A.D. The Bible Continues (2015): Season 1, Episode 11 - Rise Up - full transcript

Statues of you
across the empire.

We will have one in the temple.

We should assume

there'll be
a full-scale rebellion.

This is about
the destruction of the temple!

Thank you, Joanna,
for leading me to Jesus.

Tabitha!

All enemies of Rome...

...are punished and crushed.

- And you are? - Chief Treasurer
to the Queen of Ethiopia.

You tell this Ethiopian



that we would be honored
to entertain

such an important visitor.

Soon the abomination
will be here...

A statue that heralds
eternal war.

Do you not see
that we need to unite

to fight this monstrosity?

We aren't enemies, James.

If this is true,
stop persecuting us.

This could be the end.

This temple is not just
bricks and mortar

built by the hands of men.

It is the house of God on earth,

his home,

the Holy of Holies.



And it's under threat.

Within days,

a statue of the Roman Emperor

will arrive in Jerusalem.

He demands it be placed
inside the temple

and that we should worship it.

Put it here.

If God's house is defiled
by this abomination,

he will remove himself.

He will leave the temple,
and he will leave us.

Our crops will rot and fail.

Famine and plague will dance
upon the land.

Our children will starve.

Our enemies will delight
in our weakness,

and we shall be helpless
to oppose them.

We cannot allow it!

We will not allow it!

don't stop. Don't stop.

Don't give them a reason
to look.

Please, uh, help yourself.

Good, huh?

That is why I speak to you now.

We must come together
to protect the temple.

Every sect, every creed,
every town, every region...

We must set aside
our differences.

Now is the time
for brotherhood and unity!

To let 100,000 speak
with one voice!

We stand with you, high priest.

Go to your people!

Call them to stand
with the temple!

There are rumors

that this statue is made
of pure gold.

Clearly, there are no limits
to this Emperor's vanity.

You should be grateful.

His arrogance
will enrage the city

and bring thousands more
to the cause.

It is fortunate that I am here
and able to help.

That's not just chance.

It is God's will.

We are ordained to succeed.

Yes.
I believe we are.

And my Queen will be thrilled

when she learns
what I have done.

Our victory will be celebrated
not just in Ethiopia.

We will give the rest of the
world confidence to fight back.

We are lighting a fire
that will burn Rome to cinders.

You've done enough.

The widows will collect
these later.

They asked me to thank you
for your charity.

But I'm not finished.

Your wounds are too raw,
Tabitha.

You're losing too much blood.

You must rest.

I feel much better.

And this makes me feel
that I'm contributing.

Please rest.

I enjoy it.

I have my sewing,

and the men have their very long

and very important
conversations.

They were all on their feet,
cheering the high priest.

And as I listened to him, I...

Well, forgive me,
but I couldn't help but imagine

it was myself in his place,

but I was talking
about Jesus Christ.

Can you see what that could
be like for all of us?

Imagine being able to speak
his name without fear.

Yes.
Yes, and more than that.

Imagine being able to influence
the Sanhedrin from within.

No more hiding in the dark,
no more whispering his name.

Well, what do you say, hmm?

And you really think Caiaphas
is going to give you all this?

Yes.

And what will he want in return?

Well, we will negotiate,
you and I.

Not me.

Not with the man
that killed Jesus.

Peter, this is our chance

to take the church of Jesus
forward.

Oh, no. I have to keep
you all safe, away from him.

We don't need the temple.

Let me at least speak to him.

I am no novice.
I will press him hard.

I will not deny our Lord again!

Hey, Roman pigs!

Hold, hold, hold, hold, hold.

They're just boys.

Move on.

My brothers!

My brothers, you have come

because you know
that God calls upon you

to defend his temple
against this abomination.

We will unleash a righteous wave

that will cleanse the temple
of its corrupt priesthood

and wash every last trace
of Rome from our lands!

Ethiopia has given us weapons

and the means to make our own.

We have the implements
to cut out this Roman infection.

But we need pious hands
to put them into,

your hands.

So, are you with us?

I see Caiaphas has sent
his little rodent to spy.

No.

I've been sent with a message.

The high priest extends
an invitation

to discuss
how we proceed together.

Liar.

Take him away!

I'd like to increase the number
of patrols around Jerusalem.

Putting men on the streets
is an act of provocation.

W-we're a holding force,
not an army.

More men will help hide
this fact.

Very well.

Double the number of patrols.

We'll get through this.

We always do.

This miserable city...

Look at you.

You haven't touched your food.

The centurion's worries
don't help.

Is there anything I can do?

Name it and it's done.

Perhaps there is something.

The Nazarene woman, Joanna...

Release her.

What is your interest
in this woman?

Only one of empathy.

Empathy breeds weakness,
Claudia.

And we are not weak.

I don't see
how my showing concern...

You are not weak.

Do you understand me?

I've upset you.

No.

Your words make a lot of sense.

I've been too bold.

You... you are the rock.

Your concern for our safety...

James, please.

You've done nothing wrong
except speak better than I can.

And we could not hope for anyone
better to fight our cause.

I only want an end
to the persecution.

I cannot forget
what that man did to Jesus.

When Jesus was on the cross,

when the pain was so great

that his body
would contort and shake,

he cried out,
"Father, forgive them,

for they know not
what they do."

If he asks it of God,

then he asks it of us, too.

Yes, of course.

James will talk
to the high priest,

and we will finally see an end
to our persecution.

Let's go together.

No.
My presence won't help.

Then tell me what terms
you'll accept.

I have faith in your judgment,
and God will guide you.

But I must leave Jerusalem.

Well, where are you going?

Out there.

To preach.

High priest, I must remind you
of your own pledge...

An end to the persecution
and arrest

of those who follow Jesus.

It must stop immediately.

You're setting conditions
for me?

Very well.

I end it now.

Thank you.

It must surely follow that
we be free to preach openly.

There are limits
to what's acceptable.

The Romans are
a very literal people.

They take any mention of kings
at face value

and call it sedition.

Saying Jesus is a king
endangers the temple.

Then we'll be cautious.

And you'll refrain
from saying he's the Messiah.

But that is the truth.

Your truth will offend many.

And I may not be able
to protect you.

We wish to sit in the temple
and win respect,

not offend anyone.

But we will not be censored.

He is the Messiah.

You're not shy in your requests,
are you?

He is the son of God.

He is resurrected.

And he will return.

Well, if you will not be
persuaded otherwise...

I won't.

Then let it be so.

I trust you will remember
my generosity

in the days to come.

Success.

We're allowed back?

We are.

Come in. Come.

Alms for the poor.

Thank you.

Tabitha?

Somebody help me!

We need to get her
back to the house.

I'm sorry, Mary.

I should have listened to you.

No, don't worry.
I'm here.

Mary, take me home to my family,
to Joppa.

Please, I have to see them again
before I die.

I'm not sure
you'll get that far.

We have to.

Then let's hurry up.

I'll help you take her.

No.
I must do it.

This is my fault.

Because of me,
they're going to execute Joanna.

I can't lose Tabitha, too.

Is it... Tolerable,
Joanna?

It's God's will.

I trust in him.

Please, I, um...

You need to eat
to keep your strength up.

Thank you.

Has your husband decided
when it will be done?

He doesn't get to decide
everything.

Stop there.

Roman pigs.

Relax.

Besides, they are looking
in the wrong carts.

You've seen how they've
increased their numbers?

It's only natural.

They feel threatened.

Sit.

What do you want?

Levi sent me.

He's concerned
you're too... visible.

Why?

Do I not blend in?

Still, there is no sense in
drawing attention to yourself,

here of all places.

Let me explain something to you.

I am a visiting dignitary
here to be seen.

I have nothing to hide,
no hidden agenda.

But the moment
I disappear from view,

then I draw attention to myself

and they begin to ask questions.

So, when I am visible,
I am untouchable.

Now, let us consider
your responsibilities,

shall we?

The temple spy could make
my life very uncomfortable.

Do I have your assurance
that he will not be a problem?

Out here?
For the vultures?

Then let me make my peace
with God.

Hear, O Israel.

The Lord is our God.

Enough!

Blessed be the name
of his glorious kingdom

forever and ever.
Enough, I said!

You shall love the Lord,
your God, with all...

High priest!

Bring my physician.

Sit.
That's it.

Things are far worse
than we imagined.

Will he live?

Mm-hmm.

And he's certain of what he saw?

Ethiopian weapons?

The zealots have the will,
and now they have the means.

They will turn this crisis
into war.

I knew that they'd try, but I
never thought they'd be able.

We must go to Pilate,

tell him about their plans,

let him deal with them.

We can't.

We'll be damned
as collaborators.

In their eyes,
we already are collaborators.

The zealots want us dead.
Can't you see?

So I control them.

It's too late.

They already have weapons.

And this revolt
will never succeed.

Rome will crush it
and crush us with it.

And you know that.

Go to Pilate.

Save this city
from a Roman massacre.

Are you suggesting
that we open the doors

and allow the temple
to be defiled?

God will leave the temple
for a time, yes.

And we will suffer
in his absence.

But he will hear our prayers,

and in time,

the temple will be cleansed
and God will return.

No.

Never.

Never!

I refuse to be the high priest

who allowed God to abandon us.

Never!

The future of Judea
is uncertain,

but I bring you God's message.

Salvation will be found

in the name of Jesus Christ.

Philip.

Philip.

What brings you here?

I thought you'd be in Jerusalem.

I was coming back
to be with you all.

But you've been doing so well...

Your work in Samaria.

Many more have come to Jesus.

But how can I ignore Jerusalem?

It's our home,
the center of everything.

Jesus told us to spread his word

to the ends of the earth.

Your work is vital.

So, what should I do now?

Go to the south,

to the desert road that leads
from Jerusalem to Gaza.

We should go.

Right now.

Go where?

The Gaza road.

What are you talking about?

You didn't see the angel?

Go.

Do as the angel commanded.

And I'll press on towards Joppa.

You're home now, Tabitha.

I'm not ready to die.

My daughter.

Mother.

She's injured.

It's her back.

I must speak to Pilate.

To what purpose?

You asked me for my help.

I have information
that will prevent a massacre.

Then why the secrecy?

If you want my help...

Because I must betray
both those I hate

and those that I love.

I think you need to hear
what she has to say.

The zealots have formed
an alliance with Ethiopia.

They are armed

and are using Caligula's statue
as a catalyst.

They plan to launch
a huge uprising

against Rome.

Check everyone!

Get out of the way!
Move! Stand aside!

Check the stairs!

We are betrayed. Quick!

Forget the Ethiopian's weapons.

We still have our own.

Open up!

Check the rooftop!

We missed them.
Check there!

Line up!

Come with me.

To what end?

What is this nonsense?

I am my Queen's Chief Treasurer.

Any harm to me
would be an act of war.

Importing weapons
is an act of war.

Possibly.

But you are in no position
to provoke Ethiopia.

You have no regard
for your tongue.

I just want to remind you
that your new emperor

doesn't seem to care
for this region.

You are out here on your own.

So, your Queen would risk an
attack on the empire, would she?

She would relish
the opportunity.

I don't think she would.

I don't think she even knows
about this, does she?

You've overstepped the mark.

She trusts me implicitly.

And so her disappointment in you
will be all the greater.

Bring his things.

Diplomacy does indeed prevent me
from killing you,

but I shall write to your Queen.

I imagine you will never be able
to return to Ethiopia again.

And after you'd given up so much
for her.

Your men shall remain here
as slaves to their superiors.

Pick it up.

Tch, tch, tch!

What is this?

It is a gift
from the high priest, Caiaphas.

You may keep it as a reminder
of your foolishness.

Remove this... Creature
from my city.

These are days that test
our faith to the limit.

When we feel injustice and
outrage churning in our hearts,

Rome fills our streets
with soldiers.

We still have weapons.

And God still favors us.
You told me so.

Yes, you're right.
Our cause is just.

But I won't forget this.

Rome threatens our temple,

throws a shadow of fear
over our city!

But you will find
light and salvation

in the name of Jesus Christ.

Fine words.

But words won't protect
the temple.

I told you
I'm loyal to the cause.

And when the Romans charge us,

will you still be loyal then,

with a sword in your hand?

...for the continued peace
of the region.

What are you doing?

I am composing an amusing
little note to our dear friend,

the Great Queen of Ethiopia.

You did well today, Claudia.

Thank you.

Having brought Leah to you
and her information,

I was wondering if perhaps,
as a favor in kind,

you might consider releasing
the Nazarene woman.

Firstly, this revolt
is still very much alive.

And second,

you bring information to me
as a matter of course,

because you are my wife,
it is your duty.

But that's...

I would hate to think

that you only brought Leah to me

because you thought you might
exploit the opportunity.

I did what was right
to prevent war.

And you have a duty as my
husband to listen to my advice.

She will be put to death,
Claudia.

She has to be.

And that's the end of it.

Read it back to me.

Joanna.

Come with me.

It's time to go.

What are you doing?

Come.

Open the door.

You know who I am, don't you?

Open the door.

And if you don't,

you'll have to explain why not
to my husband.

Your interest in this woman
is unnatural.

What has she done to you?

She's done nothing.

She preys upon others
and twists their minds.

She poisoned the ear
of that young seamstress,

and now she's doing
the same to you.

No.

I just believe it is wrong
that she should suffer.

And so you would betray me
for a stranger.

What spell has she cast
upon you?

Why would you want to shame me
with her escape?

Very well.

You shall have your wish.

You may choose
to set her free now

by strangulation

or let her go to the cross.

Look at her.

She's already halfway there.

All it takes
is a little squeeze.

You're a monster.

You think you are trying to
save her from me.

But I'm trying to save you.

Don't make me choose.

I will choose.

Very well.

Cornelius.

In the name of Christ,
I forgive you.

This ends here.

Do you understand?

Prepare.

Begin.

"He was led like a sheep
to the slaughter."

As a lamb before his shearer
is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

In his humiliation,
he was deprived of justice.

Who shall speak
of his descendents?

"For his life was taken
from the earth."

You look to have fallen
on hard times, friend.

Indeed.

And I have fallen hard.

If you need help,

I've repaired a few wheels
in my time.

Thank you.

Please.

The passage you were reading
just now from Isaiah...

...does it bring you
comfort?

I had hoped it would,

but I am struggling
to understand it.

Does the prophet speak
of himself

or of someone else?

He's talking of a man

who knew great suffering
and humiliation,

the man who taught us
that, through faith,

we will find salvation in him.

Who is this man?

He is Jesus Christ,

the son of God.

I'm sorry.

Tabitha!
So sorry.

Look!
Water in the desert.

Now what can stop
my being baptized

and taking the word of Jesus
into the corners of the world?

Do you repent your sins?

I do. I do.

I have looked past God.

I have been proud,
and I have been conceited.

I have been an ambassador
for violence and hate.

That is past.

What matters is
who you now choose to be.

Are you ready?

Do you believe in Jesus Christ,
the son of God,

who died on the cross

and rose again on the third day?

I do.

Then in the name of the Father

and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,

I baptize you.

Then it is true!

Ha! Ha!

For wide is the gate
and broad is the road

that leads to destruction,

and many enter through it.

And small is the gate

and narrow the road
that leads to life.

And only a few find it.

Mary.

I promised Tabitha
I wouldn't let her die.

I thought my faith
would be enough.

She was so sweet

and so happy
to have found Jesus.

I'm responsible for her death.

You are not responsible.

It is God's will.

Will you come and see her?

Don't be afraid.

This is Peter,
the man I told you about.

What did you tell them about me,
Mary?

I told them the truth.

And why have you
brought me here?

Because I believe
you can help her.

Yes!

Tabitha!

Tabitha!

Get up!

Get up!

Yes!

Yes!

He cured Tabitha!

Peter.

Peter, thank you.
Thank you.