1 00:00:00,230 --> 00:00:03,330 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, 2 00:00:04,210 --> 00:00:09,310 Speaker 1: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5.10 Heavenly Father, 3 00:00:09,950 --> 00:00:12,990 Speaker 1: we come to you with hearts full of trust in 4 00:00:13,070 --> 00:00:17,540 Speaker 1: Jesus our Savior. Your words remind us that those who 5 00:00:17,570 --> 00:00:22,500 Speaker 1: are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed, for theirs is 6 00:00:22,540 --> 00:00:25,400 Speaker 1: the kingdom of heaven. We thank you for the strength 7 00:00:25,460 --> 00:00:29,639 Speaker 1: you give us to stand firm in our faith, even 8 00:00:30,060 --> 00:00:33,239 Speaker 1: when we face trials. Help us to trust in your 9 00:00:33,280 --> 00:00:38,290 Speaker 1: promises and to remain faithful, knowing that you are with us. 10 00:00:39,090 --> 00:00:42,470 Speaker 1: When we face opposition for following Jesus, fill us with 11 00:00:42,590 --> 00:00:48,050 Speaker 1: courage and peace. Let our lives reflect his love and truth, 12 00:00:48,729 --> 00:00:53,580 Speaker 1: and may we always find refuge in your presence. In Jesus' 13 00:00:53,659 --> 00:00:54,660 Speaker 1: name we pray. 14 00:00:55,380 --> 00:00:55,600 Speaker 2: Amen. 15 00:00:57,830 --> 00:01:00,860 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 16 00:01:00,880 --> 00:01:06,500 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another dramatized story inspired 17 00:01:06,540 --> 00:01:09,640 Speaker 1: by the book of Acts and the birth of the church. 18 00:01:10,590 --> 00:01:13,970 Speaker 1: If this podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow 19 00:01:14,450 --> 00:01:20,420 Speaker 1: so you never have to miss an episode. James trudged 20 00:01:20,500 --> 00:01:24,580 Speaker 1: forward under the watchful eye of King Herod's soldiers. Their 21 00:01:24,700 --> 00:01:29,220 Speaker 1: armor clanged with each forceful pull of the chains. James' 22 00:01:29,340 --> 00:01:33,750 Speaker 1: bloodied hands twisted beneath his shackles. To the soldiers, his 23 00:01:33,840 --> 00:01:38,569 Speaker 1: chains ensured he couldn't escape. But to James, they were 24 00:01:38,610 --> 00:01:42,649 Speaker 1: a reminder that he would always be free. 25 00:01:43,510 --> 00:01:48,680 Speaker 3: Great are you, O Lord, for even in man's chains... 26 00:01:49,350 --> 00:01:52,670 Speaker 3: I will forever be set free by your grace. 27 00:01:53,290 --> 00:01:54,590 Speaker 2: Quiet down, dog! 28 00:01:55,210 --> 00:01:58,530 Speaker 1: The soldier behind the apostle blared at him, kicking him 29 00:01:58,670 --> 00:02:03,090 Speaker 1: forward with his boot. With the Roman influence, Herod's men 30 00:02:03,170 --> 00:02:06,860 Speaker 1: had mastered the art of torture, not just of the body, 31 00:02:07,380 --> 00:02:11,299 Speaker 1: but of the mind. James stumbled, but had learned through 32 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:15,760 Speaker 1: experience that falling over did little to slow down their march. 33 00:02:16,600 --> 00:02:19,820 Speaker 1: The only thing worse than walking in this current state 34 00:02:20,389 --> 00:02:24,730 Speaker 1: was being dragged along the stone walkway. James could hear 35 00:02:24,750 --> 00:02:29,750 Speaker 1: the ominous caw of vultures as their broad wingspans cast 36 00:02:29,850 --> 00:02:33,769 Speaker 1: swirling shadows. The scavengers had learned the signs of when 37 00:02:33,810 --> 00:02:37,460 Speaker 1: their next meal was coming. James and the soldiers marched 38 00:02:37,500 --> 00:02:41,840 Speaker 1: toward a belligerent crowd. They encircled an open dirt patch. 39 00:02:42,520 --> 00:02:46,010 Speaker 1: At the center stood a large wooden platform only a 40 00:02:46,070 --> 00:02:50,390 Speaker 1: few inches high. A large wooden throne sat on the 41 00:02:50,430 --> 00:02:54,720 Speaker 1: far end, where King Herod sat, wholly satisfied with the 42 00:02:54,780 --> 00:02:58,720 Speaker 1: scene before him. The soldiers led James to the platform 43 00:02:59,220 --> 00:03:03,620 Speaker 1: and forced him to take a stand. Once stable, James 44 00:03:03,720 --> 00:03:07,940 Speaker 1: locked eyes with Herod. He was a confident king, to 45 00:03:07,980 --> 00:03:11,000 Speaker 1: be sure. His recent persecutions of the people of the 46 00:03:11,060 --> 00:03:15,649 Speaker 1: way had brought unwavering support from the Jews and Despite 47 00:03:15,690 --> 00:03:20,850 Speaker 1: the believers' resilience, King Herod was doing his part to 48 00:03:20,940 --> 00:03:23,380 Speaker 1: topple them over stone by stone. 49 00:03:24,100 --> 00:03:28,700 Speaker 4: James, son of Zebedee, you are guilty of crimes against 50 00:03:28,760 --> 00:03:33,470 Speaker 4: the Jews. Your penalty is death by sword. 51 00:03:34,110 --> 00:03:38,810 Speaker 1: The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. The only sound James 52 00:03:38,830 --> 00:03:42,290 Speaker 1: heard was the sliding of metal against metal as the 53 00:03:42,330 --> 00:03:45,370 Speaker 1: soldier behind him drew his sword from its sheath. 54 00:03:48,430 --> 00:03:50,910 Speaker 5: The apostles all knew it was coming. They all knew 55 00:03:50,990 --> 00:03:53,010 Speaker 5: that it was only a matter of time before one 56 00:03:53,190 --> 00:03:56,100 Speaker 5: or all of them faced the same fate that Jesus faced. 57 00:03:56,800 --> 00:03:58,800 Speaker 5: But they did so with joy in their hearts. 58 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:00,400 Speaker 2: Yes, it was hard. 59 00:04:00,580 --> 00:04:04,760 Speaker 5: Yes, it caused anguish and despair. But that despair always 60 00:04:04,800 --> 00:04:07,680 Speaker 5: gave way to hope in the end. Welcome to the 61 00:04:07,700 --> 00:04:11,510 Speaker 5: Jesus Podcast. Today, we're rounding out our mini-series through the 62 00:04:11,530 --> 00:04:14,290 Speaker 5: birth of the church. We're diving into a story inspired 63 00:04:14,330 --> 00:04:18,250 Speaker 5: by Acts 12, verses 1-23. A passage that reads like 64 00:04:18,290 --> 00:04:21,370 Speaker 5: an epic drama with villains, heroes, suspense, and a plot 65 00:04:21,430 --> 00:04:24,409 Speaker 5: twist that would make Hollywood jealous. We're talking about kings 66 00:04:24,430 --> 00:04:27,370 Speaker 5: who think they're gods, prisons that can't hold apostles, and 67 00:04:27,390 --> 00:04:29,640 Speaker 5: a praying church that shakes the heavens. 68 00:04:30,220 --> 00:04:30,620 Speaker 2: Let's go. 69 00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:37,600 Speaker 1: John wept in the dining room, dragging his fingernails through 70 00:04:37,700 --> 00:04:41,810 Speaker 1: the table. marks in the wood, pulled with blood from 71 00:04:41,850 --> 00:04:45,950 Speaker 1: his mangled hands. John barely noticed the pain he was 72 00:04:46,029 --> 00:04:51,050 Speaker 1: causing himself. The grieving brother released his inner turmoil. He 73 00:04:51,190 --> 00:04:55,690 Speaker 1: pounded the table before pressing his palms hard against the surface. 74 00:04:56,310 --> 00:04:59,580 Speaker 1: He leaned over the table and kicked his chair back 75 00:04:59,920 --> 00:05:00,640 Speaker 1: against the wall. 76 00:05:01,320 --> 00:05:02,480 Speaker 2: It's not fair! 77 00:05:02,980 --> 00:05:05,980 Speaker 6: Saul went around murdering us and he's given a second chance? 78 00:05:06,600 --> 00:05:07,700 Speaker 6: James never hurt a fly. 79 00:05:08,620 --> 00:05:12,960 Speaker 1: Now he's... John's anger quickly turned to sobs of despondency. 80 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:16,820 Speaker 1: His forehead thudded in the puddle of blood as it 81 00:05:16,940 --> 00:05:18,520 Speaker 1: mixed with his pouring tears. 82 00:05:19,860 --> 00:05:22,080 Speaker 3: Why couldn't it have been me? 83 00:05:23,200 --> 00:05:25,860 Speaker 6: I don't know what to do without him. 84 00:05:26,860 --> 00:05:31,620 Speaker 2: It's always been James and John, sons of thunder. But 85 00:05:31,660 --> 00:05:33,930 Speaker 2: now it feels like I'm a wisp of a cloud 86 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:35,320 Speaker 2: being burnt by the sun. 87 00:05:35,960 --> 00:05:39,120 Speaker 1: Losing his brother was like losing a part of himself. 88 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:42,580 Speaker 1: The other apostles did their best to console him, but 89 00:05:43,110 --> 00:05:47,410 Speaker 1: found themselves short on words. They knew that nothing they 90 00:05:47,490 --> 00:05:52,029 Speaker 1: could say would bring James back. Instead, they flocked around 91 00:05:52,089 --> 00:05:55,920 Speaker 1: him and cried. Sometimes the best thing to do for 92 00:05:55,960 --> 00:05:59,520 Speaker 1: a mourning loved one is to mourn with them. Deep 93 00:05:59,940 --> 00:06:04,099 Speaker 1: called to deep as the storm of John's emotions rocked 94 00:06:04,160 --> 00:06:09,169 Speaker 1: his spirit's like a rickety vessel tossed at sea. But 95 00:06:09,200 --> 00:06:14,210 Speaker 1: in time, the breakers would send him careening against the 96 00:06:14,390 --> 00:06:15,690 Speaker 1: rock of ages. 97 00:06:16,529 --> 00:06:21,070 Speaker 3: John, we know you are hurting, but we just want 98 00:06:21,110 --> 00:06:26,410 Speaker 3: you to know we are here for you. And more importantly, 99 00:06:27,250 --> 00:06:28,930 Speaker 3: the Lord is here with you. 100 00:06:29,610 --> 00:06:33,089 Speaker 1: Peter couldn't help but feel awkward, trying to comfort his 101 00:06:33,150 --> 00:06:36,990 Speaker 1: longtime friend. He knew he had no reason to, but 102 00:06:37,470 --> 00:06:42,150 Speaker 1: in a way he felt guilty, offering consolation, knowing full 103 00:06:42,190 --> 00:06:45,630 Speaker 1: well that his own brother was standing just on the 104 00:06:45,670 --> 00:06:48,970 Speaker 1: other side of the room. Not wanting to press too hard, 105 00:06:49,650 --> 00:06:52,760 Speaker 1: Peter took a step back from John and allowed others 106 00:06:53,100 --> 00:06:57,680 Speaker 1: to fill the gap. Matthew stepped forward, his eyes reflecting 107 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:02,040 Speaker 1: a deep well of pain. He couldn't match John's sorrow, 108 00:07:02,600 --> 00:07:05,980 Speaker 1: but he could remind him. of the home that lay within. 109 00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:10,420 Speaker 6: John, say it with me. Blessed are those who are 110 00:07:10,460 --> 00:07:12,920 Speaker 6: persecuted for righteousness' sake. 111 00:07:13,540 --> 00:07:14,660 Speaker 2: For theirs is. 112 00:07:15,220 --> 00:07:16,100 Speaker 6: For theirs is. 113 00:07:16,780 --> 00:07:18,420 Speaker 2: The kingdom of heaven. 114 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:23,480 Speaker 1: Back in his palace, King Herod dined with his trusted advisors. 115 00:07:24,230 --> 00:07:27,290 Speaker 1: The martyrdom of James had given him another victory among 116 00:07:27,330 --> 00:07:30,770 Speaker 1: the Jews, and he had no intention of losing traction 117 00:07:31,290 --> 00:07:35,500 Speaker 1: in gaining their favor. His table was eloquently set with 118 00:07:35,540 --> 00:07:40,690 Speaker 1: the finest delicacies. Roasted lamb with fig glaze, perfectly ripe 119 00:07:40,810 --> 00:07:44,750 Speaker 1: fruit from his orchards, and baked bread from the country's 120 00:07:44,890 --> 00:07:49,040 Speaker 1: purest flour. He stuffed his mouth with his dinner as 121 00:07:49,100 --> 00:07:53,660 Speaker 1: his advisors stuffed his mind with plans for further persecution. 122 00:07:54,060 --> 00:07:55,120 Speaker 1: of the people of the way. 123 00:07:55,700 --> 00:07:59,240 Speaker 2: My lord, it appears you've won the hearts of the people. 124 00:07:59,700 --> 00:08:02,790 Speaker 2: Yet our efforts are doing very little to slow down 125 00:08:02,850 --> 00:08:07,550 Speaker 2: the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. They gain traction by 126 00:08:07,630 --> 00:08:11,470 Speaker 2: the day. Even Saul of Tarsus has turned to them. 127 00:08:12,070 --> 00:08:17,350 Speaker 2: Perhaps they need another stark reminder of your unmatched authority. 128 00:08:18,060 --> 00:08:20,620 Speaker 2: At the very least, it's sure to earn you more 129 00:08:20,680 --> 00:08:21,840 Speaker 2: praise from the people. 130 00:08:22,540 --> 00:08:26,320 Speaker 1: Elias had served in Herod's courts for several years, devoting 131 00:08:26,400 --> 00:08:29,420 Speaker 1: all of his margin to climbing the ranks. He had 132 00:08:29,480 --> 00:08:32,820 Speaker 1: finally earned the right to tickle the king's ears, and 133 00:08:32,860 --> 00:08:36,580 Speaker 1: from Herod's sly smile, he was doing a fine job. 134 00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:41,780 Speaker 3: Oh, yes. A good thought, young. 135 00:08:43,830 --> 00:08:45,449 Speaker 2: Elias, my lord. 136 00:08:46,050 --> 00:08:49,990 Speaker 1: Elias bowed his head. not letting the king's ignorance bruise 137 00:08:50,130 --> 00:08:50,650 Speaker 1: his pride. 138 00:08:51,270 --> 00:08:52,710 Speaker 3: Yes, yes, Elias. 139 00:08:54,230 --> 00:08:59,150 Speaker 4: It suits me to put your plan into action. What 140 00:08:59,170 --> 00:09:01,390 Speaker 4: do you recommend as. 141 00:09:01,330 --> 00:09:02,150 Speaker 3: The next steps? 142 00:09:02,710 --> 00:09:06,170 Speaker 1: Elias did his best to remain dignified, though he wanted 143 00:09:06,220 --> 00:09:10,380 Speaker 1: to dance through the streets as his professional aspirations. 144 00:09:10,040 --> 00:09:13,720 Speaker 2: Came to life. It appears that one Peter of Galilee 145 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:17,740 Speaker 2: has become a foundational part of this little movement. I 146 00:09:17,800 --> 00:09:21,330 Speaker 2: would recommend we seize him. Now would be the perfect time, 147 00:09:21,809 --> 00:09:25,310 Speaker 2: as the festival of unleavened bread will undoubtedly have the 148 00:09:25,350 --> 00:09:29,349 Speaker 2: city swarming with people. If we play our cards just right, 149 00:09:29,910 --> 00:09:33,209 Speaker 2: the size of the audience at his trial will be unprecedented. 150 00:09:33,910 --> 00:09:37,910 Speaker 2: Every Jew in the land will know your strong hand. 151 00:09:40,920 --> 00:09:45,219 Speaker 1: King Herod remained absorbed in thought, strategizing his next move. 152 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:50,040 Speaker 1: His drunken, meandering thoughts faded in and out of a 153 00:09:50,080 --> 00:09:53,059 Speaker 1: desire for bloodshed and political temperance. 154 00:09:54,920 --> 00:09:59,910 Speaker 4: Elias, on the day of the festival, you will take... 155 00:10:00,120 --> 00:10:03,400 Speaker 4: a small platoon of soldiers into the lower. 156 00:10:03,260 --> 00:10:04,300 Speaker 3: Parts of the city. 157 00:10:04,820 --> 00:10:08,440 Speaker 4: My men have scouted the area and have confirmed the 158 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:12,800 Speaker 4: whereabouts of the, uh, uh, what do they call themselves? 159 00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:14,220 Speaker 2: Aposties? 160 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:15,160 Speaker 7: Apostles? 161 00:10:16,140 --> 00:10:17,839 Speaker 3: Apostles! Apostles! Ha ha! 162 00:10:18,820 --> 00:10:22,020 Speaker 4: I'll have a spy go out before you to confirm 163 00:10:22,059 --> 00:10:24,380 Speaker 4: that Peter is among them. 164 00:10:25,420 --> 00:10:29,140 Speaker 1: Elias was ecstatic at the opportunity. Little did he know, 165 00:10:29,660 --> 00:10:33,880 Speaker 1: King Herod's move was calculated and tipped the scales in 166 00:10:33,920 --> 00:10:38,939 Speaker 1: his favor. Should things go according to plan, Herod only 167 00:10:39,080 --> 00:10:42,620 Speaker 1: bolstered his status further. But putting Elias at the front 168 00:10:42,660 --> 00:10:46,660 Speaker 1: of the charge meant that should things go south, all 169 00:10:46,720 --> 00:10:50,700 Speaker 1: the blame would be easily shifted to him. But the 170 00:10:50,740 --> 00:10:54,980 Speaker 1: young man's vigor and vim provided him with the same 171 00:10:55,120 --> 00:10:59,880 Speaker 1: kind of foresight. He greedily accepted the offer to lead 172 00:10:59,940 --> 00:11:09,560 Speaker 1: the king's soldiers as visions of grandeur filled his head. Meanwhile, 173 00:11:09,620 --> 00:11:13,710 Speaker 1: the apostles were busily preparing for the Passover meal, the 174 00:11:13,750 --> 00:11:18,370 Speaker 1: long-awaited start of the festival of unleavened bread. The holiday 175 00:11:18,429 --> 00:11:22,270 Speaker 1: had become bittersweet to many of the believers, but it 176 00:11:22,330 --> 00:11:27,050 Speaker 1: was that same bittersweet taste that made its significance all 177 00:11:27,130 --> 00:11:31,380 Speaker 1: the more greater. For the people of the way, Passover 178 00:11:31,500 --> 00:11:35,920 Speaker 1: not only symbolized God's faithfulness to Israel during their flee 179 00:11:35,980 --> 00:11:40,059 Speaker 1: from Egypt, but now it had become a reminder of 180 00:11:40,120 --> 00:11:44,969 Speaker 1: the tender love of Christ. He was their Passover lamb 181 00:11:45,490 --> 00:11:49,510 Speaker 1: that saved them. from the throes of death. While the 182 00:11:49,550 --> 00:11:52,210 Speaker 1: rest of the apostles had gone to the marketplace for 183 00:11:52,250 --> 00:11:56,429 Speaker 1: some forgotten ingredients, Peter and Andrew had convinced John to 184 00:11:56,750 --> 00:12:00,210 Speaker 1: stay back and help them prepare the meal. They had 185 00:12:00,290 --> 00:12:03,140 Speaker 1: hoped that some time alone would be a relief to 186 00:12:03,179 --> 00:12:06,780 Speaker 1: John and his grieving. They thought that perhaps the sharing 187 00:12:06,820 --> 00:12:11,060 Speaker 1: of memories and time with childhood friends would be therapeutic. 188 00:12:11,580 --> 00:12:13,460 Speaker 8: John, can you pass me what's left of the cinnamon? 189 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:15,679 Speaker 8: We can have the rest when the others get back. 190 00:12:16,570 --> 00:12:19,069 Speaker 8: I find the cheroset's flavor to be much more balanced 191 00:12:19,110 --> 00:12:20,459 Speaker 8: when it's had time to sit. 192 00:12:22,059 --> 00:12:24,520 Speaker 2: Oh, look at my brother, the chef. 193 00:12:25,220 --> 00:12:28,780 Speaker 3: You know, John, when we were boys, Andrew didn't even 194 00:12:28,820 --> 00:12:31,480 Speaker 3: know how to hold a knife right. Ema had to 195 00:12:31,540 --> 00:12:35,270 Speaker 3: hold his hands the first time we helped prepare for Passover. 196 00:12:35,850 --> 00:12:39,209 Speaker 1: John chuckled at the brothers as he reminisced about his home. 197 00:12:40,250 --> 00:12:44,670 Speaker 1: His heart felt the sharp pangs of mourning intermingled with 198 00:12:44,740 --> 00:12:49,220 Speaker 1: the warmth of nostalgia. A tear slipped around the corner 199 00:12:49,280 --> 00:12:53,420 Speaker 1: of his smile. As they continued to cook, the friends 200 00:12:53,500 --> 00:12:55,740 Speaker 1: could hear muffled voices outside. 201 00:12:56,300 --> 00:12:58,700 Speaker 2: It sounds like the others are back. Hurry up with 202 00:12:58,740 --> 00:13:00,540 Speaker 2: that cinnamon before Andrew goes mad. 203 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:05,740 Speaker 1: Suddenly, the door burst open, sending splinters into every corner 204 00:13:05,780 --> 00:13:09,620 Speaker 1: of the room. Dust billowed into the small house, followed 205 00:13:09,740 --> 00:13:15,500 Speaker 1: closely by four armored men carrying swords and shields. They 206 00:13:15,570 --> 00:13:20,150 Speaker 1: stepped aside, creating a gap between them, through which a 207 00:13:20,250 --> 00:13:24,329 Speaker 1: much younger man walked. Peter, Andrew, and John pivoted their 208 00:13:24,370 --> 00:13:27,750 Speaker 1: feet back to run, but remained still when they realized 209 00:13:27,770 --> 00:13:31,610 Speaker 1: there was nowhere to turn. Peter stepped in front of them, 210 00:13:32,190 --> 00:13:35,290 Speaker 1: the biggest and burliest of them. He no longer lived 211 00:13:35,470 --> 00:13:39,230 Speaker 1: by the sword, but he was by no means a coward. 212 00:13:40,010 --> 00:13:42,720 Speaker 1: The leader of the group carried an air of naive 213 00:13:42,890 --> 00:13:46,170 Speaker 1: arrogance as he entered. It hadn't taken long for him 214 00:13:46,210 --> 00:13:49,020 Speaker 1: to grow comfortable with his newfound authority. 215 00:13:49,580 --> 00:13:52,920 Speaker 2: On behalf of King Herod, we are looking for the 216 00:13:52,960 --> 00:13:57,580 Speaker 2: man called Simon Bar-Jonah. You may know him as Peter. 217 00:13:58,179 --> 00:14:01,760 Speaker 1: The apostles stared straight ahead, not wanting to give away 218 00:14:01,850 --> 00:14:07,430 Speaker 1: Peter's identity. But Elias' cold stare directly at Peter indicated 219 00:14:07,470 --> 00:14:11,650 Speaker 1: his question was more rhetorical. He knew exactly who. 220 00:14:11,590 --> 00:14:12,230 Speaker 2: He was after. 221 00:14:12,990 --> 00:14:18,250 Speaker 1: Andrew's instincts took control as he stepped forward, much to Elias' surprise. 222 00:14:18,730 --> 00:14:20,890 Speaker 8: And what does King Herod want with Peter? 223 00:14:21,470 --> 00:14:25,370 Speaker 1: Elias snarled at Andrew's boldness, but was determined to keep 224 00:14:25,410 --> 00:14:28,610 Speaker 1: his appearance of absolute control over the situation. 225 00:14:28,990 --> 00:14:31,550 Speaker 2: He is to be put on trial for threats to 226 00:14:31,570 --> 00:14:34,030 Speaker 2: the crown and to the people of Israel. 227 00:14:35,550 --> 00:14:36,800 Speaker 8: Threats against the crown? 228 00:14:37,360 --> 00:14:38,020 Speaker 2: Are you mad? 229 00:14:38,720 --> 00:14:41,680 Speaker 1: Andrew couldn't stand the thought of Peter's life being at 230 00:14:41,800 --> 00:14:45,270 Speaker 1: risk again. After Peter had spent the night in prison 231 00:14:45,370 --> 00:14:48,670 Speaker 1: with John, Andrew had been mortified by the thought of 232 00:14:48,710 --> 00:14:53,620 Speaker 1: losing him. And now that John was living Andrew's worst nightmare, 233 00:14:54,260 --> 00:14:57,340 Speaker 1: he was set on protecting Peter at all cost. 234 00:14:57,720 --> 00:15:00,500 Speaker 2: The only one who is mad here is you. Now 235 00:15:00,560 --> 00:15:03,580 Speaker 2: step aside so we can apprehend the accused. 236 00:15:04,040 --> 00:15:07,360 Speaker 1: Peter took a large step forward with his arms stretched 237 00:15:07,480 --> 00:15:11,360 Speaker 1: out in front of him. His face was resolute. He 238 00:15:11,380 --> 00:15:14,630 Speaker 1: didn't dare look at Andrew for fear of breaking down. 239 00:15:15,210 --> 00:15:18,250 Speaker 1: He knew that the safest option for his brother and 240 00:15:18,290 --> 00:15:22,520 Speaker 1: the other believers was to go without quarreling. He had 241 00:15:22,580 --> 00:15:27,000 Speaker 1: been through this before and trusted in the Lord's sovereignty. 242 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:32,100 Speaker 1: The soldiers strode forward in unison and promptly bound Peter's hands, 243 00:15:32,840 --> 00:15:36,330 Speaker 1: cinching them tighter than was necessary for a man who 244 00:15:36,370 --> 00:15:41,130 Speaker 1: wasn't fighting back. With a smirk, Elias turned his back 245 00:15:41,190 --> 00:15:45,520 Speaker 1: to the stunned Andrew and John. Elias' eyes flickered with 246 00:15:45,580 --> 00:15:50,320 Speaker 1: satisfaction as they marched out the door. He was already 247 00:15:50,420 --> 00:15:54,620 Speaker 1: basking in the glory of his successful raid. When the 248 00:15:54,700 --> 00:15:58,680 Speaker 1: others returned, Andrew and John explained what had happened. With 249 00:15:58,760 --> 00:16:02,420 Speaker 1: heavy hearts, they began to earnestly pray to the only 250 00:16:02,520 --> 00:16:06,650 Speaker 1: one who could save Peter now. Word quickly spread to 251 00:16:06,690 --> 00:16:10,510 Speaker 1: the believers throughout the city, and in one harmonious voice, 252 00:16:11,050 --> 00:16:16,940 Speaker 1: thousands of people throughout Jerusalem made petitions for the imprisoned apostle. 253 00:16:17,660 --> 00:16:21,640 Speaker 1: The people would find comfort and strength in their God. 254 00:16:24,600 --> 00:16:27,240 Speaker 1: Peter yawned as drips of water trickled down the wall 255 00:16:27,280 --> 00:16:31,680 Speaker 1: of his cell. The cold, damp floor was playing its 256 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:36,000 Speaker 1: part in keeping him awake, but the rhythmic drops had 257 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:39,980 Speaker 1: fought hard to lull him to sleep with relative success. 258 00:16:41,060 --> 00:16:44,520 Speaker 1: On either side of Peter sat two soldiers, They were 259 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:48,060 Speaker 1: chained to Peter, and by the sound of their steady 260 00:16:48,120 --> 00:16:52,220 Speaker 1: breathing and slow dragging of chains against wood, they were 261 00:16:52,300 --> 00:16:58,470 Speaker 1: fast asleep. Just then, piercing the darkness, a bright light appeared. 262 00:16:59,120 --> 00:17:03,910 Speaker 1: The radiance burned behind Peter, rousing him from his half-sleep state. 263 00:17:04,710 --> 00:17:07,190 Speaker 1: Peter rolled over and covered his eyes with his arm. 264 00:17:08,030 --> 00:17:11,050 Speaker 1: He closed his eyes tighter, but was startled by a 265 00:17:11,230 --> 00:17:14,840 Speaker 1: kick in his side. Worried he had awakened the guards, 266 00:17:15,260 --> 00:17:19,359 Speaker 1: and with them, their anger, he sat up abruptly. But 267 00:17:19,380 --> 00:17:24,200 Speaker 1: to his surprise, the two men were still sound asleep. Then, 268 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:27,560 Speaker 1: someone shouted from outside the cell door. 269 00:17:27,900 --> 00:17:29,300 Speaker 2: Quickly, get up. 270 00:17:30,080 --> 00:17:33,159 Speaker 1: In alarm, Peter pushed himself to his feet. As he 271 00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:36,040 Speaker 1: wheeled around to find the source of the voice, he 272 00:17:36,080 --> 00:17:40,220 Speaker 1: felt his shackles loosen from around his wrists. Looking down, 273 00:17:40,859 --> 00:17:44,230 Speaker 1: the pins had cracked apart. He shook them to the 274 00:17:44,270 --> 00:17:48,030 Speaker 1: ground with a loud clang. The cell door swiveled open 275 00:17:48,130 --> 00:17:52,250 Speaker 1: slowly with a whine. Peter waited for guards to come in, 276 00:17:52,330 --> 00:17:56,690 Speaker 1: but the doorway remained empty. He heard the voice again, 277 00:17:57,190 --> 00:17:59,800 Speaker 1: coming from the direction of the light that had awoken 278 00:17:59,840 --> 00:18:01,080 Speaker 1: him outside the cell. 279 00:18:01,440 --> 00:18:03,540 Speaker 2: Put on your clothes and sandals. 280 00:18:04,140 --> 00:18:08,100 Speaker 1: Without thinking, Peter obeyed the command. He quickly dressed and 281 00:18:08,180 --> 00:18:11,960 Speaker 1: stepped out of his cell. Before him stood a man 282 00:18:12,440 --> 00:18:16,369 Speaker 1: in white robes Peter looked at him, then at the 283 00:18:16,410 --> 00:18:21,439 Speaker 1: sleeping guards. Peter wondered if he should be afraid. But 284 00:18:21,480 --> 00:18:25,240 Speaker 1: of whom? He couldn't say. But before he could decide, 285 00:18:25,680 --> 00:18:27,080 Speaker 1: he was given another command. 286 00:18:27,480 --> 00:18:32,140 Speaker 2: Do not worry about them. They won't stir. Quickly, wrap 287 00:18:32,180 --> 00:18:34,770 Speaker 2: your cloak around yourself and follow me. 288 00:18:35,480 --> 00:18:38,949 Speaker 1: Peter followed the man, wondering if he was still asleep 289 00:18:39,270 --> 00:18:42,700 Speaker 1: and caught in a dream. Whether it was real or 290 00:18:42,720 --> 00:18:46,810 Speaker 1: a figment of his imagination, Peter figured anything was better 291 00:18:47,010 --> 00:18:49,810 Speaker 1: than another night on the dirty floor of his cell. 292 00:18:50,550 --> 00:18:53,430 Speaker 1: He pulled his cloak tightly around his face and followed 293 00:18:53,470 --> 00:18:57,910 Speaker 1: the man. Peter felt like time had frozen. They walked 294 00:18:57,990 --> 00:19:01,290 Speaker 1: past the two outer guards and seemed to be bothered 295 00:19:01,390 --> 00:19:04,710 Speaker 1: from their deep slumber, despite the commotion Peter and the 296 00:19:04,830 --> 00:19:08,530 Speaker 1: angel were causing. The angel led Peter out of the 297 00:19:08,570 --> 00:19:12,879 Speaker 1: prison corridors. straight to the immense iron gates that led 298 00:19:13,140 --> 00:19:16,790 Speaker 1: into the city. Peter marveled when the angel waved his 299 00:19:16,850 --> 00:19:20,010 Speaker 1: hand and the gates opened in obedience. 300 00:19:20,410 --> 00:19:23,250 Speaker 2: This way. Hurry now. We're almost out. 301 00:19:23,830 --> 00:19:27,270 Speaker 1: The angel moved with ease. Though he walked like any 302 00:19:27,369 --> 00:19:30,889 Speaker 1: other man, his elegant motion made it seem like he 303 00:19:30,930 --> 00:19:34,500 Speaker 1: was floating through the air. Peter struggled to keep up. 304 00:19:35,320 --> 00:19:38,560 Speaker 1: Halfway down a street, Peter raised his arm to ask 305 00:19:38,600 --> 00:19:41,919 Speaker 1: his rescuer to wait. But before he could say anything, 306 00:19:42,540 --> 00:19:47,440 Speaker 1: the man disappeared. Peter stopped abruptly. He looked around but 307 00:19:47,980 --> 00:19:52,240 Speaker 1: could find no trace of the man. Peter smiled, feeling 308 00:19:52,380 --> 00:19:55,359 Speaker 1: silly that it had taken him so long to realize 309 00:19:55,740 --> 00:19:56,379 Speaker 1: what had happened. 310 00:19:56,960 --> 00:19:59,479 Speaker 3: Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has 311 00:19:59,540 --> 00:20:03,060 Speaker 3: done it again. He sent his angel and rescued me 312 00:20:03,100 --> 00:20:06,449 Speaker 3: from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were 313 00:20:06,490 --> 00:20:07,230 Speaker 3: hoping would happen. 314 00:20:07,930 --> 00:20:08,429 Speaker 2: Praise you. 315 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:12,820 Speaker 1: Peter glanced up and down the empty street. He knew 316 00:20:12,880 --> 00:20:15,570 Speaker 1: it wouldn't be long before the guards learned of his escape. 317 00:20:16,150 --> 00:20:19,430 Speaker 1: He had to devise a plan. He recognized a few 318 00:20:19,510 --> 00:20:23,149 Speaker 1: shops and remembered he was near the house of one 319 00:20:23,190 --> 00:20:23,810 Speaker 1: of the believers. 320 00:20:24,570 --> 00:20:27,369 Speaker 3: If I head north from here, it should take me 321 00:20:27,410 --> 00:20:30,619 Speaker 3: to John Mark's mother's house. I can lay low there 322 00:20:30,730 --> 00:20:31,919 Speaker 3: until morning breaks. 323 00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:35,280 Speaker 1: Under the cover of night, Peter made his way to 324 00:20:35,300 --> 00:20:38,859 Speaker 1: the house. When he arrived, He saw the light trickling 325 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:41,840 Speaker 1: out of the door's cracks. He pulled his cloak down 326 00:20:41,859 --> 00:20:45,850 Speaker 1: around his shoulders and knocked softly. He waited a few 327 00:20:45,890 --> 00:20:50,130 Speaker 1: minutes and knocked again. He heard shuffling inside and saw 328 00:20:50,170 --> 00:20:53,330 Speaker 1: the shadow of two feet stopping on the other side 329 00:20:53,369 --> 00:20:53,830 Speaker 1: of the door. 330 00:20:54,210 --> 00:20:57,830 Speaker 3: Rhoda, is that you? I'm sorry to intrude in the 331 00:20:57,869 --> 00:21:01,340 Speaker 3: middle of the night. It's just your master's house was 332 00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:02,940 Speaker 3: closest and I thought. 333 00:21:03,460 --> 00:21:09,350 Speaker 7: My word, Peter, is that you? No. Oh, praise Adonai, 334 00:21:09,390 --> 00:21:12,929 Speaker 7: you're safe. The others won't believe it. They've been up 335 00:21:13,040 --> 00:21:14,260 Speaker 7: praying all night. 336 00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:18,680 Speaker 1: Peter heard the servant's footsteps race away. He knocked again, 337 00:21:19,320 --> 00:21:22,640 Speaker 1: but there was no response. Rhonda ran to the largest 338 00:21:22,720 --> 00:21:26,580 Speaker 1: room of the house, where others were gathered in incessant prayers. 339 00:21:27,260 --> 00:21:29,980 Speaker 1: Without hesitation, the servant interrupted them. 340 00:21:30,460 --> 00:21:32,820 Speaker 7: Peter is here. He's right outside the door. 341 00:21:33,440 --> 00:21:37,740 Speaker 6: Rhoda, please, this isn't funny. Now come, join us again. 342 00:21:37,760 --> 00:21:40,899 Speaker 7: I'm not joking. He's really here. 343 00:21:41,540 --> 00:21:44,480 Speaker 6: Please don't take offense to this, but I think you're tired. 344 00:21:44,500 --> 00:21:47,959 Speaker 6: I mean, we all are. Why don't you close your 345 00:21:48,060 --> 00:21:49,540 Speaker 6: eyes for a bit and then you can pray with 346 00:21:49,619 --> 00:21:50,359 Speaker 6: us in the morning. 347 00:21:50,920 --> 00:21:53,380 Speaker 1: The man was trying to be as tender as possible, 348 00:21:54,100 --> 00:21:55,219 Speaker 1: but Rhonda pressed on. 349 00:21:56,100 --> 00:21:59,119 Speaker 7: You don't understand. He really is here. 350 00:21:59,140 --> 00:22:01,350 Speaker 6: And did you see, Peter? 351 00:22:01,369 --> 00:22:04,530 Speaker 5: What? Well, technically, no. 352 00:22:05,510 --> 00:22:08,169 Speaker 7: But I heard him. I know it's his voice. 353 00:22:08,970 --> 00:22:12,770 Speaker 6: Perhaps what you were hearing was his angel. Peter's in prison, 354 00:22:13,230 --> 00:22:16,169 Speaker 6: and there's no escape from Harrod's ironclad grips. 355 00:22:16,730 --> 00:22:20,229 Speaker 1: Peter could hear snippets of the conversation. He pressed his 356 00:22:20,300 --> 00:22:23,060 Speaker 1: head against the door with a laugh. He had to 357 00:22:23,119 --> 00:22:27,780 Speaker 1: admit everything Rhonda was saying sounded absurd. He knocked hard 358 00:22:27,880 --> 00:22:30,860 Speaker 1: against the door, hoping to rescue the poor girl from 359 00:22:30,920 --> 00:22:31,720 Speaker 1: appearing mad. 360 00:22:32,380 --> 00:22:35,879 Speaker 7: Listen. Do you not hear that knocking? When was the 361 00:22:35,920 --> 00:22:38,000 Speaker 7: last time you had an angel knock at your door, hmm? 362 00:22:38,990 --> 00:22:42,109 Speaker 1: The others in the room sat motionless, with ears perked. 363 00:22:42,609 --> 00:22:46,010 Speaker 1: For the first time, they could hear the knocking. They 364 00:22:46,070 --> 00:22:49,129 Speaker 1: clambered to their feet and hurried to the door. Peter 365 00:22:49,300 --> 00:22:52,199 Speaker 1: heard the latch click and stepped back just as the 366 00:22:52,240 --> 00:22:56,399 Speaker 1: door flung open. The group stared in amazement, wondering if 367 00:22:56,420 --> 00:23:00,200 Speaker 1: their eyes were deceiving them. Peter held up his arms 368 00:23:00,220 --> 00:23:03,830 Speaker 1: and as though to prove he was indeed with them. 369 00:23:04,590 --> 00:23:08,869 Speaker 1: The believers ran outside and embraced Peter with excited shouts. 370 00:23:09,650 --> 00:23:11,070 Speaker 1: Peter laughed at the gaggle. 371 00:23:11,590 --> 00:23:15,170 Speaker 3: Shh, unless you want the whole of Jerusalem to know 372 00:23:15,210 --> 00:23:15,929 Speaker 3: where I am. 373 00:23:18,590 --> 00:23:22,280 Speaker 1: Everyone sat at the table and listened with fascination as 374 00:23:22,380 --> 00:23:27,200 Speaker 1: Peter shared about his midnight escape with the angel. Everyone 375 00:23:27,280 --> 00:23:31,540 Speaker 1: could hardly believe it, but the evidence showed was undeniable. 376 00:23:32,450 --> 00:23:35,640 Speaker 1: Come morning, Herod and his guards would have their own 377 00:23:35,700 --> 00:23:39,080 Speaker 1: problems on their hands. But as for the people of God, 378 00:23:40,100 --> 00:23:44,540 Speaker 1: they would have a story that would resonate throughout history. 379 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:50,960 Speaker 1: God's Spirit was moving with unstoppable might, and the name 380 00:23:51,100 --> 00:23:56,500 Speaker 1: of Jesus would continue to spread to every corner of 381 00:23:56,540 --> 00:23:56,880 Speaker 1: the world. 382 00:24:05,180 --> 00:24:08,540 Speaker 5: Our story begins with Herod Agrippa I, a king who 383 00:24:08,580 --> 00:24:11,619 Speaker 5: cared more about his approval ratings than justice or righteousness. 384 00:24:12,080 --> 00:24:15,220 Speaker 5: Seeing that persecuting Christians pleased the people, he had James, 385 00:24:15,260 --> 00:24:18,900 Speaker 5: the brother of John, executed. This was the first apostle 386 00:24:19,160 --> 00:24:22,560 Speaker 5: to be killed. But Herod wasn't satisfied. He arrested Peter, 387 00:24:22,720 --> 00:24:25,420 Speaker 5: intending to make a public spectacle of his trial after 388 00:24:25,460 --> 00:24:29,320 Speaker 5: the Passover. Isn't it interesting how things never change? Leaders 389 00:24:29,359 --> 00:24:32,179 Speaker 5: still pander to the masses, often at the expense of 390 00:24:32,270 --> 00:24:36,420 Speaker 5: truth and morality. Herod's actions were driven by politics, not principles. 391 00:24:36,980 --> 00:24:40,100 Speaker 5: But here's the kicker. Earthly power is no match for 392 00:24:40,140 --> 00:24:44,750 Speaker 5: divine purpose. Peter's in prison, guarded by 16 soldiers. Herod 393 00:24:44,810 --> 00:24:48,550 Speaker 5: wasn't taking any chances after Peter's previous jailbreak in Acts 394 00:24:48,590 --> 00:24:51,870 Speaker 5: chapter 5. But what is Peter doing on what would 395 00:24:51,910 --> 00:24:55,590 Speaker 5: be the eve of his execution? He's sleeping. Not pacing, 396 00:24:55,730 --> 00:24:58,859 Speaker 5: not plotting an escape. Sleeping so soundly that an angel 397 00:24:58,920 --> 00:25:00,919 Speaker 5: has to whack him on the side to wake him up. 398 00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:04,899 Speaker 5: Talk about a Talk about peace that surpasses all understanding. 399 00:25:05,300 --> 00:25:08,050 Speaker 5: Just like Jesus slept on a boat in the midst 400 00:25:08,090 --> 00:25:10,929 Speaker 5: of a storm, Peter's sleeping in a prison cell as 401 00:25:10,970 --> 00:25:14,350 Speaker 5: he awaits his trial and execution. Peter's trust in God 402 00:25:14,390 --> 00:25:16,950 Speaker 5: was so profound that the chains and the guards didn't 403 00:25:17,010 --> 00:25:19,879 Speaker 5: faze him at all. It challenges us to consider, how 404 00:25:19,890 --> 00:25:23,240 Speaker 5: do we respond when we're imprisoned by our circumstances? Do 405 00:25:23,260 --> 00:25:26,920 Speaker 5: we panic or do we rest in God's sovereignty? Meanwhile, 406 00:25:26,980 --> 00:25:30,130 Speaker 5: the church was earnestly praying for Peter. The original Greek 407 00:25:30,150 --> 00:25:34,780 Speaker 5: implies intense, fervent prayer, stretching themselves out before God. They 408 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:38,060 Speaker 5: didn't have political influence, wealth, or weapons. All they had 409 00:25:38,100 --> 00:25:41,500 Speaker 5: was prayer, and they wielded it mightily. Here's where it 410 00:25:41,520 --> 00:25:44,419 Speaker 5: gets amusing. Despite their earnest prayers, when Peter shows up 411 00:25:44,440 --> 00:25:47,260 Speaker 5: at the door, they don't actually believe it's him. Rhoda, 412 00:25:47,340 --> 00:25:49,869 Speaker 5: the servant girl, is so excited that she forgets to 413 00:25:49,880 --> 00:25:52,490 Speaker 5: even open the door. She opens the door, hears that 414 00:25:52,530 --> 00:25:54,630 Speaker 5: it's Peter, and then goes to run and tell everybody, 415 00:25:55,050 --> 00:25:57,630 Speaker 5: not even thinking to let him in. The others think 416 00:25:57,750 --> 00:26:00,209 Speaker 5: she's out of her mind or that Peter might be 417 00:26:00,230 --> 00:26:03,889 Speaker 5: an angel. It seems even the early church had moments 418 00:26:03,950 --> 00:26:06,629 Speaker 5: of doubt. Yes, they were praying for his safety. They 419 00:26:06,650 --> 00:26:08,740 Speaker 5: were praying for him to be freed. But when it 420 00:26:08,859 --> 00:26:11,719 Speaker 5: actually happened, it was really hard to believe. And that 421 00:26:11,760 --> 00:26:14,050 Speaker 5: should tell you about the humanity of prayer, shouldn't it? 422 00:26:14,460 --> 00:26:17,080 Speaker 5: We pray for these things earnestly. We pray them in 423 00:26:17,200 --> 00:26:18,939 Speaker 5: trust that God's going to do what he says he's 424 00:26:18,960 --> 00:26:21,370 Speaker 5: going to do. But that doesn't make miracles any less 425 00:26:21,390 --> 00:26:24,490 Speaker 5: surprising to us. You see, they were praying for a miracle, 426 00:26:24,530 --> 00:26:27,380 Speaker 5: but were surprised when it happened. It's humorous yet humbling 427 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:31,050 Speaker 5: reminder that sometimes we pray without fully expecting God to answer. 428 00:26:31,990 --> 00:26:32,650 Speaker 1: Now back to Peter. 429 00:26:32,930 --> 00:26:35,770 Speaker 5: The angel led him past the guards. They led him 430 00:26:35,830 --> 00:26:39,410 Speaker 5: through the gates and into the city streets. Only then 431 00:26:39,430 --> 00:26:41,300 Speaker 5: does Peter realize that it's not a vision. 432 00:26:41,460 --> 00:26:41,940 Speaker 2: It's real. 433 00:26:42,340 --> 00:26:45,399 Speaker 5: God had delivered him from Herod's clutches. On the flip side, 434 00:26:45,460 --> 00:26:48,840 Speaker 5: Herod faces a different fate. After Peter's escape, Herod is 435 00:26:49,100 --> 00:26:53,210 Speaker 5: furious and has the guards executed. Later, during a public address, 436 00:26:53,250 --> 00:26:55,430 Speaker 5: the people shout, This is the voice of God, not 437 00:26:55,470 --> 00:26:58,209 Speaker 5: of a man. And instead of correcting them, Herod revels 438 00:26:58,250 --> 00:27:01,609 Speaker 5: in the undulation. Immediately, an angel strikes him down and 439 00:27:01,670 --> 00:27:07,020 Speaker 5: he dies a gruesome death. You see, Peter's deliverance and 440 00:27:07,180 --> 00:27:11,260 Speaker 5: Herod's gruesome death are actually images of the future of 441 00:27:11,320 --> 00:27:14,199 Speaker 5: someone who is working against the kingdom of God and 442 00:27:14,220 --> 00:27:17,479 Speaker 5: someone who's working for the kingdom of God. It's actually 443 00:27:17,520 --> 00:27:21,610 Speaker 5: an image and a metaphor for their eternities. Pride comes 444 00:27:21,670 --> 00:27:25,150 Speaker 5: before the fall, doesn't it? Herod's demise contrasts sharply with 445 00:27:25,190 --> 00:27:28,830 Speaker 5: Peter's deliverance. One man's arrogance leads to his downfall, while 446 00:27:28,850 --> 00:27:32,609 Speaker 5: the other man's humility leads to his salvation. Acts 12 447 00:27:32,609 --> 00:27:36,280 Speaker 5: reminds us that while believers may face persecution, God's mission 448 00:27:36,450 --> 00:27:41,899 Speaker 5: is unshackled and unstoppable. Jesus is greater than any circumstance 449 00:27:41,940 --> 00:27:45,020 Speaker 5: you find yourself in, which leads me to introduce our 450 00:27:45,119 --> 00:27:49,080 Speaker 5: next mini-series after this one. And that is a series 451 00:27:49,119 --> 00:27:51,909 Speaker 5: called Jesus the Greater. We are going to be showing 452 00:27:51,970 --> 00:27:56,120 Speaker 5: how Jesus is greater than any other character in Scripture. 453 00:27:56,580 --> 00:28:00,400 Speaker 5: Jesus is greater than Joshua. The walls that he topples 454 00:28:00,460 --> 00:28:04,240 Speaker 5: down are greater than the walls that Joshua faced. Jesus 455 00:28:04,300 --> 00:28:07,160 Speaker 5: is the greater Adam. Where Adam gave in to temptation, 456 00:28:07,520 --> 00:28:10,459 Speaker 5: Jesus didn't falter. We are going to be taking the 457 00:28:10,500 --> 00:28:13,600 Speaker 5: next month to really showcase the greatness of Jesus by 458 00:28:13,660 --> 00:28:17,060 Speaker 5: highlighting Old Testament stories, New Testament stories, and binding them 459 00:28:17,200 --> 00:28:20,180 Speaker 5: all together in perfect synergy. I can't wait for you 460 00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:20,790 Speaker 5: to join us.