The Apostle Paul: Acts 8-12

Summary

This video from the Bible Project explores the origins of the Christian movement in the first century. It begins in Jerusalem, where followers of Jesus, after witnessing his resurrection, start spreading his teachings. Despite opposition and persecution, the movement grows, reaching non-Jewish communities. Key figures like Peter and Saul (later Paul) play pivotal roles in expanding the message beyond Jewish borders, forming a diverse and international community. The video highlights the transformative power of the movement, which challenges societal norms and spreads globally, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy to reach 'the ends of the earth.'

Takeaways

• 🌍 A grassroots countercultural movement began in the eastern part of the Roman Empire during the first century, originating among the Jewish people.
• 🕊️ The movement gained momentum during the Jewish feast of Pentecost, where followers of Jesus spoke in various dialects, spreading stories of his resurrection.
• 👑 Jesus was proclaimed as the true king of Israel and the world, calling people to adopt his values and live under the kingdom of God.
• ✝️ The movement faced opposition from the Jerusalem temple leaders, resulting in the execution of one of its leaders, Stephen, and the scattering of followers to Judea.
• 🌱 Despite adversity, the movement spread beyond Jerusalem, reaching surprising places like Samaria, and gained followers from diverse backgrounds.
• 👤 Saul of Tarsus, initially an opponent of the movement, encountered the risen Jesus on his way to Damascus and was transformed into a proponent of the faith.
• 📜 The movement began to include non-Jewish people, as exemplified by the story of Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, challenging traditional Jewish customs.
• 🌐 The Jesus movement spread to the port city of Caesarea, where Peter realized that non-Jewish people were also part of the family of Abraham.
• 🏛️ The church in Antioch became the first international Jesus community, where followers were first called Christians, indicating the multi-ethnic nature of the movement.
• 🚀 The movement was rapidly expanding beyond its Jewish roots, aiming to reach the 'ends of the earth,' fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.

Q & A

What was the grassroots countercultural movement mentioned in the video?

The grassroots countercultural movement was the early Christian movement, which began in the eastern part of the Roman Empire among the Jewish people.

What event marked the beginning of this movement's spread outside Jerusalem?

The movement began to spread outside Jerusalem after the execution of Stephen, one of its leaders, and the subsequent persecution of followers. This forced them to flee to places like Judea and Samaria.

How did the Jewish people maintain their identity despite being scattered throughout the Roman Empire?

The Jewish people maintained their identity as the family of Abraham, remaining devoted to the one true God and continuing their traditions, such as traveling to Jerusalem for sacred festivals.

What happened during the feast of Pentecost that helped the movement grow?

During the feast of Pentecost, a group of Jews miraculously spoke in various native dialects, telling stories about Jesus' resurrection and his kingship. This event led thousands of Jews to stay in Jerusalem and join the movement.

What was Saul of Tarsus' role before his encounter with Jesus?

Saul of Tarsus was a member of the religious elite, actively opposing the Christian movement by finding and arresting Jesus' followers, believing he was protecting Israel and God's honor.

How did Saul's encounter with Jesus change his life?

Saul had a sudden encounter with the risen Jesus on the way to Damascus, where Jesus asked why Saul was persecuting him. After this, Saul was commissioned to represent Jesus to Israel and the nations, transforming from an enemy of the movement to a major proponent.

Why was Peter's interaction with the Roman centurion Cornelius significant?

Peter's interaction with Cornelius was significant because it marked a major turning point in the movement. Despite Jewish customs that forbade entering non-Jewish homes, Peter realized through a vision that God had made all people clean, signifying the inclusion of non-Jews in the movement.

What was the first international Christian community, and where was it located?

The first international Christian community was located in Antioch, a diverse trade city. It was there that followers of Jesus were first called Christians.

How did the early Christian movement expand beyond a Jewish sect?

The movement expanded beyond a Jewish sect by including non-Jews, such as the Ethiopian delegate and the Roman centurion Cornelius, who joined the movement after hearing about Jesus. This shift transformed the movement into a multi-ethnic community.

What were the challenges the early Christian movement faced as it grew?

The early Christian movement faced opposition from religious leaders in Jerusalem, who saw it as a dangerous sect. Additionally, as it spread to non-Jews, the movement's message and values confused and sometimes threatened the average Roman citizen.