The Life of Jesus – Episode 24: "A Witness Of His Goodness"

Fox Audio Network | December 21, 2025
Host: Ainsley Earhardt
Featured Actors: John Rhys-Davies (Narrator), Neal McDonough (Jesus), Stacy Keach (John), Blair Underwood (Mark), Michael York (Luke), and more.

Episode Overview

In this episode, "A Witness of His Goodness," the podcast begins its exploration of the Book of Acts. The episode centers on the birth of the early Christian church, the empowering arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the bold witness of the apostles following the ascension of Jesus. Through vivid dramatization of Acts Chapters 1–5, listeners experience the Pentecostal outpouring, miracles performed by the apostles, and the remarkable unity and generosity of the first believers amid mounting opposition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Acts (02:00–02:53)

• Authorship and Purpose:
  Ainsley Earhardt introduces Acts as penned by Luke and addressed to Theophilus, continuing Luke’s gospel narrative into the history of the early church.
• Context:
  The Book of Acts covers the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem throughout the Roman Empire, highlighting the birth, struggle, and growth of "the Way."

2. Jesus’ Final Instructions and Ascension (02:00–03:51)

• Jesus’ Promise:
  After his resurrection, Jesus instructs his apostles to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit.
• Key Quote (03:11):

  "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." — Narrator (as Jesus)

• Ascension:
  Jesus is taken up to heaven as the apostles watch, and two men in white reassure them that he will return in the same way.

3. The Replacement of Judas (04:07–06:23)

• Choosing Matthias:
  Peter guides the believers to replace Judas. After prayer and casting lots, Matthias is chosen to join the eleven apostles.

4. Pentecost: The Coming of the Holy Spirit (06:23–09:21)

• Dramatic Outpouring (06:23):
  A rushing wind fills the house; tongues of fire appear and rest on all present. The apostles begin speaking in many languages.
• Astonishment and Confusion:
  People from many nations are bewildered, hearing the apostles declare the "mighty works of God" in their own languages (07:33).
• Peter’s First Sermon (08:22–09:21):
  • Peter explains this is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy:

    "I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh... your sons and your daughters shall prophesy..." — Peter (08:22)

  • Declares Jesus' resurrection as the act of God, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Christ.
  • Key Quote (09:21):

    "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." — Peter

5. The Birth of the Church (11:46–13:58)

• Response to the Gospel:
  The listeners are "cut to the heart" and ask what to do.
  • Peter replies (11:56):

    "Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

• Community Life:
  Around 3,000 people are baptized. Believers practice radical generosity, sharing possessions; “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (12:27).

6. The Healing at the Beautiful Gate (13:58–15:02)

• A Notable Miracle:
  Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate.
  • Peter’s words (14:07):

    "I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

• Public Astonishment:
  The healed man leaps, praising God, causing amazement among onlookers.

7. Peter’s Temple Sermon (15:02–17:31)

• Attribution of the Miracle:
  Peter denies that the healing occurs by their own power, pointing to Jesus.
  • Key Quote (15:02):

    "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this?...The God of Abraham...glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied…and killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses."

• Call to Repentance:
  Peter urges repentance so that “times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (16:43).

8. Apostolic Opposition and Bold Testimony (17:31–20:39)

• Arrest and Interrogation:
  Religious leaders, angered at their teachings, arrest Peter and John.
  • Despite their opposition, about 5,000 men now believe.
• Peter’s Defense (18:34):

  "By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead — by him this man is standing before you well. This is the stone that was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else…"

• Resolve under Pressure:
  The council commands them not to preach about Jesus, but the apostles respond:
  • Key Quote (20:27):

    "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." — Peter and John

9. The Believers’ Prayer and Unity (21:13–22:14)

• Prayer for Boldness:
  The church prays for courage amid persecution; the place is “shaken,” and all are filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Radical Generosity:
  Believers share all possessions so none are in need. Notably, Barnabas sells land and gives the money to the apostles.

10. Integrity in the Church: Ananias and Sapphira (23:52–25:14)

• A Sobering Incident:
  Ananias and Sapphira lie about their offering. Both fall dead after Peter confronts their deception, leading to “great fear” among all (24:20, 25:14).

11. Miraculous Growth and Healing (25:14–26:24)

• Apostolic Miracles:
  Many signs and wonders are performed. The sick are brought into the streets hoping Peter’s shadow might heal them, and “they were all healed.”

12. Closing Reflection – The Urgency of Witness (27:04–end)

• Host’s Challenge:
  Ainsley Earhardt emphasizes the responsibility of believers to share the gospel, calling it an "inestimable treasure."
  • Memorable Reflection (27:04):

    "Isn't it interesting then that those of us who know the truth and have received this incredible gift seem determined to hoard it for ourselves? ... Jesus told followers to go and tell — it was not a suggestion."

• Prayer:
  A heartfelt prayer asks for boldness to share God's love and salvation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses…"
  (Jesus, 03:11)
• "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ..."
  (Peter, 11:56)
• "I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
  (Peter, 14:07)
• "For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
  (Peter and John, 20:27)
• "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
  (Peter, 19:00)
• "Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things."
  (Following the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, 25:14)
• "Isn't it interesting then that those of us who know the truth... seem determined to hoard it for ourselves?"
  (Ainsley Earhardt, 27:04)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:00 – Beginning of Acts narration: Jesus’ final instructions
• 03:31 – Ascension of Jesus
• 06:23 – Day of Pentecost: coming of the Holy Spirit
• 08:22 – Peter’s Pentecost sermon
• 11:56 – Call to repentance and baptism
• 14:07 – Peter heals the lame man at the temple
• 17:31 – Apostles arrested and brought before religious leaders
• 18:34 – Peter’s defense before the council
• 20:27 – Apostolic declaration: “We cannot but speak…”
• 21:13 – Believers’ prayer for boldness
• 23:52 – Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit and deaths
• 25:14 – Growth and healing miracles in the church
• 27:04 – Host’s closing reflection and prayer

Overall Tone and Experience

The episode is deeply immersive, featuring rich dramatizations and powerful readings. It captures the awe, boldness, and vulnerability of the first Christian witnesses, while inviting modern listeners to consider their own role as “witnesses of His goodness.” The tone is reverent, urgent, and encouraging.

Summary

Episode 24 of "The Life of Jesus" takes listeners on a vivid journey through the first chapters of Acts, dramatizing the explosive growth of the early church, fueled by faith, miracles, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Despite opposition, the apostles testify boldly to Jesus’ resurrection — challenging believers then and now to bear witness with the same urgency and courage.