Paul, Apostle for Christ is a powerful and remarkable telling of the story of the great apostle. Magnificently portrayed by James Faulkner, who brings a reverence and solemnity to the role, Paul often utters quotes that the viewer will recognize from the Scriptures. When some underground believers talk of attacking the Romans, Paul tells Luke (Jim Caviezel), “We cannot overcome evil with evil. Only good overcomes evil.” He adds that “love is the way” and later states that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.
Paul and Luke’s faith is tested, as is that of the other believers, as the prefect of the territory, Mauritius (Olivier Martinez), intends to squash any sign of rebellion or the spreading of Christianity. The movie opens in A.D. 67, and Paul has recently been imprisoned in Mamertine Prison by Emperor Nero, who blames him for the spreading of the Christian message. Interestingly, when Mauritius’ daughter becomes gravely ill, he allows the physician Luke to attend to her.
The film re-creates Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, when he was known as Saul, and he comments that he once hated the Christians, the very ones he eventually comes to defend and love. A scene also features Ananias, who prayed for Paul’s blindness after Paul lost his sight at the brightness of Christ.
There are some violent scenes, as the Romans attack Christians and vice versa, and bloody hands and a couple of pools of blood are seen on the ground. But it is not gratuitous and the story of Paul is dramatically and well told, with the final scenes leading up to his beheading, after he quotes, “I have fought a good fight, I have run my race, I have kept the faith.” The authentic-looking sets, clothes and the use of several of Paul’s quotes make this a wonderful film to watch. The loving response Paul insists on, even toward the violent Romans, is a gripping theme throughout the film. Paul wanted to remind everyone that being a Christian means being different, no matter what others do. With today’s modern “politically correct” social environment and the continued persecution of Christians by some, this movie seems incredibly timely, even though the events happened some 2,000 years ago. But then, God’s word is always timely, as is the demonstration of love.
We are pleased to award this film our 12+ Seal and highly recommend our Dove audience seeing it. James Faulkner brings Paul the Apostle to life! The ending scene is potent and powerful.
