The episode begins with a continuation of the work which Philip began in Samaria. Peter and John arrive there from Jerusalem. Peter is able to heal those who are sick. Although Scripture does not give account of this, it is possible that such hearings did occur; rather, Scripture states that Peter and John prayed for those in Samaria and laid their hands on them in order that they might receive the Holy Spirit! The series did well in highlighting Simon's desire to purchase this power (of the Holy Spirit). Peter remarked to Simon: "Do you think God can be bought?" Of course, this power comes as a gift from God and cannot be purchased. We might think today of how our work in the church is not dependent on our wealth or position or education.
The big feature of this episode was the conversion of Saul. While on the road to Damascus, he experiences Jesus in a great light and Jesus asks: "Why do you persecute me?" We must remember that in persecuting Christians it was as if he was persecuting Jesus himself! Saul becomes blinded by this light and is taken by his friends to Damascus where he awaits the coming of Ananias to restore his sight. I believe the series here has us contemplate the emotional state as well as the internal struggle Saul must have had with this experience. We might picture Saul's conversion as a spur of the moment one; yet it is possible that there was immense struggle that Saul endured.
The episode also brought into light the tension within the Roman Empire. Tiberius is offering Pilate a new position if he is willing to come to Rome. Pilate's wife is fearful of this endeavor indicated by omens and dreams. Perhaps, Pilate would be glad to move away from Jerusalem. Overall, we get a glimpse into how Roman rule is disturbed (if not disrupted) by this whole Jesus' movement. It cannot be dismissed lightly.
By the way, it was an interesting commercial by Focus on the Family using John 3:16. At that point, I was wondering what was happening in the series.
I would have you consider these questions for yourself.
1. What caught your attention in this episode?
2. From this series, what was it be like being a post-resurrection disciple?
3. Do you see value in television doing a series like this?
The big feature of this episode was the conversion of Saul. While on the road to Damascus, he experiences Jesus in a great light and Jesus asks: "Why do you persecute me?" We must remember that in persecuting Christians it was as if he was persecuting Jesus himself! Saul becomes blinded by this light and is taken by his friends to Damascus where he awaits the coming of Ananias to restore his sight. I believe the series here has us contemplate the emotional state as well as the internal struggle Saul must have had with this experience. We might picture Saul's conversion as a spur of the moment one; yet it is possible that there was immense struggle that Saul endured.
The episode also brought into light the tension within the Roman Empire. Tiberius is offering Pilate a new position if he is willing to come to Rome. Pilate's wife is fearful of this endeavor indicated by omens and dreams. Perhaps, Pilate would be glad to move away from Jerusalem. Overall, we get a glimpse into how Roman rule is disturbed (if not disrupted) by this whole Jesus' movement. It cannot be dismissed lightly.
By the way, it was an interesting commercial by Focus on the Family using John 3:16. At that point, I was wondering what was happening in the series.
I would have you consider these questions for yourself.
1. What caught your attention in this episode?
2. From this series, what was it be like being a post-resurrection disciple?
3. Do you see value in television doing a series like this?
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