The Life of Jesus – Episode 25: Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Fox Audio Network | December 21, 2025 | ~30 min

Episode Overview

In this 25th episode of "The Life of Jesus," the immersive audio journey continues through the Book of Acts, exploring the early days of the Christian church, the rapid spread of Jesus’ teachings, and the growing opposition it faced from religious authorities. The primary focus is on the Apostles’ resilience in the face of persecution, the martyrdom of Stephen, and the dramatic conversion of Saul (later Paul), providing listeners with vivid retellings of scripture and heartfelt performances by a star-studded cast.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Apostles Imprisoned and Miraculously Freed

[01:59–04:23]

• The high priest and the Sadducees, driven by jealousy, arrest the apostles and place them in prison.
• An angel miraculously frees them at night with the instructions:
  • “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” ([02:16])
• When the religious authorities discover their escape and continued preaching, they confront the apostles.
• Peter responds:
  • “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.” ([03:56])

2. Gamaliel’s Caution and the Apostles’ Boldness

[04:23–06:27]

• Amidst calls for violence against the apostles, the respected Pharisee Gamaliel counsels caution:
  • “If this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” ([05:14])
• The apostles are flogged and ordered not to preach in Jesus’ name, yet they rejoice for being counted worthy to suffer for Christ and continue teaching publicly and privately.

3. Appointment of the Seven and Stephen’s Rise

[06:27–08:08]

• As the church grows, complaints arise from the Greek-speaking believers (Hellenists) that their widows are neglected.
• The apostles appoint seven men, including Stephen, “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” ([06:47]), to oversee daily distributions so they themselves can focus on prayer and teaching.
• The church flourishes further: “The number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” ([07:01])

4. Stephen Accused and His Defiant Speech

[08:08–16:45]

• Stephen is seized on charges of blasphemy after outperforming his opponents in debate; false witnesses come forward.
• He delivers a long, passionate speech recounting Israel’s history, from Abraham to Moses, emphasizing how the people repeatedly resisted God’s messengers.
• Stephen rebukes the council:
  • “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you... you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” ([16:29])

5. The Martyrdom of Stephen

[16:45–17:55]

• Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazes into heaven:
  • “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ([17:06])
• The enraged crowd stones Stephen outside the city. As he dies, he prays:
  • “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ([17:40])
  • “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” ([17:46])
• Saul (later Paul) is introduced as a witness and supporter of Stephen’s execution.

6. Persecution and the Expansion of the Church

[17:55–19:41]

• A wave of persecution, led by Saul, scatters the church—yet wherever believers go, they spread the Gospel.
• Philip preaches in Samaria, performing healings and exorcisms, bringing joy to the region.

7. Simon the Magician and the Gift of the Spirit

[19:41–21:34]

• Simon, a famed magician, is astonished by the miracles and message of Philip, believes, and is baptized.
• When Simon tries to buy the ability to confer the Holy Spirit, Peter rebukes him sternly:
  • “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money... your heart is not right before God.” ([21:04])

8. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

[21:34–24:47]

• Guided by the Holy Spirit, Philip meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah.
• He explains the prophecy refers to Jesus, leading to the eunuch’s enthusiastic baptism.
• Afterward, Philip is carried away by the Spirit and continues preaching.

9. The Conversion of Saul

[24:47–27:49]

• Saul secures permission to arrest believers in Damascus but is struck by a divine vision:
  • “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? … I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” ([24:47–25:05])
• Blinded for three days, he is healed when Ananias, obeying God’s command, lays hands on him:
  • “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus… has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ([26:35])
• Saul is baptized and begins boldly proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, astonishing all who remember his former persecution.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Peter’s Defiance:
  • “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.” — Peter ([03:56])
• Gamaliel’s Wisdom:
  • “If this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” — Gamaliel ([05:14])
• Stephen’s Dying Words:
  • “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ([17:40])
  • “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” ([17:46])
• Peter to Simon the Magician:
  • “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money… your heart is not right before God.” ([21:04])
• Jesus to Saul:
  • “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? … I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” ([24:47–25:05])

Reflection & Takeaway

[28:29–29:52] Host Ainsley Earhardt highlights the timeless relevance of the stories, drawing a parallel between the destructive jealousy of the religious leaders in Acts and human nature today:

• “Jealousy, like that seen in the religious leaders about whom Luke writes, is no less damaging today than it was then… This sinful heart attitude can destroy everything it touches, just as it brought destruction to the life of Stephen, the very first martyr.” ([28:48])

She encourages listeners to examine their own hearts, ask for deliverance from envy, and learn from the early church’s steadfast faith amidst trial.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:59] – Apostles arrested and miraculously released
• [03:56] – Peter’s famous defense before the council
• [05:14] – Gamaliel’s wise counsel
• [06:47] – Appointment of Stephen and the Seven
• [08:08] – Stephen seized; false charges
• [16:29] – Stephen’s fiery rebuke to the council
• [17:06] – Stephen’s vision and martyrdom
• [19:41] – Simon the Magician converts
• [21:04] – Peter confronts Simon
• [22:00] – Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch
• [24:47] – Saul’s Damascus Road experience
• [26:35] – Saul is healed and baptized
• [28:29] – Host reflection on jealousy and personal application

Overall Tone & Style

The episode skillfully blends dramatic narration, actor-driven readings, and scriptural retelling, using elevated yet accessible language, staying true to the biblical text but delivering it with contemporary emotional resonance. The tone is reverent, reflective, and encourages introspection, with moments of passion and heartfelt conviction—especially in portrayals of Stephen and Saul.

A compelling episode that brings to life the trials, triumphs, and transformations of the early church, inviting listeners to see themselves in the enduring struggles and victories of faith.