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?
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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