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
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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