Original subtitles

Previously on Testament.

Our parties may have their differences, but we can't let that distract us from

the real danger at hand.

There's a far worse threat to our faith.

Our reputation is at stake, High Minister.

We must do something.

How else are we to respond if you keep testing the temple?

Do you want us to hand you over to the Imperium?

High Minister.

We've seen men like these before. They're not special.

These men are not worth the Imperium's time. They're not worth your time.

I had them. They were all there.

And you, you let them go. Enough, Saul.

You're honest.

You sound like a child.

And you sound like a Jesus follower.

When did your mind turn so dull that you stopped being able to see?

Get out.

You are released from my tutelage, you are stripped of your station, and I do

not want to see you in here ever again.

We're finished.

One by one, you will all cast your votes, choosing who you think is called

lead. Put forward individuals who are reliable, full of the spirit, and full

wisdom.

Those... are the attributes that we believe are required to lead God's

And finally, Stephen.

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

Have you heard of the Jesus followers?

The Jesus followers?

Abigail. What?

Of course I've heard of them. They're all over the street.

Not just in the street.

They're in the synagogues.

Which ones? Several.

Now they're in the Friedman Synagogue.

They're not in yours yet. They will be soon.

Ministering? They might as well be.

They ask the ministers questions they can't respond to and then offer up

themselves. The temple won't allow that. It's been happening for weeks.

No one stopped it.

The miracles, Abigail. The words they use when they speak. You just feel.

What?

Do you believe them?

Between us?

I'd like to.

Talia. What does your father say?

He hates it.

He's all the speakers.

But the one that interrupted the day?

I knew him from when I was a kid. But now he's such a great teacher. He

scripture at ease.

I think I saw him call on his Jesus and then he healed someone.

It's as if his Messiah is standing right next to him, whispering the words in

his ear.

Talia, don't talk like that.

Excuse me?

And don't be fooled.

Some of those followers will have been preparing for this for a long time.

That's exactly what I'm saying. I knew this one.

And he was normal.

Perfectly ordinary.

Happened to him a few months ago. No one was talking about the event.

What did you just say?

Should I explain that again, or would you like me to continue?

Moses spoke of the son of Eve that would crush the evil underfoot. And he was

talking about the Imperium. But it's more than the Imperium. It's the daily

Our unrelenting bend to sin.

Ritual can't atone for us. But the royal priest offers us grace and forgiveness

if we accept his sacrifice.

Isn't the royal priest the high minister, Caiaphas? That's a royal

not the royal priest.

Jesus is the royal priest as promised in Genesis.

And God calls us each to be a temple. Do you have anything to add?

Yeah, sure, I can go. Not you.

Right. Yeah.

How can we be a temple? Like a building. A temple is where God's spirit dwells.

And the Holy Spirit is available to each... Can I ask you a question? Yeah,

what's your name?

No, no, no.

This is a synagogue.

There will be no more questions for him.

If anyone has a question, they can ask Minister Noah.

Why are you not speaking?

Stephen.

Talia. It's been ages.

Why do you talk like that now?

Like what?

You were so quiet.

How do you get so... Come along.

I think she wanted to speak. How many times do you have to be told?

Follow your mother's example, Stephen.

Stay away from here.

Hello? Hey, good morning.

Good to see you.

Yes, I'd love to do it. Okay, yes.

Little James?

Hmm?

Why don't we think of speaking in a synagogue?

Shouldn't we be having these ideas before New Year's Month?

Why?

Jesus spoke in synagogues.

Yes, Thomas. He spoke in synagogues and the ministers were outraged.

Well, look at them now.

Minister.

Minister. Minister.

They're all turning to their face.

You sound surprised.

Yeah, because they're ministers.

Well, I hope we're ready for what it means.

What? Do we have to start wearing robes?

No.

But if we're going to their sacred spaces, it won't be long before they

ours.

Get out.

You are released, Saul. You are stripped of your station.

We are finished.

Saul?

Saul?

Saul, are you listening to me?

You need to do something today, brother.

Your faith is my life, Eliza.

I can't just distract myself with empty activities.

I just meant you could unpack.

I'm not staying.

Where are you going to go?

Did you go through my stuff?

Asha?

Have you gone through your uncle's teachings again?

Sorry, Uncle Sue.

Hurry up.

Are you going to try and get your job back? Please, not now.

You should speak to Gamaliel.

Or I could... Don't be jealous, sis.

I mean it.

She's a dumb one, you know. If it's your faith you need, then go be ministered

to.

You could go to the family synagogue.

Are they there?

Not every day. And that's the best we can hope for, is it? Stop!

They shouldn't be anywhere, ever!

It's wrong.

They are wrong.

I listened first to the minister, watched the congregation, someone asked

question about the oppression of our people, and I was straight in.

Oh, and there was this scary moment where somebody asked a question about

and I had no idea what to say.

And then it was just there.

Like you said.

And once I started talking, I just couldn't stop, you know? I did. More

listened than the first time, which is encouraging.

Some asked me to come back, and some told me not to.

When will you go?

At the end of the week again.

I'll refocus on the lower streets and my group's here for a few days.

What?

The way you care about people, it seems effortless.

It, um, sometimes feels overwhelming.

How do you mean?

Stephen.

Hey, James.

You guys okay?

Yeah, we're good.

Did you need me?

No, um... Yes, uh... The family you brought back the other day, they have

questions I told them I could answer, but... I'll head down.

OK, cool.

Thanks, James.

Oh, thank you. We can speak later.

Stephen!

Hey, buddy.

Do you want to come speak to some new people? Yeah.

What?

You tell me.

Next.

Destination Barbers. The street.

Visiting a friend.

All clear.

Go.

Next.

Where have you been?

Is everything okay?

They told me Stephen was safe.

People are talking about him. People I know are saying he's making noise at

synagogue.

He's been teaching their members.

You never told me about that. You said it was the street.

He's at your Liberty Synagogue. I'd hoped you'd hear him for yourself.

They're still not going.

Did you get a chance to study the passages we spoke about? Tell me how he

can pull you through them if you'd like. This is not where we meet to talk. Tell

me how he is.

Stephen is doing great.

He's growing as a speaker.

The followers trust him as a leader and are still staying with that friend I

told you about, Philip.

And he's spending more and more time with his mentor, Peter.

This Peter, is that you?

He knew your Messiah?

He's one of the twelve, yeah.

I think I should tell Stephen we've been meeting.

He should know I've been keeping you up to date.

What did your mother say when you told her you'd met the Messiah?

She ran to him.

She asked him if... My brother and I could be found in left and right third

he was crowned king.

What did he say to that?

He said she didn't know what she was asking for.

And he asked if... What?

If we were ready to take on the same suffering that he would take.

You can tell Stephen.

And when you do, there's something else I need you to say.

Wondering if they've come to hear from the cult followers.

Sadly, I think some have.

I'm Abdaya.

Who?

You're new here?

Not exactly new, no.

I came here as a boy with my parents.

Until recently, I've been a traveling minister for the temple.

Obadiah's boy.

Saul of Tarsus.

You knew my father?

A little.

He spoke of you fondly.

He was a good man.

With a strong faith.

A righteous man.

They're not here.

They're slightly seducing the weak -minded in the markets.

I'm not looking for the followers.

Where is the synagogue's teacher?

Oh, Stephen!

Someone wants to talk to you.

Minister?

Minister Nome!

I knew the first time you spoke that it was true.

Tried to disprove it, searched the texts.

But it's all there.

The sacrifice, the death that gives new life.

I've studied it every day for years.

Once I got it. Once I really got it.

And that day you spoke about the Holy Spirit.

I went home and I prayed. I asked and...

Oh, it's all a mess, really.

People will be so disappointed, but I can't seem to care. Not when... He came.

We waited and he came here to us.

Did you ever meet him?

No, I didn't.

But you feel like you know him.

Exactly that.

I want to see him.

I missed it this time, but I want to see him someday.

In this life or the next.

Thank you.

Excellent.

I'm very happy for you.

Minister Gamaliel.

Mara, is everything all right?

Are you busy, sir?

Not particularly.

There's a commotion outside. People insist on talking to a member of the

Sanhedrin.

Perhaps you should find your captain.

I was told it's not a guard matter.

Where is it?

Comm's office.

I don't usually deal with... It's really not that far, sir.

They're reporting that their places of worship has been invaded by heretics.

More and more people are coming to complain each day.

We are aware of the situation. It's been handled.

You mean the complaint forms?

I don't think it's working, sir. The individuals involved are being

Why monitoring?

We have the guard. We could stop them.

I can tell you two have strong feelings on the matter.

Many people do, sir.

They just worry voicing them will mean they're cast out.

We at the temple are in agreement.

The followers pose no real threat, and to respond with force, we send a message

that this is something that matters.

Believe me, Mara, if the wrong people think that, our temple guard won't be

to stop what comes next.

Follow your orders. Try not to worry.

It will blow over soon.

Do you really believe that, Minister?

I really do.

Gentlemen.

Oh, excuse me.

Sir, where do you think Yusuf is?

Sorry?

Of Arimathea, Jesus' tomb.

You're not meant to know about that.

Oh, Caiaphas trusts me. Besides, you know, technically we have the same

now.

I was actually just...

Stopping you to say thank you for what you did.

Genuinely.

Your opinion matters to the temple, and I know I wouldn't have this Sanhedrin

appointment if not for you.

I'm grateful you backed me.

Or rather, didn't back Saul.

So, if there's anything you ever need from me, please don't hesitate to ask.

Actually, I do need something.

So? Was there a problem?

Heathens are destroying our way of life.

Destroying everything. Our minister is not available. How many more synagogue

members must come here before you listen to us? How many more ministers must we

all lose before you do something?

Do you want to see Christ?

Did you really need to send a temple guard to summon me? Minister Saul has

arrived, Minister Ananias. Yes, I can see that.

Leave us.

You look aimless.

What do you want, Nye?

You're not going to congratulate me on my win?

Very well.

Have a seat then.

Or stand. That'll show me.

What's it like to be a minister without a station?

You called me here to gloat. No, no, no. I'm genuinely asking.

Because what you were doing before, stationed in rural districts, that was

unfortunate. But no station. That's just embarrassing.

I'll be off now. Would you like a job, Saul?

What job?

The Libertine Synagogue in the centre. It's lost its teacher.

I'm aware.

Do you know why?

I mean, yes and no.

Point is, I have a job vacancy to fill and I think you should take it.

It's very easy.

Serve the community, teach the scripture, and most importantly, keep

trouble.

You have a temple -given station and you can shave.

No. Fine, don't shave. No, to the job.

Because I've offered it to you? Because it won't fix the problem.

You really are your own worst enemy. What does that mean?

Are you a minister of the faithful?

Are you?

Because you often forget what that means.

At this moment, the people need to be guided in their belief by someone devout

and unyielding. And for all your faults, I'll admit those are qualities you

possess.

I'm offering you a way back in.

Take it.

At the very least, so you get your temple quarters back. I feel sorry for

who has to host you.

Your contract.

All you have to do is sign and hand it in to the comms office.

I'll think about it.

You have tomorrow to think, but I expect an answer the following morning.

Be smart, Saul.

Surprise me.

Did he accept the job?

So you're the reason he doesn't knock. Minister Gamaliel. Yes, thank you.

I'm not even going to ask why you have your own receptionist.

Sad you see.

Will he do it?

I gave him tomorrow to decide. We'll know by assembly the following morning.

It would be good for him and the Libertines.

But Saul is stubborn.

If he says no, you'll need to try harder to convince him.

Wait, listen. I appreciate your hand in my appointment, so I will do my best.

But seriously, Minister Gamaliel.

If you care so much about your protégé, why did you throw him to the dogs?

Lord, I want to know you like they do.

I want to know you too.

And I want to... Tanya, what did you just say?

What did you just say?

Yeah, it's a good idea.

I'm going to bring it up in briefing tomorrow.

Who's he been?

You guys seen Steven?

Um, he's at the Lower Streets preaching.

Well, no.

I agree with him.

Why?

Talia?

What are you doing in the lowers at this time? Your family will be worried. I

needed to find you.

What is it?

You're coming back this week, aren't you?

You have to come.

Oh, I was going to, yeah.

Members from different houses are going to start blocking you off rendering, but

no matter what happens, Stephen, you can't let it stop you. Blocking us how?

I want to hear.

We want to hear many of us. So please, you have to come back this week.

Um... Okay, I'll try.

I will.

Are you okay?

I need to get back home. No, Talia, wait.

Will it work?

Of course it will work.

As long as we are all prepared to do what it takes.

But I, for one... refused to stand idle as the fragile, defectual, and make

-believe Messiah.

So it's simple.

And if the temple insists on ignoring us, we only have one option.

So they're going to start blocking us. That's what Talia said.

Violently. Okay, so we keep care of the synagogue, then we stick to the streets.

But I said I'd go back. Let's see what happens first.

If it's dangerous for our people to be in there, then it's off the table. The

streets are working. Really working.

It's hard for us to keep up.

Actually, some of us wanted to bring that up.

Bring what up?

There is a growing number of people who are just finding our place. Yeah. They

say not everyone will come with good intentions.

OK, so what do we need? Better security, a different warehouse, a bigger

warehouse? Than this place.

Perhaps, like, maybe we need to think bigger than the capital.

Explain that to me.

It's time to stop doing what Jesus told us to do. He told us to wait here.

He said to wait until we had received the gift of the Spirit. That was

That was nearly a year ago.

What then?

So, we do the other thing he told us to do.

Make disciples of all men.

Wait, you mean... He said, go to Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth.

Instead of one warehouse here, it should be lots of houses everywhere.

We could send people further out to teach the faith and to establish more

communities. It's safer than staying here on the temple's doorstep.

Are we all going to go?

I don't know.

I'll go.

What?

It's loud here. I'd probably go, you know, back and forth. I'd go. Okay, the

more experienced followers should go first.

Oh, was that common spirit led or was that you? We both know the answer to

I want to see the world.

We'd mix people up.

Back and forth like Andrew said.

Everyone. The old and the new.

You want to go?

I think so.

If I can.

Pray about it.

That's where the Spirit sends you. You're with me.

Fieber, I'm not supposed to hear you first thing.

Sure.

What's up?

Is everything okay?

He's fine.

It's the synagogue.

Stephen was right. They're blocking us.

How bad is it?

Go on.

Tell them.

Well, I thought it'd be fine, but when I got there today, there was a line of

people stood at the door like a barricade, all shouting that they were

the house on behalf of the temple.

Something I'd never seen before.

Quite a few people came back this morning saying they had the same.

They look shaken.

Is everyone hurt?

No. Tell them what you did, Addy.

What?

I tried to jump over the members.

Jump?

Fly.

Sorry, what? I quoted the scripture.

Said I would soar like an eagle. Took a running jump and tried to fly.

And this is how you mentor, is it?

I'm handling it, but I didn't realise that we were expected to babysit these

people. How was I supposed to know that if I looked away for two seconds... We

need to be more careful.

Spread the word.

No forcing ourselves into synagogues.

We keep our people safe and we focus on the streets.

Abdiah's boy.

Abdiah.

Peace be upon you.

Making more complaints?

We're receiving them.

If anyone's place of worship is invaded, they can report to us here.

We'll see to it they're kept out.

I'm impressed.

Really.

It's nothing.

You should hear what's coming.

We'll be at service tomorrow.

Yes.

We could use you.

If you're willing.

I'm willing.

But think about it first.

What we're planning is reckless.

The temple won't like it, but it'll send a very clear message.

Tell me what I need to do.

I didn't know you'd come here.

Oh, yeah.

All the time.

I can go if you want to be alone.

No.

No. I'm glad you're here.

Do you remember the sermon you gave up there?

Not all of it.

One of the guys wrote some of it down, though.

I remember loads.

Word for word.

And I can still see it.

That was the greatest day of my entire life.

One of mine too.

James has been meeting my mum to tell her how I've been.

It's nice, isn't it?

Sounds very James.

She wants me to come home.

He told you that?

She asked him to.

She told him to tell me that she'd heard what the city was saying.

And that she'd been thinking about these words in Isaiah.

You know.

Our weaknesses he carried, our sorrows that weighed him down, and we thought

that his troubles were a punishment from God, but he was pissed for our

rebellion, crushed for our sins, beaten so we could be whole,

whipped so we could be healed.

She looked at that and...

She said she might not believe it, but she'd like to.

And she might not understand me, but she would listen to me.

She told him to tell me that I was still her son.

After Shabbat, I was prepared to lose everything.

I still am.

But maybe... Maybe I get to keep her.

So, you're going back home? Yep.

I'm going to go home. I'm going to teach my mom about Jesus.

I'm going to lay hands on her and she's going to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

I'm happy for you, my friend.

I can drive you tonight.

Oh, thank you, but it's fine. I'll head there tomorrow after synagogue.

I thought we weren't preaching at synagogues anymore. I know, I know, but

not going to teach inside. I'm just going to go to the service and then

members afterwards.

That's it. Stephen. I have to.

Talia, she... She looked afraid.

It's on the way home.

If they don't let me in, I'll just go. You can't go alone.

The apostles go out alone all the time. Till?

And God's always with them.

He always shows up.

What if I go with you?

I was supposed to be with Mary tomorrow, but perhaps... I'll be careful, friend.

Don't even think about it.

Part of that...

Come in.

Hey. Hey.

How did it go today?

Fine.

You accepted the job?

I handed in the contract.

That's great.

And you start tomorrow. Maybe Asher and I can come and... Let me get acquainted

first, Eliza.

Okay, fine.

This is good.

Mom would be proud.

And Dad.

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

Do not leave me.

Without you, God, nothing makes sense.

Give me courage to speak.

Ready? Ready.

Give me the right word.

Did he accept the job?

I'd give up if I were you.

He said no.

Read it.

Your boy is guided by hatred.

And it will be his downfall.

Remind me to love like you.

And when I lose my word...

Do not leave me, God.

Service me.

Don't leave me.

I have something I'd like to say to the congregation.

I, I, um... I've heard... Why did you get to speak?

Exactly. We were told that the congregation weren't allowed to. The

can speak as long as their words are in line with our laws.

He's not allowed to speak. We agreed only the minister should address the

congregation. And where is the minister?

And that's what I'd like to talk about.

Um... Why Minister Nome left.

Because I've heard... I've heard...

Well?

Come on.

I believe Minister Gnome left because... Minister Gnome left because he heard

words that changed him and you're asking him to pretend he hasn't.

He left because you're demanding he call the truth heresy.

You're insisting he call the ultimate sacrifice a defeat.

And you want to make the name of Jesus offensive here.

Well, this is where it should be celebrated.

We should celebrate a dead man.

You should humble yourself before a risen king.

You dare say that here?

Boldly.

It's you that should be careful.

You mock your life's atonement.

My atonement?

You manipulate my people.

You promised them the forgiveness of a crucified and forced Messiah.

When all they'll receive is judgment from a principled and holy God.

And you think you're fighting for our faith?

But you're fighting against it.

The same voice you're trying to silence is the one that constantly calls your

name.

There are some other people who have something to say.

We need to go!

Quiet, you! We need to come!

You have to leave!

Now.

We have some things we'd like you to address.

What they're saying?

I never said that. He says he never said it. Yes, he did!

I never said that. This man hates our people. He told me Moses was not the

man of God. He said the temple would be destroyed.

I can clarify anything you don't understand, but I can't address things

haven't said. He said it. I heard it.

If this man has voiced anything else you consider blasphemy, then speak now.

You want me to defend myself against lies?

No.

We want you to defend yourself before the Sanhedrin.

None of it's true, but it doesn't matter.

He's going to have to answer for you.

They're going to issue a public arrest.

They're going to take you to the devil.

You have to get help!

This man is a stain on the Jewish faith!

He is a mocker of traditions practiced by our fathers. His words are an

abomination. You stand with him or you stand with God.

Those who fear God will take this man to the temple

and demand he face the law.

If they cannot control him.

Where are your words now, then?

The next time you speak, it will be before the Sanhedrin.

That's where he's sending me.

That's where I'll go.

Thank you.