Paul Apostle of Christ: A Review

Luke (James Caviezel) and Paul (James Faulkner)

"There is a terrible evil in the world... I know you suffer persecution...Faith is being tested... I know you question The Way. But I've come to Rome to find Paul. To write his story. To bring hope, to bring light to this present darkness. And to remind us all how God changed a hateful man."

Thus begins PAUL APOSTLE OF CHRIST.

The opening moments of this powerful film paint a very bleak picture. Following a horrendous fire, Nero, emperor of the Roman Empire, is going full throttle in his persecution of followers of The Way (as early followers of Jesus were called).  Among the various theories as to what caused the fire, the film focuses on Nero blaming Christians, thus setting up the first wide-spread persecution of them.

(The fire, by the way, happened in AD 64. And it was quite extensive - with only four of Rome's fourteen districts escaping damage.)

Regardless of the cause, it's a bleak time for those living in Rome, and especially for followers of The Way.

In response to such active persecution (being burned alive as torches, being fed to animals for entertainment) followers have gone into hiding.

James Faulkner as Paul the Apostle

Despite the danger, the evangelist Luke, who had traveled previously with Paul on missionary journeys, feels compelled to come into Rome to visit his friend. Luke (played by James Caviezel) is anxious to record Paul's thoughts, in preparation for writing Acts of the Apostles. At this point Paul has been arrested as an enemy of the state, and is in the Mamertine prison in Rome awaiting execution.

PAUL THE APOSTLE does an excellent job of showing us some of the conversations that take place between the two friends as Paul is facing his final days.

Paul (played by James Faulkner) knows his life on earth is almost complete. As any of us would, he looks back reflectively. This includes his quite active persecution of followers of The Way. Luke's Acts of the Apostles doesn't hold back in this regard.

The first mention of Paul in the Acts of the Apostles happens after Stephen is arrested and stoned for his faith. The eighth chapter of Acts begins with: "Saul [Paul] was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death] and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen."

It was the earthly end of Stephen. But Saul was just getting started. Chapter nine of Acts tells us: "Meanwhile Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went up to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of The Way."

And it was on the way to Damascus that God knocks Saul to the ground, striking him blind and beginning Saul's conversion to The Way.

James Caviezel as Luke

Those pre-conversion persecutions were weighing heavily on Paul's heart while he was spending time in Mamertine prison.

Into this emotional whirlwind, Luke comes to Rome to visit his old friend behind bars.

Outside the prison walls, followers of The Way are frightened and understandably anxious as their world seems to be closing in on them. Inside the prison, Paul is finding some comfort being with his friend.

PAUL THE APOSTLE includes the very real concern of Pricilla (played by Joanne Whalley) and her husband Aquila (played by John Lynch). These two stalwart followers of The Way are mentioned a few times in Acts of the Apostles. They are remembered as being active leaders in their faith community. Paul's letter to the Romans mentions the couple by name, commending them for their service. Pointing out that they helped save his life.

Priscilla (Joanne Whalley) & Aquila (John Lynch)

In PAUL THE APOSTLE, Pricilla and Aquila are harboring a group of followers of The Way, before making the heart-wrenching decision to leave Rome for their safety.

And there is another relationship, most likely fictional, but nonetheless powerful, that develops between Paul, Luke and Mauritus, the warden of the Mamertine prison. Mauritus (played by Oliver Martinez) is a Roman soilder who despises followers of The Way, believing they are the culprits responsible for burning much of his beloved city to the ground. However, Paul and Luke begin to soften his heart. (I won't spoil the film by letting on how this happens).

Oliver Martinez as Mauritius

Martinez does a great job as Mauritus, putting flesh and bone to despair, loyalty and thankfulness.

Jim Caviezel does a remarkable job portraying Luke. (Caviezel was equally effective in THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.) In real life, Caviezel makes no secret that he is a devout believer. James Faulkner brings a humanity to Paul that somehow, I never seemed to grasp. I suppose it's because I saw Paul's boldness as empty brashness, without seeing much else of his character. But PAUL THE APOSTLE offers a very real and world-weary faithfulness, fraught with inner turmoil. The film also, ultimately, shows us Paul's rich faith.

Kudos also go out to Andrew Hyatt, who directed and co-wrote PAUL THE APOSTLE with Terrence Berden. They have written an well-crafted screenplay. Hyatt's direction consistently brings out the best of each actor in every scene.

------

Images taken from: National Catholic Reporter, Landmark Cinema, GodTube, Fandango, Edmonton Movie Guide. All are from PAUL APOSTLE OF CHRIST.