Episode 10

Early in episode 10 of NBC's AD: The Bible Continues, we are introduced to James, the brother of Jesus. According to Acts, James becomes a follower of his brother and one of the pillars of the early Church. In light of the latter, we should envision a man with charisma and conviction, and we are not disappointed in this episode. In one particular scene the Apostles gather around James and listen to him recount Jesus's visitation to the temple when he was a boy as well as Jesus' personality growing up. Even Peter seems to be mesmerized. Yet we also know that James exhibited some tendencies that would later be described as "Judaising tendencies." Consider this. In Acts 15, James provides the definitive statement in support of Paul's push for a non-cumbersome Gentile inclusion. Reading between the lines, the implication is that James too was misguided initially, assuming that the Gentiles would need to adhere to the stipulations of the law.

Another reality of the Jerusalem Council is that Paul was pitted against other members of the early Church in determining its official position on the place of the Jewish legal traditions. This too was displayed effectively in episode 10. As if a storm was steadily brewing on the horizon, the joy ofJames visitation was squashed by Paul's bluntly conveyed convictions. In another scene, James brings word to the Apostles that Caiaphas has extended a place in the temple, assuring peaceful worship, so long as they respect the Jewish traditions. Of course, this sounds like good news to the Apostles, for it effectively will stop their persecution. However, Paul sees it as ridiculous. He interjects, asking why they should even be concerned with such an offer. He goes so far as to call the temple "a pile of stones." So, this episode creatively, but effectively, demonstrated the very real historical reality of Judaising tendencies within the early Church and Paul's opposition to them.

The temple was an important symbol in this episode. Indeed, this is a symbolism that is not new to the miniseries; the writers and producers have done well to communicate periodically and creatively the historical reality that the Temple became a symbol of Jewish culture and identity in the midst of foreign occupation. It really was the center of the 1st Century Jewish worldview. Nevertheless, over the past few episodes, this symbol has steadily increased in prominence, and it has been done so by means of some perceived threats. On the one hand, the Jewish Temple is threatened by Caligula's desire to erect a statue of his likeness. On the other hand, there is an increasing concern that the early Church will also work against the prominence of the Temple. Will the early Church undermine the Temple or respect it?

Of course, this build-up is by design, particularly since it helps bring full circle all the story lines that have been developed throughout the miniseries. How will the Church, which really is the continuation of an already established tradition, survive in the midst of the most delicate of socio-political situations? The Church introduced a variable which the established institutions of 1st Century Palestine (Roman and Jewish) struggled to understand. The Church claimed fulfillment of the Jewish religious tradition, and so in the eyes of the Church it should not have been seen as a threat. However, the Jewish establishment begged to differ. Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah caused too many problems, to their institutions as well as their frosty relationship with Rome. However, the Church certainly did not pose the same threat as the zealots, who wanted to overthrow their overlords at whatever the cost. In other words, 1st Century Palestine was one huge balancing act. If at the end of the episode you were struck with the incredible volatility, lack of certainty, and struggle, rest easy. You're not alone. That had to be the intention.

There is a another element of the Temple's symbolism present in episode 10. Yom Kippur was the featured event in this episode--the single most holy day of the Jewish religious calendar that represented atonement for the nation. In one of the final scenes, we see one of the priests escorting the scapegoat to be released in the wilderness, bearing the burden of the nation's confessed sins. Immediately after this, we see Paul's goodbye to the Apostles. He has consented to go back to Tarsus because it was found out that he was in the cross-hairs of the Sanhedrin and zealots. As he turns to walk alone along along the road, one cannot help but make the connection that he too has become (in a very general sense) a scapegoat. Just as the goat was forced to leave Jerusalem, so too was Paul.

As Paul walked toward the desert, I felt sorry for him. Yeah...he was blunt and abrasive at times, but he was so passionate and determined. You cannot help but respect that. Most difficult though was the reality that he experienced significant headwinds from people within his own community. At times you get the impression that Paul is on an island of one (kudos to the writers and producers for effectively communicating this reality). Nevertheless, in this final scene we are also shown something profound...something that would later define an important tenent of Pauline ethics. A mature believer must be willing to set aside personal passions and convictions for the sake of the community. Indeed, there will be times to take a stand--sometimes emphatically. But Paul demonstrates throughout his letters that the mature believer must know where to be a bit relaxed and where not to.

Paul could have decided to stay in Jerusalem and risk his neck for the Gospel. Yet in doing so, he would have put others at risk as well. Paul realized that his actions, no matter how noble, may have negative implications for others within the community...and to that he decided to ultimately yield. Even the most zealous of convictions need perspective...because focused zeal becomes recklessness.