:08:26,270 --> 00:08:29,990 Speaker 1: He had a magnetic personality and filled a room easily. 132 00:08:30,770 --> 00:08:33,290 Speaker 1: He raised his voice and shouted back. 133 00:08:33,850 --> 00:08:38,470 Speaker 3: Who are we to obey first, Ananias, God or men? 134 00:08:39,010 --> 00:08:45,260 Speaker 3: How dare you? We speak for God. No, you murdered God. 135 00:08:45,660 --> 00:08:48,550 Speaker 3: The God of our fathers came to us and you 136 00:08:48,790 --> 00:08:51,090 Speaker 3: murdered him by hanging him on a cross. 137 00:08:51,630 --> 00:08:56,650 Speaker 1: The council shifted in their seats with indignant glares. Saul 138 00:08:56,750 --> 00:09:02,309 Speaker 1: observed them closely. These fishermen were making them very uncomfortable. 139 00:09:03,270 --> 00:09:06,470 Speaker 1: Saul crossed his arms and leaned his ear in closer 140 00:09:06,510 --> 00:09:10,260 Speaker 1: to listen. The larger man spoke to the council with 141 00:09:10,440 --> 00:09:11,580 Speaker 1: insolent boldness. 142 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:16,040 Speaker 3: There is hope even for you, Sanhedrin. The Spirit of 143 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:19,300 Speaker 3: God raised Jesus and exalted him to the right hand 144 00:09:19,340 --> 00:09:23,160 Speaker 3: of the throne of God. If you repent and remove 145 00:09:23,210 --> 00:09:27,970 Speaker 3: yourself from that false throne, there may be hope for 146 00:09:28,010 --> 00:09:28,590 Speaker 3: your soul. 147 00:09:30,530 --> 00:09:34,490 Speaker 1: The council was in an uproar. Saul watched as they 148 00:09:34,590 --> 00:09:38,059 Speaker 1: all stood and shouted curses at the men. Some of 149 00:09:38,100 --> 00:09:39,599 Speaker 1: them spat in their direction. 150 00:09:40,100 --> 00:09:43,920 Speaker 6: We are witnesses to his resurrection. We have beheld the 151 00:09:43,960 --> 00:09:48,850 Speaker 6: risen Jesus with our own eyes. The Holy Spirit God 152 00:09:48,880 --> 00:09:52,229 Speaker 6: has given to those who seek and obey him also 153 00:09:52,530 --> 00:09:53,690 Speaker 6: bears witness. 154 00:09:54,270 --> 00:09:58,110 Speaker 3: The Holy Spirit? These men have no idea what they're 155 00:09:58,150 --> 00:09:58,830 Speaker 3: talking about. 156 00:09:59,429 --> 00:10:03,459 Speaker 1: Saul's gay. returned to Ananias, whose face was red with 157 00:10:03,679 --> 00:10:05,020 Speaker 1: righteous indignation. 158 00:10:05,500 --> 00:10:09,940 Speaker 2: Enough! We warned you both that if you preached the 159 00:10:09,980 --> 00:10:13,370 Speaker 2: name of Jesus, you would be punished. 160 00:10:13,800 --> 00:10:16,510 Speaker 1: He gestured to the guards to grab their ropes and 161 00:10:16,570 --> 00:10:17,170 Speaker 1: take them away. 162 00:10:17,700 --> 00:10:20,800 Speaker 2: We will deliberate and decide your punishment. 163 00:10:21,360 --> 00:10:23,600 Speaker 1: The officers took the two men out of the room. 164 00:10:24,320 --> 00:10:27,020 Speaker 1: On their way out, they passed Saul. He caught a 165 00:10:27,080 --> 00:10:30,579 Speaker 1: glimpse of their faces. They were dirty and clearly from 166 00:10:30,679 --> 00:10:34,540 Speaker 1: poorer families. What gave them the gall to speak to 167 00:10:34,590 --> 00:10:39,410 Speaker 1: the Sanhedrin like that? They seemed unashamed of their blasphemy 168 00:10:40,390 --> 00:10:46,840 Speaker 1: and unafraid of any consequences. Their confidence vexed Saul. He 169 00:10:46,880 --> 00:10:51,140 Speaker 1: stepped closer to the council and listened to the Sanhedrin deliberate. 170 00:10:52,280 --> 00:10:55,270 Speaker 1: Ananias presided over them with fury. 171 00:10:55,910 --> 00:10:59,910 Speaker 2: They must be killed. Clearly it wasn't enough to kill Jesus. 172 00:11:00,740 --> 00:11:03,280 Speaker 2: We must put an end to his followers as well. 173 00:11:04,650 --> 00:11:09,070 Speaker 8: This is the Pharisees' fault. They teach about resurrection, spirits, 174 00:11:09,150 --> 00:11:13,000 Speaker 8: and angels. Now we have a whole sect claiming this 175 00:11:13,130 --> 00:11:16,820 Speaker 8: man rose from the dead and has risen with the angels. 176 00:11:17,520 --> 00:11:19,540 Speaker 8: You primed the people to think this way. 177 00:11:20,020 --> 00:11:20,660 Speaker 3: It's your fault. 178 00:11:21,220 --> 00:11:24,780 Speaker 1: The other Sadducees in the room nodded in agreement. The 179 00:11:24,820 --> 00:11:29,199 Speaker 1: Pharisees shook their heads and objected. The topic of resurrection 180 00:11:29,420 --> 00:11:34,260 Speaker 1: was touchy for the conservative Pharisees and liberal Sadducees. The 181 00:11:34,320 --> 00:11:39,140 Speaker 1: supernatural was an endless debate. One Saul had a great 182 00:11:39,220 --> 00:11:43,620 Speaker 1: deal of fun engaging in. The room was becoming louder, 183 00:11:44,640 --> 00:11:49,600 Speaker 1: and small arguments arose among the group. Their dogmatic arguing 184 00:11:49,679 --> 00:11:55,199 Speaker 1: reverberated down the halls. Their differences in opinion melded into 185 00:11:55,360 --> 00:12:00,790 Speaker 1: indistinguishable white noise. Then one of the elder members of 186 00:12:00,830 --> 00:12:04,280 Speaker 1: the Sanhedrin stood to his feet, and silenced the crowd. 187 00:12:05,500 --> 00:12:09,500 Speaker 1: Saul smiled when he saw who it was. It was Gamaliel. 188 00:12:10,370 --> 00:12:14,530 Speaker 1: His opinion was highly regarded among the Sanhedrin. They silenced 189 00:12:14,570 --> 00:12:15,750 Speaker 1: themselves to listen to him. 190 00:12:16,510 --> 00:12:21,550 Speaker 4: Men of Israel, we must be careful with how we proceed. 191 00:12:22,790 --> 00:12:26,110 Speaker 4: Take heed on how you treat them, for there's still 192 00:12:26,130 --> 00:12:29,840 Speaker 4: a shred of possibility this movement is. 193 00:12:29,920 --> 00:12:30,540 Speaker 3: Of the Lord. 194 00:12:31,190 --> 00:12:33,929 Speaker 1: The rest of the council began to stir and murmur. 195 00:12:34,750 --> 00:12:37,240 Speaker 1: Gamaliel raised his hands and silenced them. 196 00:12:37,670 --> 00:12:38,750 Speaker 3: Let me explain. 197 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:45,580 Speaker 4: Remember, some time ago, Thudas rose from the zealots, claiming 198 00:12:45,700 --> 00:12:49,900 Speaker 4: to be a prophet from God, and 400 people followed him? 199 00:12:51,500 --> 00:12:55,540 Speaker 4: He was slain, and all his followers disappeared in a 200 00:12:55,620 --> 00:13:00,400 Speaker 4: matter of months. Remember Judas of Galilee, when he rose up? 201 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:06,430 Speaker 4: Hundreds of people followed him. He was a blasphemer, and 202 00:13:06,490 --> 00:13:10,290 Speaker 4: when he was punished, his followers disappeared within a year. 203 00:13:10,830 --> 00:13:13,670 Speaker 2: What are you saying, Gamaliel? Get to the point! 204 00:13:14,470 --> 00:13:19,500 Speaker 4: My point is that movements tend to die with their leaders. 205 00:13:20,340 --> 00:13:24,260 Speaker 4: But when a movement is from the Lord, it won't 206 00:13:24,320 --> 00:13:29,510 Speaker 4: be thwarted no matter how hard we try. If these 207 00:13:29,610 --> 00:13:35,120 Speaker 4: men are simple blasphemers, they will fall away and disappear 208 00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:39,520 Speaker 4: in months. But if these men are from God, they 209 00:13:39,600 --> 00:13:43,980 Speaker 4: will endure. They will continue their mission, no matter how 210 00:13:44,120 --> 00:13:48,590 Speaker 4: harsh the punishment is. If God is on their side, 211 00:13:49,210 --> 00:13:51,189 Speaker 4: nobody can stand against them. 212 00:13:51,770 --> 00:13:54,230 Speaker 3: Do not harm them. We do not want to be 213 00:13:54,350 --> 00:13:58,750 Speaker 3: caught working against God. Does God need our defending? 214 00:13:59,290 --> 00:14:03,260 Speaker 1: The council was taken back by Gamaliel's advice. And so 215 00:14:03,340 --> 00:14:07,300 Speaker 1: was Saul. Saul believed the law of God needed defending. 216 00:14:08,040 --> 00:14:10,840 Speaker 1: He had made a career out of it. Saul was 217 00:14:10,860 --> 00:14:14,710 Speaker 1: surprised to hear his teacher say something in favor of blasphemers. 218 00:14:15,830 --> 00:14:20,670 Speaker 1: It made his stomach churn. Clearly the Sanhedrin required leadership 219 00:14:20,990 --> 00:14:24,670 Speaker 1: with more conviction. They needed someone to lead the charge 220 00:14:24,750 --> 00:14:27,850 Speaker 1: against these people before it got out of hand. 221 00:14:28,450 --> 00:14:31,450 Speaker 3: We cannot put them to death yet. They've been feeding 222 00:14:31,490 --> 00:14:34,550 Speaker 3: the poor and giving medical care to the sick. The 223 00:14:34,590 --> 00:14:38,400 Speaker 3: people of the way have endeared themselves to the common folk. 224 00:14:39,080 --> 00:14:41,380 Speaker 3: If we kill them too quickly, we might have an 225 00:14:41,620 --> 00:14:42,940 Speaker 3: uprising on our hands. 226 00:14:43,560 --> 00:14:47,020 Speaker 1: The rest of the Sanhedrin deliberated and agreed to hold 227 00:14:47,140 --> 00:14:50,390 Speaker 1: off putting the men to death. Ananias nodded to the 228 00:14:50,430 --> 00:14:53,930 Speaker 1: temple guards to bring the two men out. They stood 229 00:14:54,010 --> 00:14:57,500 Speaker 1: in front of the Sanhedrin with smiles on their faces. 230 00:14:58,380 --> 00:15:02,180 Speaker 1: The high priest glared at them, then nodded to the guards. 231 00:15:02,800 --> 00:15:03,500 Speaker 2: Beat them! 232 00:15:04,340 --> 00:15:08,220 Speaker 1: Immediately the taller man was struck in the jaw. The younger, 233 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:10,830 Speaker 1: shorter man was kicked in the knee and brought to 234 00:15:10,850 --> 00:15:14,470 Speaker 1: the ground. Saul watched as the guards took out their 235 00:15:14,550 --> 00:15:19,470 Speaker 1: bludgeoning sticks and struck both of them violently. The larger 236 00:15:19,510 --> 00:15:22,890 Speaker 1: man grunted with his hands and knees on the cold stone. 237 00:15:23,770 --> 00:15:28,400 Speaker 1: He took every blow with dignity. The shorter man closed 238 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:32,060 Speaker 1: his eyes and hummed a hymn to block out the 239 00:15:32,100 --> 00:15:36,600 Speaker 1: sound of his ribs cracking. The guards didn't hold back. 240 00:15:37,540 --> 00:15:41,660 Speaker 1: But still, the men remained conscious and unwavering. 241 00:15:42,190 --> 00:15:42,510 Speaker 2: Enough! 242 00:15:43,210 --> 00:15:46,550 Speaker 1: The beating stopped, and the two men remained on the floor. 243 00:15:47,470 --> 00:15:50,350 Speaker 1: The guards brought them to their feet and dragged them 244 00:15:50,410 --> 00:15:53,370 Speaker 1: to the foot of the high priest. He looked at 245 00:15:53,430 --> 00:15:56,890 Speaker 1: them with disgust and spat in their faces. 246 00:15:57,430 --> 00:16:03,130 Speaker 2: This is your final warning, Peter and John. Leave here 247 00:16:03,550 --> 00:16:06,990 Speaker 2: and do not mention Jesus of Nazareth again. 248 00:16:07,610 --> 00:16:11,130 Speaker 1: Neither man said a word in response. There was no 249 00:16:11,210 --> 00:16:16,010 Speaker 1: nod of recognition or acknowledgement. They were impassive and allowed 250 00:16:16,050 --> 00:16:20,140 Speaker 1: the guards to throw them outside. Saul slipped out of 251 00:16:20,180 --> 00:16:22,900 Speaker 1: the back of the hall into the courtyard, and watched 252 00:16:22,960 --> 00:16:26,360 Speaker 1: the men get thrown into the dirt. He was curious 253 00:16:26,400 --> 00:16:29,920 Speaker 1: to see what these men would do next. Would they 254 00:16:30,020 --> 00:16:35,950 Speaker 1: remain there in defeat? Would they curse God and the temple? No, 255 00:16:36,590 --> 00:16:41,510 Speaker 1: they neither wept nor cursed. Saul watched curiously as they 256 00:16:41,570 --> 00:16:45,630 Speaker 1: helped each other up and dusted themselves off. The man 257 00:16:45,710 --> 00:16:49,090 Speaker 1: called Peter held his ribs as he laughed. 258 00:16:50,130 --> 00:16:51,410 Speaker 2: Ha, ha, ha. 259 00:16:52,570 --> 00:16:55,330 Speaker 3: I have been beaten many times in my life, John. 260 00:16:57,050 --> 00:17:01,250 Speaker 3: But this is the first time I am pleased by it. 261 00:17:02,850 --> 00:17:06,770 Speaker 6: We suffer as he suffered. Come, let's go back to 262 00:17:06,790 --> 00:17:08,790 Speaker 6: the courtyards. We have much to do. 263 00:17:09,350 --> 00:17:13,310 Speaker 1: The two men limped away, holding each other up shoulder 264 00:17:13,350 --> 00:17:18,580 Speaker 1: to shoulder. Saul was both perplexed and annoyed. How could 265 00:17:18,619 --> 00:17:22,580 Speaker 1: they be so joyful after such a brutal beating? Didn't 266 00:17:22,619 --> 00:17:26,880 Speaker 1: they learn their lesson? By responding to judgment with joy, 267 00:17:27,619 --> 00:17:31,780 Speaker 1: they removed the power of punishment. If beating them didn't 268 00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:36,900 Speaker 1: deter them, then what would? Quiet contempt began to already 269 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:42,820 Speaker 1: settle in Saul's heart. His predisposition to righteous rage flared. 270 00:17:43,770 --> 00:17:47,409 Speaker 1: He straightened his robes and went back into the hall 271 00:17:47,450 --> 00:17:48,510 Speaker 1: of polished stones. 272 00:17:51,359 --> 00:17:53,179 Speaker 7: I'll make this one short and sweet for you all. 273 00:17:53,640 --> 00:17:57,060 Speaker 7: Do you know that nothing, and I truly mean nothing, 274 00:17:57,280 --> 00:18:00,130 Speaker 7: can thwart the work of Christ? We talk about what's 275 00:18:00,150 --> 00:18:02,710 Speaker 7: happening in the world, with wars and corrupt governments at 276 00:18:02,750 --> 00:18:07,170 Speaker 7: each other's throats. Especially during election season, we talk about policies, politicians, 277 00:18:07,230 --> 00:18:09,830 Speaker 7: and how each person on the other side vying for 278 00:18:09,869 --> 00:18:12,860 Speaker 7: votes will be the end of democracy. We talk about 279 00:18:12,890 --> 00:18:15,980 Speaker 7: the culture wars and competing ideologies in our school systems 280 00:18:16,020 --> 00:18:18,910 Speaker 7: and our churches. We talk about the decline of morals 281 00:18:19,170 --> 00:18:24,050 Speaker 7: in Hollywood and in entertainment. It's all very sensational. Some 282 00:18:24,090 --> 00:18:27,050 Speaker 7: of it should warrant our serious attention. Other issues are 283 00:18:27,090 --> 00:18:30,359 Speaker 7: better left ignored. However, there is one prevailing truth that 284 00:18:30,420 --> 00:18:34,880 Speaker 7: buoys above the madness of culture. The gospel is inevitable, 285 00:18:35,240 --> 00:18:38,880 Speaker 7: and the gospel is indestructible. And those who champion the gospel, 286 00:18:39,080 --> 00:18:41,620 Speaker 7: although their bones may be broken and their possessions might 287 00:18:41,660 --> 00:18:46,080 Speaker 7: be taken away, are also indestructible. Jesus gave us these 288 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:48,800 Speaker 7: words for times of trouble. I have told you these 289 00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:51,679 Speaker 7: things so that in me you might have peace. And 290 00:18:51,700 --> 00:18:54,139 Speaker 7: in this world you will have trouble. But take heart, 291 00:18:54,590 --> 00:18:59,530 Speaker 7: I have overcome the world. John 16, 33. These words 292 00:18:59,590 --> 00:19:02,109 Speaker 7: were spoken to the apostles before Jesus was going to 293 00:19:02,130 --> 00:19:06,469 Speaker 7: be arrested, beaten, put on trial, and then ultimately crucified. 294 00:19:06,910 --> 00:19:10,590 Speaker 7: And it was no doubt these words that really encouraged Peter, John, 295 00:19:10,670 --> 00:19:14,530 Speaker 7: and all the other apostles as they faced harsh persecution. 296 00:19:15,290 --> 00:19:16,990 Speaker 7: They were able to keep their chins up high because 297 00:19:17,030 --> 00:19:20,540 Speaker 7: they knew that they weren't working for victory, but from victory. 298 00:19:21,080 --> 00:19:24,780 Speaker 7: We worship an overcomer. No government policy, shadowy figures in 299 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:27,980 Speaker 7: places of power, or bullies can thwart the momentum of 300 00:19:28,040 --> 00:19:33,210 Speaker 7: people passionate about Christ. The gospel prevails amidst chaos and corruption, 301 00:19:33,570 --> 00:19:35,470 Speaker 7: and it can also prevail in your heart as well. 302 00:19:35,970 --> 00:19:39,389 Speaker 7: When you find yourself divided, double-minded, and tempted to compromise, 303 00:19:39,490 --> 00:19:42,210 Speaker 7: remember the boldness of John and Peter in front of 304 00:19:42,230 --> 00:19:45,489 Speaker 7: the Sanhedrin. And also remember the conversion of Saul that 305 00:19:45,540 --> 00:19:48,850 Speaker 7: we're going to experience later on. He was an immovable man, 306 00:19:49,170 --> 00:19:52,810 Speaker 7: settled in his identity. but all mountains can be moved eventually. 307 00:19:52,830 --> 00:19:55,550 Speaker 7: In our next few episodes, we're going to be unpacking 308 00:19:55,590 --> 00:19:57,970 Speaker 7: the drama of Saul as he tries to thwart the 309 00:19:58,010 --> 00:20:01,650 Speaker 7: people of the way. Buckle up. It's going to get intense. 310 00:20:02,410 --> 00:20:04,990 Speaker 7: Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. You already 311 00:20:05,030 --> 00:20:07,850 Speaker 7: know what to do. Make sure to follow, subscribe on 312 00:20:07,930 --> 00:20:10,669 Speaker 7: whatever platform you listen to, share it with a friend, 313 00:20:10,930 --> 00:20:13,850 Speaker 7: and rate and leave a review. We love that you've 314 00:20:13,869 --> 00:20:16,649 Speaker 7: been joining us so far on the Jesus Podcast. If 315 00:20:16,670 --> 00:20:20,959 Speaker 7: you're interested in any more content that Pray.com produces, you 316 00:20:20,980 --> 00:20:24,379 Speaker 7: can look us up on Spotify, iTunes, iHeart, wherever you 317 00:20:24,400 --> 00:20:27,680 Speaker 7: get your podcasts, or you can download the Pray.com app today. 318 00:20:28,080 --> 00:20:31,300 Speaker 7: We have a wealth of different resources and different church 319 00:20:31,380 --> 00:20:35,080 Speaker 7: leaders and ministry leaders that all put their content on Pray.com. 320 00:20:35,980 --> 00:20:39,080 Speaker 7: If you're looking for the most vast menu of encouraging 321 00:20:39,140 --> 00:20:43,110 Speaker 7: content to really strengthen your faith, look no further than 322 00:20:43,150 --> 00:20:43,810 Speaker 7: the Pray.com app.