Epoch 9

Epoch 9 of Tracing His Story marks a dramatic new chapter in the biblical narrative: the launch of the church. With Jesus risen and ascended, the disciples who once cowered behind locked doors are transformed into bold witnesses. Their transformation is not fueled by strategy or strength—but by the Spirit.

This epoch begins at the threshold of resurrection morning. The tomb is empty, the grave clothes undisturbed, and the Savior is alive. Yet the disciples remain disoriented, afraid, and uncertain. They are not heroes; they are doubters. But into their fear, Jesus steps. He stands among them and says, “Peace be with you.” He shows them his hands and feet. He eats with them. He opens the Scriptures to them and explains how everything written in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms pointed to himself. Their eyes are opened. Their hearts begin to burn.

Jesus remains with them for forty days, offering “many convincing proofs” that he is alive [Acts 1:3]. Then, on the Mount of Olives, he ascends into heaven, commissioning them to be his witnesses. But he does not leave them alone. He promises power—the coming of the Holy Spirit. And they wait.

The wait ends on Pentecost. On that fiftieth day after Passover, when Israel celebrated the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, the Spirit descends with fire and wind. The disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, begin to proclaim the wonders of God in languages they had never learned. Devout Jews from every nation hear the gospel in their own tongue. The church is born.

Peter, once hesitant and afraid, now stands up and preaches with boldness. He declares that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah, and calls the crowd to repent. Three thousand respond in faith and are baptized. From that moment, the church grows—not through power or politics, but through proclamation and the power of the Spirit.

The early believers devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. They sell possessions, share resources, and care for the poor. They are a radically new kind of community—a people shaped by the resurrection and filled with the Spirit.

But boldness draws backlash. As the gospel spreads in Jerusalem, opposition rises. Peter and John are arrested, warned, and threatened. Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, becomes the first martyr. Saul, a zealous Pharisee, begins to ravage the church, dragging believers from their homes. Persecution scatters the church—but does not stop it.

Instead, it accelerates the mission. The scattered believers take the gospel with them into Judea and Samaria, just as Jesus had foretold. Philip preaches in Samaria and to an Ethiopian official. Peter opens the door to Gentiles with Cornelius. The movement expands.

What began as a group of frightened disciples in an upper room becomes a Spirit-empowered people proclaiming Christ in every direction. And through it all, the message remains unchanged: Jesus is alive. The Messiah has come. Forgiveness is available. Repent and believe.

Epoch 9 shows us that God’s plan did not end at the cross or the empty tomb. It launched a movement that would carry the name of Jesus across continents and through centuries. The Spirit who came at Pentecost still empowers. The story that began in Jerusalem continues to the ends of the earth.

Watch Epoch 9 of Tracing His Story and witness how the risen King builds his church—through unlikely people, unwavering promises, and unstoppable power.