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June 21 Final Episode

6/22/2015

The series comes to end with what seems like the focus on the Roman centurion, Cornelius. He was the one who was weeping in the previous episode and he contemplates his actions in killing Tabitha. We find more happening in his life as an angel appears before him and is to send for Peter. Peter has a vision also that will lead him to Cornelius. What is remarkable is that Cornelius will hear a word of forgiveness on behalf of his wrongdoing. How timely, as we consider the word of forgiveness that came from the families of those killed in the church in Charleston.

Cornelius comes to accept Christ and is baptized and the place is vibrant with the speaking in tongues. God's Holy Spirit is present. What struck me was the statement made by Cornelius: "I feel so alive!" I wonder how many of us have this same feeling - in terms of the difference faith in Christ makes in our lives? Is everyday just an ordinary day, or is it one where we are living out the adventure that we have in being a follower of Christ?

Although Cornelius has come to faith in Christ, he now feels the tension as he is called back to Jerusalem to deal with the placement of the emperor's statue in the temple. Can Cornelius go through with this now that he is a Christian? I believe the same tension comes to us today. You may be in the working world and discover that you are asked to do things that might be unethical and actually go against your faith. How will you respond?

I also found the scene intriguing where Peter and the apostles are together and contemplating leaving Jerusalem. Peter asserted that if they did nothing, they would be like the priest in the Good Samaritan story who failed to act. They needed to do something! It is also a challenge for us today whether it is injustice or helping the poor. Will we remain in a safe position or will we have the courage to act?

The episode ended with a cliffhanger with Peter facing the sword of a Roman soldier. What is going to happen to him? Maybe there will be a 2nd season!

I believe that the series was remarkable in dealing with the resurrection experience of Christianity. While the movie industry may have done some embellishments, it made me think of the courage needed to be a disciple at that time. How much are we overcoming safety and complacency in being disciples today would be my major question from this series.

You can feel free to express your thoughts in the comments section.

Pastor Marty

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June 14 Episode

6/15/2015

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In this episode we continue to see the influence of women in shaping policy, whether with Leah or Claudia. Claudia seeks to persuade her husband, Pilate, to release Johanna, who brought to Gospel of Jesus to Tabitha. Pilate flatly refuses. It is later that Claudia takes it on her own to have Johanna released and brought before her husband. Pilate in anger, and being ruthless, has Johanna killed by strangulation.

It is Cornelius who has the job of being executioner. However, we see the emotional side of Cornelius with him weeping after he did his job. The human side of him comes out it seems for the first time in this episode.

The Ethiopian is brought before Pilate after it was told him that this foreignor was providing weapons for a revolt. Pilate has him banished from the city, and the movie shows where he is allowed to take the scroll of Isaiah with him. The reunion of Philip with Peter becomes the pivotal moment when Philip gets an angelic message to head toward Gaza. It is in this way that Philip meets up with this Ethiopian, whose chariot has broken down. This meeting becomes the occasion for the Ethiopian to learn about the passage from Isaiah that he has been reading and later to become baptized!

Yes, Philip got his cue from an angel. I wonder how we might desire to have a direct message from God in terms of our own witnessing to others? Can we tell if someone really needs our witness? In our day, we need to be attentive to how God might be speaking to us. Possibly, it could come through a friend whom God uses, who has us meet up with someone who is ripe for the hearing the good news.

Another miraculous event comes with Peter being called to Joppa. Tabitha had left Jerusalem to return Joppa. While there she dies (supposedly from the flogging). Peter comes by her dead body and brings her back to life. Here, we must see that the apostles were empowered to do great things. I wonder how much we even think of what our potential is as people of faith. Jesus did say that we would do greater works than what he did. Maybe we feel we can't bring someone back from the dead, but there might be some other ways we can enhance someone's life beyond our expectation.

We also see in this episode how the apostles were still eager to talk about Jesus in public - yes, in public. I'm afraid today, for a lot of folks their faith has become a private affair. Faith as well as church can only be talked about under the safest and "appropriate" situations.

Next Sunday will be the final episode. It will be interesting to see what all comes of the statue of the emperor that has arrived and is to be placed in the temple.

As I have been following the Twitter feed, it's interesting how some people are hoping for a continuation of the series. The book of Acts provides us with quite a history of the post-resurrection life of Jesus' followers! You may post your thoughts in the comments section here.

Pastor Marty

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June 7 Episode

6/9/2015

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The temple itself comes into play twice in this episode. As the episode opens up Paul is released from prison and meets up with Caiaphas, and the high priest calls for Paul to "come back to the temple." It was interesting that Paul countered that invitation by saying that there was "no need for your temple customs." This makes us think of the transition taking place from Judaism to Christianity. Jesus was revolutionary in bringing in what is new. He did talk about the fact that you cannot put new wine into old wineskins! Remember, also that the curtain in the temple had been torn into two pieces upon his death and we now have access to God directly through Jesus.

We also note the tension taking place between Simon (the Zealot) and Paul. Simon commented on how easy it was for Paul to be released. We later get a hint that Simon was asked to deliver Paul in order for him to be killed! Could these two individuals trust one another? The tension between this new convert (Paul) and one of the apostles comes out here as it has in the past episodes.

The person of Tabitha, the seamstress, is introduced into the series. It was interesting here that with a needle being used, Jesus' words come to the forefront where he said how it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich person to enter the kingdom. The account in Scripture (Acts9:36) tells us that Tabitha had died and was revived by the apostle Peter. In this episode we have her being flogged for coming to faith and receiving words of comfort from Paul.

The Ethiopian is introduced as well in this episode. The writers of the series have elaborated here by having him bring gifts to Pilate. Certainly he had some wealth available to him, being the treasurer for the queen of Ethiopia. The account of him given in Acts 8:26ff. has him being confronted by Philip as he is on his journey home and is reading from the book of Isaiah (given to him by Caiaphas as the movie indicated).

The temple enters the discussion again as Caiaphas is worried about the statue of Caligula being put into this sacred place. I see here a triangulation taking place as there is tension with Rome's intrusion into Judaism and with Caiaphas worried about the Christian influence overall.

As the episode ends, Paul leaves the apostles and heads north for his mission work as he delves into reaching the Gentiles.

As I was watching this episode, I was following the comments made with the #adtheseries on Twitter. I found this to be helpful in reading the various comments being made while watching the show and when the episode ended.

Please feel free to post any thoughts you have about the early life of the disciples or the value of a series like this being presented on TV.

Pastor Marty

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May 31 Episode

6/1/2015

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The episode began with a converted Saul (to be called Paul) going into the synagogue in Damascus and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. We learn that Saul's activity there produces a riot in the streets of the city. He exclaimed in defense: "Everyone needs to hear Christ." Yes, we might echo that for ourselves and also live with the conviction that everyone needs to hear Christ. We probably each need to examine how willing are we to talk about our faith to someone else.

Saul then makes the journey back to Jerusalem where he meets the apostles and where there is the hesitation of accepting him. Has he really turned to Christ? Can you picture how dumbfounded the apostles must have been to learn about Saul's conversion? The tension is palpable between Peter and Saul. Scripture states that Saul went back to Jerusalem and spent 15 days there conversing with Peter and James. Galatians 1:18. Then, we would later learn the tension would continue as Paul opposed Peter to his face when Peter withdrew from eating with Gentiles. Galatians 2:11.

The episode also brought out the infusion of Rome's power that would include setting up a statue of the Emperor (Caligula) in the temple. We must remember that the emperor wanted to be revered and worshipped, if not be considered divine! Reference was made in the movie to the prophet Daniel, prophesying this. The prophecy in Daniel 12:11 is about an abomination being set up in the temple. A line of thought is that it referred to Antiochus Epiphanes, King of Syria, setting up a statue in the temple as he tried to stamp out Judaism. Centuries later the Gospel writer Matthew wrote about the "desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place," which would be a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem. Matt 24:15 When you look at the emperor's desire, you see the desire to assert power and squash the religion that seemed to be problematic for the emperor to have peace.

Also, the movie showed that where there had been a sense of unity between Pilate and Caiaphas, there now is friction - the tension even being evident between the wives of these two figures. There is political maneuvering going on to deal with all the religious problems in Jerusalem as well as their relationship to the emperor.

The episode ended with Saul being taken prisoner. We know from Scripture that this imprisonment would be a long ordeal for the apostle that would stretch out to his appearance before the governors Felix and Festus and also appearing before Herod Agrippa and finally being transported to Rome for a hearing that would lead to a two year house arrest.

I believe we are confronted with what does it mean to be loyal to your faith even in the midst of those who might overtly or covertly try to marginalize the church.

You may share your thoughts about this episode in the comments section here.

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May 24 Episode

5/25/2015

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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?

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May 17 Episode

5/19/2015

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The series begins to show at this point how the message of Jesus is going beyond Jerusalem. We read in Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."

We are introduced to Philip who now travels to Samaria, and there he is beaten and left alone on the road. A good Samaritan comes along who helps him recover. Philip then encounters a sorcerer by the name of Simon who can do magic (restoring Philip's pendant that was stolen from him - though not recorded in Scripture). However, Philip shows that he is really the one who can do magic with faith by reviving someone, where Simon could not do it. This portrayal was reminiscent of the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Each party was to show who really had power; and of course, Elijah won out.

Simon remarkably becomes one of those who is baptized by Philip! I would have liked to have seen more of the work of Philip in this episode.

The episode also introduces us to the emperor Tiberius. He is coming to Jerusalem and in so doing will evaluate the work of Pilate and Caiaphas in trying to maintain order in the holy city. It was interesting seeing how Pilate and Caiaphas were seeking to work together at this point. We see both of these men trying to defend themselves before the emperor and wanting to maintain their positions! Caiaphas ad his wife were even talking about coming up with a large sum of money in order to keep Rome happy. The tension gets highlighted here of how Pilate and the high priest are going to deal with this Jesus' movement.

While the episode highlighted Saul's persecution of Jesus' followers, I will look forward to when we see how Saul gets converted on the road to Damascus.

You can view the NBC page here for previous episodes. I must say that the abundance of commercials during the hour did hinder the flow of the narrative for me.

Anyway, I would have you consider these questions for yourself.

1. What caught your attention in how Pilate, Caiaphas, and the Emperor are portrayed?
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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May 10 Episode

5/12/2015

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This episode begins with the aftermath of Stephen's death. It is a major disruption in this new movement. Internally, Peter gets blamed for Stephen's death, and then we observe the ritual of Stephen's burial.

What stood out in this episode was how Caiaphas' position is being challenged. Will he be controlled by Rome? Will he remain as high priest? The feeling is that these followers of Jesus must be dealt with in some way (the tent city of his followers is growing on the outskirts) and for the high priest pressure is mounting to rid Jerusalem of these new converts. We also see the conflict between Caiaphas and his father-in-law, Annas. The pressure is for the son-in-law to step down from his position. We capture more of how the post-resurrection experience must be faced by the Jews and Rome.

We also observe Peter's leadership with the group. He proclaims to Jesus' followers: "You are his church....Go to Jerusalem and build his church." As followers of Jesus, they cannot flee from carrying on the Lord's work. Interestingly, this emphasis comes out in the Gospel Reading for Sunday's worship on May 17. Jesus is praying for his disciples, not that they would be taken out of the world, but that they would be protected - and especially that they would be protected from the evil one. John 17:15

And finally, we observe how Saul (later called Paul) comes on the scene and wants to eliminate this movement. We see him getting a document which is sealed to enable him to go against Jesus' followers. In Scripture we have "But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus so that if he found any belonging to the way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." Acts 9:1-2 Saul is ready for all out warfare and enlists his cohorts with weapons.

So I would ask you again to consider the questions below and you may post your comment.

You can view the NBC page here for previous episodes.

1. What caught your attention in how Pilate, Caiaphas, and the disciples are portrayed?
2. What do you make of Peter's witness and power after the resurrection?
3. From this series, what would it be like being a post-resurrection disciple?
4. Do you see value in television doing a series like this?

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May 3 Episode

5/7/2015

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I believe the series tries to highlight the new order that Jesus was bringing to folks. For the episode shown on May 3 when Peter talks about there being so much despair, Mary, the mother of Jesus, comments that her son came to free us of this despair. Peter would later comment concerning the love for all and the forgiveness that Jesus brings. Yes, a new way of life is appearing on the scene.

As the program progresses we are brought to the apostles being thrown into prison for their good deeds and proclamation of Jesus. We would note here that the word and work of the risen Lord simply cannot be stopped. Then we note in dramatic fashion the angel coming to free them from prison. I wonder here about the reaction of the guards in noticing that those imprisoned have escaped! This ought to have been just as perplexing as the empty tomb.

What do these followers of Jesus do when they have their freedom? They continue teaching people about Jesus! Then, they are brought before the council, the Sanhedrin. Gamaliel comes forward to bring some common sense to the group. I would quote here from Scripture directly: "If this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!" Acts 5:38-39

Nothing seems to deter Peter from speaking boldly about his faith and about Jesus being raised from the dead. The result of all of this is that these apostles get flogged. We also come to witness the stoning of Stephen in this episode. Scripture indicates to us that Stephen just before he died prayed that those killing him would be forgiven....just as Jesus prayed from the cross. Even though those followers knew the worst could happen, they could not stop proclaiming the risen Lord.

Finally, I would say that again we are exposed to the humanity of these followers of Jesus. We notice Peter's daughter who talks to her father about returning home. The tension is felt on the family level.

You can see the page here for previous episodes.

I would ask you to contemplate these questions below regarding this series and feel free to offer your comments.

1. What caught your attention in how Pilate, Caiaphas, and the disciples are portrayed?
2. What do you make of Peter's witness and power after the resurrection?
3. From this series, what would it be like being a post-resurrection disciple?
4. Do you see value in television doing a series like this?

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April 26 Episode

4/30/2015

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In this Easter season, NBC television brings us the series A.D. The Bible Continues by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, who developed this series following their seriesThe Bible on the History Channel. The current show is on Channel 5 at 8 p.m. on Sundays. You can see the page here for previous episodes.

This new NBC series brings us to the post-resurrection life of Jesus and his followers and to the birth of the church. We get a glimpse of Christianity, which we usually don't see from Hollywood, where a great deal of attention is given to the life of Christ prior to the resurrection and what all leads up to the crucifixion.

What was remarkable for me in watching these episodes now is capturing the reaction of the disciples once they see the resurrected Lord as well as the reaction of the High Priest, Caiaphas, and Pilate. I tried to put myself in the place of those disciples and wonder what it would have been like to have first laid my eyes on the resurrected Lord -shocking, uplifting, too-good-to-be-true - perhaps too emotional to even put in words!

On the other hand, those in authority were unnerved by what had taken place. They were forced to deal with the fact that the tomb was empty! This situation went beyond mere grave robbery. There was the feeling that a powerful force was at work.

A whole new movement was begun with the resurrection. We see in the episode on April 26 that Peter is released from prison, after being imprisoned when he heals a man lame from birth. Even the truth could not be foiled - as the healed man was paid off to tell a lie and be deceptive. Yet, he told the truth and Peter is released!

Yes, Jesus' resurrection would bring convulsions within the Empire. The resurrection was God's doing that would lead to the Spirit's coming and the continuation of Jesus' ministry.

Here are some questions to consider as you watch or have watched these episodes. Feel free to post your reaction to the series in the comments section.

1. What caught your attention in how Pilate and the disciples are portrayed?
2. What do you make of Peter's witness and power after the resurrection?
3. From this series, what would it be like being a post-resurrection disciple?
4. Do you see value in television doing a series like this?

Pastor Marty

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June 21 Final Episode

June 14 Episode

June 7 Episode

May 31 Episode

May 24 Episode

May 17 Episode

May 10 Episode

May 3 Episode

April 26 Episode

A.D. The Bible Continues Series

Reflections by Pastor Marty

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A.D. The Bible Continues SeriesReflections by Pastor Marty

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A.D. The Bible Continues Series

Reflections by Pastor Marty