A.D. Kingdom and Empire Season 1 Episode 8 The Road to Damascus

In the eighth episode of A.D. Kingdom and Empire season 1, entitled "The Road to Damascus," the aftermath of Stephen's stoning continues to haunt Saul and the other members of the Sanhedrin. As the believers in Jesus flee Jerusalem in fear for their lives, Saul vows to pursue them to Damascus and bring them back to face punishment for their blasphemy.

Meanwhile, Peter and the other apostles make their way to Samaria, preaching the gospel and performing miraculous healings. But their newfound success attracts the attention of Simon the sorcerer, who wants to learn their secrets and achieve the same power for himself. When Simon offers the apostles money in exchange for their knowledge, Peter rebukes him harshly, warning him that his heart is not right with God.

Back in Jerusalem, Caiaphas and Annas continue to debate what to do about the growing threat of the Jesus movement. Caiaphas is wary of antagonizing the Roman authorities by cracking down too hard on the believers, but Annas believes that drastic measures are necessary to protect the Jewish faith from this dangerous new sect. When James and John are arrested for preaching in the temple, it seems that Annas may have gotten his way.

As Saul and his fellow Pharisees make their way to Damascus, they are suddenly confronted by a blinding light and a voice from heaven. Saul falls to the ground, stunned and terrified, while his companions look on in confusion. The voice tells Saul that he has been chosen for a special mission, and instructs him to go to Damascus and wait for further instructions.

When Saul rises to his feet, he discovers that he has been blinded by the vision. His companions lead him by the hand into Damascus, where he waits in darkness and despair for three days. Meanwhile, a believer named Ananias receives word from the Lord that he is to go to Saul and restore his sight. Ananias protests, knowing that Saul is a persecutor of the church, but the Lord insists that he follow his command.

Despite his fears, Ananias obeys and goes to Saul, who is astonished to hear that the Lord has spoken to Ananias. Ananias lays his hands on Saul and prays, and something like scales fall from Saul's eyes. He can see again, and a bright light fills his soul as he receives the Holy Spirit.

"The Road to Damascus" is a powerful episode that explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God's grace. We see Saul, one of the most feared and ruthless persecutors of the early church, brought low by a vision of the risen Christ, and transformed into Paul, one of the greatest evangelists and theologians of all time. We also see Ananias, an ordinary believer, summoned by God to play a pivotal role in this miraculous conversion. And we see Peter and the other apostles continuing to preach the gospel despite the dangers and challenges they face.

Overall, "The Road to Damascus" is a moving and inspiring episode that reminds us of the transformative power of faith, and the amazing ways in which God can work in even the most unlikely people.