1 00:00:00,540 --> 00:00:04,100 Speaker 1: God exalted him at his right hand as leader and 2 00:00:04,200 --> 00:00:08,940 Speaker 1: Savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 3 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:17,080 Speaker 1: Acts 5.31 Gracious Lord, we thank you, Jesus, for your 4 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:23,320 Speaker 1: sacrifice and for the forgiveness you freely offer. You are 5 00:00:23,460 --> 00:00:28,090 Speaker 1: our Prince and Savior, and we are humbled by your mercy. 6 00:00:30,570 --> 00:00:35,870 Speaker 1: Lead us to true repentance. Turn our hearts away from 7 00:00:35,990 --> 00:00:42,240 Speaker 1: sin and towards your righteousness. Empower us to live in 8 00:00:42,280 --> 00:00:47,540 Speaker 1: the freedom of your grace, knowing that through you we 9 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:52,940 Speaker 1: are forgiven and made new. Help us to share this 10 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:56,610 Speaker 1: good news with others, that they too may know the 11 00:00:56,710 --> 00:01:02,920 Speaker 1: joy of salvation. and the hope found in you. In 12 00:01:02,940 --> 00:01:04,560 Speaker 1: your mighty name we pray. 13 00:01:06,700 --> 00:01:07,000 Speaker 2: Amen. 14 00:01:08,810 --> 00:01:11,830 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 15 00:01:11,850 --> 00:01:17,470 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another dramatized story inspired 16 00:01:17,510 --> 00:01:20,610 Speaker 1: by the book of Acts and the birth of the church. 17 00:01:21,530 --> 00:01:24,930 Speaker 1: If this podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow 18 00:01:25,390 --> 00:01:27,770 Speaker 1: so you never have to miss an episode. 19 00:01:32,030 --> 00:01:32,720 Speaker 3: Saul! 20 00:01:33,780 --> 00:01:37,240 Speaker 1: A voice called out from a distance. Saul opened his 21 00:01:37,459 --> 00:01:40,340 Speaker 1: eyes and sat up. He looked around the room for 22 00:01:40,380 --> 00:01:45,310 Speaker 1: the source of the voice, but nobody was there. Must 23 00:01:45,340 --> 00:01:48,350 Speaker 1: have been a dream. Saul hung his feet over the 24 00:01:48,430 --> 00:01:51,510 Speaker 1: edge of his bed and rubbed his eyes. He had 25 00:01:51,590 --> 00:01:55,910 Speaker 1: soft sheets and a beautifully woven robe draped down his legs. 26 00:01:56,970 --> 00:02:00,700 Speaker 1: His room was warm. and the lights from the rising 27 00:02:00,820 --> 00:02:05,120 Speaker 1: sun trickled in through the skylight. He stretched out his 28 00:02:05,320 --> 00:02:10,030 Speaker 1: arms and yawned. His servant walked up the stairs into 29 00:02:10,070 --> 00:02:14,290 Speaker 1: his room with a hot breakfast prepared. He washed his hands, 30 00:02:15,070 --> 00:02:18,990 Speaker 1: breathed in deeply, and whispered a prayer, a blessing. 31 00:02:19,940 --> 00:02:21,700 Speaker 4: Saul! Saul! 32 00:02:22,419 --> 00:02:26,360 Speaker 1: A voice called out again. This time Saul could tell 33 00:02:26,440 --> 00:02:29,210 Speaker 1: where the voice was coming from. He looked out the 34 00:02:29,250 --> 00:02:33,429 Speaker 1: window and saw a familiar face. It was Yoel, a 35 00:02:33,470 --> 00:02:35,550 Speaker 1: young servant from the house of Gamaliel. 36 00:02:36,310 --> 00:02:39,130 Speaker 2: Rabbi Saul, it is good to see you again. I 37 00:02:39,910 --> 00:02:43,480 Speaker 2: have a message from Rabbi Gamaliel, one I think you 38 00:02:43,500 --> 00:02:45,139 Speaker 2: would want to hear as soon as possible. 39 00:02:45,700 --> 00:02:49,320 Speaker 1: Saul enthusiastically dressed and walked out into the courtyard. 40 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:52,480 Speaker 5: You should know better than to yell at people's windows, Yoel. 41 00:02:53,180 --> 00:02:54,860 Speaker 5: especially so early in the morning. 42 00:02:54,880 --> 00:02:58,980 Speaker 2: I am sorry, Rabbi. I thought that this message warranted 43 00:02:59,020 --> 00:03:02,280 Speaker 2: a little more enthusiasm. I was excited to see you. 44 00:03:03,020 --> 00:03:05,679 Speaker 1: Saul patted Yoel on the back and opened the letter 45 00:03:05,740 --> 00:03:10,220 Speaker 1: from Gamaliel. He read it up and down twice and 46 00:03:10,360 --> 00:03:15,590 Speaker 1: couldn't help but smile. It was finally happening. He had 47 00:03:15,650 --> 00:03:19,950 Speaker 1: been called back to the holy city by the Sanhedrin. 48 00:03:20,780 --> 00:03:23,800 Speaker 1: He would sit among the rulers of the Jews in 49 00:03:23,840 --> 00:03:28,919 Speaker 1: the Hall of Polished Stones. He raised his hands in victory. 50 00:03:29,940 --> 00:03:34,790 Speaker 1: All his hard work and studies had culminated in this moment. 51 00:03:35,610 --> 00:03:39,450 Speaker 1: He was going back to Jerusalem to rule and reign 52 00:03:39,870 --> 00:03:43,930 Speaker 1: among the elite. It seemed as though nothing could stop 53 00:03:43,990 --> 00:03:44,550 Speaker 1: his momentum. 54 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:49,660 Speaker 5: This is excellent news. You'll remain here for the night, 55 00:03:49,990 --> 00:03:53,650 Speaker 5: and then return with my reply tomorrow morning. I will 56 00:03:53,690 --> 00:03:56,230 Speaker 5: let Gamaliel know that I plan to leave as soon 57 00:03:56,270 --> 00:03:56,850 Speaker 5: as possible. 58 00:03:57,470 --> 00:04:01,490 Speaker 2: Rabbi, there was another message from the high priest Ananias 59 00:04:01,530 --> 00:04:04,589 Speaker 2: for you. This is more of a personal note, so 60 00:04:05,230 --> 00:04:07,370 Speaker 2: he asked me to relay it to you myself. 61 00:04:07,870 --> 00:04:08,310 Speaker 6: Go on. 62 00:04:08,850 --> 00:04:12,810 Speaker 2: Jerusalem has changed. You're not returning to the same city 63 00:04:12,830 --> 00:04:16,530 Speaker 2: you left years ago. A new sect has caused quite 64 00:04:16,570 --> 00:04:17,929 Speaker 2: a stir among our people. 65 00:04:19,330 --> 00:04:23,990 Speaker 5: Blasphemies and fanatics are nothing new, Joel. They will leave 66 00:04:24,029 --> 00:04:26,029 Speaker 5: in due time, like all the others. 67 00:04:26,650 --> 00:04:31,270 Speaker 2: These people are different. They follow a man from Nazareth 68 00:04:31,310 --> 00:04:35,029 Speaker 2: who claims to be the Messiah. He was crucified and 69 00:04:35,070 --> 00:04:36,670 Speaker 2: buried for his crimes, but. 70 00:04:37,490 --> 00:04:40,929 Speaker 1: Joel paused for a moment, grasping for the right words. 71 00:04:41,570 --> 00:04:46,070 Speaker 2: His followers claim he rose from the grave... foolishness. 72 00:04:46,990 --> 00:04:50,670 Speaker 5: No doubt his followers robbed the grave and claimed resurrection 73 00:04:50,790 --> 00:04:52,230 Speaker 5: to compel the crowds. 74 00:04:52,710 --> 00:04:55,670 Speaker 2: That is what the Pharisees are saying, but I must 75 00:04:55,730 --> 00:04:59,310 Speaker 2: warn you, Rabbi, these are not men to be underestimated. 76 00:04:59,950 --> 00:05:04,960 Speaker 2: They can do things, miraculous things, and they seem to 77 00:05:05,020 --> 00:05:07,800 Speaker 2: know things about the law of Moses and the prophets 78 00:05:07,839 --> 00:05:11,820 Speaker 2: with little to no education. This is why the Sanhedrin 79 00:05:11,839 --> 00:05:14,120 Speaker 2: has called for you. They need to put an end 80 00:05:14,170 --> 00:05:14,820 Speaker 2: to these people. 81 00:05:15,339 --> 00:05:16,780 Speaker 4: Before it gets out of control. 82 00:05:17,660 --> 00:05:19,400 Speaker 2: It seems like it might already have. 83 00:05:20,160 --> 00:05:24,109 Speaker 5: And what sect or temple do these false teachers come from? 84 00:05:24,630 --> 00:05:27,990 Speaker 2: Well, that's just it, Rabbi. Many of them are uneducated 85 00:05:28,070 --> 00:05:32,470 Speaker 2: fishermen from Galilee. They call themselves the people of the way. 86 00:05:35,490 --> 00:05:40,010 Speaker 7: Jesus said it himself, a house divided can't stand. If 87 00:05:40,060 --> 00:05:43,500 Speaker 7: we are able to stand firm and unified in our convictions, 88 00:05:44,060 --> 00:05:48,240 Speaker 7: Nothing can stop us. Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a 89 00:05:48,279 --> 00:05:52,540 Speaker 7: year of gospel-inspired stories told with cinematic flair and then 90 00:05:52,580 --> 00:05:55,729 Speaker 7: given some honest reflection. If you've been blessed by this 91 00:05:55,760 --> 00:05:58,210 Speaker 7: podcast so far, we would love it if you left 92 00:05:58,250 --> 00:06:00,930 Speaker 7: a review and shared it with a friend. These small 93 00:06:00,970 --> 00:06:03,950 Speaker 7: steps might seem tiny, but they actually mean a lot 94 00:06:03,970 --> 00:06:07,730 Speaker 7: to us. Thanks for making the mission possible. Today's story 95 00:06:07,870 --> 00:06:11,190 Speaker 7: began with the introduction of Saul of Tarsus. Saul, an 96 00:06:11,270 --> 00:06:14,380 Speaker 7: ambitious young Pharisee looking to be drafted into the ranks 97 00:06:14,440 --> 00:06:17,120 Speaker 7: of the Sanhedrin, has been assigned to come back to 98 00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:20,839 Speaker 7: Jerusalem to help deal with a movement called the People 99 00:06:21,300 --> 00:06:24,500 Speaker 7: of the Way. We use this moment, inspired by Acts 100 00:06:24,520 --> 00:06:27,520 Speaker 7: chapter 5, to make Saul a fly on the wall 101 00:06:27,680 --> 00:06:32,110 Speaker 7: of an interesting courtroom drama between Peter, John, and the Sanhedrin. 102 00:06:34,330 --> 00:06:37,589 Speaker 1: It had been years since Saul was in Jerusalem. While 103 00:06:37,670 --> 00:06:42,010 Speaker 1: Saul was away in Tarsus, much had happened. A carpenter 104 00:06:42,050 --> 00:06:46,099 Speaker 1: from Nazareth stirred up a group of zealots. Even though 105 00:06:46,140 --> 00:06:51,320 Speaker 1: he was killed, his followers refused to scatter. Saul had 106 00:06:51,360 --> 00:06:55,020 Speaker 1: been summoned by the Sanhedrin to put his skills to 107 00:06:55,040 --> 00:06:58,740 Speaker 1: the test. Saul entered the great doors into the Hall 108 00:06:58,779 --> 00:07:04,130 Speaker 1: of Polished Stones. The room was massive, and every whisper... 109 00:07:04,310 --> 00:07:09,140 Speaker 1: reverberated against the rounded walls and ceiling. The floor was 110 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:13,240 Speaker 1: hewn from smoothed-out granite, and the pillars holding up the 111 00:07:13,300 --> 00:07:19,380 Speaker 1: dome-like roof were made from pure ivory. Saul entered the 112 00:07:19,440 --> 00:07:24,060 Speaker 1: hall without announcing himself. He could hear the Sanhedrin arguing 113 00:07:24,170 --> 00:07:27,910 Speaker 1: about something. The men sat in a half-circle on either 114 00:07:27,970 --> 00:07:31,140 Speaker 1: side of the high priest in the center. They were 115 00:07:31,180 --> 00:07:36,470 Speaker 1: adorned with perfectly woven robes and polished jewels. Standing before 116 00:07:36,530 --> 00:07:40,790 Speaker 1: them were two men, bound in rope, under some sort 117 00:07:40,810 --> 00:07:47,100 Speaker 1: of investigation. They wore fisherman's clothes and ungroomed beards. It 118 00:07:47,140 --> 00:07:50,840 Speaker 1: wasn't common for such raggedy men to appear before the Sanhedrin. 119 00:07:51,640 --> 00:07:54,400 Speaker 1: They usually dealt with more upscale matters. 120 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:56,080 Speaker 4: Who are they? 121 00:07:56,720 --> 00:08:00,490 Speaker 1: Instead of making himself known, Saul leaned against the pillar 122 00:08:01,130 --> 00:08:05,850 Speaker 1: and listened. The high priest Ananias was indignant and yelled 123 00:08:05,890 --> 00:08:07,590 Speaker 1: at the two men standing before him. 124 00:08:08,050 --> 00:08:11,680 Speaker 6: Did we not strictly command you not to teach in 125 00:08:11,740 --> 00:08:16,680 Speaker 6: that man's name? Now look what you've done. Jerusalem is 126 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:21,580 Speaker 6: being corrupted with your doctrine. Cease this now or pay 127 00:08:21,660 --> 00:08:22,520 Speaker 6: the price. 128 00:08:23,320 --> 00:08:25,630 Speaker 1: One of the captured men stood taller than the other. 129 00:08:26,310 --> 00:08:30,010 Speaker 1: He had a magnetic personality and filled a room easily. 130 00:08:30,790 --> 00:08:33,349 Speaker 1: He raised his voice and shouted. 131 00:08:33,110 --> 00:08:38,490 Speaker 5: Back, Who are we to obey first, Ananias? God or men? 132 00:08:39,030 --> 00:08:45,300 Speaker 5: How dare you? We speak for God. No, you murdered God. 133 00:08:45,700 --> 00:08:48,580 Speaker 5: The God of our fathers came to us and you 134 00:08:48,820 --> 00:08:51,160 Speaker 5: murdered him by hanging him on a cross. 135 00:08:51,660 --> 00:08:56,700 Speaker 1: The council shifted in their seats with indignant glares. Saul 136 00:08:56,780 --> 00:09:02,319 Speaker 1: observed them closely. These fishermen were making them very uncomfortable. 137 00:09:03,280 --> 00:09:06,500 Speaker 1: Saul crossed his arms and leaned his ear in closer 138 00:09:06,540 --> 00:09:10,300 Speaker 1: to listen. The larger man spoke to the council with 139 00:09:10,460 --> 00:09:11,620 Speaker 1: insolent boldness. 140 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:16,060 Speaker 5: There is hope even for you, Sanhedrin. The Spirit of 141 00:09:16,120 --> 00:09:19,350 Speaker 5: God raised Jesus and exalted him to the right hand 142 00:09:19,390 --> 00:09:23,210 Speaker 5: of the throne of God. If you repent and remove 143 00:09:23,230 --> 00:09:28,010 Speaker 5: yourself from that false throne, there may be hope for 144 00:09:28,030 --> 00:09:28,550 Speaker 5: your soul. 145 00:09:30,540 --> 00:09:34,500 Speaker 1: The council was in an uproar. Saul watched as they 146 00:09:34,610 --> 00:09:38,089 Speaker 1: all stood and shouted curses at the men. Some of 147 00:09:38,130 --> 00:09:39,650 Speaker 1: them spat in their direction. 148 00:09:40,130 --> 00:09:43,950 Speaker 3: We are witnesses to his resurrection. We have beheld the 149 00:09:43,990 --> 00:09:48,870 Speaker 3: risen Jesus with our own eyes. The Holy Spirit God 150 00:09:48,910 --> 00:09:52,250 Speaker 3: has given to those who seek and obey him also 151 00:09:52,550 --> 00:09:53,710 Speaker 3: bears witness. 152 00:09:54,290 --> 00:09:58,130 Speaker 5: The Holy Spirit? These men have no idea what they're 153 00:09:58,170 --> 00:09:58,850 Speaker 5: talking about. 154 00:09:59,450 --> 00:10:03,480 Speaker 1: Saul gave returned to Ananias, whose face was red with 155 00:10:03,700 --> 00:10:05,040 Speaker 1: righteous indignation. 156 00:10:05,540 --> 00:10:05,870 Speaker 2: Enough! 157 00:10:06,850 --> 00:10:10,270 Speaker 6: We warned you both that if you preached the name 158 00:10:10,330 --> 00:10:13,390 Speaker 6: of Jesus, you would be punished. 159 00:10:13,850 --> 00:10:16,550 Speaker 1: He gestured to the guards to grab their ropes and 160 00:10:16,590 --> 00:10:17,220 Speaker 1: take them away. 161 00:10:17,730 --> 00:10:20,830 Speaker 6: We will deliberate and decide your punishment. 162 00:10:21,390 --> 00:10:23,610 Speaker 1: The officers took the two men out of the room. 163 00:10:24,340 --> 00:10:27,059 Speaker 1: On their way out, they passed Saul. He caught a 164 00:10:27,100 --> 00:10:30,600 Speaker 1: glimpse of their faces. They were dirty and clearly from 165 00:10:30,720 --> 00:10:34,580 Speaker 1: poorer families. What gave them the gall to speak to 166 00:10:34,620 --> 00:10:39,420 Speaker 1: the Sanhedrin like that? They seemed unashamed of their blasphemy 167 00:10:40,420 --> 00:10:46,870 Speaker 1: and unafraid of any consequences. Their confidence vexed Saul. He 168 00:10:46,910 --> 00:10:51,170 Speaker 1: stepped closer to the council and listened to the Sanhedrin deliberate. 169 00:10:52,309 --> 00:10:55,270 Speaker 1: Ananias presided over them with fury. 170 00:10:55,929 --> 00:10:59,939 Speaker 6: They must be killed. Clearly it wasn't enough to kill Jesus. 171 00:11:00,760 --> 00:11:03,300 Speaker 6: We must put an end to his followers as well. 172 00:11:04,690 --> 00:11:06,430 Speaker 4: This is the Pharisees' fault. 173 00:11:06,929 --> 00:11:11,170 Speaker 8: They teach about resurrection, spirits, and angels. Now we have 174 00:11:11,210 --> 00:11:14,630 Speaker 8: a whole sect claiming this man rose from the dead 175 00:11:14,990 --> 00:11:18,750 Speaker 8: and has risen with the angels. You primed the people 176 00:11:18,770 --> 00:11:19,570 Speaker 8: to think this way. 177 00:11:20,050 --> 00:11:20,689 Speaker 4: It's your fault. 178 00:11:21,230 --> 00:11:24,810 Speaker 1: The other Sadducees in the room nodded in agreement. The 179 00:11:24,830 --> 00:11:29,230 Speaker 1: Pharisees shook their heads and objected. The topic of resurrection 180 00:11:29,450 --> 00:11:34,270 Speaker 1: was touchy for the conservative Pharisees and liberal Sadducees. The 181 00:11:34,350 --> 00:11:39,170 Speaker 1: supernatural was an endless debate. One Saul had a great 182 00:11:39,250 --> 00:11:43,660 Speaker 1: deal of fun engaging in. The room was becoming louder, 183 00:11:44,679 --> 00:11:49,620 Speaker 1: and small arguments arose among the group. Their dogmatic arguing 184 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:55,240 Speaker 1: reverberated down the halls. Their differences in opinion melded into 185 00:11:55,380 --> 00:12:00,829 Speaker 1: indistinguishable white noise. Then one of the elder members of 186 00:12:00,870 --> 00:12:04,310 Speaker 1: the Sanhedrin stood to his feet, and silenced the crowd. 187 00:12:05,510 --> 00:12:07,500 Speaker 1: Saul smiled when he saw who it was. 188 00:12:08,630 --> 00:12:09,510 Speaker 4: It was Gamaliel. 189 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:14,560 Speaker 1: His opinion was highly regarded among the Sanhedrin. They silenced 190 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:15,780 Speaker 1: themselves to listen to him. 191 00:12:16,540 --> 00:12:21,580 Speaker 4: Men of Israel, we must be careful with how we proceed. 192 00:12:22,800 --> 00:12:24,439 Speaker 8: Take heed on how you. 193 00:12:24,340 --> 00:12:28,880 Speaker 4: Treat them, for there's still a shred of possibility this 194 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:29,819 Speaker 4: movement is. 195 00:12:29,920 --> 00:12:30,460 Speaker 6: Of the Lord. 196 00:12:31,210 --> 00:12:33,970 Speaker 1: The rest of the council began to stir and murmur. 197 00:12:34,790 --> 00:12:37,250 Speaker 1: Gamaliel raised his hands and silenced them. 198 00:12:37,710 --> 00:12:44,260 Speaker 4: Let me explain. Remember, some time ago, Thudas rose from 199 00:12:44,280 --> 00:12:48,719 Speaker 4: the zealots, claiming to be a prophet from God, and 200 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:53,559 Speaker 4: 400 people followed him? He was slain, and all his 201 00:12:53,640 --> 00:12:59,390 Speaker 4: followers disappeared in a matter of months. Remember Judas of Galilee, 202 00:12:59,470 --> 00:13:04,559 Speaker 4: when he rose up? Hundreds of people followed him. He 203 00:13:04,660 --> 00:13:08,540 Speaker 4: was a blasphemer, and when he was punished, his followers 204 00:13:08,720 --> 00:13:10,319 Speaker 4: disappeared within a year. 205 00:13:10,860 --> 00:13:13,680 Speaker 6: What are you saying, Gamaliel? Get to the point! 206 00:13:14,500 --> 00:13:19,500 Speaker 4: My point is that movements tend to die with their leaders. 207 00:13:20,360 --> 00:13:24,260 Speaker 4: But when a movement is from the Lord, it won't 208 00:13:24,340 --> 00:13:29,550 Speaker 4: be thwarted no matter how hard we try. If these 209 00:13:29,630 --> 00:13:35,160 Speaker 4: men are simple blasphemers, they will fall away and disappear 210 00:13:35,760 --> 00:13:39,540 Speaker 4: in months. But if these men are from God, they 211 00:13:39,620 --> 00:13:44,000 Speaker 4: will endure. They will continue their mission, no matter how 212 00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:48,610 Speaker 4: harsh the punishment is. If God is on their side, 213 00:13:49,230 --> 00:13:52,950 Speaker 4: nobody can stand against them. Do not harm them. 214 00:13:53,390 --> 00:13:56,390 Speaker 5: We do not want to be caught working against God. 215 00:13:56,770 --> 00:13:58,800 Speaker 4: Does God need our defending? 216 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:03,300 Speaker 1: The council was taken back by Gamaliel's advice, and so 217 00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:07,320 Speaker 1: was Saul. Saul believed the law of God needed defending. 218 00:14:08,059 --> 00:14:10,860 Speaker 1: He had made a career out of it. Saul was 219 00:14:10,900 --> 00:14:14,720 Speaker 1: surprised to hear his teacher say something in favor of blasphemers. 220 00:14:15,840 --> 00:14:20,680 Speaker 1: It made his stomach churn. Clearly, the Sanhedrin required leadership 221 00:14:21,020 --> 00:14:24,700 Speaker 1: with more conviction. They needed someone to lead the charge 222 00:14:24,780 --> 00:14:27,880 Speaker 1: against these people, before it got out of hand. 223 00:14:28,480 --> 00:14:31,480 Speaker 5: We cannot put them to death yet. They've been feeding 224 00:14:31,520 --> 00:14:34,580 Speaker 5: the poor and giving medical care to the sick. The 225 00:14:34,620 --> 00:14:38,430 Speaker 5: people of the way have endeared themselves to the common folk. 226 00:14:39,110 --> 00:14:41,410 Speaker 5: If we kill them too quickly, we might have an 227 00:14:41,650 --> 00:14:42,970 Speaker 5: uprising on our hands. 228 00:14:43,590 --> 00:14:47,050 Speaker 1: The rest of the Sanhedrin deliberated and agreed to hold 229 00:14:47,150 --> 00:14:50,340 Speaker 1: off putting the men to death. And Ananias nodded to 230 00:14:50,360 --> 00:14:53,600 Speaker 1: the temple guards to bring the two men out. They 231 00:14:53,680 --> 00:14:57,510 Speaker 1: stood in front of the Sanhedrin with smiles on their faces. 232 00:14:58,410 --> 00:15:02,200 Speaker 1: The high priest glared at them, then nodded to the guards. 233 00:15:02,820 --> 00:15:03,520 Speaker 6: Beat them! 234 00:15:04,360 --> 00:15:08,260 Speaker 1: Immediately the taller man was struck in the jaw. The younger, 235 00:15:08,360 --> 00:15:10,850 Speaker 1: shorter man was kicked in the knee and brought to 236 00:15:10,880 --> 00:15:14,490 Speaker 1: the ground. Saul watched as the guards took out their 237 00:15:14,570 --> 00:15:19,510 Speaker 1: bludgeoning sticks and struck both of them violently. The larger 238 00:15:19,530 --> 00:15:22,970 Speaker 1: man grunted with his hands and knees on the cold stone. 239 00:15:23,840 --> 00:15:28,440 Speaker 1: He took every blow With dignity, the shorter man closed 240 00:15:28,480 --> 00:15:32,080 Speaker 1: his eyes and hummed a hymn to block out the 241 00:15:32,140 --> 00:15:36,640 Speaker 1: sound of his ribs cracking. The guards didn't hold back, 242 00:15:37,560 --> 00:15:41,680 Speaker 1: but still the men remained conscious and unwavering. 243 00:15:42,200 --> 00:15:42,540 Speaker 4: Enough! 244 00:15:43,220 --> 00:15:46,560 Speaker 1: The beating stopped, and the two men remained on the floor. 245 00:15:47,500 --> 00:15:50,360 Speaker 1: The guards brought them to their feet and dragged them 246 00:15:50,420 --> 00:15:53,410 Speaker 1: to the foot of the high priest. He looked at 247 00:15:53,470 --> 00:15:56,930 Speaker 1: them with disgust. and spat in their faces. 248 00:15:57,470 --> 00:16:03,170 Speaker 6: This is your final warning, Peter and John. Leave here 249 00:16:03,590 --> 00:16:07,030 Speaker 6: and do not mention Jesus of Nazareth again. 250 00:16:07,650 --> 00:16:11,150 Speaker 1: Neither man said a word in response. There was no 251 00:16:11,250 --> 00:16:16,050 Speaker 1: nod of recognition or acknowledgement. They were impassive and allowed 252 00:16:16,080 --> 00:16:20,180 Speaker 1: the guards to throw them outside. Saul slipped out of 253 00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:22,960 Speaker 1: the back of the hall into the courtyard and watched 254 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:26,400 Speaker 1: the men get thrown into the dirt. He was curious 255 00:16:26,440 --> 00:16:29,940 Speaker 1: to see what these men would do next. Would they 256 00:16:30,060 --> 00:16:35,960 Speaker 1: remain there in defeat? Would they curse God and the temple? No, 257 00:16:36,620 --> 00:16:41,520 Speaker 1: they neither wept nor cursed. Saul watched curiously as they 258 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:45,660 Speaker 1: helped each other up and dusted themselves off. The man 259 00:16:45,740 --> 00:16:49,100 Speaker 1: called Peter held his ribs as he laughed. 260 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:55,300 Speaker 5: I have been beaten many times in my life, John. 261 00:16:57,100 --> 00:17:01,280 Speaker 5: But this is the first time I am pleased by it. 262 00:17:02,880 --> 00:17:06,780 Speaker 3: We suffer as he suffered. Come, let's go back to 263 00:17:06,820 --> 00:17:08,820 Speaker 3: the courtyards. We have much to do. 264 00:17:09,359 --> 00:17:13,330 Speaker 1: The two men limped away, holding each other up shoulder 265 00:17:13,369 --> 00:17:18,610 Speaker 1: to shoulder. Saul was both perplexed and annoyed. How could 266 00:17:18,650 --> 00:17:22,609 Speaker 1: they be so joyful after such a brutal beating? Didn't 267 00:17:22,650 --> 00:17:26,830 Speaker 1: they learn their lesson? By responding to judgment with joy, 268 00:17:27,630 --> 00:17:31,820 Speaker 1: They removed the power of punishment. If beating them didn't 269 00:17:31,880 --> 00:17:36,940 Speaker 1: deter them, then what would? Quiet contempt began to already 270 00:17:37,040 --> 00:17:42,860 Speaker 1: settle in Saul's heart. His predisposition to righteous rage flared. 271 00:17:43,780 --> 00:17:47,450 Speaker 1: He straightened his robes and went back into the hall 272 00:17:47,490 --> 00:17:48,590 Speaker 1: of polished stones. 273 00:17:51,390 --> 00:17:53,209 Speaker 7: I'll make this one short and sweet for you all. 274 00:17:53,670 --> 00:17:57,090 Speaker 7: Do you know that nothing, and I truly mean nothing, 275 00:17:57,310 --> 00:18:00,150 Speaker 7: can thwart the work of Christ? We talk about what's 276 00:18:00,170 --> 00:18:02,730 Speaker 7: happening in the world, with wars and corrupt governments at 277 00:18:02,770 --> 00:18:07,190 Speaker 7: each other's throats. Especially during election season, we talk about policies, politicians, 278 00:18:07,270 --> 00:18:09,850 Speaker 7: and how each person on the other side vying for 279 00:18:09,910 --> 00:18:12,870 Speaker 7: votes will be the end of democracy. We talk about 280 00:18:12,910 --> 00:18:15,990 Speaker 7: the culture wars and competing ideologies in our school systems 281 00:18:16,030 --> 00:18:18,930 Speaker 7: and our churches. We talk about the decline of morals 282 00:18:19,210 --> 00:18:24,080 Speaker 7: in Hollywood and in entertainment. It's all very sensational. Some 283 00:18:24,119 --> 00:18:27,080 Speaker 7: of it should warrant our serious attention. Other issues are 284 00:18:27,119 --> 00:18:30,379 Speaker 7: better left ignored. However, there is one prevailing truth that 285 00:18:30,460 --> 00:18:34,900 Speaker 7: buoys above the madness of culture. The gospel is inevitable, 286 00:18:35,260 --> 00:18:38,899 Speaker 7: and the gospel is indestructible. And those who champion the gospel, 287 00:18:39,109 --> 00:18:41,650 Speaker 7: although their bones may be broken and their possessions might 288 00:18:41,690 --> 00:18:46,130 Speaker 7: be taken away, are also indestructible. Jesus gave us these 289 00:18:46,210 --> 00:18:48,850 Speaker 7: words for times of trouble. I have told you these 290 00:18:48,890 --> 00:18:51,709 Speaker 7: things so that in me you might have peace. And 291 00:18:51,750 --> 00:18:54,169 Speaker 7: in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, 292 00:18:54,609 --> 00:18:59,750 Speaker 7: I have overcome the world. John 16.33 These words were 293 00:18:59,790 --> 00:19:03,580 Speaker 7: spoken to the apostles before Jesus was going to be arrested, beaten, 294 00:19:03,820 --> 00:19:07,199 Speaker 7: put on trial, and then ultimately crucified. And it was 295 00:19:07,260 --> 00:19:10,800 Speaker 7: no doubt these words that really encouraged Peter, John, and 296 00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:15,419 Speaker 7: all the other apostles as they faced harsh persecution. They 297 00:19:15,440 --> 00:19:17,209 Speaker 7: were able to keep their chins up high because they 298 00:19:17,270 --> 00:19:20,550 Speaker 7: knew that they weren't working for victory, but from victory. 299 00:19:21,100 --> 00:19:24,800 Speaker 7: We worship an overcomer. No government policy, shadowy figures in 300 00:19:24,859 --> 00:19:28,000 Speaker 7: places of power, or bullies can thwart the momentum of 301 00:19:28,080 --> 00:19:33,220 Speaker 7: people passionate about Christ. The gospel prevails amidst chaos and corruption, 302 00:19:33,590 --> 00:19:35,490 Speaker 7: and it can also prevail in your heart as well. 303 00:19:35,990 --> 00:19:39,409 Speaker 7: When you find yourself divided, double-minded, and tempted to compromise, 304 00:19:39,510 --> 00:19:42,230 Speaker 7: remember the boldness of John and Peter in front of 305 00:19:42,250 --> 00:19:45,530 Speaker 7: the Sanhedrin. And also remember the conversion of Saul that 306 00:19:45,550 --> 00:19:48,869 Speaker 7: we're going to experience later on. He was an immovable man, 307 00:19:49,190 --> 00:19:52,840 Speaker 7: settled in his idolatry, but all mountains can be moved eventually. 308 00:19:52,859 --> 00:19:55,580 Speaker 7: In our next few episodes, we're going to be unpacking 309 00:19:55,600 --> 00:19:57,980 Speaker 7: the drama of Saul as he tries to thwart the 310 00:19:58,020 --> 00:19:58,740 Speaker 7: people of the way. 311 00:19:59,260 --> 00:19:59,719 Speaker 1: Buckle up. 312 00:20:00,100 --> 00:20:03,469 Speaker 7: It's going to get intense. Thanks again for listening to 313 00:20:03,490 --> 00:20:06,149 Speaker 7: the Jesus Podcast. You already know what to do. Make 314 00:20:06,190 --> 00:20:09,530 Speaker 7: sure to follow, subscribe on whatever platform you listen to, 315 00:20:09,790 --> 00:20:12,189 Speaker 7: share it with a friend, and rate and leave a review. 316 00:20:12,710 --> 00:20:15,210 Speaker 7: We love that you've been joining us so far on 317 00:20:15,230 --> 00:20:18,990 Speaker 7: the Jesus Podcast. If you're interested in any more content 318 00:20:19,010 --> 00:20:23,970 Speaker 7: that Pray.com produces, you can look us up on Spotify, iTunes, iHeart, 319 00:20:23,990 --> 00:20:26,649 Speaker 7: wherever you get your podcasts, or you can download the 320 00:20:26,690 --> 00:20:30,320 Speaker 7: Pray.com app today. We have a wealth of different resources 321 00:20:30,410 --> 00:20:33,959 Speaker 7: and different church leaders and ministry leaders that all put 322 00:20:33,980 --> 00:20:37,140 Speaker 7: their content on Pray.com. If you're looking for the most 323 00:20:37,420 --> 00:20:41,060 Speaker 7: vast menu of encouraging content to really strengthen your faith, 324 00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:43,840 Speaker 7: look no further than the Pray.com app.