In AD 64, Rome is burning. Emperor Nero blames the destruction on the Christians living there. He imprisons the aging apostle Paul (James Faulkner) and any other Christian he can capture.
Luke (Jim Caviezel), who wrote about Jesus’ life even though he never met him, sneaks into prison to hear any messages Paul might have for the frightened Christian community, which is headed by Aquila (John Lynch) and Priscilla (Joanne Whalley). It is obvious that Paul’s days are limited, so Luke asks him to dictate the story of his conversion and the formation of Jesus’ early community of followers in what will become the Acts of the Apostles.
The Roman procurator, Mauritius (Olivier Martinez), is intrigued by Paul, but still orders him to be flogged. When Mauritius’ daughter is taken ill, he must decide to trust the Roman gods or take a chance on Luke, an aged healer. Meanwhile, Aquila and Priscilla are conflicted about staying in Rome: Do they remain to care for the community or flee to preserve the community? Paul offers no help: He trusts that they will remember his words about love, peace, and nonviolence, and discern the best thing to do.
Paul, Apostle of Christ is written and directed by Andrew Hyatt, who also wrote 2015’s Full of Grace. Here he imagines what Paul might have been like, physically and spiritually, at the end of his life. Faulkner does a brilliant job of portraying the former persecutor of Jesus’ followers. Caviezel, in a welcome change from his more solemn performances in film and television, is an animated friend and scribe to Paul.
Those who are interested in exploring what the personality of St. Paul might have been like will certainly appreciate this film. I was impressed by how the script integrated lines from Paul’s letters into believable dialogue. This technique often comes out heavy and preachy, but here it seems natural.
Thanks to St. Anthony Messenger for permission to re-post this review.
