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)
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.
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.
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.
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?”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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?”
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
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.
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.