Episode 9

Overview: Saul arrives back in Jerusalem, after his preaching in Damascus nearly cost him his life. In Jerusalem, he meets with Peter and the disciples. They eventually agree to welcome him into the church with much reluctance and only after Barnabas persuades them to trust him.

Bible Connections: Acts 9:20-27.

Other Sources: In the third century, church leader Origen suggested that Pilate’s wife became a Christian as a result of the dream she’d had about Jesus.

Dramatic Imagination: Tabitha is described in Acts 9:36 as a “disciple” who was “always doing good and helping the poor.” (She’s also known as Dorcas.) But when did her discipleship start? There’s no biblical backstory, but the screenwriters have created an appealing connection by placing her in the palace with Mary and Joanna.

Entry Level

• What do you think of the new Roman emperor, Caligula?
• How would you describe the spirit of Mary Magdalene and Joanna, as seen in this series? If they invited you for dinner, what kind of time would you have?
• Why can’t Saul keep quiet? Can’t he see that he’s annoying people? Why does he keep on preaching?

Dig Deeper

• Obviously Saul had a major turnaround. How would you explain it? How would Caiaphas explain it?
• Imagine yourself as one of the apostles. You’ve been dodging arrest for years now. Suddenly you hear that one of the high priest’s most vicious henchman, Saul of Tarsus, claims to follow Jesus. And he wants to meet the inner circle of disciples. How do you react?
• What role did Barnabas play in connecting Saul to the apostles? Note that “Barnabas” is actually a nickname meaning “Son of Encouragement.” How did he bring that quality to this matter?

Takeaway

• Throughout this series, we see two ways of doing things. Some “take matters in their own hands.” Caiaphas goes to reclaim Saul, while Herod and Herodias try to seize power. Pilate wonders how he’ll fix the mess with Caligula. But others seem to let God’s Spirit lead them here or there—Mary and Joanna overflowing with conviction for the Lord, and even Saul following the mission he’s been given. What’s the difference between these two ways of living? Which do you find yourself choosing? How does that work out for you?
• We also see different ways of sharing faith. How would you describe Saul’s way, as opposed to that of Mary and Joanna? Which style of sharing most resembles yours, as you communicate with others who don’t know Jesus?