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.
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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