Thomas

Wait! Wait! Wait! That’s all we do, Peter.
Now it’s the feast of Pentecost, and still nothing has happened!

Prompter & Echoes

Wait and pray!

Peter

Patience, Thomas. Just before he ascended to glory,
our Lord Jesus told us to stay here in Jerusalem,
and we would receive power from heaven.

Thomas

What kind of power did he mean, Peter?

Peter

We will see. Just look at this crowd, Thomas!
Devout Jews from many countries who speak many languages!
They have come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.

Thomas

Hey! What is going on? Tongues like fire are hovering over us!

Prompter & Echoes

Dancing flames!

Becky

Oh, my! What is going on, Pilgrim?

Pilgrim

I don’t know, Becky. I haven’t been here since Passover.
I just arrived along with all these other pilgrims.

Becky

Listen! The sound of violent wind is coming from heaven.

Pilgrim

Yes, but there is no wind!

Prompter & Echoes

Such noise!

Becky

Jesus’ disciples are explaining it.
They are recounting what happened after our leaders crucified him.

Pilgrim

Strange! We are all hearing it in our own language!

Becky

Listen. That man, Peter, is speaking to this crowd.

Peter

The prophet Joel foretold this coming of the Holy Spirit ages ago.
God has anointed us to proclaim to all of you that Jesus,
whom you crucified, has risen from the dead.

Becky

Oh my!

Prompter & Echoes

What have we done?

Pilgrim

Oh, Becky! This is devastating!
That day I also yelled, “Crucify him!”

Becky

You did? How awful!

Pilgrim

Peter! Brothers! This pierces my heart!

Prompter & Echoes

What can we do?

Peter

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

Prompter & Echoes

Repent and be baptized.

Thomas

Peter, imagine! 3,000 Jews trusted Jesus and were baptized today.

Peter

Jesus said he would build his church; it was born today.
Now God is dealing with his people according to the New Covenant
that Jeremiah foretold long ago!

Prompter & Echoes

A totally new way of life!

Thomas

We meet in homes now, and believers number in the thousands.

Peter

It’s amazing, Thomas!
From its tart, the first church in Jerusalem has obeyed Jesus’ orders,
just as the apostles taught us. Seven general commands sum up
all that Jesus commanded.

Pilgrim

We memorized them.
Repent, baptize, celebrate the Lord Supper, love in practical ways, pray, give sacrificially and make disciples.

Becky

We also use the different spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us
to make loving, active disciples that multiply more each day!

Prompter & Echoes

By the Holy Spirit’s power!

Peter

Now, let us all discuss this.
God gives spiritual gifts to every believer to serve Jesus and others;
we put these gifts into practice during the week.

Prompter & Echoes

Every day!

Peter

 

I will mention a few of the gifts.
Then, please tell us which gifts you think God has given you,
or that you would like to receive.
Are you ready? Please speak out. Here are some of them.
The gifts empower us to…

    encourage
        serve
            tell others about Jesus
               go to other places to tell neglected people about Christ
                   heal in his name
                       comfort,
                           show mercy in practical ways,
                               give,
                                   shepherd.

Sarah

John! Listen! I’ve come from the temple with terrible news.
King Herod has had your brother James slain;
they ran him through with a sword.

John

Oh, no! Sarah! How could they?
My brother James! Oh! Why did they murder him?

Sarah

Herod did it to please the Jewish leaders that oppose us believers.

Prompter & Echoes

Wicked king!

Sarah

That is not all, John. Herod arrested Peter; he is in jail.
Herod will let a mob do the same to Peter as they did to James.

John

Oh, no! Rhoda, run and tell the disciples to gather and pray.

Prompter & Echoes

Quickly!

Rhoda

I hurry and bring the disciples.
We pray fervently for Peter’s release from jail.

Prompter & Echoes

Free him, Lord!

Rhoda

Sarah, now you’ve been to the temple again.
Did you hear anything new?

Sarah

Yes, and it is very, very bad; tonight Herod will bring Peter to trial.
It will be a farce.

Prompter & Echoes

A mock trial!

Peter

I am Peter. They have chained me between two soldiers,
and guards are watching the door;
Herod is taking no chances of my escape.
The night is long, and I am weary.

Prompter & Echoes

He falls asleep!

Peter

Hey! Who hit me on the side? A light is blinding me!
It must be an angel!

Angel

Get up quickly, Peter.

Peter

What is happening? The chains fall off my hands!

Angel

Quick! Get dressed. Put on your sandals. Now follow me.

Peter

Is it a dream? We pass by the guards; they are blind to our passing.
Oh! This heavy iron gate is opening all by itself!
We are in the street now, and the angel leaves me.
I come to my senses; I’m not dreaming! I really am out of jail!

Prompter & Echoes

Free!

Peter

I hurry to Mark’s mother’s house where the disciples are gathered.
I hear them praying for me.
I knock at the high gate but no one comes.
Hey! It is I! Peter!

Prompter & Echoes

Let me in!

Rhoda

My brothers, someone is pounding on the gate.

Sarah

It may be Herod’s soldiers, Rhoda. What shall we do?

Rhoda

Keep praying, Sarah. Listen. They keep knocking.
Someone had better go, or whoever it is might break the gate down.
I will go.

Prompter & Echoes

Let me in!

Rhoda

It is Peter! I’m so surprised by joy that I forget to open the gate;
I run back in to announce that Peter is standing out in front!

Sarah

You are out of your mind, girl!

Rhoda

No, no, Sarah! It’s true. It is Peter.

Sarah

It’s his spirit. A ghost! They have killed him.

Rhoda

No. It’s Peter. Listen. He is still pounding!

Peter

Well, they finally let me in, and they rejoice.

Prompter & Echoes

God heard our prayers!

Rhoda

Sarah, you went to the temple again this morning.
What is happening now?

Sarah

There is a huge stir among the soldiers due to Peter’s escape.
Herod had his soldiers execute Peter’s guards.
Now they are searching for Peter everywhere.

Prompter & Echoes

Guard him, Lord!

Peter

By God’s grace, several days pass and they have not found me.
Sarah brings the latest news from the temple.

Sarah

Herod was wearing his royal robes to address the people
and they kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”

Prompter & Echoes

Voice of a god!

Sarah

An angel of the Lord struck Herod because he did not
give God the glory. It was gruesome!
Worms grew in him, and he died a ghastly death.

Rhoda

We believers keep multiplying, in spite of every effort
by the authorities to stop us.

Prompter & Echoes

We still multiply today!

Peter

John, it’s dangerous for us to come here to the temple to pray,
but I feel that God wants us to do it.

John

I think so too, Peter.
Well, here we are. I hope we do not run into more trouble.
Oh! Here is that same poor beggar.

Beggar

Alms, Gentlemen! I beg you!
I’ve been lame from birth. Please!

Peter

Look at us! We have no silver or gold,
but what we have, we give you:
In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, be healed!

Prompter & Echoes

Stand and walk!

John

Look, Peter, all at once his feet and ankles grew strong!

Beggar

Look! I am standing! Oh! I can walk!

Peter

He’s entering the temple with us, leaping and praising God.

Beggar

Look out! Those priests look angry!

Priest

We priests cannot allow this!
Those men say they healed that beggar
in the name of the Nazarene.
Now, look at his friends come running!
We cannot allow such disturbance by those rebels,
especially not here in God’s holy temple!

John

Peter, the beggar’s friends are amazed at seeing him walk.
The priests also knew him. Look. They are glaring at us.

Beggar

This means trouble.

Peter

Why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power
we made this man walk?

Prompter & Echoes

Who made him walk?

John

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has glorified his servant Jesus.
He’s the one whom you disowned when Pilate wanted to release him.
You put to death the Prince of life but God raised him from the dead.
We are witnesses. The name of Jesus has strengthened this man.

Priest

Captain of the Guard! Come quickly!
These rebels are disturbing the people again.
Against our orders, they claim that the Nazarene rose from the dead.

John

They jail Peter and me, but many who hear us believe.
The next day, the high priest and his officers question us,
and the healed man comes.

Beggar

Peter and John, I will stand with you.

Priest

By what power have you two lawbreakers done this healing?

Peter

Rulers of Israel, we are on trial for helping this man who was sick.
Know that by the name of Jesus Christ
whom you crucified but God raised from the dead
this man stands before you healthy.

Prompter & Echoes

Amazing!

Priest

These men are uneducated, but they have been with Jesus.

Beggar

Look, my brothers, the rulers are debating about what to do with you.

Priest

All Jerusalem knows a notable miracle happened through these men.
We cannot deny it, but we can keep it from spreading further. “
Peter and John, you will speak no longer in the name of Jesus.

Peter

Is it right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God?
How can we deny what we have seen and heard?

Beggar

Let’s all obey the Holy One of Israel.

Prompter & Echoes

Obey God above all!

Beggar

The priests threaten Peter and John,
but they let them go free because of the crowd of people.
Look! They are all glorifying God for what happened.

Peter

John and I gather with the disciples who rejoice.
We pray and the room is shaken. The Holy Spirit fills us all,
and we go and boldly spread the word about Jesus.

Prompter & Echoes

Share the good news!

 

 

Saphira

Which dress should I wear, Ananias?

Ananias

One that shows our social standing, Saphira;
we will meet with the apostles.

Saphira

Yes, we must be careful of appearances.
I disapprove of some in our group.
Those Greeks are not of our race,
they lack social standing in Jerusalem.

Prompter & Echoes

Some of them live in hovels!

Ananias

Jews from many lands celebrated Pentecost and became believers;
some stayed on in Jerusalem’s our church, without land or income.
Believers are selling properties to give funds to care for them.

Saphira

How foolish! Why don’t they just go home!
Well, it’s almost time; let me put on my shiniest jewels, Ananias.

Ananias

Barnabas started all the fuss over helping the needy, Saphira.
He sold some land and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet!

Saphira

Ha! Leave it to Barnabas to make people feel guilty,
if they don’t follow his example.

Ananias

Well, he won’t outdo us.
We’ve seen that everyone will knows that we give.
We’ve sold that stony field and set half of the money aside for ourselves.

Saphira

Well, the time has come; now here we are in James’ home.
Hello, Barnabas. We appreciate your compassion for the needy.

Barnabas

The Holy Spirit has moved us all to share joyfully with those in need.
He also gives us power to testify of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
Thousands are coming to faith.

Ananias

Barnabas, you talk as if the Holy Spirit were God.
There’s only one God.

Barnabas

The Holy Spirit is God, but we did not come here to discuss theology;
we’re arranging to provide for those in need.

Prompter & Echoes

We care for those who suffer.

Ananias

Yes, quite.
Let’s put in a request to the Jewish Sanhedrin’s benevolence fund.

Barnabas

We give poverty’s victims what they need ourselves, Ananias.
Those with property are selling it to help the destitute.

Saphira

Let’s build a Nutrition Center and use it to hold social gatherings also.
Ananias and I also donate. I hope to see our names on a wall plaque’

Ananias

Yes, Saphira and I sold a field and we bring to you the entire amount.

Barnabas

Later, at another meeting, Peter and I are alone with Ananias.
Peter confronts him.

Peter

Ananias, you let Satan move you to lie to the Holy Spirit;
you kept back part of the price of the land.
No one forced you to sell it. It was yours to do as you liked.
Why did you devise this deceit in your heart?
You lied not to men but to God!

Prompter & Echoes

Perilous!

Peter

Hearing my words, Ananias falls down and breathes his last.
Young men carry him out and bury him.
Later, his wife Saphira comes, unaware of what happened.

Peter

Saphira, tell me honestly if you sold your land for the price you said.

Saphira

Of course, Peter. That was the price.

Peter

Oh, Saphira!
Why did you and Ananias agree together to test the Lord?
Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door.
They will carry you out, too.

Barnabas

Saphira falls, breathes her last, and they bury her by her husband.

Peter

News of this spreads, and all the people fear God now!

Prompter & Echoes

A lesson for all time!

PART II. Ananias and Saphira in a Modern Setting

Barnabas

Here are Ananias and Saphira in today’s world,
with a happier outcome.
They’ve learned from their namesakes
in the ancient Jerusalem church.

Ananias

Saphira, I have always wanted to visit Mexico.
Since we lead our church’s young people, I have an idea.
Let us ask our elders to send them on a mission trip to Mexico.

Saphira

Why, yes, Ananias! You and I will have a free vacation!

Ananias

Well, here we are with the elders.
Brother Barnabas, we have a request.
The young people we lead would benefit from experiencing
another culture and teaching with an interpreter.
Might the church sponsor a trip to Mexico?

Barnabas

Are you sure that to evangelize in another culture is all you want?
Might you have other motives, Ananias?

Ananias

No, Barny! We want the kids to see another land
and tell people about Jesus.

Barnabas

That is all? Are you sure?

Saphira

Of course, Barny! That is our only motive. Nothing else.

Barnabas

Nothing else? Then I can save you a huge amount of money.
Down the street lives a colony of recently arrived, poor Mexicans.
They brought their culture, speak no English,
and live as they did before.

Prompter & Echoes

Olé!

Barnabas

You will find them receptive, Ananias.
I know Spanish; I can translate.

Ananias

Oh. That is not quite what we had in mind, Barnabas.
The youth want a foreign trip ‒ the excitement of a faraway land.

Barnabas

And perhaps, you, too, would enjoy visiting Mexico?
A sort of vacation?

Saphira

Ah… Well, Barnabas, that had crossed our minds.

Barnabas

It is normal and wholesome to want to travel
and see exotic lands, but admit it!
We must not pretend always to have purely spiritual motives.
Now, let’s start over again.
Let’s discuss a mission trip for our young people.

Prompter & Echoes

Truthfully this time!

Barnabas

A well-planned trip can be useful for you, the kids,
and those you visit;
we might decide that they should go to another land besides Mexico.
The field you should visit depends on the need and other conditions.

Saphira

That is right. Thank you, Barny.
We must be honest before God with our motive.

Barnabas

Do you know why many congregations wither spiritually?
They put their own desires before Jesus’ commands,
and excuse their disobedience by ascribing holy motives
to what they do.

Prompter & Echoes

We will be honest before God!

James

I am the apostle James, leader of the church in Jerusalem.
It is a cluster of tiny congregations that meet in homes.
Oh, hello, Abby. Why is your friend weeping?

Abby

We’ve multiplied so fast that we are neglecting some people’s needs.
Eunice is a Greek widow. Explain your problem to James, Eunice.

Eunice

Brother James, forgive my boldness.
I and other Greek widows are left out of the daily food distribution.

Prompter & Echoes

Unfair bias!

James

Oh! I’ll tell the apostles at once.
We will correct this problem, my sister Eunice. Come, Abby.

Abby

The apostles talk it over, and James explains it to the assembly.

James

Brothers, we apostles must not neglect God’s word to serve tables.
Select seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to put in charge of this. We apostles will devote ourselves
to prayer and the ministry of the word.

Prompter & Echoes

Do what one is gifted to do.

Prompter & Echoes

Abby, will this solve the problem for Eunice and the other widows?

Abby

Yes, brother James. It will be a blessing for all of us.

James

All of the disciples talk it over, and consider it a good idea.

Prompter & Echoes

Amen!

James

We choose seven disciples full of faith and of the Holy Spirit
to be deacons. These include Stephen, Philip, and other godly men.

Abby

Seven new deacons come before the apostles, who pray
and lay hands on them to impart God’s blessing and anointing.

Eunice

Now we foreign widows are getting our portion of the provisions.

Prompter & Echoes

God is good!

Abby

Because of the believers’ obedience to the Lord,
and their fervent witnessing for Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit,
the Word of God spreads more than ever.

Prompter & Echoes

Thousands more come to Jesus!

[GP1]  PART 1. Philip and the Ethiopian

Philip

I’m Philip, one of the first seven deacons in Jerusalem.
I wonder why God’s angel sent me out here to this deserted place.
Oh! Here comes an Ethiopian official in his chariot!

Prompter & Echoes

Whoa, horse!

Philip

Sir, you are reading Isaiah. Do you understand it?

Ethiopian

No, I don’t. I need a guide. Come sit with me.
To whom is this referring where it says,
“He was led as a sheep to slaughter;
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent.”
Does it mean Isaiah who wrote it, or someone else?

Prompter & Echoes

Who was this slain lamb?

Philip

I explain about Jesus as we ride along.
The prophet Isaiah had foretold Jesus’ sufferings as the Lamb of God.

Ethiopian

Philip, look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?

Philip

If you believe with all your heart, you may, sir.

Ethiopian

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Prompter & Echoes

Whoa, horse!

Philip

We both go down into the water, and I baptize him.
Then, the Spirit of God snatches me away,
and the Ethiopian goes on his way rejoicing.

Prompter & Echoes

He is so happy!

PART 2. Philip and the Ethiopian in a Modern Setting

Philip

An Ethiopian is driving Mrs. Pettyrules and me in his taxi
 to a meeting, and we tell him about Jesus.

Ethiopian

I believe now, with my whole heart.
What prevents me from being baptized?

Mrs. Pettyrules

I saw a wine bottle in your door pocket, sir.
You have a drinking problem.
You must overcome your vice before our church baptizes you.
Our elders will prepare you first, to become a well-informed member.
My fine church is the one with the highest steeple in the city.

Ethiopian

Please, Philip, baptize me now.
I need God urgently, and I will help my friends know Jesus.
They need Christ, too; we have all sinned lot!

Philip

Jesus and his apostles taught that baptism is for bad people,
so you qualify!

Ethiopian

Oh, then there is hope for my friends and me!

Prompter & Echoes

Let God’s grace flow freely!

Mrs. Pettyrules

Philip, you are rushing things.
He is too new in the faith to baptize; it is a sacred ceremony,
only for those who merit it.

Philip

Mrs. Pettyrules, the apostles’ baptism is for bad people who repent.
No one merits God’s grace!
The apostles baptized sinners without delay;
they let God’s grace slop over on the unworthy!
I will baptize our new brother right away.

Mrs. Pettyrules

But how can you be sure he is saved?
Mr. Ethiopian, you can’t be baptized until you’ve quit drinking.
We must wait at least a year; then if you don’t fall, we’ll consider it.

Philip

Oh no! Must he walk on the water before being baptized in it?

Ethiopian

Ma’am, you discourage me.

Prompter & Echoes

Disheartening!

Mrs. Pettyrules

God’s grace comes in a tiny bottle; we must dole it out sparingly.

Philip

Mrs. Pettyrules, you doubt that this brother is saved.
Such doubts are contagious and extremely destructive.

Prompter & Echoes

A stumbling block!

Philip

Baptism is for newborn babes in Christ, not for the mature.
You would not wait for a baby to stop soiling its diapers
to bring it into your home. Our new brother is a baby in Christ,
and he needs other believer’s loving acceptance.

Mrs. Pettyrules

But what if we baptize this Ethiopian, and then he gets drunk?

Philip

Then he would be a drunken Evangelical.

Mrs. Petty rules

Oh my!

Philip

Let me explain.
He will receive correction in the right way, in the church body
with accountability and loving pastoral care;
he will welcome our correction, and not fall away from the faith.

Prompter & Echoes

Amen!

Philip

However, if we deny baptism and leave him outside the body
to dry-clean himself in order to be baptized,
then he is sure to wander away after he stumbles.
We would probably never see our friend again!
All new believers stumble in some way.

Mrs. Pettyrules

You’ve given me something to think about, Philip.
I might reconsider.

Philip

Let us hold the newborn spiritual babies close!
I stumbled after I was baptized,
but I knew that God had forgiven me when the church forgave me.

Prompter & Echoes

Blessed forgiveness!

Philip

My brothers in the church body picked me up and carried me along.
God used their love and baptism to help me and my family
overcome our sinful habits.

Prompter & Echoes

God’s grace reassures us!

Saul

Large rocks fly as I hold the coats of angry Jews
who stone Stephen.
Of course, I, Saul, do not dirty my hands.
I’m a Pharisee; for me it’s unlawful to execute this blasphemer,
as he has had no legal trial. So I have others cast the stones.
I jeer at Stephen’s crude protests. Hear him defy us!

Stephen

You stiff-necked men resist the Holy Spirit just as your fathers did.

Saul

This angers me,
as I’m meticulously careful to observe our Jewish Law.

Stephen

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!

Saul

Listen to him blaspheme! Keep throwing the rocks, men.

Prompter & Echoes

More stones!

Stephen

(Look up)
I see heaven, and the Son of Man at the right hand of God!

Saul

Stephen’s cry infuriates his executioners. See them rush at him!
They hurl a volley of heavy stones to quiet that accusing voice.

Stephen

Lord, Lord! Do not hold this sin against them!

Prompter & Echoes

Forgive them!

Ananias

Meanwhile, I am Ananias of Damascus,
many miles from Jerusalem.
I hear that Saul of Tarsus is coming from Jerusalem;
he is breathing threats and murder against us disciples.

Prompter & Echoes

As he did against Stephen!

Ananias

Saul has letters from the High Priest to the synagogues here,
authorizing him to seize anyone following the Way,
both men and women, to take them in chains to Jerusalem.

Prompter & Echoes

Cruel persecution!

Saul

We’re getting near to Damascus. Good! I’m eager to do my job!
Oh! What is happening? Bright light from heaven!
It’s flashing on my fellow travelers and me. Help!

Prompter & Echoes

Blinding light!

Saul

I fall to the ground and hear a voice.

Voice

Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?

Saul

(Groan, and hold an arm over your eyes)
Who are you, Lord?

Voice

I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
Get up and enter the city; there you will be told what you must do.

Saul

The men with me are speechless,
hearing the words but seeing no one.

Prompter & Echoes

An awesome voice!

Saul

I rise. I can see nothing. They lead me by the hand into Damascus.
I go three days without sight, and without eating or drinking.
Then, as I would learn later, someone else hears that same voice.

Voice

Ananias!

Ananias

Here I am, Lord.

Voice

Go to the street called Straight, and ask for Saul of Tarsus.
He is praying, and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias
come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.

Ananias

Saul of Tarsus! Oh, Lord, I’ve heard terrible things about this man!
He has done much harm to your followers in Jerusalem!

Voice

Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.
He will bear my name before nations, kings, and the sons of Israel.
I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Prompter & Echoes

He’ll suffer for Jesus!

Saul

Ananias comes and lays his hands on me.

Ananias

Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the way,
has sent me to restore your sight. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Saul

Immediately scales fall from my eyes. I can see!
I get up and Ananias baptizes me; then I eat and receive strength.
God has answered Stephen’s dying prayer to forgive me!

Ananias

For several days Saul stays with us disciples in Damascus;
he proclaims in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
All who hear him are amazed and ask,
“Did he not attack believers in Jerusalem,
and come here to take us in chains to the chief priests?”

Saul

I receive warning word that Jews plot to do away with me.
They watch the gates day and night to put me to death;
but the disciples and lower me in a big basket at night
from the city’s high wall.

Ananias

God’s church in Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoys peace.
This man Saul, who later would call himself the world’s worst sinner, becomes the world’s most powerful apostle Paul.
He introduces the Gospel of Christ into Asia Minor, Europe,
and many nations, and writes powerful letters to new churches.

Prompter & Echoes

Most of the New Testament letters!

Peter

I’m Peter. Hear the good news about a second Pentecost for Gentiles. Pentecost is a Hebrew feast;
Jews from many lands gather in Jerusalem.
God’s Holy Spirit came to dwell in us Jewish believers
during the feast of Pentecost.

Prompter & Echoes

God is dwelling in human hearts!

Peter

I am praying on a rooftop in Joppa, while waiting for lunch.

Angel

(Shout sternly) Peter! Get up!

Peter

What’s that? Who called me? Oh! What is happening?
A sheet has come down from heaven,
filled with all kinds of unclean animals!

Angel

Kill and eat!

Peter

What? I’m confused. What can this voice mean? [GP1] 
It says to eat these unclean pigs, reptiles, buzzards and serpents!
Yuk! How can I break Moses’ law and eat such non-kosher flesh?
I have never done such a thing, but God’s angel is telling me to do it!

Prompter & Echoes

Kill and eat!

Peter

Unknown to me, several miles away in Caesarea,
the angel also appears to Cornelius, a Roman army officer.

Angel

Cornelius!

Cornelius

Who is that? Sergeant of the Guard!

Prompter & Echoes

An intruder!

Angel

Do not fear, Cornelius.
I have come from heaven with a message.
The Lord has seen your good deeds and heard your prayers.
Send to Joppa to the house of Simon the Tanner
for a man named Peter.

Cornelius

Yes, Sir! Right away, Sir!
I send two servants with my aide to bring the man called Peter.
I am Italian. I love pork chops and pork pepperoni on my pizza.
It is too bad my Jewish friends cannot enjoy such delicacies!

Peter

Meanwhile, on the rooftop in Joppa, I am puzzling about the vision.
I hear knocking at the door. The men from Cornelius have arrived.
They ask me to go with them to Cornelius’ home in Cesarea.

Prompter & Echoes

But Cornelius is a gentile!

Peter

Now, I understand that God’s vision has prepared me for this.
I take several brothers with me, and off we go.
After a long walk, we arrive in Cesarea.
Come with me and meet Cornelius.

Cornelius

The man has come. Let me greet him and his Jewish companions.
Come in, Peter. You and your friends are welcome!

Peter

Shalom! Cornelius, I appreciate your gracious hospitality.
Our Jewish Law forbids us to enter non-Jews’ homes
 and eat unclean food. However, God showed me in a vision
that we are not to regard anyone as unclean.
Now, please tell me… Why did you send for me?

Cornelius

An angel of God told me to.
My friends, relatives and I have gathered to hear what you tell us.

Peter

I tell Cornelius and his friends about Jesus.
When I come to the resurrection, a wonderful thing happens.
The Holy Spirit comes upon these Gentiles!
He gives them the sign of other tongues, as he did at Pentecost,
when we proclaimed to the Jews that Christ had risen from the dead.

Prompter & Echoes

Another Pentecost for Gentiles!

Peter

We all rejoice.
This time those that speak in tongues are those that hear the good news, not those that tell it, as happened in Jerusalem!

Cornelius

May God be praised!

Prompter & Echoes

Marvelous!

Peter

Let these be baptized at once, since they also received the Holy Spirit.

Cornelius

Peter, please stay a few days and teach us about Jesus.

Peter

We stay, and guess what.
We Jews eat the Italians’ food for the gospel’s sake! It is delicious!
We enjoy it even though it is ceremonially unclean for us.
Now that God has established his new covenant, much has changed!

Prompter & Echoes

Vast contrast!

Peter

Jewish believers back in Jerusalem scold me for eating gentiles’ food.
However, when I explain what happened, they rejoice.
How wonderful that God grants repentance that gives life to Gentiles!

Prompter & Echoes

Repentance leading to life!

Silas

Paul, that crazy slave girl has been following us
ever since we arrived here in Thyatira.

Sophie

 (Shout)
These servants of the Most High God show us the way of salvation!

Prompter & Echoes

She’s mocking!

Paul

She has an evil spirit, Silas. I will drive it off.

Sophie

You won’t dare mess with me! Here comes one of my owners.
He won’t let you. I make him wealthy with my fortune telling.

Slave-owner

Paul, you will not drive out that spirit of divination!
Leave her alone!

Paul

In the name of Jesus, leave her, you filthy demon!”

Prompter & Echoes

Come out of her!

Silas

The spirit has left her, Paul. Her face has brightened!

Sophie

Oh, thank you, thank you! I am in my right mind.
This is wonderful!

Slave-owner

What have you done to our servant girl?
You had no right! She brought us our income.
Citizens of Thyatira, seize these two troublemakers!

Paul

They grab Silas and me, and drag us before the authorities.

Slave-owner

Esteemed magistrates,
these men have thrown our city into confusion.
They’re Jews and proclaim customs that are unlawful
for us Romans.

Sophie

I’m so sorry! Because of me this furious mob has formed.
Oh no! The magistrates have arrested Paul and Silas.
The jailer has ripped off their robes, and is beating them with clubs!

Prompter & Echoes

Cruel!

Jailer

Gentlemen, enjoy the plush accommodations of my fine jail!
I shall guard you securely, as the magistrates ordered.
The penalty for me if you escape is torture and death.
Since you are my honored guests, you may have my innermost
and most miserable cell.

Silas

How considerate!

Jailer

Sit still while I lock your feet in these stocks.

Prompter & Echoes

Painful!

Silas

About midnight, Paul and I are praying and singing hymns.

Jailer

What is that rumbling?

Prompter & Echoes

Earthquake!

Jailer

The prison’s foundations are shaking! Help!
The walls are crumbling;
they will no longer grip the prisoners’ chains!
I hear doorframes break in the dark; the doors have swung wide open! The prisoners have fled! I will fall on my sword and die.

Paul

Wait! Do not harm yourself. We are here!

Jailer

I call for lights and rush in, trembling so that I can barely speak.
I fall down before Paul and Silas. Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Paul

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you’ll be saved, you and your family.

Prompter & Echoes

Your entire household!

Silas

The jailer takes us that night to his home and washes our wounds.
We tell him and his family about the Lord Jesus Christ.
They believe, and we baptize his entire household.

Jailer

Here is food, my brothers. Eat and rejoice with us.

Silas

Day comes, and officers arrive from the magistrates
to release Paul and me.

Paul

Oh, fine! Your magistrates beat us in public without a trial,
although we are Romans, and throw us in prison!
Now they want to send us away secretly!
No indeed! Go tell them to come themselves and bring us out.

Jailer

The officers report Paul’s words to the chief magistrates.
They are fearful when they hear that Paul and Silas are Romans.

Sophie

Look! The magistrates themselves brought Paul and Silas out of jail.
Now the magistrates are begging them politely to leave the city.

Jailer

Neither our authorities nor Satan will stop Christ’s servants.

Prompter & Echoes

Salvation for all who believe!

Anna

We believers who have died in Christ hear the final trumpet
and awaken.
We rise with Jesus in our resurrection bodies,
to live eternally with him, and to see him at last!

Prompter & Echoes

Face to face!

Anna

We draw near to heaven’s gates and see the Holy City,
heavenly Zion!
Oh! It takes our breath away,
as when Sheba’s visiting queen first saw Solomon’s grand temple! Such astonishing magnificence!
Such massive, beautifully jeweled gates!

Prompter & Echoes

Unspeakable glory!

Voice

Come, beloved, chosen from before the foundation of the world.

Anna

The huge gates swing open. But wait!
What is this? I was not expecting it.
Before the entrance, we must pass through the customs inspection
and leave our contraband behind.
Jesus examines our baggage with purifying fire.
Before his judgment seat, we can hide nothing.

Prompter & Echoes

Trial by fire!

Anna

1 Corinthians 3 describes this fiery test.
Jesus tries our works, the things we did on earth.

Prompter & Echoes

It recalls a fire in Numbers 31.

Anna

Moses orders his army captain to take action. Listen.

Moses

Captain of the host! Arm your men for war.
You will carry out the Lord’s order.

Prompter & Echoes

To battle!

Captain

We soldiers attack Midian as the Lord had commanded Moses,
and we burn their cities.
We return with a huge amount of captured treasure.

Moses

Captain, what is all that stuff you carried back with you?
Your men are trying to sneak forbidden things into the Lord’s camp.

Captain

It is the booty we captured, Moses.
Just look at these amazing images of silver and gold.
They’re worth a fortune!

Prompter & Echoes

We are rich!

Moses

How dare you bring those cursed idols into the Lord’s sacred camp!

Prompter & Echoes

Contraband!

Moses

Build a hot fire, Captain, and pass all that booty through the flames.

Prompter & Echoes

Let it melt the metals!

Captain

I build a great fire and we toss the silver and gold idols into it.
They melt. We also throw in pagan images of wood.
The fire dies down,
and we salvage only the gems and precious metals,
no longer shaped as the graven images that God detests.

Prompter & Echoes

No more idols!

Moses

The gold, silver and bronze that withstood the fire are clean.
Bring them into the Lord’s camp, Captain. Nothing else.

Prompter & Echoes

Only what is pure.

Anna

It’s the same now, on our way to Glory.
We can bring no contraband into the heavenly city of Zion.

Prompter & Echoes

Jesus himself lights the flames.

Anna

I recall what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:
“No one can lay a foundation except on Jesus Christ.
If one builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones,
wood, hay or straw, one’s work will become evident;
the day of Christ will reveal it with fire.”

Prompter & Echoes

Purifying fire!

Anna

The fire tests our works. For what remains we will receive reward.
For what burns up we will suffer loss;
but we ourselves will be saved.

Prompter & Echoes

Saved by fire!

Onesimus

Let go of me, Philemon! Let go!

Prompter & Echoes

Let me go!

Philemon

You stole from me, Onesimus, and disobeyed.
Have you forgotten that you are my slave?
I own you! I’m going to lash you!

Onesimus

I will never work for you again, you dirty pig!
I will die first!

Philemon

You will not get far, Onesimus!
I’ll make you pay, you lazy thief!

Prompter & Echoes

You’ll be sorry!

Onesimus

I break loose and run far away. (Go a distance from Philemon.)

Prompter & Echoes

Years pass.

Onesimus

I am now in Rome where I meet the Apostle Paul in prison.
This changes everything for me.
Paul tells me about Jesus, and I repent.

Paul

Onesimus, I appreciate your visits; you are a great help to me.

Onesimus

And God used you, Paul, to give me a wonderfully new life.
Everything is different now, not like when I was Philemon’s slave.
I swear I will never go back to that life. Never!

Prompter & Echoes

He would die first!

Paul

Onesimus, you are my son in the faith, and are living obediently;
I advise you to return to your former owner, Philemon.

Onesimus

What? Go back to Philemon!
Never! How can I return to slavery?

Paul

Philemon is a believer now.
I will write him a letter for you to take to him.
Things will be different.

Onesimus

Well, I trust you, Paul, and I trust God, so I will do as you say.
(Walk to Philemon.)

Prompter & Echoes

He trusts Paul’s advice.

Philemon

Onesimus! I don’t believe it!
I never wanted to see you again!

Onesimus

And I never wanted to see you again, Philemon,
but something happened to change all that.
The apostle Paul sent this letter to you!
(Pretend to hand a letter to Philemon).

Philemon

I read the letter twice, and weep.
I will read portions of it to you.

 

“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, to Philemon our beloved brother,
and to the church in your house: grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I appeal to you for my spiritual child Onesimus,
whom I have begotten in my imprisonment.”

Prompter & Echoes

Paul’s spiritual child!

Philemon

I keep reading.

 

“Onesimus formerly was useless to you,
but now is useful both to you and to me.
I have sent him, who is my very heart, back to you.”

Prompter & Echoes

What a surprising letter!

Philemon

Oh! I don’t know what to think!

Onesimus

Keep reading, Philemon, please.

Philemon

“Onesimus was separated from you for a time,
so that you could receive him back forever,
no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother in the Lord.
If you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me.”

Prompter & Echoes

Amazing!

Philemon

“If Onesimus owes you anything, I will repay it.
Having confidence that you will comply,
I write knowing that you will do even more than what I say.”

Prompter & Echoes

Confidence in God’s grace!

Philemon

Onesimus! (Embrace Onesimus.) Welcome back!
You are no longer my slave; you are my brother!

Prompter & Echoes

Freedom in Christ!

John

I, John, am in exile on the Island of Patmos.
While praying, I am whisked up in the spirit
and see events in heaven in preparation
for the great Marriage Feast of the Lamb.
Hear a powerful angel’s mighty voice!

Angel

Fallen! Fallen! Fallen! Babylon the great has fallen!

Prompter & Echoes

God is judging the world!

John

I see what will happen in the future, and it frightens me.

Angel

That great city has become a dwelling of demons.
All peoples have drunk the wine of her immoral passion!
Kings have committed acts of immorality with her!
Merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth
of her sensuality.

Prompter & Echoes

Woe! Woe!

John

That wicked city represents worldly civilization.
Now I hear thunder so deafening that I cover my ears!
No! It is God’s voice!

Voice

Come out of her, my people. Do not take part in her sins;
her crimes have piled up as high as heaven.
The rulers of the earth who lived sensuously with her
will weep and lament over her
when they see the smoke of her burning.

Angel

Woe, woe, you great city, Babylon!
In one hour your judgment has come.
Earth’s merchants weep over you;
no one buys your wares anymore!

Prompter & Echoes

Abandoned!

John

Look!
The powerful angel lifts a huge stone
and hurls it into the sea!

Angel

Thus you, Babylon, the great city,
will be thrown down with violence.
Musicians will perform in you no longer;
no artisans will practice their arts in you.

Prompter & Echoes

It is the end!

Angel

You deceived the nations with your sorcery,
and in you flows the blood of prophets and saints
whom you have slain on the earth.

John

I hear mighty peals of thunder
and the voice of a great crowd
like the sound of many oceans,
shouting praises to the Almighty.

Prompter & Echoes

He reigns forever!

Voice

Rejoice! The marriage of the Lamb is prepared
and his bride is ready.
She is clothed in fine linen, bright and clean.
This is the righteous acts of the saints.

Angel

Blessed are those who are invited
to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

John

I fall at the feet of the angel to worship him,
but he lifts me up.

Angel

Do not do that, John! Worship God.
I am only your servant,
and the servant of your brothers
who hold the testimony of Jesus,
which is the spirit of prophecy.

John

Look out! A white horse is racing by!
Its rider holds up a banner, FAITHFUL AND TRUE.

Prompter & Echoes

It is Jesus!

Angel

  (Shout) In righteousness he judges and wages war.
His eyes are flames; he wears many crowns.
His name is WORD OF GOD!

John

The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen,
follow him on white horses.
A sharp sword comes from his mouth
and strikes down nations.

Angel

He rules them with a rod of iron!

Prompter & Echoes

King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

John

Now I see a huge white throne and him who sits on it,
from whose presence the old earth
and the old heaven have fled away.
The dead, great and small, stand before the throne.

Angel

Books are opened, and the book of life.
God judges the dead from the things recorded in the books,
according to their deeds.

Prompter & Echoes

His judgments are perfect!

John

The sea gives up the dead that were in it,
and death and Hades give up the dead that were in them.
God judges all, according to their deeds.

Angel

Those whose name does not appear in the book of life
he casts into the lake of fire.

John

Look! A new heaven and earth!
The first heaven and earth have passed away!
The holy city New Jerusalem is ready,
as a bride adorned for her husband.

Angel

Look! The dwelling of God is among men,
and they are his people.
God himself wipes away every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death,
nor mourning, nor crying nor pain;
these things have all passed away, forever.

Prompter & Echoes

Eternal Joy!