Episode 29: Though I Walk Through The Valley

Summary

The Life of Jesus — Episode 29: "Though I Walk Through The Valley"

Podcast: The Life of Jesus
Host: Fox Audio Network
Air Date: February 15, 2026
Length: ~24 minutes (core story content)
Featured Actors: Michael York (Luke), Neal McDonough (Jesus), Stacy Keach (John), Blair Underwood (Mark), Sean Astin (Matthew), and others
Notable Narration: Ainsley Earhardt (Episode Intro/Outro)

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Episode Overview

Episode 29 continues the journey through the New Testament, focusing on the apostle Paul’s turbulent years: his arrest in Jerusalem, wrongful accusations, and two-year imprisonment in Caesarea. This episode highlights Paul's unwavering faith during immense hardship, his public defenses, and his determination to witness to both the Jewish and Roman worlds about the resurrected Jesus, despite facing threats, violence, and stark isolation. Actor portrayals and vivid narration transport listeners to these pivotal and dramatic moments.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Paul's Arrest and the Uproar in Jerusalem

[01:18–03:41]

• Paul is recognized in the temple by Jews from Asia, who stir the crowd against him.
  • Accusers claim Paul preaches against the people, the law, and the temple, and accuse him of bringing non-Jews into the sacred space.
• Paul is seized, nearly beaten to death, and only saved when Roman soldiers intervene.

Paul (Neal McDonough), 01:29:
“Men of Israel, help.”

• The tribune mistakes Paul for an Egyptian rebel, but Paul corrects him, requests to address the people, and speaks in Hebrew—capturing the crowd’s attention.

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2. Paul's Public Defense and Testimony

[03:41–07:18]

• Paul recounts his background:
  • Jewish upbringing, training under Gamaliel.
  • His former persecution of Christians (“the Way”).
  • Encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus.
  • His conversion, baptism, and divine commission to preach to the Gentiles.

Paul (Neal McDonough), 03:52:
"I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers... I persecuted this way to the death..."

Paul (Neal McDonough), 05:10:
"I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? ... I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting."

• The crowd is initially pacified but erupts when Paul mentions being sent to the Gentiles.

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3. Roman Citizenship and Avoidance of Scourging

[07:29–08:21]

• Paul is nearly scourged for information, but reveals his Roman citizenship, forcing the authorities to treat him with caution.

Paul (Neal McDonough), 07:49:
“Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”

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4. Facing the Sanhedrin and Internal Jewish Division

[08:56–10:24]

• Paul appears before the Sanhedrin, proclaims his belief in the resurrection—a contentious point, sparking fierce debate between Sadducees and Pharisees.
• A violent uproar breaks out. Soldiers again intervene to protect Paul.

Paul (Neal McDonough), 09:41:
“Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. With respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead, I am on trial.”

• That night, Paul receives divine encouragement:

Voice of the Lord, 10:45:
“Take courage. For as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome.”

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5. Jewish Plot and Paul's Secret Rescue

[10:56–13:03]

• A conspiracy of over 40 men swears to kill Paul.
• Paul's nephew warns him; the Roman tribune is notified and organizes an armed escort to move Paul safely to Caesarea.

Tribune, 12:47:
“At the third hour of the night. Get ready 200 soldiers with 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to go as far as Caesarea... bring him safely to Felix the governor.”

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6. Trials Before Felix and Festus

[14:05–18:44]

• Before Felix:
  • Accusers present charges; Paul defends himself, asserting his innocence and faith in the resurrection.
  • Felix, aware of ‘the Way,’ delays judgment, hoping for a bribe from Paul, and keeps him under relatively lenient house arrest for two years.

Paul (Neal McDonough), 16:14:
“For many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense... having a hope in God, which these themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.”

Narrator (Michael York), 18:44:
“But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.”

• Before Festus:
  • Jewish leaders renew accusations and request Paul be transferred to Jerusalem (an ambush is intended).
  • Paul refuses, appeals his case to Caesar in Rome.

Paul (Neal McDonough), 20:32:
“I appeal to Caesar.”

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7. Appearance Before King Agrippa and Bernice

[21:16–23:59]

• Festus consults King Agrippa, retelling Paul's story. Agrippa expresses interest in hearing Paul himself.
• Paul’s formal hearing is arranged, attended by local dignitaries, military officials, and royalty.

Festus (Blair Underwood), 23:09:
“You see this man... But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him.”

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Divine Commission:

  Paul (Neal McDonough), 05:53:
  "The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth. For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard."

• On Christian Endurance:

  Ainsley Earhardt, 24:09:
  “Ancient prisons were dark and rodent infested... This is the environment Paul endured for the crime of telling the known world about Jesus... What did Paul have that today’s Christians lack?”

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Important Timestamps

• 01:18 — Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem
• 03:41 — Paul’s defense to the crowd, conversion account
• 07:49 — Paul asserts Roman citizenship
• 08:56 — Sanhedrin trial, declaration on resurrection
• 10:45 — Divine encouragement to Paul
• 12:47 — Roman plot to safely move Paul
• 14:39 — Paul’s trial before Felix
• 18:44 — Paul’s continued imprisonment and Festus’ arrival
• 20:32 — Paul appeals to Caesar
• 21:34 — Festus consults Agrippa
• 23:09 — Paul presented before King Agrippa
• 24:09 — (Outro commentary) Modern Christian endurance compared to Paul’s trials

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Episode Tone and Language

The episode skillfully blends dramatic, immersive audio enactments with formal, scriptural language, while Ainsley Earhardt’s narration offers reflective, modern applications. The tone is reverent, solemn, and encouraging—spotlighting both the gravity of Paul’s suffering and the timeless call to perseverance and faith.

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Conclusion

Episode 29 draws listeners into Paul's harrowing experiences—showing his resilience, wisdom, and faith amid relentless opposition. The story reminds modern Christians of the call to courageous witness, even in hardship. Through evocative dramatization and scripture, the episode reinforces the unstoppable mission of spreading the message of Jesus.

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Transcript

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[Ainsley Earhart]

Hello everyone, this is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for episode 29 of the 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. This podcast presentation continues the Story of Paul we will hear of how Paul endured harsh treatment and suffered through many trials including imprisonment. His faith remained unshaken and his confidence in the Lord continued unchecked. No matter the hardships that came his way, Paul persevered through it all. Let's once again listen in as Luke, played by Michael York, leads us through the turbulent years of Paul's arrest in Jerusalem and his two year imprisonment in the city of Caesarea. More of the life of Jesus next.

[Narrator]

When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia who had seen him in the temple stirred up all the crowd and laid hands.

[Paul]

Men of Israel, help.

[Accusers]

This is the man who is teaching men everywhere against the people and the law and this place.

[Narrator]

Moreover, he also brought Greeks into the.

[Paul]

Temple, and he has defiled this holy place.

[Narrator]

For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was aroused and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut as they were trying to kill him. Word came to the tribune of the CO port that all Jerusalem was in confusion. He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them, and when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the tribune came up and arrested him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another, and as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and when he came to the steps he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd for the mob of.

[Supporting Characters / Other Voices]

Away with him.

[Paul]

Away with him.

[Narrator]

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune.

[Paul]

May I say something to you?

[Tribune / Centurion]

Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the 4,000 men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?

[Paul]

I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia. A citizen of no mean city. I beg you, let me speak to the people.

[Narrator]

When he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language.

[Paul]

Brethren and fathers, hear the defense which I now make before you.

[Narrator]

When they heard that he addressed them in. In the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet.

[Paul]

I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers. Being zealous for God, as you all are this day. I persecuted this way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders bear me witness. From them received letters to the brethren. And I journeyed to Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. As I made my journey and drew near to Damascus about noon, a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? And I answered, who are you, Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting now. Those who were with me saw the light, but did not hear the voice of the one who. Who is speaking to me. And I said, what shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, rise and go into Damascus. And there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do. When I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus. One Ananias, a devout man, according to the law well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me and standing by me, said to me, brother Saul, receive your sight. And in that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, the God of our fathers appointed you to know his will to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth. For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now, why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name. When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him saying to me, make haste and get quickly out of Jerusalem, because they will not accept your testimony about me. And I said, lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in thee. And when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by and approving and keeping the garments of those who killed him. And he said to me, depart, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.

[Narrator]

Up to this word they listened to him. Then they lifted up their voices.

[Accusers]

Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he ought not to live.

[Narrator]

As they cried out and waved their guns and threw dust into the air, the tribune commanded Paul to be brought into the barracks and ordered him to be examined by scourging to find out why they shouted thus against him. When they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said to the centurion.

[Paul]

Who was standing by, is it lawful for you to scourge a man who was a Roman citizen and uncondemned?

[Narrator]

When the centurion heard that, he went.

[Paul]

To the tribune, what are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.

[Narrator]

So the tribune came and said to.

[Tribune / Centurion]

Him, tell me, are you a Roman citizen?

[Paul]

Yes.

[Tribune / Centurion]

I bought this citizenship for a large.

[Paul]

Sum, but I was born a citizen.

[Narrator]

So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him instantly. And the tribune also was afraid. For he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him on the morrow. Desiring to know the real reason why the Jews accused him, the tribune unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet. And he brought Paul down and. And set him before them. Paul, looking intently at the council, said.

[Paul]

Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience up to this day.

[Narrator]

And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

[Paul]

God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall. Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law? You order me to be struck?

[Festus / King Agrippa]

Would you revile God's high priest?

[Paul]

I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest. For it is written, you shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.

[Narrator]

When Paul perceived that one part was Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, brethren, I am.

[Paul]

A Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. With respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead, I am on trial.

[Narrator]

When he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit. But the Pharisees acknowledged them all. Then a great clamor arose. And some of the scribes of the Pharisees party stood up and contended.

[Festus / King Agrippa]

We find nothing wrong in this man.

[Supporting Characters / Other Voices]

What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?

[Narrator]

And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood by Paul.

[Supporting Characters / Other Voices]

Take courage. For as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome.

[Narrator]

When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. There were more than 40 who made this conspiracy. They went to the chief priests and elders.

[Supporting Characters / Other Voices]

We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. You therefore, along with the council, give notice now to the tribune to bring him down to you as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.

[Narrator]

Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush. So he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions.

[Paul]

Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.

[Narrator]

So he took him and brought him to the tribune.

[Paul]

Paul, the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.

[Narrator]

The tribune took him by the hand and going aside, asked him privately, what.

[Tribune / Centurion]

Is it that you have to tell me?

[Supporting Characters / Other Voices]

The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. But do not yield to them, for more than 40 of their men lie in ambush for him, having bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.

[Narrator]

So the tribune dismissed the young man.

[Tribune / Centurion]

Tell no one that you have informed me of this.

[Narrator]

Then he called two of the centurions.

[Tribune / Centurion]

At the third hour of the night. Get ready 200 soldiers with 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to go as far as Caesarea. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

[Narrator]

And he wrote a letter to this effect.

[Tribune / Centurion]

Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix. Greeting. This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. When I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him. Having learned that he was a Roman citizen and desiring to know the charge on which they accused him, I brought him down to their council. I found that he was accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing, deserving death or imprisonment. When it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.

[Narrator]

So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they returned to the barracks, leaving the horsemen to go on with Paul. When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. On reading the letter, he asked to what province Paul belonged. When he learned that he was from Cilicia, he said, I will hear you.

[Paul]

When your accusers arrive.

[Narrator]

And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium. After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul, and when he was called Titullus, began to accuse him.

[Accusers]

Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your provision most excellent Felix, reforms are introduced on behalf of this nation in every way and everywhere, we accept this with all gratitude. But to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly, for we have found this man, a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about everything of which we accuse him.

[Narrator]

The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all this was so. And when the governor had motioned to him to speak, Paul replied, realizing that.

[Paul]

For many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. As you may ascertain, it is not more than 12 days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem, and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple, or in the synagogues, or in the city. Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. But this I admit to you, that according to the way which they call a section, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law or written in the prophets, having a hope in God which these themselves accept, that There will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men. Now, after some years, I came to bring to my nation alms and offerings. As I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia. They ought to be here before you and to make an accusation if they have anything against me. Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council. Except this one thing, which I cried out while standing among them. With respect to the resurrection of the dead, I am on trial before you this day.

[Narrator]

But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the way, put them off.

[Paul]

When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.

[Narrator]

Then he gave orders to the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, but should have some liberty. And that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. After some days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. And he sent for Paul and heard him speak upon faith in Christ Jesus. And as he argued about justice and self control and future judgment, Felix was alarmed.

[Paul]

Go away for the present. When I have an opportunity, I will summon you.

[Narrator]

At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Now, when Festus had come into his province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul. They urged him, asking as a favour to have the man sent to Jerusalem. Peter, planning an ambush to kill him on the way. Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.

[Festus / King Agrippa]

So let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them accuse him.

[Narrator]

When he had stayed among them not more than eight or 10 days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. When he had come, the Jews who had gone down from Jerusalem stood about him, bringing against him many serious charges which they could not prove. Paul said in his defence, neither against.

[Paul]

The law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended at all.

[Narrator]

But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, do you.

[Festus / King Agrippa]

Wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?

[Paul]

I am standing before Caesar's tribunal where I ought to be tried to the Jews. I have done no wrong, as you know very well. If, then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing in their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.

[Narrator]

Then Festus, when he had conferred with.

[Festus / King Agrippa]

His council, answered, you have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar. You shall go.

[Narrator]

Now. When some days had passed, Agrippa, the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king.

[Festus / King Agrippa]

There is a man left prisoner by fear, Felix. And when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defence concerning the charge laid against him. When, therefore, they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took the my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. But they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.

[Narrator]

And Agrippa said to Festus, I should like to hear the man myself.

[Festus / King Agrippa]

Tomorrow you shall hear him.

[Narrator]

So on the morrow, Agrippa and Bernice came with great and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then I command of Festus. Paul was brought in.

[Festus / King Agrippa]

King Agrippa and all who are present with us. You see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him. But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that after we have examined him, I may have something to write for. It seems to me unreasonable in sending a prisoner not to indicate the charges against him.

[Supporting Characters / Other Voices]

I'm Lauren Green. Thank you for listening to this episode of the 52 episode podcast series the Life of Jesus. Make sure to spread the word.

[Ainsley Earhart]

Ancient prisons were dark and rodent infested. Conditions were harsh and purposefully developed to exact punishment on prisoners who awaited trial. Prisoners were most often chained or manacled and at times the hapless victims were chained to a post or to an anchor in the stone walls. This is the environment Paul endured for the crime of telling the known world about Jesus and all he had done to set all people free from the penalty of sin. It's amazing to think what little today's Christians are able to endure. It is often considered a hardship to give of time or resources to aid the needy. To suffer embarrassment for telling others about Jesus often seems too high a price to pay. To commit support and loyalty to a group of people is counted as a boundary breaking proposition. What did Paul have that today's Christians lack? Father, only you can enable me to live as you desire. Make me a committed disciple of Jesus. Teach me to stand strong and represent him always to a lost and hurting world. Thank you for listening to episode 29 of the 52 episode podcast series the Life of Jesus. Make sure to spread the word. Listen ad free with a Fox News Podcast plus subscription on Apple Podcasts, Amazon prime members can listen ad free on the Amazon Music appliance.