Running the Race

ACT 2 Scene 3 SETTING: In the city of Philippi (Macedonia). AT RISE: PAUL, SILAS and TIMOTHY are at the house of LYDIA. They are gathered in a room with three other women. PAUL and SILAS are off to the side speaking quietly. TIMOTHY (To LYDIA) We are ever so grateful for your kind hospitality. LYDIA Not at all, the joy and pleasure has been ours - to think that we would have the blessing to meet the servants of the Lord - right here in our city. What made you come to the river? TIMOTHY It has been Master Paul’s manner to first visit the synagogues. We are well aware that Philippi is a colonia and there is no synagogue here. Upon entering the city we were made aware that there was a prayer gathering near the river so we went. SARAH It was so fortunate for us that you did. REBECCA What led you to our city in the first place? TIMOTHY Not so much fortune but the mercy of our Lord God. He showed Master Paul a vision - a man of Macedonia asking for assistance. We wasted no time in making our way here from Troas. SARAH Have you met this man? TIMOTHY (Looking at the three ladies around him) Hmm .. well … (They all laugh) PAUL (Laughs also) God himself told Moses to wait and see if his Word would come to pass or not. We do the same. LYDIA Is everyone ready to go to prayer? TIMOTHY Master Paul and Master Silas will be joining you today - I’ve been given some chores to do in the city. I will join up with you later - same location? LYDIA Yes, by the river. TIMOTHY (TIMOTHY leaves) LYDIA Alright everyone, let’s be on our way. (They walk out the door) SILAS (Looking down the street where a crowd has gathered) Paul, look! I believe it is that same woman that has been following us around. PAUL Yes, indeed it is. LYDIA Shall we take another street? PAUL No, it is time. LYDIA Time for what? (SILAS takes her by the arm and shakes his head) SALOME (Sarcastically) There they are again. Aren’t they so wonderful. (She points at PAUL and SILAS) These men are the servants of the most high God! PAUL (Stops in front of the woman) SALOME (Circling around PAUL) They are the ones who will show us the way of salvation. They are the servants of the most high God. PAUL Stand still woman! SALOME (More sarcastically and in a crazed manner) Show me the way of salvation! You are the servant of the most high God! Show me the way of salvation! PAUL (Louder) Stand still! SALOME (SALOME stops in her tracks looking right at PAUL) PAUL I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! SALOME (Shrieks and falls to the ground moaning) SILAS (Walks over and takes her by the hand to help her up) SALOME (Quietly. Voice has noticeably changed) Where am I? How did I get here? And … and, why do I feel so at peace? PAUL Good lady, you have been delivered by the power of Jesus Christ. God has enabled all those who believe in Jesus Christ to walk in his power and ... FELONIUS (Steps in and cuts PAUL off. Takes SALOME by the shoulders) What have you done? Salome! Salome! Where have you gone? What has happened to you? BARAK (Pushes PAUL away) Stand aside you huckster! What sort of curse is this?!! FELONIUS Speak Salome - speak to us as you always have ... The crowd is waiting for you. CROWD MEMBER 7 I have already paid you! She must do her job! CROWD MEMBER 8 I have also - I want my money back! You scoundrel! BARAK Don’t be so hasty my good men - Salome will be back. (To SALOME harshly, holding her by the arm) Speak now you hag or there will be no more food for your family! Speak! SALOME I do not understand. What is it you want me to say? I must go home at once. (She breaks free with help from SILAS and runs off) PAUL Lydia, please follow her and tell her about the savior. She must understand her deliverance. LYDIA Come Rebecca, Rachel - we must go. (They follow SALOME) FELONIUS (A crowd has gathered. The MAGISTRATE with his two AIDES is among them. To PAUL) What is this you bring to our good city? You have destroyed our livelihood with your curses! BARAK (To a couple of men in the crowd) Quickly - grab them before they escape! CROWD MEMBER 7 CROWD MEMBER 8 (The men take hold of PAUL and SILAS) MAGISTRATE What is this commotion? Do I need to call the guards? Why the disturbance? This is a violation of Roman law. FELONIUS It is these strangers good magistrate - they are barbarians, Jews who trouble our city. BARAK They have no respect for Roman law! CROWD MEMBER 7 I have heard them in the marketplace. They speak about another king and deny Caesar. FELONIUS They have been teaching customs that are unlawful for good Romans. They have even cursed Salome and stolen her living! CROWD MEMBER 8 (Growing restless start to shout at PAUL and SILAS) Get out you foreigners! Rome has no love for Jews!