There are few movies that I am as excited to write a movie review about as Paul Apostle of Christ. It is a truly unique movie that portrays the early Church in a way that is rarely seen. Yes, we know that the Church in the first century was brutally persecuted. No other movie has captured the vile hatred exercised against the Church as Paul Apostle of Christ.
The opening scene of the movie is dark. It is perhaps the darkest opening to a movie I have ever seen. And this is in a rather ironic sense because it shows how Christians were used as human torches to light the streets of Rome. So as Luke, the physician, sneaks through the city's streets, his pathway is lit by the burning corpses of Christians who have been apprehended by the Roman authorities. Just as terrifying, the silence of the night is broken by the screams of fresh Christians being lit ablaze by Centurions.
The Church is in hiding as they plot their next move. Some people believe they need to stay in Rome and minister to those who are in need. Others believe they need to flee and save those who are in their assembly. And yet, a small faction wishes to rise up against Rome in an attempt to overthrow the existing power structure. All the while, Luke risks everything to comfort his friend, Paul, who resides in prison and awaits his historic execution.
A movie like Paul Apostle of Christ has not been made since The Passion of Christ. It's quality in terms of its cinematography, acting, and presentation of the Gospel is outstanding. It is well worthy of many rewards and should be seen by all Christians (over the age of thirteen).
Although the premise of the movie is grim in every way, the film's writers did an excellent job at gradually turning the tables throughout its progression. This is not accomplished in terms of the good guys overcoming a bad situation. Instead, it is revealed throughout the movie that the sufferings of the Church are those of Jesus Christ Himself. By enduring suffering and persevering in love, not only will believers be rewarded by God in paradise, but the eyes and hearts of many people will be opened so that they too may have an opportunity to share in the eternal reward.
In a world where corruption runs rampant, children are mercilessly slaughtered, and the wicked are allowed to evade justice, Paul Apostle of Christ is a timely movie. While those who are wrapped up in establishing power through earthly venues work towards their own destruction, those who persevere in the love of Christ are storing up treasures in heaven. Many of those treasures are in the form of others who will join us in heaven as a result of our faithful testimonies.
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