The Life of Jesus – Episode 35: Cast Down Idolatry

Podcast: Fox Audio Network
Release date: February 15, 2026
Featured speakers/actors: Neal McDonough (Jesus), Sean Astin (Matthew), Kristen Bell (Mary Magdalene), John Rhys-Davies (Narrator), Stacy Keach (John), and others
Host & Narration: Ainsley Earhardt

Episode Overview

This episode explores Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 7–12, focusing on turning away from idolatry and living a life fully devoted to God. Corinth, a city mired in immorality and cultural pride, has influenced even the believers, and Paul’s letter addresses these critical issues head-on. The episode weaves together scriptural readings, actor portrayals, and thoughtful commentary, illustrating practical and spiritual warnings against idolatry—broadly defined as anything that commands our devotion above God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Corinthian Culture and Church Challenges

• [00:29] Ainsley Earhardt introduces Paul’s message to the Corinthians—a church grappling with the sinful influences of their city’s Greek heritage in philosophy, politics, and liberal morality.
• Paul’s intent: to remind the church of their spiritual foundation and call them higher.

2. Marriage, Singleness, and Spiritual Priorities

• [01:51–03:15]
  • Paul notes that, amid "the present distress," it is good for people to remain as they are—either single or married—but neither path is inherently sinful.
  • Marriage brings earthly concerns, but singleness can free individuals for "undivided devotion to the Lord."
• Memorable quote:
  • “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek marriage... Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.” (Paul – 01:58)
• Both marriage and singleness are honored; one is not superior, but each has its challenges.

3. Knowledge, Freedom, and Responsibility about Idols

• [04:30–07:12]

  • Idolatry is addressed both as a literal worship of false gods and as a matter of conscience regarding food offered to idols.

• Key insight:

  • Knowledge can "puff up," but love "builds up."
    “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (Paul – 05:05)
  • Maturity means not causing others to stumble—even if you feel free in conscience.

• Notable moment:

  • Paul pledges self-restraint for the sake of others:
    “If food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.” (Paul – 07:10)

4. The Rights and Sacrifices of Apostles

• [08:00–11:30]
  • Paul defends the right of apostles to receive material support but chooses not to use it, to avoid hindering the gospel’s spread.
  • He adapts himself—becoming “all things to all men”—to win as many as possible for Christ.
• Memorable quote:
  • “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more… I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (Paul – 11:12)

5. Idolatry: Warnings from Israel’s History

• [12:00–15:00]

  • Paul recounts Israel’s failings—idolatry, immorality, and rebellion in the wilderness—as warnings for the church.

• Key teaching:

  • Idolatry is more than statues: it's misplaced devotion or indulgence in anything above God.

• Notable encouragement:

  • “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength...” (Paul – 14:10)

6. Participating in Christ vs. Participating in Idolatry

• [15:01–18:00]
  • Shared bread (communion) is participation in Christ’s body, while accepting meals in an idol’s temple risks “participation with demons.”
• Memorable quote:
  • “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” (Paul – 16:45)
  • Liberty must be balanced by love and care for the consciences of others.

7. Seeking the Good of Others in Everyday Life

• [18:01–20:00]
  • All things are lawful, but not all build up the community; seek your neighbor’s good, not just your own.
  • In ambiguous situations (e.g., food origins), consider the impact on others' consciences.
• Notable guidance:
  • “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (Paul – 19:47)

8. Church Practice: Head Coverings, the Lord’s Supper, and Unity

• [20:05–23:00]
  • Paul addresses order in worship, including gender-specific traditions of head coverings, urging respect for context and purpose.
  • The Lord’s Supper must be approached with self-examination and unity.
• Notable quote:
  • “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (Paul – 22:53)

9. Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ

• [23:01–27:59]
  • A variety of spiritual gifts exist, but all are given by the same Spirit for the common good.
  • Believers are like differing organs in one body, equally necessary and interdependent.
• Memorable image:
  • “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (Paul – 27:30)

10. Modern Reflection on Idolatry

• [28:45] (Ainsley Earhardt)
  • Idolatry redefined: anything—career, relationships, status, technology—that becomes our central focus can be an idol, even good things, if they replace God at the center.
• Reflective quote:
  • "To give unchecked devotion to anything other than God is idolatry… Even people in our lives can become idols. A life lived without God at the center is a life without meaning."
  • She prays for discernment and recommitment to worshiping only God.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker / Context | Quote / Notable Moment | |-----------|-------------------|-----------------------| | 01:58 | Paul (Actor) | "Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek marriage... those who marry will have worldly troubles." | | 05:05 | Paul (Actor) | "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." | | 07:10 | Paul (Actor) | “If food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.” | | 11:12 | Paul (Actor) | “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more… I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” | | 14:10 | Paul (Actor) | “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength.” | | 16:45 | Paul (Actor) | “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” | | 19:47 | Paul (Actor) | “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” | | 22:53 | Paul (Actor) | “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” | | 27:30 | Paul (Actor) | “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” | | 28:45 | Ainsley Earhardt | "Even people in our lives can become idols. A life lived without God at the center is a life without meaning." |

Episode Tone & Style

The scriptural readings are vivid and reverent. The commentary is accessible, direct, and gently challenging, urging listeners to introspection and spiritual maturity. The tone is immersive, respectful of the biblical text, and practical in applying ancient truths to contemporary lives.

For Listeners

• The episode is essential for anyone wanting to reflect on where their ultimate devotion lies and how even good things can become spiritual distractions.
• Listeners are encouraged to examine the “idols” of their own hearts and communities, seeking God’s guidance to center life on Him alone.
• The closing prayer offers a tool for identifying and renouncing modern forms of idolatry.