St. Paul (2000) - full transcript
Biblical epic from the book of Acts and Paul's epistles covering the conversion of Saul of Tarsus and his ministry to the Gentiles now known as Paul. Pursued by fellow Jew Reuben, who wishes him dead, Paul takes the Gospel of Jesus throughout the known world to Rome.
[ Music playing ]
[ Horse neighing ]
Saul!
Saul!
Ah!
[ Music playing ]
Saul.
[man, indistinct]
Who has blinded you, Saul?
(Saul) Jesus blinded me!
Jesus blinded me!
[ Cheering ]
(man) Reuben!
[ Grunts ]
- Give up, Priest!
- Why?
God is on my side,
tentmaker.
[ Cheering ]
Pharisees!
Ha!
Ha!
[ Grunts ]
Hurrah!
Hurrah! Hurrah!
[ Cheering ]
One!
Two!
Three!
Hurrah!
[ Cheering ]
Hurrah!
[ Booing ]
Don't be a bad loser.
I'm a very bad loser.
You're just not
so strong as me.
Nor as old.
[ Music playing ]
When did we first
wrestle, Saul?
When I first came
to Jerusalem from Tarsus.
And how many times
had you won?
Many.
You liar!
My strength is my tenacity.
Once I know the goal,
I never give up.
Admirable!
Stupid, but admirable.
(Reuben) Why are you wearing
that Roman sword?
It looks ridiculous!
(Saul) I'm a captain
of the temple guard.
You're a businessman.
Why do you pretend
to be warrior?
(Saul) Leave me alone.
A child playing war games.
You're not my priest,
Sadducee.
Pharisee!
(Dinah) The priest
wins the match
but the tentmaker wins
the hearts of the crowd.
Dinah, go home
and make my supper.
The tentmaker rubbed
dirt in the face
of the priest
and the crowd loved it.
Hey, how do you know I won?
How did you know I
rubbed dirt in his face?
I was watching.
Watching?
Save me, Saul.
Save me.
Were you really watching?
He pushed your face
in the dirt
and you were almost naked.
God will punish you
for this sin!
When are you gonna
marry that girl?
Never. I don't love her.
Yes, you do.
When her father died,
she was put into my care.
I took her in. It doesn't
mean I have to marry her.
Of course not.
Why would anyone marry
a girl who is beautiful,
smart, wild,
and in love with you?
Wild, yes.
She questions my knowledge
of the Torah.
I'm a Sadducee priest.
I've studied the Torah
every day of my life.
(Saul) She doesn't question
your knowledge of the Torah,
she questioned
your slavery to it.
You don't understand.
You're an ignorant Pharisee.
What I understand is that
you wanna be high priest
of the temple and you're not
sure marrying Dinah
is best for your ambition.
There are not many men
I would allow to talk
to me in that way.
There are not many men who
know you as well as I do.
Don't move, Hagar.
(Barnabas)
Don't move, Hagar!
Don't move!
Don't move, Hagar!
No.
(Saul) Stop!
(Barnabas) Hagar! Run!
Run! Run!
Kill him!
Kill him!
[ Pants ]
Run-
Saul, that's most
impressive!
I apologize for all
of my remarks.
You're a hero to your people.
Hagar.
Be quiet, Reuben.
- Forgive me.
- No-
I wanted you
to kill that man.
He was going to kill you.
Jesus teaches us
to love our enemies.
Jesus?
Saul, you saved the
life of a Jesus' madman.
Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus is dead.
- Dead?
- For more than a month now.
Get up.
- No.
- No, this can't be true.
It is true,
my misguided friend.
And if I were you,
I'd keep quiet
about your silly belief
in that charlatan.
- Come on, Saul.
- No, it's not true.
Jesus is not dead.
Uh-huh, crucified.
My name is Barnabas.
This is my wife, Hagar.
We came to serve him.
I'm Saul.
Find another savior, friend.
Here. Here.
It's all I have.
I grow fruits and vegetables,
sell them in the market.
Please.
Please.
You saved our lives.
Pilgrim.
Fear not.
He is alive.
Tonight at sundown
I will come for you.
(John) He said, "You will be
my witness in Jerusalem.”
(Peter) How can we witness
with just the mention
of His name
can get us killed?
We can't be sure, Peter.
They crucified Him, John,
40 days ago,
just 40 days ago.
What will keep
them from killing us?
They don't need to harm us,
Peter.
We are not Him.
No, we are just His chosen,
preaching that
He is still alive,
shouting that the
Sadducees are teaching lies,
saying they wanted
the Romans to kill Him.
They feared Him.
But us?
It was easy for
them to kill Him.
How much easier do you think
would be to crucify us,
followers, men with no name?
He would've healed them.
And if you try,
if you tried
John and you failed,
we will be laughed out
of Jerusalem.
Jesus gave us
the power to heal.
And if you succeed,
if you use the power
Jesus gave us
and you heal these men,
the Sadducees
will arrest you
and the Romans
will crucify you.
So is His mission dead,
Peter?
Do you think I'm a coward?
Do you think I want
to be silent?
You want to be crucified?
Is that what He wants?
Buy the finest silver
in Jerusalem!
I'll give you
a very good price.
This is Pentecost, pilgrim.
You have to buy the finest
to celebrate these days.
I have no money.
I know you!
You were with Him!
You were with
Jesus of Nazareth!
They say He's alive!
Maybe Jesus could use a pot
to hold the nails
from His hands and feet.
How will we give
these people hope?
How?
We can't even speak out.
How can we change all this?
I am a coward.
[ Music playing ]
Help me.
- How?
- How? Are you blind?
Give me food!
Give me money!
I can't walk.
- I have nothing.
- Liar!
You lie so that you will not
have to give me your money!
I can tell you about Jesus.
Jesus?
That fool who was crucified
by the Romans?
What can he give me?
He's worse off than me.
Go away!
He was a dreamer
who played with illusion.
He brought His own end.
You can too if you wish.
I don't need illusions.
I need food!
Get away!
Go away!
You see?
We can do nothing
without the Master.
He is with us.
Where?
Do you feel Him?
Do you see His effect
anywhere here?
- Peter.
- Words!
That is all we have, words.
And they're useless.
[ Music playing ]
Greeting, Saul.
Peace be with you, Saul.
(man) Greetings, Saul!
- I wouldn't argue the...
- Gamaliel,
the finest teacher
in all of Judea.
Saul, my best student,
who has learned
the art of flattery.
But I don't remember you
teaching me anything
about flattery, Gamaliel.
Solomon spoke of vanity.
You have learned
that lesson well.
I am hungry, great Saul.
If you have not eaten today,
you will.
As taught
by the Law of Moses.
You have learned well.
But what will I do
when all the beggars
haven't eaten and I
have no more money?
You will beg and others
who follow
the Law of the Torah
will feed you.
(man) Lord Jesus,
you promised us, saying,
"You will receive power
when the Holy Spirit
will come upon you
and you will be
My witnesses in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea,
and to the ends of the Earth."
Please, we beg you, Jesus,
give us Your Holy Spirit,
because we can do
nothing without You.
Give us the power
to carry Your name
to the ends of the Earth.
[ Thunder clapping ]
[ Wind howling ]
What is it?
The Lord is with us.
His Spirit has come.
Peter.
- Oh, Peter.
- Great be to God.
The Holy Spirit
has been given to us.
- (man) He's is here.
- (man 2) Jesus is here.
(man) The Lord is amongst us.
(Peter) I saw the Lord,
always before me.
For He is my right hand
so that I cannot be shaken.
- Peter.
- John, the time is now.
I must know.
Do we have the power
or is His mission dead?
Let the entire house
of Israel know
that God made Him
both Lord and Messiah.
His name is Jesus.
- A false prophet!
- False prophet.
He is dead!
(Peter) He was crucified,
but He lives.
(man) The Romans crucified him!
We know that you acted
in ignorance.
You are the ignorant one.
But now you must repent
and turn to God
so that your sins
may be forgiven.
Save yourself!
Go back to Nazareth!
Imposter.
Liar.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Jesus is the Messiah!
Then why is he dead?
Jesus is not dead.
I saw him on the cross
and he looked dead to me.
He came out of the tomb.
He is alive.
We saw him alive.
(man) You're both drunk!
(Peter) God raised Jesus,
freeing Him from death.
No one defeats death!
What should we do to receive
the Spirit of God?
Fool.
Shh, I want to hear this.
Repent and be baptized
so your sins may be forgiven.
God took my legs.
What else does he want?
Look at us.
I have no silver or gold,
but what I have,
I give you in the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Do you want this?
Stand up and walk.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Israelites, why do you
stare at us?
Do you think we made him walk
by our own power?
Jesus has given him
this in your presence.
(man) This is blasphemy!
Jesus of Nazareth is dead!
A false prophet!
This is not a miracle!
He walks.
This man has been pretending
to be lame all these years
just so that
he can beg for money.
Tomorrow, he will be
at the gate
once again, begging.
This is hysteria.
This is God's will.
And now you blaspheme too?
You stand in the temple,
God's house.
You be careful
what you say.
Faith in Jesus' name
made this man walk.
- Arrest this man!
- You know this man.
You can see for yourself that
Jesus has given him strength
- in his legs once again.
- Saul, help me!
(Peter) Repent.
I didn't save your life to see
you die in prison, be quiet.
The Messiah.
- The Messiah!
- No-
You must repent
and return to God
so that your sins
may be forgiven.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
I am the high priest
of the temple.
What are your names?
Simon, known as Peter.
John, son of Zebedee
from Capernaum.
By what power
or by what name
did you commit this act?
This man has been healed
by the name of Jesus
of Nazareth
whom God has raised
from the dead.
If he is raised
from the dead,
where is he now?
He ascended into Heaven.
He ascended into Heaven?
We saw Him.
While you watched?
There is salvation
in no one else
for there is no other
name under Heaven
or given amongst mortals
by which we must be saved.
Can you read?
Can you write?
What is your profession?
- Fishermen.
- Fishermen.
You are fishermen
from Galilee?
How dare you presume
to tell this
learned body of scholars
what God intends!
Does this man walk?
Did he walk two days ago?
Two years ago?
Twenty years ago?
Did you save him?
Did you save him?
No, Jesus did.
See?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Take him outside.
Outside!
Silence! Silence! Silence!
These men have committed
a blasphemy against God
in the presence
of many witnesses.
And those same witnesses
watched them heal
a lame beggar,
a man we have all seen sit
by the temple gates
for decades.
- You cannot deny.
- We cannot allow them
to teach this myth
of Jesus of Nazareth.
- The man is dead.
- The myth is alive!
Yes.
A myth is like a fire.
Confine it and it will die.
If spreads, it will grow.
Bring them in!
You will not speak
of Jesus of Nazareth.
You will not preach
in His name.
You will not heal
in His name ever!
If you are found
publicly speaking
of this man,
this dead man,
you will be arrested,
tired for blasphemy and treason.
I speak as high priest
of this God's temple!
Whether it is right
in God's sight
to listen to you
rather than God,
you must judge
for we cannot keep
from speaking
about what we have
seen and heard.
We will teach and heal
in the name of the Messiah,
Jesus of Nazareth.
Then you will spend the rest
of your life in prison.
As God wills.
Send them away!
It is Stephen.
This is John, one of Jesus'
close friends.
John, this is Barnabas
and his wife, Hagar.
- They are believers.
- Welcome.
Please, come in.
Mary, I want you to meet
two believers,
Barnabas and his wife, Hagar.
This is Jesus's mother, Mary.
I'm your servant.
(Barnabas) Mother of Jesus.
I am just a person like you.
Don't kneel to me.
You're chosen by God.
We all are chosen
for a task by God.
It is our job to find
what He needs from us.
Come and eat with us
and we will tell you
all about Jesus.
(Peter) Jesus said,
take, eat,
for this is my body.
Do this in remembrance of me.
[ Music playing ]
Barnabas, do you believe
in the Lord Jesus, our Christ,
our Messiah, and our Savior?
With all of my heart
and soul.
I baptize you
in the name of the Father,
and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
God's promise
is to you who believe.
Hagar, wife of Barnabas,
do you believe in Jesus Christ
as our Lord and our God?
I do.
I believe with all my heart.
(Peter) I baptize you
in the name of the Father...
- (man) Simon, known as Peter.
- ...and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
You are under arrest by order
of the high priest
of the temple.
Yesterday, 3,000 more
were baptized
in a matter of hours.
We have a new heresy
to deal with.
Heresy? Are you sure?
Their leader was crucified
by the Romans.
So, now the Romans
decide what is heresy?
This morning the Romans
issued a formal complaint.
They fear a rebellion
if these teachings persist.
So, you Pharisees must get
control of these people.
We Pharisees?
Why blame us, Reuben?
Who teaches
that the Messiah is coming?
Pharisees!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
And now they teach
that the Messiah
is risen from the dead.
This Pharisee teaching
is fantasy of an afterlife.
You restrain this sect of yours
or Rome will make us suffer.
Our teaching is clear.
At the end of time,
we shall all rise again.
But the Torah
does not teach that.
The Torah is the law
as given by God
to Moses on Sinai.
You speak the teachings
of Sadducees.
But to Pharisees, the Torah
was given by God to every man.
It is up to each man
to decide how to interpret
these words for himself.
You delude the people
with a promise of resurrection
and this is what you get,
of this Messiah!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Fellow Israelites,
consider carefully
what you propose
to do to these men.
If their beliefs
are of human origin,
they will fail.
Remember Theudas.
He had hundreds of followers
and yet they all disappeared
when he died.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Remember Judas, the Galilean?
Many followers.
But when he died,
they all scattered.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
But if their teachings
are of God...
Of God?
What? Are you a blasphemer too?
But if their teachings
are of God,
you will not be able
to overthrow them
because you'll be fighting
against God Himself.
I counsel caution.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Bring in the prisoners.
- The prisoners?
- 'Yes-
The prisoners have escaped.
They are teaching at the temple
at this very moment.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Peter)
Our Master, Jesus, said,
"In truth, I tell you,
whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God, they may..."
How did you escape
from the prison?
God's angel opened
your doors for us.
Liar!
You bribed the guard
and now he will die!
Jesus wants His word
to be known to Israel.
He released us.
We gave you strict orders
not to preach
in this man's name!
We must obey God.
Flog them.
Forty lashes minus one!
[ Music playing ]
Rejoice, John,
that you're worthy
to suffer for our Lord.
(John) For our Lord!
Martyrs are such fools.
Mother, what are you doing here?
I was listening
to them, Reuben.
You should not
persecute them, son.
Mother, come home.
Let me deal
with the politics
of God and the empire.
Saul, you missed
all the fun today.
Do you know that there
was a flogging in the temple?
Yes, the Jesus followers.
Gamaliel thinks
you should be cautious.
He did say. But then anyone
who would become a Pharisee,
would understand it,
wouldn't they?
- Ruben, behave.
- Be nice to your friends.
I promise, Mother.
To her, you promised,
but me, you ignore?
Oh, Sarah is my blessed mother,
you are but my...
Your wife to be.
Perhaps.
You hurt Dinah, Reuben.
Sometimes I'm not proud
of you, son.
Now, you apologize to Dinah!
- I promise, Mother.
- Now.
Dinah, Dinah, come back.
I was only teasing.
Why don't you lie down.
There's plenty of food here.
She'll be fine.
Come on, Saul.
Saul, you're an educated man.
You can't believe in angels.
With all my heart.
Oh, Pharisees.
Saul, you're born a leader.
You're a man of culture.
Do you know Saul
is a Roman citizen?
My father purchased
citizenship, nothing more.
He blackmailed
the Roman generals
to give him citizenship
because they needed
his tents for their army.
He paid 500 Drachmae.
Two years' wages?
Not for Saul's father. No.
Saul's father was rich
just like Saul is rich.
Then perhaps
I should marry Saul.
But you don't love Saul.
I don't love anybody.
You love me.
See, if I had your gifts,
I'd be ruling the city.
But you told me you ruled
the city, Reuben.
No, I'm only a priest.
The city is ruled
by commerce these days
and smart dealmakers like Saul.
Oh, what smart deals
have you made, Saul?
You jest.
Saul has made
the best deal ever.
Listen to this.
There are lambs slaughtered
every day of every year
in the temple.
- Sacrifices, yes.
- And on Passover,
there are 20,000
slaughtered in one day.
- Yes.
- Well, where do you think
the hides of all those lambs go?
To make tents, yup,
for the Roman army,
for the temple guard,
for Herod's army,
and it's Saul, the tentmaker.
Bravo.
See, Saul.
Young women these days
are more impressed by commerce
than humble priests.
Humble?
I love you, humble priest.
Now, as part
of Saul's deal
for the lambskins,
he blackmailed the high priest
to make him captain
in the temple guard.
- Reuben.
- So that he can wear
that double-edged Roman sword
and ride around the city
with a troop of sweating
guards behind him.
With the blessing of Gamaliel.
Gamaliel is a great teacher!
He's a... he's a Pharisee.
- What happened?
- She collapsed.
Mother.
Reuben.
One last wish
before I die.
You're not gonna die.
One wish.
Anything.
Simon, Peter.
What?
Bring him to me.
But they're charlatans.
Please.
Mother, you can't
ask this of me.
I'm a priest.
I can't call on blasphemers.
They're scared of me.
They wouldn't come.
Take me to the temple.
She hasn't got long.
She can't ask this of me.
But she has.
The God of our ancestors
raised up Jesus
as our leader and Savior,
that he might give
repentance to Israel
and forgiveness of sins.
We are witnesses
of these things.
Are you here to arrest me again?
My mother.
Do you believe God can help her?
[ Music playing ]
[ Screaming ]
What have you done?
You've killed her!
You've killed my mother!
Mother.
She died at peace.
No.
No, you let her die.
- You killed her!
- No, Reuben,
he gave her comfort.
He said wonderful things.
She's dead!
Not this way, Reuben.
You filthy imposters!
Imposters!
Don't touch me.
What are you doing holding me?
Saul, whose side are you on?
These traitors
or the side of God's law?
(King Herod) You priests
let this happen time and again.
When you can't control
your own people,
you come to me.
King Herod is the ruler
of us all.
I'm not even a Jew.
I hold this position
at the pleasure of Rome
just as you do, high priest.
You come to me as your ruler
when you need my help.
Otherwise, you fight me
on every front.
- Never.
- My King,
they question the law.
They preach the destruction
of the temple.
They tell people to eat
what they want to eat,
that nothing is unclean.
They promise a life after death.
They say the Messiah is here
and that Jesus rose
from the dead.
Jesus was crucified.
Yes, of course, my Lord.
Don't pander to me, priest.
Now, we have thousands
following this carpenter
from Nazareth.
What have you priests done
to let this happen?
They are fanatics,
a threat to Israel.
The law of Moses
is the law of Israel.
Without the law,
Israel is in chaos.
Ah, speaking of the law,
here it is.
But not your ancient law
of Moses, priest no.
The Tribune
and General Gaius
bring us the law
of the Roman sword.
Welcome, gentlemen.
Rome demands peace.
If you cannot control
your people,
the empire will.
Is that true, Tribune?
Will Rome crush Judea
if we allow these Jesus
fanatics to continue?
I would prefer diplomacy,
King Herod.
But there are many
like General Gaius here
who'd welcome an excuse
to exercise
the swords of their men.
He is a cruel man
in charge of an army
of cruel men.
If there is a rebellion
from these mad Jews,
Rome will crush it
and you along with it and me.
Destroy them!
Good, that's all.
Thank you.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Knocking on door ]
Barnabas.
Mary.
Peter,
there is word on the street.
King Herod has ordered
your death,
you and John.
(men) No!
God taught us
that if we are to follow
in His footsteps,
we must sell everything
and trust in Him.
You're going to need this now.
We sold everything,
our house, our farm.
We want to follow Jesus.
Are you sure?
Yes, we're sure.
Hagar.
Why do you think they do it?
Money?
Power?
They believe it.
Even worse.
Have you heard them talk?
Have you?
Yes.
When?
Your mother took me.
Don't ever speak
of my mother again.
Your mother thought
they were saints.
- Ah!
- Reuben!
- Are you insane?
- Look what's happening!
And she's defending
these madmen.
Wake up, Pharisee!
- Do you care about your God?
- Yes.
Do you care about your country?
- Yes.
- Then act!
Crush them now
before the Romans crush us!
- Romans?
- The Romans are gonna stand by
and let a revolution begin?
They'll destroy us, our temple,
our way of life, everything.
And then laugh while they do it.
They'd just love to do it.
Judea is the most
troublesome province
in the empire.
They're just waiting
for an excuse to destroy
our religion.
Saul, join with me,
an oath, a solemn pact
to destroy these lies,
once and for all of time.
We will exterminate them,
every last one of them.
Reuben!
No, Saul, don't do this!
If you defend
on these blasphemers
once more in my house,
you will not be allowed
to live here!
Please, Saul.
To destroy false teachings.
Till Israel is safe.
Listen, children of Israel!
Brothers and sisters!
Come!
Come!
Come!
Gather together
and listen to Stephen
as he tells you
the words of Jesus.
Jesus, our Master, said...
- (Hagar) Come here and listen...
- "...'love one another
as I have loved you.
Follow this example.
- I tell you...
- He uses the name of Jesus.
We have forbidden this.
Arrest him!
- No.
- It can save your lives.
Wait.
There is another way.
If you do what I say,
He can be your friend.
(Stephen)
Believe in what He said.
He can save your lives,
all of your lives.
He loves you.
Jesus said,
"I shall be your friend,
because all things..."
So, you come to listen
to these imposters?
Hmm?
Good.
You stay and learn.
Bring me Saul of Tarsus
and Gamaliel.
They're in the second courtyard
and quickly.
Who was Jesus?
The Son of God.
(Reuben) So, was He man or God?
(Stephen) Both.
God sent to us
in the form of man.
God Himself?
Divine?
- Yes.
- (Reuben) Ah!
So you believe in two Gods?
- [ laughs ]
- (Stephen) One God.
The God of our forefathers.
God the Father
and God the Son.
Ah! So, Jesus was not God.
(Stephen) God's Son.
Divine?
- Yes.
- It's two Gods!
(Stephen) No!
Jesus said
that he'd destroy the temple,
- now is that true?
- He meant the temple
- of His body.
- No, no, no, no, no, no.
Jesus said
He'd tear down the temple.
Destroy our Holy of Holies.
Change the way
we've lived for centuries.
Jesus was a destroyer!
(Stephen) No,
Jesus is our Savior.
Jesus is our Savior.
The Savior!
The Savior!
(Reuben) Gamaliel! Is that what
the Pharisees teach?
A man-God?
You know it's not.
Saul, can your God
be condemned
by man and crucified
by Romans?
Of course not.
God is alive!
Jesus is alive.
He is among us right now!
Really?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Jesus!
Jesus?
Jesus, Jesus, here, come out!
Show Yourself, huh?
I want to see you.
I will fall down on my knees
and worship you
if you show yourself, Jesus.
Jesus!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Why can't they just listen.
Gamaliel,
will you stand behind anything
that this Jesus follower
has said here today?
He will not.
Will Saul?
Stay out this.
Saul will not!
This man,
he pretends to save you
with a gift of some food
and clever words,
but his price is the betrayal
of your laws.
Laws given to you
by Abraham and Moses.
Jesus taught us the law
of love.
This is not against Moses.
Brothers, brothers,
listen to me!
I am a faithful Jew,
true to our history
and our customs
and so is this man, Stephen.
Your God is his God.
He teaches of at least two Gods,
the destruction of the temple,
and the resurrection
having come and gone.
Blasphemy!
Take him away.
- (man) No!
- (man 2) No!
Take him away now!
It is forbidden
to speak of Jesus!
It is forbidden to preach
in Jesus' name!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Saul, are you with me?
Saul, if these teachings
are not of God,
they will die without violence.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Barnabas) Saul,
you saved my life.
[ Gasps ]
Go away or you'll be hurt.
No, don't do this!
In the name God, don't do this.
Don't do this!
No
Reuben, don't do this!
Haven't you learned
anything yet?
Follow along and watch him die!
No.
(Reuben) Now he dies.
The penalty for blasphemy
is stoning.
Barnabas!
How long will brother
fight against brother?
No mercy, Saul.
Your God demands it!
Do you approve of this?
Yes.
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- Stop!
- (Hagar) Don't kill him.
No.
No! No.
Stop! No!
(Reuben) Saul,
remember your oath,
until Israel is safe.
[ No audible dialogue ]
[ Crowd shouting ]
No! No, Saul!
This is wrong!
[ No audible dialogue ]
[ Crowd shouting ]
[ No audible dialogue ]
Here, you can hold my coat.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Lord, do not hold this sin
against them.
Receive my spirit, Lord.
Let this be a warning to you.
You preach the words
of this Jesus
and you will die.
Stephen!
- Arrest this man!
- Stephen!
Your oath is worthless.
- -No!
- No!
- Hagar!
- Barnabas!
- Hagar!
- Barnabas!
- Hagar!
- No!
- Barnabas!
- Hagar!
Hagar!
(Barnabas) Hagar!
What have you done?
My duty.
I love you, Dinah.
- You love?
- Hear me?
I love you,
but you will have
to make a choice.
[ Music playing ]
If you help me,
I'll help you.
I can tell you
where the leader is.
Where?
Risen.
You believe
in the resurrection,
don't you?
The true resurrection.
And what will you say
to Stephen
on judgment day?
"1 only held their coats?"
You are corrupting Jerusalem!
How?
By preaching against the law
of the Torah!
I listen to Stephen.
I listen to Peter.
The Law holds
this country together.
You didn't listen
to Stephen or Peter.
Your heart was closed.
It doesn't matter.
You're too late anyway.
Meaning what?
It's not just
Jerusalem now, Saul.
Peter and John have left.
They're going to
all the cities of Israel,
spreading the words of Jesus
to every Jew in the land.
I thought you were a hero.
You're a fool.
Just a fool
doing Reuben's bidding.
[ Grunts ]
Jesus taught us...
to turn the other cheek.
[ Door closes ]
Gamaliel is wrong!
Jesus must be stopped!
By any means necessary.
My oath is good, Reuben.
I love my country and my God.
"Vengeance is mine,"
says the Lord.
Yes.
(man) Blessed be the meek
for they shall inherit
the Earth.
Oh, Lord, hear our prayer.
Blessed be the peacemakers
for they shall inherit...
(man) No, please!
- Please!
- (man) No!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Take them away.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Who do you think you are?
- What is this?
- Silence! Quiet!
Arrest them!
(man) No, no!
No, no!
No, no, no, no!
Remember me, my friends,
Amos, the beggar
who couldn't walk?
Amos, who sat in the dust
and spat and cursed?
Well, this is he.
Tripping and dancing
like a dove,
not by some high priest
or devilish...
[ dog barking ]
Peter! John!
Come in quickly.
Come in, come in.
Peter and John have returned.
- They're back.
- Praise God!
(man) John!
- What news?
- Good news.
There are believers
all through Judea and Samaria.
- Ah!
- Speaking out, unafraid.
(Mary) Glory to God!
Congregations
everywhere we went.
- (Mary) John.
- (Hagar) Oh.
(Saul) As far as we can tell,
the movement has stopped here
in Jerusalem, King Herod.
Well done!
From what I've been told,
these Jesus followers
are terrified
of you Saul of Tarsus.
(Saul) Thank you, my king.
But the threat is still alive.
(man) It has sprung up
in other towns.
(Saul) Yes, Damascus
in particular.
(King Herod) Oh, what a pity!
What do you suggest?
Give me letters of introduction
and designation of power
to the synagogues of Damascus
and I will go there
and, finding any members
of the sect,
bring them back, bound,
to Jerusalem.
Agreed.
Give him an escort,
our finest men.
(Reuben) This is outrageous!
What... you go before the king
and the high priest
- without first consulting me?
- Speed is of the essence.
We must get there before
anyone knows we're coming.
Surprise is our best weapon.
Surprise is your middle name
lately, isn't it, Saul?
I don't know
what you're talking about.
You filled the prisons!
You're so proud of yourself,
you're about to burst.
I told you,
once I know the goal,
I never give up
until it is ceased.
What you've done
to these people is despicable.
No one asked for your opinion!
Keep quiet.
Don't let your anger out on her!
Don't tell me
how to talk to my wife!
Wife? When?
If you speak again tonight,
it will never happen!
You're a vicious man, Reuben.
H.
You're an ambitious fool!
- I'm leaving in the morning.
- Good!
I'll have your horse
saddled next to mine.
- You're coming?
- Right by your side.
- Ah.
- I'm coming, too!
It's a military expedition.
- Perfect, I'll have an escort.
- I forbid it!
Is this the way you let
other men talk to your wife?
He's not your husband
and I am in charge here!
How dare you talk to my wife
- like that?
- Have you both gone mad?
- This is my house!
- Reuben! Reuben!
And I will not
have you talk to her
- like that in my house.
- Get your hands off me!
You upstart, little Pharisee!
- Get your hands off me!
- Stop it.
Stop.
You watch your steps,
Saul of Tarsus!
I'm not without power
in this country!
Good.
Then maybe you can get
us some decent
horses in the morning.
Are you going?
I have no choice.
Then so am I.
You are not going to Damascus!
And when I return,
we will be married.
[ Music playing ]
Peter and I have to warn
the believers in Damascus.
It's my fault, Peter.
I'm the one who told Saul
the word was spreading.
- The two of you can't go.
- They must be warned.
- Then I'll warn them.
- (Hagar) No.
You cannot go.
It's too dangerous.
Peter and John are the two men
Saul would most like to arrest
or even kill.
Finding the two of you
will make him very powerful.
You cannot go!
I'm sorry, Peter,
John,
to speak to you like that.
- I apologize.
- You are speaking
out of love, Barnabas.
John and I know this,
but we cannot
let you take this risk.
The head of the synagogue
in Damascus is Ananias.
- (Peter) A new believer.
- (John) He knows us.
- He will trust our warning.
- No-
No, you cannot go!
That's all there is to it.
I will go.
I will find Ananias
and I will warn him.
(Hagar) Barnabas!
Barnabas!
[ Music playing ]
(man) Ha! Heeyah!
(man) Heeyah! Heeyah!
[ Horse neighing ]
You don't demand much respect
from your future wife, do you?
You know nothing
of my future wife
except that you desire her.
If I wanted her,
I would have her.
You're a disgusting
excuse of a man.
Actually, I know
more about her than you.
For instance, I know
where is she right now.
What are you talking about?
She's right there.
I ordered you not to follow us!
Yes, you say
many things, Reuben.
You also said
you were going to marry me.
Go home at once.
Alone?
Across the wasteland?
She got here alone.
So now you want her
to risk it again?
So, I want to know,
are you going to marry her?
[ Music playing ]
[ laughter ]
You two are destroying
each other.
Good friends
make great enemies, don't they?
Saul, why are you doing this?
Reuben is a pompous fool!
Not that.
Chasing after these people
because they believe
differently than you.
- That's what God wants.
- How do you know?
They're teaching lies!
Their Messiah is dead!
They're taking advantage
of our countrymen.
The law preserves Israel.
It must be followed at all cost.
People risk their lives
by believing in Jesus.
No one is being
taken advantage of.
It is a play for power by a
sect who lost their leader.
Now they don't want
to lose their position,
they're making up lies!
They do miracles in His name!
But that's a positive sign
of false teaching.
Only God can perform miracles.
They say Jesus is God.
There's only one God.
What if you're wrong?
There's blood on my hands.
There's no going back.
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The synagogue.
I'm looking for Ananias.
- (man) This way.
- (man 2) This way!
Damascus!
[ Horse neighs ]
(Jesus) Saul.
Saul.
Why are you
persecuting me, Saul?
Who are you?
Jesus: I am Jesus,
whom you are persecuting.
Get up,
enter the city of Damascus.
You will be told
what you are to do.
[ Thunder rumbles ]
[ Music playing ]
(Dinah) Saul!
[ Saul screaming ]
Saul!
Saul!
Saul.
Saul.
Saul.
Saul.
Saul, let me help you, Saul.
He blinded me!
Who blinded you?
Jesus blinded me!
(Dinah) Jesus?
He's gone mad!
Come, Saul.
We must go onto Damascus.
Stand up!
Jesus blinded me!
(Reuben) Bring some ropes!
We'll tie him up behind me.
[ Music playing ]
It's been three days.
He wouldn't drink or eat.
I'm afraid he is going to die.
He's a weak man.
He couldn't take the pressure.
[ Dog barking ]
[ Snoring ]
Barnabas, wake up!
Barnabas, wake up!
Ananias!
Ananias, what is it?
Barnabas, I must speak to you.
I know you came to warn us
Saul is our enemy.
- But now...
- What is it?
What is it, Ananias?
I had a vision.
Vision?
In my sleep,
God spoke to me.
God?
He said I must find Saul
and cure him
of his blindness.
God told you to go find Saul?
Yes.
God?
God!
It was God!
Ananias.
Ananias, in the first place,
if you find Saul,
he'll arrest you or kill you.
Second, he isn't blind,
wish that he were.
And third,
you don't know where he is.
On the street called Straight,
at the house
of Judah of Damascus
where he prays
and waits for me
to bring him back his sight.
God told you where to find Saul?
[ Music playing ]
(Ananias) That's the house,
across the street.
Ananias. Ananias.
One last time,
I am pleading with you.
Barnabas, I have to do this.
God told me to do this.
Ananias! Ananias!
[ Knocks on door ]
(Dinah) Saul,
a man is here to see you.
- My name is...
- Ananias.
Yes.
You know this man?
Yes.
I had a vision.
A man named Ananias
came into this room.
He laid his hands on me
and I could see again.
Jesus sent him.
Jesus?
You have been chosen.
Chosen?
Saul. Saul.
God told me
that you are the instrument.
He has chosen to bring His name
before the Gentiles.
Can you let me see again?
The Lord, Jesus,
who appeared to you
on your way here has sent me
so that you might regain
your sight
and be filled
with the Holy Spirit.
I can see.
I can see.
I can see.
Saul.
Saul.
It's as if...
as if scales have fallen
from eyes.
Thank you.
One more message.
Tell me.
(Ananias) God said,
"1 Myself will show him
how much he must suffer
for the sake of My name.”
Suffer?
For the sake of His name.
God Himself has called me.
Ananias,
the believers,
they get sanctified with water.
Baptized.
Baptize me!
I am not qualified.
I'm so new to this belief.
You just spoke directly to God.
Who could be more qualified?
Who?
[ Music playing ]
Baptize me.
[ Music playing ]
I baptize you
in the name of the Father,
and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
[ Music playing ]
Come along! Come along!
And Saul, I don't think
you'll need that inside.
[ Sighs ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
This is a perfect time.
What shall I say?
Just tell them your story.
Will that be enough?
I think it will be plenty.
These people are all believers.
Come!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Brothers!
I wish to introduce
a friend of mine
who has something
he wants to say.
My name is Saul of Tarsus.
How dare you bring him here!
The devil himself!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The high priest of the temple
in Jerusalem
gave me the power to arrest
all followers of Jesus
who are in Damascus.
Here are the orders.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
That was before
Jesus appeared to me
on the road coming here.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Before I understood
that He is the Son of God.
Before I believed
that He is the Messiah.
Before I knew that He was raised
from the dead
and ascended into heaven.
Before I was baptized.
Before I became a follower
of Jesus.
I have no use for this now.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The word of Jesus is my sword.
The word of Jesus is my fire.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Oh, yes, yes.
(man) Yes.
- Welcome.
- (man) Brother!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- That traitor!
- (Dinah) Reuben, be calm!
There's nothing lower than a man
who betrays his friends,
his beliefs, his mission,
his God!
(Dinah) He was blind
and then he could see.
You speak to me of miracles!
There is only one God
and His name is not Jesus!
I know what I saw!
Don't you touch me!
[ Music playing ]
This is the one!
Saul, come out and die!
(man) Out of the way.
If he were here, Reuben,
I don't think he would come out
with that invitation.
- Where is he?
- I don't know.
You tell me
or you will die tonight!
I don't want to die,
but I don't know where he is.
Then it won't matter
if I kill you or not.
It will matter to me.
(Dinah) Reuben. Reuben.
He's in the synagogue!
He's in the synagogue!
- He's in...
- You're lying!
You're just trying to save
this filth!
Reuben, I'm sorry.
I've been confused.
I'm sorry.
I love you.
How'd you know where Saul is?
He trusts me.
I just left him there.
Quiet, girl!
Traitor!
I love you, Reuben!
Come with me!
[ Gasps ]
Why did you lie?
How do you know I lied?
You don't know where Saul is
and you don't love Reuben.
No,
I loved him once.
There's no going back now.
I know.
Jesus is a hard taskmaster.
I know the sacrifices.
His followers have to make,
but Jesus is also...
so full of love.
I think that is why.
Why?
Because I can feel Jesus" love
even in these times.
We call that faith.
Come.
Come.
Come! They'll be back.
We have to find Saul.
[ Panting ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Get your...
get your hands off me!
Shh.
His hands smell like a donkey!
- Be quiet.
- We must hide!
No! We must get Saul out
of Damascus.
There are soldiers everywhere!
You can't go out the gate.
Come!
[ Music playing ]
Guards.
(Saul) I'll jump from the wall.
You'll break your legs!
It's too high!
Much too high!
We'll go back,
find another way.
Go, go, go, go, go, go.
Go.
- Basket!
- Shh!
- Basket.
- What?
The basket?
Basket.
(Saul)
Do you think you can hold me?
With God's help.
With God's help.
Get in!
Get in! Get in!
[ Grunting ]
[ Music playing ]
Hurry.
(man) If he goes that way,
you follow the wall.
You, go straight down there.
You, come with me.
Faster.
Faster, faster, faster.
Stop. Stop.
The patrol is coming.
Stop. Stop.
[ Grunting ]
Lower. Lower.
Lower.
Lower.
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) Saul?
Where is he?
- Where? Where?
- There!
There!
He's there!
[all shouting ]
Run, Saul.
- Saul, run.
- Run, run, run.
- Run.
- Go.
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]
Heeyah! Heeyah!
Heeyah! Heeyah!
Search the temple!
Dismount.
Reuben, please don't do this.
Dinah, I wasted a whole month
in Damascus searching for Saul.
Every day, I listen to you
pleading for his safety.
Now, you will be quiet.
Reuben, Saul would not have
come to Jerusalem.
If he didn't die
in the desert,
he will be here in Jerusalem.
And if he is here,
I will find him,
and I will kill him,
and none of your lies
can save him.
The Temple!
If he isn't there,
we search the city.
[ Music playing ]
Okay, force, secure this gate.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
No one leaves till I say so.
(Gamaliel)
Reuben, you are disturbing
these men in prayer.
A criminal against God
and country is here, Gamaliel.
Your favorite student, Saul.
I will find him
and I would kill him
as God demands.
Because his mind is open
enough to investigate
the teachings
of another Pharisee?
He teaches lies.
Isn't that enough for you,
Gamaliel?
Reuben, I know you
are doing this
because of your belief
in our God.
I do as God commands.
God commands the death
of another?
God has commanded the death
of many of our people, Gamaliel.
Any who will not obey His law.
And are you convinced that God
wants the followers
of Jesus dead?
He teaches Jews
to ignore God's law.
There is no greater
threat to our belief
or our country.
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- Barnabas.
- I'm sorry.
- I have no money.
- Liar.
You're a rich man.
You grow wonderful melons
and squash.
I did once, but no longer.
I gave it all.
A courageous man
saved your life.
And you repaid him
with two tiny melons.
Saul?
Saul?
Saul! We thought you were dead.
We watched the patrol run
after you in the desert,
and when you didn't come back...
I thought I was dead.
I walked for days, no water.
Only God saved me.
Come in.
Mary will feed you, Saul.
Paul.
What?
I'm not the man
called Saul anymore.
I don't want his name
to scare believers again.
I'm a new man,
with a new name, Paul.
- Good.
- It's the Roman name
my father gave me
along with my Jewish name, Saul.
Paul of Tarsus.
It means "small.”
Hopefully it
will frighten no one.
A new name will not
make the difference.
I know.
I must meet Peter.
I must convince him
I'm sincere.
If you will.
They're afraid of you.
Is he here?
No. No, much too dangerous.
Everyone knows his house.
Reuben has returned
to Jerusalem.
I know.
If he finds you,
he will kill you.
I'll take you to Peter. Come.
I must warn him first,
but I'll take you to him.
Come in, rest, eat.
I'll come for you soon.
[ Knocks on door ]
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) You wait here.
They're watching...
to see if we're alone
or followed.
The Arena?
Easy place for them to make
sure it's not a trap.
Come on.
Come on.
- (Peter) Barnabas.
- Peter!
Peter,
this is our most
feared persecutor,
Saul of Tarsus,
but he wants to bury that man
and give birth to a new man
called Paul.
(James) He helped murder Stephen.
James, he was very close
to our Lord.
He arrested dozens
and stabbed Amos to death.
- That is all true.
- Hah. You admit it!
I asked God to forgive me.
Why should we believe you?
Jesus came to me,
spoke to me.
Don't use His name.
It's true, James.
Paul was on the road
to Damascus.
- To arrest believers.
- True-
On the road, he was
struck by a white light
and heard the voice of Jesus.
I asked who he was,
and He said,
"I am Jesus whom you
are persecuting.”
It's the truth.
How do you know
if it's the truth?
I've heard him
speaking in the synagogue,
talk of his love for Jesus,
of his awakening.
Talk, talk, talk,
a trick to get
to Peter and John.
(Peter) Perhaps,
but if it was a trick,
it worked.
I am here.
Peter...
Jesus blinded me.
For three days.
Then I had a vision
that a man named Ananias
would come and bring
my sight back.
That very day, it happened.
- I know that to be true.
- (James) How?
Because that very night,
I baptized him.
I don't want
to endanger you.
You don't ever
have to see me again.
All I want from you
is your blessing
and your permission.
Permission?
To speak the good news
of Jesus.
Fine, fine,
then they will kill you
just like you killed
our people.
Jesus told Ananias
that I was chosen
to be His instrument,
to bring His name
before Gentiles
and before the people of Israel.
You?
No.
I watched Him grow up.
I was by His side
when He started.
I watched Him die,
I watched Him go into heaven.
And He has chosen you
to bring His name
to Israel?
I have spoken the truth to you.
I give you my blessing,
Paul of Tarsus.
And I give you my permission
to speak of the Master.
But I warn you,
if there are lies
in your heart,
your soul will perish.
You are speaking of God
Himself, the Messiah,
the Christ,
who will come again soon
and establish His kingdom.
The Romans will not save you
for they will be defeated.
The priests will not save you
for they will be condemned
if they have evil
in their hearts.
God's will be done.
Yes, Barnabas.
God's will be done,
and it will be done,
my friend.
It will be done.
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) And so my friends,
I bring before you
a man you never wanted to meet,
a man who has persecuted
the followers of Jesus,
arrested us,
even killed us.
His name was Saul of Tarsus.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Now he is called Paul.
No, no, listen,
listen to him.
(Paul) Do not fear.
I believe in Jesus
as the Messiah.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Jesus spoke to me
on the road to Damascus.
He blinded me.
He told me to stop
persecuting him.
When this mortal body
puts on immortality,
then the saying that is
written will be fulfilled:
"Death has been swallowed up
in victory."
"Where, O death,
is your victory?
Where, O death,
is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin
is the law.
But thanks be to God
who gives us victory
through our Lord,
Jesus Christ.
My brothers, you descendants
of Abraham's family,
and others who fear God,
to us, the message
of this salvation
has been sent because
the residents of Jerusalem,
and their leaders,
did not recognize Him.
All understand the words
of the prophet.
Soldiers.
- He's coming to fulfill them...
- Soldiers.
Soldiers.
Paul will speak to you again.
[ Music playing ]
Reuben, do you have any idea
what the boughs
of Rome are like?
They're glorious,
not like this sewer.
Rome killed Jesus.
Now you've allowed
him to be reborn
by your friend, Saul.
I do not want Rome
to hear of this rebirth.
Stop them, now.
[ Soldiers laugh ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
You must leave Jerusalem
at once, Paul.
Tonight.
I'm not afraid of Reuben.
It's not just Reuben.
The Hellenists
wants you dead, too.
You're in danger
from all sides.
I didn't trust you, Paul,
and I was wrong.
You've shown your
dedication to Jesus,
but there's no need
to tempt God.
It's not cowardly to prevent
your own unjust death.
I have no problem being cowardly
if it saves my life.
You pretend to be weak,
Barnabas,
but you are a very strong,
and brave man.
Bring Reuben into the room
and watch me run.
[ Chuckles ]
I'm leaving Jerusalem, Paul.
It is time to spread the word.
I'm going to Lydda.
I'm sending Barnabas to Antioch.
Only James will stay here
to see to the believers
in Jerusalem.
So, where do you
want me to go?
Tarsus.
You want me to go home?
The most difficult
assignment of all.
A prophet is seldom appreciated
by his own people.
Even Jesus was not
accepted by the people.
He grew up around.
You must continue
to teach the good news.
In Tarsus?
Without Barnabas at my side?
(Peter) Don't worry, Paul.
Jesus told us, the Romans
will be defeated,
and that He would return soon.
The end of the world is near.
We must be found at his work
when He returns.
Peter, please don't
misunderstand me.
I will do as you wish.
But?
When I heard Jesus's voice,
He said, "You will be told
what you are to do.”
Yes?
He told Ananias I was to bring.
His name to Gentiles.
Saul.
Sorry, Paul.
Jesus was born a Jew.
He was sent to the Jews.
That is God's plan.
Jews first...
then Gentiles.
But it will be hard for them.
We have many laws
that they must learn.
Yes. What to eat,
when to work, circumcision.
These will be hard lessons.
In time, Paul.
The end of the world is near.
Jews first...
then Gentiles.
In Jesus' name.
(all) In Jesus' name.
[ Music playing ]
Ahh.
I love you, Reuben.
And I love you.
[ Cheering ]
(woman) Congratulations!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
Thank you, Reuben.
- For what?
- For marrying me.
It's my pleasure...
I hope
later tonight.
I know you hated me
when I lied to you.
Those days are forgotten.
You're free
to believe as you want
as long as it is as your
priestly husband dictates.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
My darling, Dinah...
I want to apologize
for all the times
I've treated you badly.
- Reuben...
- No, no, no. It's true.
I tried to saddle your spirit,
and I never ever want
to do that again.
I may even have been
wrong about Saul.
Reuben!
I want you to be free.
Free to think as you want,
because I love you, Dinah.
[ Music playing ]
Dinah?
Dinah?
(Dinah) Lord Jesus,
you have called Paul
to be your friend
and disciple.
Please, I pray to you
with all my heart.
Jesus, protect him
and be with him
in his mission.
I beg you, Jesus,
forgive Reuben,
as he does not know You.
Open his heart, Jesus,
so that he may accept your words
and your love.
Shine your light
upon him, O Jesus,
and show him the way
he must follow.
I also pray to you
for Peter and the apostles.
Please, Jesus, protect them
and accompany them
on their way.
Jesus, our Messiah.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Shh! Shh! Please keep quiet,
we must not be heard
from the street.
So, You baptized them, Peter?
Yes, James. I did.
Why?
They are Gentiles!
I told you as I was
speaking to them,
The Holy Spirit
fell on them.
I was astounded!
The Holy Spirit poured out
- even to the Gentiles.
- No!
Jesus said,
"John, baptize with water,
but you will be baptized
with the Holy Spirit.”
God gave them the same gift
that He gave us.
Who was I to reject
God's voice?
So, I ordered them
to be baptized in the name
of Jesus Christ.
And I stayed with them,
slept in their house,
and ate what they ate.
So, we are to baptize Gentiles
and eat unclean
animals with them?
My vision said,
nothing is unclean
that God has cleansed.
No, no, I will never do it.
It's your choice, James.
I heard the voice of God
and He told me
to put this prejudice away.
Prejudice?
Law given by God to Moses,
and now you want to replace it
with the law
as given to Peter?
You think too much
of yourself, Peter.
I glorify God,
not Peter.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Then God has given even
to the Gentiles
the repentance
that leads to life.
(man) Go get the mule.
(man) Bring me some skin.
What story about Jesus
are you going
to tell us today?
Jesus walks on the water?
I told you that story
too many times.
Let me tell you
about his crucifixion.
Sit down. Listen.
For months now, I've heard
of war in the temple, priest.
(man) War, my lord?
Jew plotting to kill Jew,
men waiting at the gates
to kill other men,
Jews in prison
at your orders,
men fleeing Jerusalem
to escape death.
(man) We have the situation
under control.
You have nothing under control.
You've allowed
these Jesus followers
to cause chaos in the city.
I assure you, My Lord,
there is no chaos
and we have a plan.
We must find the leaders,
and kill them publicly.
A very good plan.
Yes, that's what
you keep telling me.
But have you found them?
Not yet, my lord,
but we will.
How?
Reuben has a way.
Oh, do tell me.
I have someone inside
the sect, my king.
(man) A spy?
Not exactly.
Explain!
Someone who will lead me
to their leaders.
But he doesn't know
he's leading you to them,
does he?
- No.
- Splendid.
Who?
Answer me!
My wife.
Your wife?
Your new wife?
My only wife.
My, my,
I thought I was without love,
but I pale in comparison
to you, Reuben.
This scourge of Jesus
must be stopped.
His followers ignore the law.
They teach of everlasting life,
never-ending life
and people believe them.
Stopped, yes.
At any cost?
My wife will forgive me
when she sees how wrong she was.
It is a husband's duty
to correct the errors
of his wife.
Well, well, yes.
You bring me the leader,
and I will kill him.
So, the Jews will be happy,
I will be happy,
and Rome will be happy.
Only Reuben's wife
will be unhappy,
but you can fix that.
Can't you, Reuben?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Reuben) Dinah,
I heard that Saul
is teaching crowds about Jesus.
Is that true?
(Dinah) Why?
Well, don't worry.
I'm not going to arrest him.
I don't care anymore.
Well, the Sanhedrin
doesn't care,
and the High Priest
doesn't care,
and the Jesus followers
threaten no revolution,
so they may live
as they want.
I only ask because
if he is teaching,
it must mean that
the Jesus followers
have accepted him
into their sect.
Apparently.
This amazes me.
See, if they can accept a man
who arrested and killed them,
then they will accept most men.
I've been told they only care
if you believe
in the teachings of Jesus.
Nothing else.
So they would accept
even a priest
who arrested
and persecuted them?
Reuben, are you telling me...
Perhaps. Perhaps.
Do you believe?
I need instruction
to know what I believe.
I can tell you many things.
No, my love, I don't
mean to offend you,
but I am a priest,
schooled in these things
for many years.
You're not qualified
to answer my questions.
I need the counsel of someone
who is my equal.
A leader in the movement.
Someone who walked with Jesus.
Yes. Yes.
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
This man is guilty
of blasphemy,
sedition,
treason,
and other evil acts.
The penalty
is death.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Reuben you must stop this.
I can do nothing
against the power
of the King
and the High Priest.
Then I'll stop it.
Dinah, there is nothing
to be done.
I carry out this sentence
in the name of Rome,
and in the name of God.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
Reuben, did you like the dance?
- I am a priest.
- Oh, yes.
Thou shalt not watch
the lascivious exposure
of human flesh.
Hah, religion.
I've called you here
to compliment you
on your exemplary work
finding the Jesus follower.
And do you know
what the most amazing part
of that event was?
The crowd, they loved it.
They loved watching me Kill
that Jesus dog,
especially your friends,
the priests.
I was amazed.
I've been getting compliments
about it for days now.
I've never been
so popular in Jerusalem.
So, my priest,
I want to do it again.
A politician's first rule
is to please the people.
Well, actually that's not
quite true here, is it?
The first rule
is to please Rome
and I want you to help me.
You should be High Priest,
Reuben.
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
The High Priest is a fool.
You are what I need
in the Sanhedrin.
And more importantly,
you are what the Emperor needs.
I'm going to recommend
you to Rome.
My God demands that those
who break the laws
given by God be punished.
It's God's law,
it's not Roman law.
Anything else would be
the destruction of my beliefs,
and my country.
High Priest is not my goal,
justice is my goal.
Justice?
Well, yes.
That's what we all want.
And we will have it
as soon as you find me Peter.
- Peter?
- Simon called Peter.
That's what my spies tell me.
It's the name
of the number one leader.
I want him.
Bring him to me.
You can do that, can't you?
For justice,
Reuben,
High Priest.
Well, where is the girl?
Lead her to me
or shall I have the boy?
[ laughing ]
Perhaps, I will have
both of them.
(man) Take him.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
You expressed your agreement
with the execution of James,
son of Zebedee.
And now, I bring you
the leader
of Jesus's followers.
May he be the last.
I give you Simon called Peter.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Dinah) No!
Reuben.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Reuben.
My king.
Reuben, my High Priest.
Will you execute
him now, my king?
No, no, no, no.
He is too valuable.
That's the mistake
I made last time.
I had only one showing
with that James.
I want more.
I'll keep this Peter in prison
and bring him out anytime
I need the crowd behind me.
March him through the crowd,
and then throw him
into a cell.
My king.
Under heavy guard, Reuben.
Heavy!
Lose this one
and you won't be priest
of anything.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Satan!
Reuben, Satan!
Satan!
Satan!
Satan!
Satan!
No, no!
No.
No.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
(Mary) Do not despair, child.
God will be victorious.
I led them to him.
To James, to Peter.
I led them.
Reuben pretended to love me,
just so I would
lead him to them.
Then you have to pray for him,
and for Peter.
God would never
hear my prayer.
Jesus taught us a prayer.
Do you want to learn it?
Yes.
"Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done..."
Paul!
Paul.
Barnabas!?
Look at you.
Working like a slave.
I pay my own way, Barnabas.
This is important work, Paul.
But God needs you now.
Paul, I believe God needs you.
So do I.
So?
God told Ananias,
"I will show him
how much he must suffer
for the sake of my name.”
I'm frightened.
You're frightened?
And I'm envious.
Envious?
God has called you, Paul.
Perhaps the road will be hard,
but it's God's road.
We will spread
the Word together?
[ Music playing ]
Reuben!
Peter has escaped from prison.
I'm not responsible
for his escape.
Of course, not.
I had men sleeping
on either side of him.
Of course.
They must have been bribed.
Of course.
There were men at the doors.
Of course.
I will find him again.
How?
Your wife didn't look
very happy with you.
And I'm not
very happy with you.
Even the High Priest
is not very happy with you.
So, you have told our king
that you will be
a better High Priest
and calling me a fool?
You have ten days.
Ten days?
To live. If you can't find him,
this Simon Peter.
What is his name anyway?
Simon or Peter?
His name is Simon, my lord,
but this Jesus
called him Peter.
Why?
That makes no sense,
Simon, Peter.
They're two completely
different names.
But Jesus, uh,
he was a mad man.
Obviously.
Get out.
Open the gate!
It is your king who speaks.
Go away, you filth!
Who was guarding Peter?
And who was outside the cell?
Draw your swords.
Kill him.
If you don't kill him,
I will have him kill you.
[ Grunts ]
Kill him!
Kill him!
Would you rather he kill you?
[grunts ]
Kill them!
[ Grunting ]
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) Cyprus, Paul, Cyprus.
(Paul) Salamis is on
the northeast shore.
You love the sea too much
for a tent maker!
It's my road to God's will.
God's will?
God wants me to tell
the Gentiles, Barnabas.
Yes, Paul.
We must be careful.
They have their own god.
No, we must never
be careful, Barnabas.
We must rush in like bulls.
We must crash through
their pagan gods
like this boat through the sea.
Paul...
We will tell the world
about Jesus
all the way to Rome.
Rome?
Rome.
Why are you washing clothes
with the slaves?
To punish myself
for your crimes.
- I had to do it.
- Get away from me.
They want to destroy the law.
They want to destroy
our way of life.
No, you did that.
I love you.
Jesus taught forgiveness.
Don't speak to me of Jesus.
- You are my wife.
- I am a widow.
If I don't bring them Peter,
I will be killed.
For me, you are dead already.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Reuben) No!
[ Panting ]
[ Women scream ]
Oh! Oh, no!
Please.
No.
Please, please, please,
I beg you,
Do not kill me.
I will find Peter.
(Gaius) Peter is a stupid Jew.
I want Saul.
A Roman citizen
who betrayed Rome.
You are alive only
because King Herod is dead.
Find Peter.
Kill him
and I'll let you live.
I can.
I thought you'd say that.
Saul sailed for Cyprus.
How do you know this?
Rome knows everything, Priest.
Follow him.
These men will accompany you.
You will kill Saul
or they will kill you.
[ Grunts ]
[ laughing ]
(Paul) Let it be known
to you, therefore, my brothers,
that through this man,
forgiveness of sins
is proclaimed to you.
Through this Jesus,
everybody who believes
is set free.
Do you believe
what I'm saying, friend?
I want to.
What stops you
from believing?
We have many gods here.
I've prayed to them since
I could speak to heal me,
but none can.
How long have your legs
been like this?
Always.
Do you believe Jesus
can heal you?
He can.
I can see you
believe he can.
Stand up on your feet.
[ Grunts ]
[ Crowd gasps and murmurs ]
The Gods have come down
to us in human form.
We are not gods.
We are not gods.
We are not gods.
(man) He is Zeus.
(Paul) We are not gods!
Barnabas, stop this!
Can't I be Zeus
for just a moment longer?
[ Music playing ]
Reuben!
I'm here to carry out
God's punishment
for your crimes.
You will die by the stone
according to His law.
You are not my judge.
[ Music playing ]
God forgive you.
[ Music playing ]
(Paul)We are fools
for the sake of Christ.
We are hungry and thirsty.
We are poorly clothed
and beaten.
We are homeless.
And we grow wary
from the work
of our own hands.
When reviled, we bless.
When persecuted,
we endure.
But God proves
his love for us.
And that while
we were still sinners,
Christ died for us,
because if you confess
with your lips
that Jesus is the Lord
and believe in your heart
that God raised Him
from the dead,
you will be saved.
(Paul) Those who have never
heard of me shall understand.
Be satisfied.
[ Indistinct chatter]
Yes, the tax collectors
would have confiscated
them all then.
As you all know,
I try and tell the truth
at all times.
Even when I know
it is not a truth
that everyone wants to hear.
Tonight, we are all happy
that Peter
has been here with us
in Antioch for the past month.
And we are glad
that Benjamin and others
have brought good tidings
from James in Jerusalem.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
But, but...
some of us are engaging
in hypocrisies
since Benjamin arrived.
Some of us used to eat
with the Gentiles in this group.
And as soon as Benjamin arrived,
they shunned the Gentiles.
This is hypocrisy.
Who are you speaking of, Paul?
You.
And Peter.
I'm sorry, Peter, but it's true.
As soon as James' people
arrive from Jerusalem,
you pulled back
from the Gentiles.
You are afraid of criticism
because of the controversy
over those who are circumcised
and those who are not.
It's a very serious question.
To some, perhaps.
To me, it is a mockery
of Jesus' teaching.
It is the law
that believers
must be circumcised.
Believers in the law?
You're abandoning the law?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
When Gentiles,
who do not possess the law,
do instinctively
what the law requires,
they're the law onto themselves.
What the law requires
is written on their hearts.
Many who follow Jesus believe
that they must accept
the law also.
Christ is the end of the law.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The end of the law,
so there may be righteousness
for everyone who believes.
This is too serious a question
to decide here tonight.
There should be a meeting
of all the elders
to decide this question.
Barnabas is right.
We will meet in Jerusalem
in one month's time.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Barnabas)
This is very dangerous.
(Paul) This is my temple.
I will come here
whenever I want.
You're a stubborn man, Paul.
I'm not afraid.
I am-
[ indistinct praying]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Thank you.
Unless, you are circumcised
according to the custom
of Moses,
you cannot be saved.
But we're not talking
about Jews,
we're talking about Gentiles.
The law does not bend,
Gentile or Jew.
Moses is very clear.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
We've always said
that we follow the law...
Moses' law.
Even Jesus said
to follow the law.
But He also said to be tolerant
of the differences of each man.
The law has no tolerance.
Barnabas and I have found
many wonderful things
in our travels.
Jesus, who's called Christ
in the lands to the West.
And the believers
are called Christians.
- Christians.
- Oh, we like this word.
I think Jesus would like this.
You are all Christians.
The law, as Moses gave it to us
is not known among Gentiles.
When we tell them about the law,
we're always careful
to explain it
as a way of living
which is good for all,
not as rules
which must be followed.
Gentiles have their own rules.
And Barnabas and I
found that many
are the same as ours.
Different words
meaning the same thing.
(Paul) Yes.
God's commandment,
to do unto others
as you would have them
do unto you
is the law by which all men
must live.
It doesn't matter
if they are Jew or Gentile.
But specific laws,
like circumcision,
are very difficult
for Gentiles to accept.
Demanding the Gentiles
eat certain foods
or wear certain clothes
is not important in my opinion.
It's only important
that they understand
and accept Jesus
and the teaching of Jesus.
But didn't Jesus teach the law?
He did. But you have
told me that he said,
loving one another
was the heart of the law,
and that we are to be
more concerned
about what comes out
of our mouths
than what goes in.
My brothers,
Paul's argument
has changed my mind.
(James) No, Peter.
Peter!
God knows the human heart
and in cleansing the hearts
of Gentiles,
He has made no distinction.
Therefore,
putting God to the test
by placing on the neck
of disbelievers a yoke,
which is not theirs but ours,
is not right.
They will be saved
through the grace
of the Lord Jesus
just as we will.
Will you join with me
in this, James?
It is important we be united
in this decision.
We should make
a solemn proclamation
which says that we have
decided...
unanimously...
to no longer impose on Gentiles
any burden of the law,
except, except
to obey
the commandments of God.
If anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation.
Everything old has passed away.
Everything has become new.
- (Mary) Amen.
- Amen.
- (All) Amen.
- Amen. Amen.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Barnabas) I love Jerusalem.
(Paul) Yes, but we have
to go back, Barnabas.
- Back?
- To the Gentiles.
You like being beaten
with stones?
Personally, I don't enjoy it.
It is our mission.
Yes.
Hagar will be very sad.
(Paul) Your wife knows
your life is not your own.
Yes, but she'll
still find it hard to accept.
I think it is good
to remain unmarried.
I love her.
In that case,
it is better to marry
than to be aflame with passion.
Let each of us lead the life
the Lord has assigned.
Yes.
As God has called.
We're just at the beginning,
Barnabas.
We have a long way to go.
Where do you wanna go?
Rome.
- Rome?
- 'Yes-
But we will start in Greece.
We won't be welcome
in Greece, Paul.
- They have their own gods.
- I know.
And then, you can put Rome
out of your mind,
it's ridiculous.
Rome?
We will go to Antioch.
No, Rome.
We will go to Rome.
(Barnabas) Paul.
It is my mission.
Your mission
is to bring God's words
to the world.
Rome is the center of the world.
There are plenty of Gentiles
between here and Rome.
You have no faith in Christ.
You have no right to say that.
- I have every right.
- No.
You do not trust God.
Every man has fears.
- Faith conquers fears.
- Tolerance.
I have no tolerance
for a lack of faith.
I am not going to Rome.
I am-
Fine. Then, you go all alone.
Paul.
Rome?
This cannot be God's will.
It is.
I'm going.
If you choose,
without you.
But I am going.
Suicide is not God's will.
And to try to teach about Jesus
to the very people
who killed Him...
No.
No.
I love you.
(Paul) So, He was raised
from the dead
and ascended into heaven.
We know that all things
work together for good
for those who love God.
Who were called according
to His purpose.
For I am convinced
that neither death
nor life,
nor angels,
nor rulers,
nor things present,
nor things to come,
nor powers,
nor height,
nor depth,
nor anything else
in all creation,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God
in Christ Jesus, our savior.
[ Music playing ]
(Paul) To the God, Zeus.
To the Goddess, Athena.
To the Unknown God.
Athenians,
I see how extremely
religious you are
in every way.
For as I walk through the city
and look carefully
at the objects of worship,
I find among them an altar
with the inscription,
to an unknown god.
But noble men,
the God who made this world
does not live in shrines
made by human hands
as though he needed
anything from us.
He, himself,
gives to all mortals,
life and breath.
We ought not to think
of God as an image
formed by the art
and imagination of mortals.
God overlooks the times
of human ignorance.
But now,
as man gains knowledge,
God commands all people
everywhere to repent
because He has fixed a day
on which He will have
the world judged
by a man whom he has appointed,
and who raised Himself
from the dead.
Raised Himself
from the dead?
And ascended into heaven
where He waits
for the day to come,
when we will all be judged
for our belief in Him,
Jesus of Nazareth.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(boy) My father has told me
about Jesus.
You say He raised Himself
from the dead?
Yes.
- Are you the owner?
- I'm Aquila.
- I am Paul of Tarsus.
- Tarsus?
I am a tentmaker.
My father has pits
just like this.
I thought I was home
when I smelled them
from over the hill.
Which why
we are outside of Corinth.
City fathers
don't think it's home
when they smell these pits.
Would you like some water?
Let's give our new friend some.
This is Paul of Tarsus.
He's a tentmaker, too.
This is my wife, Priscilla.
When I was a boy,
I worked with my father
till he sent me away
to school in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem?
Do you know a prophet
called Jesus?
I travel the world
telling people of Him.
We are Christians.
I am home.
(Priscilla) Jesus spoke of love.
Tell us what He meant, Paul.
Love is patient,
love is kind,
love is not envious,
not boastful,
or arrogant,
or rude.
It does not insist
on its own way.
It is not irritable
or resentful.
It does not rejoice
in wrongdoing,
it rejoices in the truth.
It bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes for all things,
endures all things.
That is beautiful, Paul.
Paul, you must stay in Corinth.
We're new believers from Rome.
We need a leader.
Rome is where I'm going.
I must go back
to Jerusalem first,
and then to Rome.
You can't go to Rome.
No Jews allowed.
- What?
- Claudius drove us out,
all Jews from Rome.
That's why we're here.
No Jews.
You can't go to Rome, Paul.
(Paul) I'm on my way
to Jerusalem.
Not knowing what
will happen to me there,
except that the Holy Spirit
testifies to me
in every city that imprisonment
and persecution
are waiting for me.
But I do not count my life
of any value to myself,
if only I may finish my course,
and the ministry I receive
from the Lord Jesus
to testify to the good news
of God's grace.
Remember,
if I speak
in the tongues of mortals
and of angels,
but do not have love,
I am a noisy gong
or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers,
and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith
so as to move mountains,
but do not have love,
I am nothing.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Paul) Law? Law is the sin,
you understand?
The law will make you
do something that is...
[ Indistinct talking ]
So I tried...
So, I tried again,
but nothing...
- Now, bring it to the table.
- (Paul) Over there?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
(James) There are rumors
saying that you teach
against Moses law.
Rumors.
I don't deny the importance
of the law, James.
We had to live by it
until Christ came.
But we are no longer
subject to it.
The only thing
that counts now is faith
working through love.
This is very difficult for Jews.
They grew up
under the law, Paul.
Yes, I know.
Tomorrow...
today.
Today, we have men
who are under a vow
of purification for seven days.
I think you should
join these men,
go through
the rites with them, pray.
Cut your hair,
then everyone will know
that it was true
what they've been
told about you,
that you, too, observe
and guard the law.
Cut my hair?
A small sacrifice
for a man who has been beaten
for his God.
James,
I only came home to rest.
Soon, I will begin
my longest journey.
But I agree with you,
it is important
for the people to know
that I follow the law.
Where will you go?
Rome,
to the end of the earth.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
You lied to me.
You told me Saul was dead.
Your own soldiers
saw him stoned.
He's alive in the temple
at this very moment.
How?
Kill him.
Reuben, stop.
Alive?
You're not his judge, Reuben.
I am a priest
in the service of God.
You do not serve God by killing.
I serve God
as He demands, Gamaliel.
Not here,
not in the temple.
I will not allow it.
It is not God you serve,
but your anger,
your jealousy.
Fellow Israelites,
this is the man
who is turning the world
against our people,
our laws, this place.
He has defiled this holy place.
No.
(Tribune) Stop.
Stop it, stop it.
Why are you
punishing this man?
(Reuben) He breaks God's law.
He breaks no law.
If he breaks the law,
he shall be dealt with
under the law.
You have no right
to murder him
as you wish.
This is a matter for Jews.
Jews are Roman subjects,
and in this land,
I am Rome.
Bring him.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- (man) What did you say?
- (Tribune) General,
General, you shall follow
my order immediately.
Pick him up.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Take him,
take him.
What am I to do with you, Jew?
Kill him.
- Why?
- He's a threat to Rome.
One man?
(Gaius) He leads a religious sect
that follows Jesus of Nazareth.
He was crucified.
They teach that He rose
from the dead.
I don't care if they teach
that He turned into a swan.
They teach revolution
against Rome.
Is that true, Jew?
You want a revolution
against Rome?
- He's harmless.
- Kill him.
I decide what is done here,
Gaius, not you.
This man will not be killed.
There is no reason.
He must be flogged
for inciting a riot.
Yes. Fine, flog him.
I am a Roman citizen.
- What did you say?
- Born a Roman citizen.
(Tribune) A Roman citizen.
Do you still
want him killed, you fool?
Bring him inside.
So I bring him
before your council.
The people want him killed,
which I cannot allow,
because he's a Roman citizen
since birth,
a Jew, yes,
but also a Roman.
You will decide
the proper punishment,
if any, for this man.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Brothers,
since the day I met Jesus,
I have lived my life
with a clear conscience.
Blasphemy!
Strike him in the mouth!
Filth.
God will strike you.
Are you standing there
to judge me according
to the law
and judge in violation
of the law,
you order me struck?
Saul.
This is the Head Priest,
you speak to.
If you follow the law,
you know what is demanded.
The law says...
you shall not speak evil
of the leader of your people,
and so, I apologize.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Brothers,
I am a Pharisee.
I follow the law as you do.
I'm on trial here
not because of the law
but because of the hope
of the resurrection of the dead.
God has spoken to me.
This is blasphemy.
Quiet,
quiet.
We find nothing wrong
in this man.
He follows the law.
This man spits
on the law of Moses.
- (Gamaliel) He teaches love.
- (Reuben) God teaches law.
- He teaches tolerance.
- God teaches obedience.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Stop it!
Stop that!
Take him out!
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Music playing ]
(God) Paul.
Paul,
keep up your courage,
for just as you have
testified for me
in Jerusalem,
so you must bear witness
also in Rome.
Rome.
[ laughter ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
This man,
this man must die.
If we cannot do it
within the law,
then we must do it
without the law.
Brothers,
there's sometimes a moment
when the law cannot act,
but when God would bless us
for our courage.
David knew this.
Solomon knew this.
They had the courage to act,
and so must we.
I will not eat,
or drink again,
until Saul of Tarsus is dead.
Are you with me?
I didn't have to make a meal
for my stupid master
this morning.
Why not?
He has taken an oath.
He says he won't eat
or drink again
until that fool Paul is dead.
I hope he lives forever.
[ laughter ]
[ Music playing ]
(man) Hey, stop.
What's the hurry?
Let me go!
Let me go!
[ Music playing ]
(man) Who's she?
What a little beauty.
(man) Jew, wake up!
You're going to have a woman
for your morning meal today.
[ laughter ]
(Tribune) And that will be done
immediately
by my orders.
Here.
Well, what do you want, girl?
Paul is to be killed.
Jews.
It is a secret pact.
When you bring him
to the council tomorrow,
they will ambush you
and kill Paul.
How do you know this?
Women learn things.
Good.
I will send Paul
to Caesarea tonight.
Go on your way
and tell no one of this.
And, uh,
thank you.
Romans.
Hmm-
[ sighs ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Horse neighs ]
(Paul) When I was a child,
I spoke like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child.
When I became an adult,
I put an end to childish ways.
For now,
we see in a mirror dimly,
but then we will see
face to face.
Now I know only in part,
then, I will know fully,
even as I have been
fully known.
And now faith, hope,
and love abide.
These three,
but the greatest of them
is love.
Paul, some news,
the king is dead.
That isn't news.
And the new king
comes to visit.
Agrippa?
In one week.
I must get him to hear my case.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Applause ]
Those who want to be heard,
come forward.
Your names?
Paul of Tarsus.
I am Ananias,
High Priest of Jerusalem.
And the charge, High Priest?
This man, Saul,
is an agitator amongst the Jews
throughout the world.
Not just Israel,
but the whole empire.
He is also a ringleader
of the indecent sect
based around
the fraudulent Messiah,
Jesus of Nazareth.
He has defiled the temple,
refused the law of Moses,
incited riots against Rome,
and defamed the name
of Agrippa himself and...
Love never ends
and Jesus lives,
my king.
Why is it so difficult
to believe
that the Messiah has come?
He spoke to me,
He told me to take His truth
into all the world.
I have followed His orders,
saying nothing
but what the prophets
and Moses said would take place,
that the Messiah must suffer,
and that by being the first
to rise from the dead,
He would proclaim light
both to our people
and the Gentiles.
You're out of your mind,
Paul of Tarsus.
Too much learning
has driven you insane.
I'm speaking the truth.
Do you believe the prophets,
I?
My king.
Are you... are you going
to persuade me
to be a Christian now, Paul?
Not only you,
but all who are listening to me.
And what other accusations
are there
against this man?
I have, in no way,
committed any offense
against the temple,
against the law of the Jews,
against the king,
or against the emperor.
High Priest,
this man is doing nothing
to deserve death
or imprisonment.
(Paul) I appeal
to the Emperor's tribunal
to seek my release,
my king.
[ Music playing ]
You made a mistake, prophet.
I would've set you free today
had you not appealed
to the Emperor.
But you did not trust
my judgment.
So now,
you will be required to go
before the Emperor
in Rome.
Very long journey for a man
who should be free.
May your God be with you.
You will never
return from Rome
to preach your false message.
Rome.
Reuben,
you have destroyed a man
because of your ambition.
You know nothing of my mind,
Gamaliel.
Your love for Saul
has blinded you.
My love for God tells me
that He has many ways
of showing us His mind.
I believe in life after death,
Reuben.
I believe God knows our hearts.
And I believe we will stand
before Him on that day,
and answer for our life.
Shall I choose to serve
Him now?
Learn some fantasy
of life after death?
Jesus was not the Messiah.
I don't believe Jesus
is the Messiah.
But what I know for sure
is that you're wrong.
You don't have the true faith
of Israel.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Birds chirping ]
(Barnabas) Paul?
Paul?
(Paul) Please, I love this man.
I'm sorry, friend.
I'm sorry, too.
Pride is such a stupid sin.
Oh,
are there intelligent sins?
Paul.
You saved my life.
You saved my soul.
Only God can do that.
You showed me to God.
Thank you.
Remember,
God wants us to forgive those
who sinned against us.
Reuben loved you,
I'm sure.
God has called me to Rome.
I'll wait for you.
I'm not coming back.
He has told me.
Please, God,
no.
You do please God,
Barnabas.
You are a strong and good man.
He needs you here,
me there.
A hard test, master,
too hard for me today.
I'll see you in heaven.
I'll be there
to welcome you at the gate.
[ Music playing ]
Why?
He's gone, he'll never be back.
(Gaius) Gone to Rome.
The Emperor will see
that I failed
to silence him.
I told you
to kill him.
[ Grunts ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]
(man) It's too fierce,
I can't get it down.
(man) Hold on to the bow!
(man) We're blowing away!
[ Frantic shouting ]
(man) Please help me!
[ Indistinct shouting ]
(man) Help!
(Paul) Help me!
Help!
(God) Do not be afraid, Paul.
You must stand
before the emperor.
All those who are sailing
with you
will be safe.
(Paul) Please help me!
Help me!
(man) Help me!
[ Indistinct shouting]
(man) No.
(man) Jump for your life.
(Paul) My God, help us.
[ Thunder clapping]
[ Music playing ]
[ Thunder clapping ]
My Lord,
my God,
You are with me
even unto the end of the earth.
[ Music playing ]
Rome.
For it is written,
those who have never been told
of Him shall see,
and those who have
never heard of Him
shall understand.
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Horse neighing ]
Saul!
Saul!
Ah!
[ Music playing ]
Saul.
[man, indistinct]
Who has blinded you, Saul?
(Saul) Jesus blinded me!
Jesus blinded me!
[ Cheering ]
(man) Reuben!
[ Grunts ]
- Give up, Priest!
- Why?
God is on my side,
tentmaker.
[ Cheering ]
Pharisees!
Ha!
Ha!
[ Grunts ]
Hurrah!
Hurrah! Hurrah!
[ Cheering ]
One!
Two!
Three!
Hurrah!
[ Cheering ]
Hurrah!
[ Booing ]
Don't be a bad loser.
I'm a very bad loser.
You're just not
so strong as me.
Nor as old.
[ Music playing ]
When did we first
wrestle, Saul?
When I first came
to Jerusalem from Tarsus.
And how many times
had you won?
Many.
You liar!
My strength is my tenacity.
Once I know the goal,
I never give up.
Admirable!
Stupid, but admirable.
(Reuben) Why are you wearing
that Roman sword?
It looks ridiculous!
(Saul) I'm a captain
of the temple guard.
You're a businessman.
Why do you pretend
to be warrior?
(Saul) Leave me alone.
A child playing war games.
You're not my priest,
Sadducee.
Pharisee!
(Dinah) The priest
wins the match
but the tentmaker wins
the hearts of the crowd.
Dinah, go home
and make my supper.
The tentmaker rubbed
dirt in the face
of the priest
and the crowd loved it.
Hey, how do you know I won?
How did you know I
rubbed dirt in his face?
I was watching.
Watching?
Save me, Saul.
Save me.
Were you really watching?
He pushed your face
in the dirt
and you were almost naked.
God will punish you
for this sin!
When are you gonna
marry that girl?
Never. I don't love her.
Yes, you do.
When her father died,
she was put into my care.
I took her in. It doesn't
mean I have to marry her.
Of course not.
Why would anyone marry
a girl who is beautiful,
smart, wild,
and in love with you?
Wild, yes.
She questions my knowledge
of the Torah.
I'm a Sadducee priest.
I've studied the Torah
every day of my life.
(Saul) She doesn't question
your knowledge of the Torah,
she questioned
your slavery to it.
You don't understand.
You're an ignorant Pharisee.
What I understand is that
you wanna be high priest
of the temple and you're not
sure marrying Dinah
is best for your ambition.
There are not many men
I would allow to talk
to me in that way.
There are not many men who
know you as well as I do.
Don't move, Hagar.
(Barnabas)
Don't move, Hagar!
Don't move!
Don't move, Hagar!
No.
(Saul) Stop!
(Barnabas) Hagar! Run!
Run! Run!
Kill him!
Kill him!
[ Pants ]
Run-
Saul, that's most
impressive!
I apologize for all
of my remarks.
You're a hero to your people.
Hagar.
Be quiet, Reuben.
- Forgive me.
- No-
I wanted you
to kill that man.
He was going to kill you.
Jesus teaches us
to love our enemies.
Jesus?
Saul, you saved the
life of a Jesus' madman.
Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus is dead.
- Dead?
- For more than a month now.
Get up.
- No.
- No, this can't be true.
It is true,
my misguided friend.
And if I were you,
I'd keep quiet
about your silly belief
in that charlatan.
- Come on, Saul.
- No, it's not true.
Jesus is not dead.
Uh-huh, crucified.
My name is Barnabas.
This is my wife, Hagar.
We came to serve him.
I'm Saul.
Find another savior, friend.
Here. Here.
It's all I have.
I grow fruits and vegetables,
sell them in the market.
Please.
Please.
You saved our lives.
Pilgrim.
Fear not.
He is alive.
Tonight at sundown
I will come for you.
(John) He said, "You will be
my witness in Jerusalem.”
(Peter) How can we witness
with just the mention
of His name
can get us killed?
We can't be sure, Peter.
They crucified Him, John,
40 days ago,
just 40 days ago.
What will keep
them from killing us?
They don't need to harm us,
Peter.
We are not Him.
No, we are just His chosen,
preaching that
He is still alive,
shouting that the
Sadducees are teaching lies,
saying they wanted
the Romans to kill Him.
They feared Him.
But us?
It was easy for
them to kill Him.
How much easier do you think
would be to crucify us,
followers, men with no name?
He would've healed them.
And if you try,
if you tried
John and you failed,
we will be laughed out
of Jerusalem.
Jesus gave us
the power to heal.
And if you succeed,
if you use the power
Jesus gave us
and you heal these men,
the Sadducees
will arrest you
and the Romans
will crucify you.
So is His mission dead,
Peter?
Do you think I'm a coward?
Do you think I want
to be silent?
You want to be crucified?
Is that what He wants?
Buy the finest silver
in Jerusalem!
I'll give you
a very good price.
This is Pentecost, pilgrim.
You have to buy the finest
to celebrate these days.
I have no money.
I know you!
You were with Him!
You were with
Jesus of Nazareth!
They say He's alive!
Maybe Jesus could use a pot
to hold the nails
from His hands and feet.
How will we give
these people hope?
How?
We can't even speak out.
How can we change all this?
I am a coward.
[ Music playing ]
Help me.
- How?
- How? Are you blind?
Give me food!
Give me money!
I can't walk.
- I have nothing.
- Liar!
You lie so that you will not
have to give me your money!
I can tell you about Jesus.
Jesus?
That fool who was crucified
by the Romans?
What can he give me?
He's worse off than me.
Go away!
He was a dreamer
who played with illusion.
He brought His own end.
You can too if you wish.
I don't need illusions.
I need food!
Get away!
Go away!
You see?
We can do nothing
without the Master.
He is with us.
Where?
Do you feel Him?
Do you see His effect
anywhere here?
- Peter.
- Words!
That is all we have, words.
And they're useless.
[ Music playing ]
Greeting, Saul.
Peace be with you, Saul.
(man) Greetings, Saul!
- I wouldn't argue the...
- Gamaliel,
the finest teacher
in all of Judea.
Saul, my best student,
who has learned
the art of flattery.
But I don't remember you
teaching me anything
about flattery, Gamaliel.
Solomon spoke of vanity.
You have learned
that lesson well.
I am hungry, great Saul.
If you have not eaten today,
you will.
As taught
by the Law of Moses.
You have learned well.
But what will I do
when all the beggars
haven't eaten and I
have no more money?
You will beg and others
who follow
the Law of the Torah
will feed you.
(man) Lord Jesus,
you promised us, saying,
"You will receive power
when the Holy Spirit
will come upon you
and you will be
My witnesses in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea,
and to the ends of the Earth."
Please, we beg you, Jesus,
give us Your Holy Spirit,
because we can do
nothing without You.
Give us the power
to carry Your name
to the ends of the Earth.
[ Thunder clapping ]
[ Wind howling ]
What is it?
The Lord is with us.
His Spirit has come.
Peter.
- Oh, Peter.
- Great be to God.
The Holy Spirit
has been given to us.
- (man) He's is here.
- (man 2) Jesus is here.
(man) The Lord is amongst us.
(Peter) I saw the Lord,
always before me.
For He is my right hand
so that I cannot be shaken.
- Peter.
- John, the time is now.
I must know.
Do we have the power
or is His mission dead?
Let the entire house
of Israel know
that God made Him
both Lord and Messiah.
His name is Jesus.
- A false prophet!
- False prophet.
He is dead!
(Peter) He was crucified,
but He lives.
(man) The Romans crucified him!
We know that you acted
in ignorance.
You are the ignorant one.
But now you must repent
and turn to God
so that your sins
may be forgiven.
Save yourself!
Go back to Nazareth!
Imposter.
Liar.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Jesus is the Messiah!
Then why is he dead?
Jesus is not dead.
I saw him on the cross
and he looked dead to me.
He came out of the tomb.
He is alive.
We saw him alive.
(man) You're both drunk!
(Peter) God raised Jesus,
freeing Him from death.
No one defeats death!
What should we do to receive
the Spirit of God?
Fool.
Shh, I want to hear this.
Repent and be baptized
so your sins may be forgiven.
God took my legs.
What else does he want?
Look at us.
I have no silver or gold,
but what I have,
I give you in the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Do you want this?
Stand up and walk.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Israelites, why do you
stare at us?
Do you think we made him walk
by our own power?
Jesus has given him
this in your presence.
(man) This is blasphemy!
Jesus of Nazareth is dead!
A false prophet!
This is not a miracle!
He walks.
This man has been pretending
to be lame all these years
just so that
he can beg for money.
Tomorrow, he will be
at the gate
once again, begging.
This is hysteria.
This is God's will.
And now you blaspheme too?
You stand in the temple,
God's house.
You be careful
what you say.
Faith in Jesus' name
made this man walk.
- Arrest this man!
- You know this man.
You can see for yourself that
Jesus has given him strength
- in his legs once again.
- Saul, help me!
(Peter) Repent.
I didn't save your life to see
you die in prison, be quiet.
The Messiah.
- The Messiah!
- No-
You must repent
and return to God
so that your sins
may be forgiven.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
I am the high priest
of the temple.
What are your names?
Simon, known as Peter.
John, son of Zebedee
from Capernaum.
By what power
or by what name
did you commit this act?
This man has been healed
by the name of Jesus
of Nazareth
whom God has raised
from the dead.
If he is raised
from the dead,
where is he now?
He ascended into Heaven.
He ascended into Heaven?
We saw Him.
While you watched?
There is salvation
in no one else
for there is no other
name under Heaven
or given amongst mortals
by which we must be saved.
Can you read?
Can you write?
What is your profession?
- Fishermen.
- Fishermen.
You are fishermen
from Galilee?
How dare you presume
to tell this
learned body of scholars
what God intends!
Does this man walk?
Did he walk two days ago?
Two years ago?
Twenty years ago?
Did you save him?
Did you save him?
No, Jesus did.
See?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Take him outside.
Outside!
Silence! Silence! Silence!
These men have committed
a blasphemy against God
in the presence
of many witnesses.
And those same witnesses
watched them heal
a lame beggar,
a man we have all seen sit
by the temple gates
for decades.
- You cannot deny.
- We cannot allow them
to teach this myth
of Jesus of Nazareth.
- The man is dead.
- The myth is alive!
Yes.
A myth is like a fire.
Confine it and it will die.
If spreads, it will grow.
Bring them in!
You will not speak
of Jesus of Nazareth.
You will not preach
in His name.
You will not heal
in His name ever!
If you are found
publicly speaking
of this man,
this dead man,
you will be arrested,
tired for blasphemy and treason.
I speak as high priest
of this God's temple!
Whether it is right
in God's sight
to listen to you
rather than God,
you must judge
for we cannot keep
from speaking
about what we have
seen and heard.
We will teach and heal
in the name of the Messiah,
Jesus of Nazareth.
Then you will spend the rest
of your life in prison.
As God wills.
Send them away!
It is Stephen.
This is John, one of Jesus'
close friends.
John, this is Barnabas
and his wife, Hagar.
- They are believers.
- Welcome.
Please, come in.
Mary, I want you to meet
two believers,
Barnabas and his wife, Hagar.
This is Jesus's mother, Mary.
I'm your servant.
(Barnabas) Mother of Jesus.
I am just a person like you.
Don't kneel to me.
You're chosen by God.
We all are chosen
for a task by God.
It is our job to find
what He needs from us.
Come and eat with us
and we will tell you
all about Jesus.
(Peter) Jesus said,
take, eat,
for this is my body.
Do this in remembrance of me.
[ Music playing ]
Barnabas, do you believe
in the Lord Jesus, our Christ,
our Messiah, and our Savior?
With all of my heart
and soul.
I baptize you
in the name of the Father,
and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
God's promise
is to you who believe.
Hagar, wife of Barnabas,
do you believe in Jesus Christ
as our Lord and our God?
I do.
I believe with all my heart.
(Peter) I baptize you
in the name of the Father...
- (man) Simon, known as Peter.
- ...and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
You are under arrest by order
of the high priest
of the temple.
Yesterday, 3,000 more
were baptized
in a matter of hours.
We have a new heresy
to deal with.
Heresy? Are you sure?
Their leader was crucified
by the Romans.
So, now the Romans
decide what is heresy?
This morning the Romans
issued a formal complaint.
They fear a rebellion
if these teachings persist.
So, you Pharisees must get
control of these people.
We Pharisees?
Why blame us, Reuben?
Who teaches
that the Messiah is coming?
Pharisees!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
And now they teach
that the Messiah
is risen from the dead.
This Pharisee teaching
is fantasy of an afterlife.
You restrain this sect of yours
or Rome will make us suffer.
Our teaching is clear.
At the end of time,
we shall all rise again.
But the Torah
does not teach that.
The Torah is the law
as given by God
to Moses on Sinai.
You speak the teachings
of Sadducees.
But to Pharisees, the Torah
was given by God to every man.
It is up to each man
to decide how to interpret
these words for himself.
You delude the people
with a promise of resurrection
and this is what you get,
of this Messiah!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Fellow Israelites,
consider carefully
what you propose
to do to these men.
If their beliefs
are of human origin,
they will fail.
Remember Theudas.
He had hundreds of followers
and yet they all disappeared
when he died.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Remember Judas, the Galilean?
Many followers.
But when he died,
they all scattered.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
But if their teachings
are of God...
Of God?
What? Are you a blasphemer too?
But if their teachings
are of God,
you will not be able
to overthrow them
because you'll be fighting
against God Himself.
I counsel caution.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Bring in the prisoners.
- The prisoners?
- 'Yes-
The prisoners have escaped.
They are teaching at the temple
at this very moment.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Peter)
Our Master, Jesus, said,
"In truth, I tell you,
whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God, they may..."
How did you escape
from the prison?
God's angel opened
your doors for us.
Liar!
You bribed the guard
and now he will die!
Jesus wants His word
to be known to Israel.
He released us.
We gave you strict orders
not to preach
in this man's name!
We must obey God.
Flog them.
Forty lashes minus one!
[ Music playing ]
Rejoice, John,
that you're worthy
to suffer for our Lord.
(John) For our Lord!
Martyrs are such fools.
Mother, what are you doing here?
I was listening
to them, Reuben.
You should not
persecute them, son.
Mother, come home.
Let me deal
with the politics
of God and the empire.
Saul, you missed
all the fun today.
Do you know that there
was a flogging in the temple?
Yes, the Jesus followers.
Gamaliel thinks
you should be cautious.
He did say. But then anyone
who would become a Pharisee,
would understand it,
wouldn't they?
- Ruben, behave.
- Be nice to your friends.
I promise, Mother.
To her, you promised,
but me, you ignore?
Oh, Sarah is my blessed mother,
you are but my...
Your wife to be.
Perhaps.
You hurt Dinah, Reuben.
Sometimes I'm not proud
of you, son.
Now, you apologize to Dinah!
- I promise, Mother.
- Now.
Dinah, Dinah, come back.
I was only teasing.
Why don't you lie down.
There's plenty of food here.
She'll be fine.
Come on, Saul.
Saul, you're an educated man.
You can't believe in angels.
With all my heart.
Oh, Pharisees.
Saul, you're born a leader.
You're a man of culture.
Do you know Saul
is a Roman citizen?
My father purchased
citizenship, nothing more.
He blackmailed
the Roman generals
to give him citizenship
because they needed
his tents for their army.
He paid 500 Drachmae.
Two years' wages?
Not for Saul's father. No.
Saul's father was rich
just like Saul is rich.
Then perhaps
I should marry Saul.
But you don't love Saul.
I don't love anybody.
You love me.
See, if I had your gifts,
I'd be ruling the city.
But you told me you ruled
the city, Reuben.
No, I'm only a priest.
The city is ruled
by commerce these days
and smart dealmakers like Saul.
Oh, what smart deals
have you made, Saul?
You jest.
Saul has made
the best deal ever.
Listen to this.
There are lambs slaughtered
every day of every year
in the temple.
- Sacrifices, yes.
- And on Passover,
there are 20,000
slaughtered in one day.
- Yes.
- Well, where do you think
the hides of all those lambs go?
To make tents, yup,
for the Roman army,
for the temple guard,
for Herod's army,
and it's Saul, the tentmaker.
Bravo.
See, Saul.
Young women these days
are more impressed by commerce
than humble priests.
Humble?
I love you, humble priest.
Now, as part
of Saul's deal
for the lambskins,
he blackmailed the high priest
to make him captain
in the temple guard.
- Reuben.
- So that he can wear
that double-edged Roman sword
and ride around the city
with a troop of sweating
guards behind him.
With the blessing of Gamaliel.
Gamaliel is a great teacher!
He's a... he's a Pharisee.
- What happened?
- She collapsed.
Mother.
Reuben.
One last wish
before I die.
You're not gonna die.
One wish.
Anything.
Simon, Peter.
What?
Bring him to me.
But they're charlatans.
Please.
Mother, you can't
ask this of me.
I'm a priest.
I can't call on blasphemers.
They're scared of me.
They wouldn't come.
Take me to the temple.
She hasn't got long.
She can't ask this of me.
But she has.
The God of our ancestors
raised up Jesus
as our leader and Savior,
that he might give
repentance to Israel
and forgiveness of sins.
We are witnesses
of these things.
Are you here to arrest me again?
My mother.
Do you believe God can help her?
[ Music playing ]
[ Screaming ]
What have you done?
You've killed her!
You've killed my mother!
Mother.
She died at peace.
No.
No, you let her die.
- You killed her!
- No, Reuben,
he gave her comfort.
He said wonderful things.
She's dead!
Not this way, Reuben.
You filthy imposters!
Imposters!
Don't touch me.
What are you doing holding me?
Saul, whose side are you on?
These traitors
or the side of God's law?
(King Herod) You priests
let this happen time and again.
When you can't control
your own people,
you come to me.
King Herod is the ruler
of us all.
I'm not even a Jew.
I hold this position
at the pleasure of Rome
just as you do, high priest.
You come to me as your ruler
when you need my help.
Otherwise, you fight me
on every front.
- Never.
- My King,
they question the law.
They preach the destruction
of the temple.
They tell people to eat
what they want to eat,
that nothing is unclean.
They promise a life after death.
They say the Messiah is here
and that Jesus rose
from the dead.
Jesus was crucified.
Yes, of course, my Lord.
Don't pander to me, priest.
Now, we have thousands
following this carpenter
from Nazareth.
What have you priests done
to let this happen?
They are fanatics,
a threat to Israel.
The law of Moses
is the law of Israel.
Without the law,
Israel is in chaos.
Ah, speaking of the law,
here it is.
But not your ancient law
of Moses, priest no.
The Tribune
and General Gaius
bring us the law
of the Roman sword.
Welcome, gentlemen.
Rome demands peace.
If you cannot control
your people,
the empire will.
Is that true, Tribune?
Will Rome crush Judea
if we allow these Jesus
fanatics to continue?
I would prefer diplomacy,
King Herod.
But there are many
like General Gaius here
who'd welcome an excuse
to exercise
the swords of their men.
He is a cruel man
in charge of an army
of cruel men.
If there is a rebellion
from these mad Jews,
Rome will crush it
and you along with it and me.
Destroy them!
Good, that's all.
Thank you.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Knocking on door ]
Barnabas.
Mary.
Peter,
there is word on the street.
King Herod has ordered
your death,
you and John.
(men) No!
God taught us
that if we are to follow
in His footsteps,
we must sell everything
and trust in Him.
You're going to need this now.
We sold everything,
our house, our farm.
We want to follow Jesus.
Are you sure?
Yes, we're sure.
Hagar.
Why do you think they do it?
Money?
Power?
They believe it.
Even worse.
Have you heard them talk?
Have you?
Yes.
When?
Your mother took me.
Don't ever speak
of my mother again.
Your mother thought
they were saints.
- Ah!
- Reuben!
- Are you insane?
- Look what's happening!
And she's defending
these madmen.
Wake up, Pharisee!
- Do you care about your God?
- Yes.
Do you care about your country?
- Yes.
- Then act!
Crush them now
before the Romans crush us!
- Romans?
- The Romans are gonna stand by
and let a revolution begin?
They'll destroy us, our temple,
our way of life, everything.
And then laugh while they do it.
They'd just love to do it.
Judea is the most
troublesome province
in the empire.
They're just waiting
for an excuse to destroy
our religion.
Saul, join with me,
an oath, a solemn pact
to destroy these lies,
once and for all of time.
We will exterminate them,
every last one of them.
Reuben!
No, Saul, don't do this!
If you defend
on these blasphemers
once more in my house,
you will not be allowed
to live here!
Please, Saul.
To destroy false teachings.
Till Israel is safe.
Listen, children of Israel!
Brothers and sisters!
Come!
Come!
Come!
Gather together
and listen to Stephen
as he tells you
the words of Jesus.
Jesus, our Master, said...
- (Hagar) Come here and listen...
- "...'love one another
as I have loved you.
Follow this example.
- I tell you...
- He uses the name of Jesus.
We have forbidden this.
Arrest him!
- No.
- It can save your lives.
Wait.
There is another way.
If you do what I say,
He can be your friend.
(Stephen)
Believe in what He said.
He can save your lives,
all of your lives.
He loves you.
Jesus said,
"I shall be your friend,
because all things..."
So, you come to listen
to these imposters?
Hmm?
Good.
You stay and learn.
Bring me Saul of Tarsus
and Gamaliel.
They're in the second courtyard
and quickly.
Who was Jesus?
The Son of God.
(Reuben) So, was He man or God?
(Stephen) Both.
God sent to us
in the form of man.
God Himself?
Divine?
- Yes.
- (Reuben) Ah!
So you believe in two Gods?
- [ laughs ]
- (Stephen) One God.
The God of our forefathers.
God the Father
and God the Son.
Ah! So, Jesus was not God.
(Stephen) God's Son.
Divine?
- Yes.
- It's two Gods!
(Stephen) No!
Jesus said
that he'd destroy the temple,
- now is that true?
- He meant the temple
- of His body.
- No, no, no, no, no, no.
Jesus said
He'd tear down the temple.
Destroy our Holy of Holies.
Change the way
we've lived for centuries.
Jesus was a destroyer!
(Stephen) No,
Jesus is our Savior.
Jesus is our Savior.
The Savior!
The Savior!
(Reuben) Gamaliel! Is that what
the Pharisees teach?
A man-God?
You know it's not.
Saul, can your God
be condemned
by man and crucified
by Romans?
Of course not.
God is alive!
Jesus is alive.
He is among us right now!
Really?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Jesus!
Jesus?
Jesus, Jesus, here, come out!
Show Yourself, huh?
I want to see you.
I will fall down on my knees
and worship you
if you show yourself, Jesus.
Jesus!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Why can't they just listen.
Gamaliel,
will you stand behind anything
that this Jesus follower
has said here today?
He will not.
Will Saul?
Stay out this.
Saul will not!
This man,
he pretends to save you
with a gift of some food
and clever words,
but his price is the betrayal
of your laws.
Laws given to you
by Abraham and Moses.
Jesus taught us the law
of love.
This is not against Moses.
Brothers, brothers,
listen to me!
I am a faithful Jew,
true to our history
and our customs
and so is this man, Stephen.
Your God is his God.
He teaches of at least two Gods,
the destruction of the temple,
and the resurrection
having come and gone.
Blasphemy!
Take him away.
- (man) No!
- (man 2) No!
Take him away now!
It is forbidden
to speak of Jesus!
It is forbidden to preach
in Jesus' name!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Saul, are you with me?
Saul, if these teachings
are not of God,
they will die without violence.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Barnabas) Saul,
you saved my life.
[ Gasps ]
Go away or you'll be hurt.
No, don't do this!
In the name God, don't do this.
Don't do this!
No
Reuben, don't do this!
Haven't you learned
anything yet?
Follow along and watch him die!
No.
(Reuben) Now he dies.
The penalty for blasphemy
is stoning.
Barnabas!
How long will brother
fight against brother?
No mercy, Saul.
Your God demands it!
Do you approve of this?
Yes.
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- Stop!
- (Hagar) Don't kill him.
No.
No! No.
Stop! No!
(Reuben) Saul,
remember your oath,
until Israel is safe.
[ No audible dialogue ]
[ Crowd shouting ]
No! No, Saul!
This is wrong!
[ No audible dialogue ]
[ Crowd shouting ]
[ No audible dialogue ]
Here, you can hold my coat.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Lord, do not hold this sin
against them.
Receive my spirit, Lord.
Let this be a warning to you.
You preach the words
of this Jesus
and you will die.
Stephen!
- Arrest this man!
- Stephen!
Your oath is worthless.
- -No!
- No!
- Hagar!
- Barnabas!
- Hagar!
- Barnabas!
- Hagar!
- No!
- Barnabas!
- Hagar!
Hagar!
(Barnabas) Hagar!
What have you done?
My duty.
I love you, Dinah.
- You love?
- Hear me?
I love you,
but you will have
to make a choice.
[ Music playing ]
If you help me,
I'll help you.
I can tell you
where the leader is.
Where?
Risen.
You believe
in the resurrection,
don't you?
The true resurrection.
And what will you say
to Stephen
on judgment day?
"1 only held their coats?"
You are corrupting Jerusalem!
How?
By preaching against the law
of the Torah!
I listen to Stephen.
I listen to Peter.
The Law holds
this country together.
You didn't listen
to Stephen or Peter.
Your heart was closed.
It doesn't matter.
You're too late anyway.
Meaning what?
It's not just
Jerusalem now, Saul.
Peter and John have left.
They're going to
all the cities of Israel,
spreading the words of Jesus
to every Jew in the land.
I thought you were a hero.
You're a fool.
Just a fool
doing Reuben's bidding.
[ Grunts ]
Jesus taught us...
to turn the other cheek.
[ Door closes ]
Gamaliel is wrong!
Jesus must be stopped!
By any means necessary.
My oath is good, Reuben.
I love my country and my God.
"Vengeance is mine,"
says the Lord.
Yes.
(man) Blessed be the meek
for they shall inherit
the Earth.
Oh, Lord, hear our prayer.
Blessed be the peacemakers
for they shall inherit...
(man) No, please!
- Please!
- (man) No!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Take them away.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Who do you think you are?
- What is this?
- Silence! Quiet!
Arrest them!
(man) No, no!
No, no!
No, no, no, no!
Remember me, my friends,
Amos, the beggar
who couldn't walk?
Amos, who sat in the dust
and spat and cursed?
Well, this is he.
Tripping and dancing
like a dove,
not by some high priest
or devilish...
[ dog barking ]
Peter! John!
Come in quickly.
Come in, come in.
Peter and John have returned.
- They're back.
- Praise God!
(man) John!
- What news?
- Good news.
There are believers
all through Judea and Samaria.
- Ah!
- Speaking out, unafraid.
(Mary) Glory to God!
Congregations
everywhere we went.
- (Mary) John.
- (Hagar) Oh.
(Saul) As far as we can tell,
the movement has stopped here
in Jerusalem, King Herod.
Well done!
From what I've been told,
these Jesus followers
are terrified
of you Saul of Tarsus.
(Saul) Thank you, my king.
But the threat is still alive.
(man) It has sprung up
in other towns.
(Saul) Yes, Damascus
in particular.
(King Herod) Oh, what a pity!
What do you suggest?
Give me letters of introduction
and designation of power
to the synagogues of Damascus
and I will go there
and, finding any members
of the sect,
bring them back, bound,
to Jerusalem.
Agreed.
Give him an escort,
our finest men.
(Reuben) This is outrageous!
What... you go before the king
and the high priest
- without first consulting me?
- Speed is of the essence.
We must get there before
anyone knows we're coming.
Surprise is our best weapon.
Surprise is your middle name
lately, isn't it, Saul?
I don't know
what you're talking about.
You filled the prisons!
You're so proud of yourself,
you're about to burst.
I told you,
once I know the goal,
I never give up
until it is ceased.
What you've done
to these people is despicable.
No one asked for your opinion!
Keep quiet.
Don't let your anger out on her!
Don't tell me
how to talk to my wife!
Wife? When?
If you speak again tonight,
it will never happen!
You're a vicious man, Reuben.
H.
You're an ambitious fool!
- I'm leaving in the morning.
- Good!
I'll have your horse
saddled next to mine.
- You're coming?
- Right by your side.
- Ah.
- I'm coming, too!
It's a military expedition.
- Perfect, I'll have an escort.
- I forbid it!
Is this the way you let
other men talk to your wife?
He's not your husband
and I am in charge here!
How dare you talk to my wife
- like that?
- Have you both gone mad?
- This is my house!
- Reuben! Reuben!
And I will not
have you talk to her
- like that in my house.
- Get your hands off me!
You upstart, little Pharisee!
- Get your hands off me!
- Stop it.
Stop.
You watch your steps,
Saul of Tarsus!
I'm not without power
in this country!
Good.
Then maybe you can get
us some decent
horses in the morning.
Are you going?
I have no choice.
Then so am I.
You are not going to Damascus!
And when I return,
we will be married.
[ Music playing ]
Peter and I have to warn
the believers in Damascus.
It's my fault, Peter.
I'm the one who told Saul
the word was spreading.
- The two of you can't go.
- They must be warned.
- Then I'll warn them.
- (Hagar) No.
You cannot go.
It's too dangerous.
Peter and John are the two men
Saul would most like to arrest
or even kill.
Finding the two of you
will make him very powerful.
You cannot go!
I'm sorry, Peter,
John,
to speak to you like that.
- I apologize.
- You are speaking
out of love, Barnabas.
John and I know this,
but we cannot
let you take this risk.
The head of the synagogue
in Damascus is Ananias.
- (Peter) A new believer.
- (John) He knows us.
- He will trust our warning.
- No-
No, you cannot go!
That's all there is to it.
I will go.
I will find Ananias
and I will warn him.
(Hagar) Barnabas!
Barnabas!
[ Music playing ]
(man) Ha! Heeyah!
(man) Heeyah! Heeyah!
[ Horse neighing ]
You don't demand much respect
from your future wife, do you?
You know nothing
of my future wife
except that you desire her.
If I wanted her,
I would have her.
You're a disgusting
excuse of a man.
Actually, I know
more about her than you.
For instance, I know
where is she right now.
What are you talking about?
She's right there.
I ordered you not to follow us!
Yes, you say
many things, Reuben.
You also said
you were going to marry me.
Go home at once.
Alone?
Across the wasteland?
She got here alone.
So now you want her
to risk it again?
So, I want to know,
are you going to marry her?
[ Music playing ]
[ laughter ]
You two are destroying
each other.
Good friends
make great enemies, don't they?
Saul, why are you doing this?
Reuben is a pompous fool!
Not that.
Chasing after these people
because they believe
differently than you.
- That's what God wants.
- How do you know?
They're teaching lies!
Their Messiah is dead!
They're taking advantage
of our countrymen.
The law preserves Israel.
It must be followed at all cost.
People risk their lives
by believing in Jesus.
No one is being
taken advantage of.
It is a play for power by a
sect who lost their leader.
Now they don't want
to lose their position,
they're making up lies!
They do miracles in His name!
But that's a positive sign
of false teaching.
Only God can perform miracles.
They say Jesus is God.
There's only one God.
What if you're wrong?
There's blood on my hands.
There's no going back.
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The synagogue.
I'm looking for Ananias.
- (man) This way.
- (man 2) This way!
Damascus!
[ Horse neighs ]
(Jesus) Saul.
Saul.
Why are you
persecuting me, Saul?
Who are you?
Jesus: I am Jesus,
whom you are persecuting.
Get up,
enter the city of Damascus.
You will be told
what you are to do.
[ Thunder rumbles ]
[ Music playing ]
(Dinah) Saul!
[ Saul screaming ]
Saul!
Saul!
Saul.
Saul.
Saul.
Saul.
Saul, let me help you, Saul.
He blinded me!
Who blinded you?
Jesus blinded me!
(Dinah) Jesus?
He's gone mad!
Come, Saul.
We must go onto Damascus.
Stand up!
Jesus blinded me!
(Reuben) Bring some ropes!
We'll tie him up behind me.
[ Music playing ]
It's been three days.
He wouldn't drink or eat.
I'm afraid he is going to die.
He's a weak man.
He couldn't take the pressure.
[ Dog barking ]
[ Snoring ]
Barnabas, wake up!
Barnabas, wake up!
Ananias!
Ananias, what is it?
Barnabas, I must speak to you.
I know you came to warn us
Saul is our enemy.
- But now...
- What is it?
What is it, Ananias?
I had a vision.
Vision?
In my sleep,
God spoke to me.
God?
He said I must find Saul
and cure him
of his blindness.
God told you to go find Saul?
Yes.
God?
God!
It was God!
Ananias.
Ananias, in the first place,
if you find Saul,
he'll arrest you or kill you.
Second, he isn't blind,
wish that he were.
And third,
you don't know where he is.
On the street called Straight,
at the house
of Judah of Damascus
where he prays
and waits for me
to bring him back his sight.
God told you where to find Saul?
[ Music playing ]
(Ananias) That's the house,
across the street.
Ananias. Ananias.
One last time,
I am pleading with you.
Barnabas, I have to do this.
God told me to do this.
Ananias! Ananias!
[ Knocks on door ]
(Dinah) Saul,
a man is here to see you.
- My name is...
- Ananias.
Yes.
You know this man?
Yes.
I had a vision.
A man named Ananias
came into this room.
He laid his hands on me
and I could see again.
Jesus sent him.
Jesus?
You have been chosen.
Chosen?
Saul. Saul.
God told me
that you are the instrument.
He has chosen to bring His name
before the Gentiles.
Can you let me see again?
The Lord, Jesus,
who appeared to you
on your way here has sent me
so that you might regain
your sight
and be filled
with the Holy Spirit.
I can see.
I can see.
I can see.
Saul.
Saul.
It's as if...
as if scales have fallen
from eyes.
Thank you.
One more message.
Tell me.
(Ananias) God said,
"1 Myself will show him
how much he must suffer
for the sake of My name.”
Suffer?
For the sake of His name.
God Himself has called me.
Ananias,
the believers,
they get sanctified with water.
Baptized.
Baptize me!
I am not qualified.
I'm so new to this belief.
You just spoke directly to God.
Who could be more qualified?
Who?
[ Music playing ]
Baptize me.
[ Music playing ]
I baptize you
in the name of the Father,
and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
[ Music playing ]
Come along! Come along!
And Saul, I don't think
you'll need that inside.
[ Sighs ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
This is a perfect time.
What shall I say?
Just tell them your story.
Will that be enough?
I think it will be plenty.
These people are all believers.
Come!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Brothers!
I wish to introduce
a friend of mine
who has something
he wants to say.
My name is Saul of Tarsus.
How dare you bring him here!
The devil himself!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The high priest of the temple
in Jerusalem
gave me the power to arrest
all followers of Jesus
who are in Damascus.
Here are the orders.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
That was before
Jesus appeared to me
on the road coming here.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Before I understood
that He is the Son of God.
Before I believed
that He is the Messiah.
Before I knew that He was raised
from the dead
and ascended into heaven.
Before I was baptized.
Before I became a follower
of Jesus.
I have no use for this now.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The word of Jesus is my sword.
The word of Jesus is my fire.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Oh, yes, yes.
(man) Yes.
- Welcome.
- (man) Brother!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- That traitor!
- (Dinah) Reuben, be calm!
There's nothing lower than a man
who betrays his friends,
his beliefs, his mission,
his God!
(Dinah) He was blind
and then he could see.
You speak to me of miracles!
There is only one God
and His name is not Jesus!
I know what I saw!
Don't you touch me!
[ Music playing ]
This is the one!
Saul, come out and die!
(man) Out of the way.
If he were here, Reuben,
I don't think he would come out
with that invitation.
- Where is he?
- I don't know.
You tell me
or you will die tonight!
I don't want to die,
but I don't know where he is.
Then it won't matter
if I kill you or not.
It will matter to me.
(Dinah) Reuben. Reuben.
He's in the synagogue!
He's in the synagogue!
- He's in...
- You're lying!
You're just trying to save
this filth!
Reuben, I'm sorry.
I've been confused.
I'm sorry.
I love you.
How'd you know where Saul is?
He trusts me.
I just left him there.
Quiet, girl!
Traitor!
I love you, Reuben!
Come with me!
[ Gasps ]
Why did you lie?
How do you know I lied?
You don't know where Saul is
and you don't love Reuben.
No,
I loved him once.
There's no going back now.
I know.
Jesus is a hard taskmaster.
I know the sacrifices.
His followers have to make,
but Jesus is also...
so full of love.
I think that is why.
Why?
Because I can feel Jesus" love
even in these times.
We call that faith.
Come.
Come.
Come! They'll be back.
We have to find Saul.
[ Panting ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Get your...
get your hands off me!
Shh.
His hands smell like a donkey!
- Be quiet.
- We must hide!
No! We must get Saul out
of Damascus.
There are soldiers everywhere!
You can't go out the gate.
Come!
[ Music playing ]
Guards.
(Saul) I'll jump from the wall.
You'll break your legs!
It's too high!
Much too high!
We'll go back,
find another way.
Go, go, go, go, go, go.
Go.
- Basket!
- Shh!
- Basket.
- What?
The basket?
Basket.
(Saul)
Do you think you can hold me?
With God's help.
With God's help.
Get in!
Get in! Get in!
[ Grunting ]
[ Music playing ]
Hurry.
(man) If he goes that way,
you follow the wall.
You, go straight down there.
You, come with me.
Faster.
Faster, faster, faster.
Stop. Stop.
The patrol is coming.
Stop. Stop.
[ Grunting ]
Lower. Lower.
Lower.
Lower.
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) Saul?
Where is he?
- Where? Where?
- There!
There!
He's there!
[all shouting ]
Run, Saul.
- Saul, run.
- Run, run, run.
- Run.
- Go.
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]
Heeyah! Heeyah!
Heeyah! Heeyah!
Search the temple!
Dismount.
Reuben, please don't do this.
Dinah, I wasted a whole month
in Damascus searching for Saul.
Every day, I listen to you
pleading for his safety.
Now, you will be quiet.
Reuben, Saul would not have
come to Jerusalem.
If he didn't die
in the desert,
he will be here in Jerusalem.
And if he is here,
I will find him,
and I will kill him,
and none of your lies
can save him.
The Temple!
If he isn't there,
we search the city.
[ Music playing ]
Okay, force, secure this gate.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
No one leaves till I say so.
(Gamaliel)
Reuben, you are disturbing
these men in prayer.
A criminal against God
and country is here, Gamaliel.
Your favorite student, Saul.
I will find him
and I would kill him
as God demands.
Because his mind is open
enough to investigate
the teachings
of another Pharisee?
He teaches lies.
Isn't that enough for you,
Gamaliel?
Reuben, I know you
are doing this
because of your belief
in our God.
I do as God commands.
God commands the death
of another?
God has commanded the death
of many of our people, Gamaliel.
Any who will not obey His law.
And are you convinced that God
wants the followers
of Jesus dead?
He teaches Jews
to ignore God's law.
There is no greater
threat to our belief
or our country.
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- Barnabas.
- I'm sorry.
- I have no money.
- Liar.
You're a rich man.
You grow wonderful melons
and squash.
I did once, but no longer.
I gave it all.
A courageous man
saved your life.
And you repaid him
with two tiny melons.
Saul?
Saul?
Saul! We thought you were dead.
We watched the patrol run
after you in the desert,
and when you didn't come back...
I thought I was dead.
I walked for days, no water.
Only God saved me.
Come in.
Mary will feed you, Saul.
Paul.
What?
I'm not the man
called Saul anymore.
I don't want his name
to scare believers again.
I'm a new man,
with a new name, Paul.
- Good.
- It's the Roman name
my father gave me
along with my Jewish name, Saul.
Paul of Tarsus.
It means "small.”
Hopefully it
will frighten no one.
A new name will not
make the difference.
I know.
I must meet Peter.
I must convince him
I'm sincere.
If you will.
They're afraid of you.
Is he here?
No. No, much too dangerous.
Everyone knows his house.
Reuben has returned
to Jerusalem.
I know.
If he finds you,
he will kill you.
I'll take you to Peter. Come.
I must warn him first,
but I'll take you to him.
Come in, rest, eat.
I'll come for you soon.
[ Knocks on door ]
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) You wait here.
They're watching...
to see if we're alone
or followed.
The Arena?
Easy place for them to make
sure it's not a trap.
Come on.
Come on.
- (Peter) Barnabas.
- Peter!
Peter,
this is our most
feared persecutor,
Saul of Tarsus,
but he wants to bury that man
and give birth to a new man
called Paul.
(James) He helped murder Stephen.
James, he was very close
to our Lord.
He arrested dozens
and stabbed Amos to death.
- That is all true.
- Hah. You admit it!
I asked God to forgive me.
Why should we believe you?
Jesus came to me,
spoke to me.
Don't use His name.
It's true, James.
Paul was on the road
to Damascus.
- To arrest believers.
- True-
On the road, he was
struck by a white light
and heard the voice of Jesus.
I asked who he was,
and He said,
"I am Jesus whom you
are persecuting.”
It's the truth.
How do you know
if it's the truth?
I've heard him
speaking in the synagogue,
talk of his love for Jesus,
of his awakening.
Talk, talk, talk,
a trick to get
to Peter and John.
(Peter) Perhaps,
but if it was a trick,
it worked.
I am here.
Peter...
Jesus blinded me.
For three days.
Then I had a vision
that a man named Ananias
would come and bring
my sight back.
That very day, it happened.
- I know that to be true.
- (James) How?
Because that very night,
I baptized him.
I don't want
to endanger you.
You don't ever
have to see me again.
All I want from you
is your blessing
and your permission.
Permission?
To speak the good news
of Jesus.
Fine, fine,
then they will kill you
just like you killed
our people.
Jesus told Ananias
that I was chosen
to be His instrument,
to bring His name
before Gentiles
and before the people of Israel.
You?
No.
I watched Him grow up.
I was by His side
when He started.
I watched Him die,
I watched Him go into heaven.
And He has chosen you
to bring His name
to Israel?
I have spoken the truth to you.
I give you my blessing,
Paul of Tarsus.
And I give you my permission
to speak of the Master.
But I warn you,
if there are lies
in your heart,
your soul will perish.
You are speaking of God
Himself, the Messiah,
the Christ,
who will come again soon
and establish His kingdom.
The Romans will not save you
for they will be defeated.
The priests will not save you
for they will be condemned
if they have evil
in their hearts.
God's will be done.
Yes, Barnabas.
God's will be done,
and it will be done,
my friend.
It will be done.
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) And so my friends,
I bring before you
a man you never wanted to meet,
a man who has persecuted
the followers of Jesus,
arrested us,
even killed us.
His name was Saul of Tarsus.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Now he is called Paul.
No, no, listen,
listen to him.
(Paul) Do not fear.
I believe in Jesus
as the Messiah.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Jesus spoke to me
on the road to Damascus.
He blinded me.
He told me to stop
persecuting him.
When this mortal body
puts on immortality,
then the saying that is
written will be fulfilled:
"Death has been swallowed up
in victory."
"Where, O death,
is your victory?
Where, O death,
is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin
is the law.
But thanks be to God
who gives us victory
through our Lord,
Jesus Christ.
My brothers, you descendants
of Abraham's family,
and others who fear God,
to us, the message
of this salvation
has been sent because
the residents of Jerusalem,
and their leaders,
did not recognize Him.
All understand the words
of the prophet.
Soldiers.
- He's coming to fulfill them...
- Soldiers.
Soldiers.
Paul will speak to you again.
[ Music playing ]
Reuben, do you have any idea
what the boughs
of Rome are like?
They're glorious,
not like this sewer.
Rome killed Jesus.
Now you've allowed
him to be reborn
by your friend, Saul.
I do not want Rome
to hear of this rebirth.
Stop them, now.
[ Soldiers laugh ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
You must leave Jerusalem
at once, Paul.
Tonight.
I'm not afraid of Reuben.
It's not just Reuben.
The Hellenists
wants you dead, too.
You're in danger
from all sides.
I didn't trust you, Paul,
and I was wrong.
You've shown your
dedication to Jesus,
but there's no need
to tempt God.
It's not cowardly to prevent
your own unjust death.
I have no problem being cowardly
if it saves my life.
You pretend to be weak,
Barnabas,
but you are a very strong,
and brave man.
Bring Reuben into the room
and watch me run.
[ Chuckles ]
I'm leaving Jerusalem, Paul.
It is time to spread the word.
I'm going to Lydda.
I'm sending Barnabas to Antioch.
Only James will stay here
to see to the believers
in Jerusalem.
So, where do you
want me to go?
Tarsus.
You want me to go home?
The most difficult
assignment of all.
A prophet is seldom appreciated
by his own people.
Even Jesus was not
accepted by the people.
He grew up around.
You must continue
to teach the good news.
In Tarsus?
Without Barnabas at my side?
(Peter) Don't worry, Paul.
Jesus told us, the Romans
will be defeated,
and that He would return soon.
The end of the world is near.
We must be found at his work
when He returns.
Peter, please don't
misunderstand me.
I will do as you wish.
But?
When I heard Jesus's voice,
He said, "You will be told
what you are to do.”
Yes?
He told Ananias I was to bring.
His name to Gentiles.
Saul.
Sorry, Paul.
Jesus was born a Jew.
He was sent to the Jews.
That is God's plan.
Jews first...
then Gentiles.
But it will be hard for them.
We have many laws
that they must learn.
Yes. What to eat,
when to work, circumcision.
These will be hard lessons.
In time, Paul.
The end of the world is near.
Jews first...
then Gentiles.
In Jesus' name.
(all) In Jesus' name.
[ Music playing ]
Ahh.
I love you, Reuben.
And I love you.
[ Cheering ]
(woman) Congratulations!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
Thank you, Reuben.
- For what?
- For marrying me.
It's my pleasure...
I hope
later tonight.
I know you hated me
when I lied to you.
Those days are forgotten.
You're free
to believe as you want
as long as it is as your
priestly husband dictates.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
My darling, Dinah...
I want to apologize
for all the times
I've treated you badly.
- Reuben...
- No, no, no. It's true.
I tried to saddle your spirit,
and I never ever want
to do that again.
I may even have been
wrong about Saul.
Reuben!
I want you to be free.
Free to think as you want,
because I love you, Dinah.
[ Music playing ]
Dinah?
Dinah?
(Dinah) Lord Jesus,
you have called Paul
to be your friend
and disciple.
Please, I pray to you
with all my heart.
Jesus, protect him
and be with him
in his mission.
I beg you, Jesus,
forgive Reuben,
as he does not know You.
Open his heart, Jesus,
so that he may accept your words
and your love.
Shine your light
upon him, O Jesus,
and show him the way
he must follow.
I also pray to you
for Peter and the apostles.
Please, Jesus, protect them
and accompany them
on their way.
Jesus, our Messiah.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Shh! Shh! Please keep quiet,
we must not be heard
from the street.
So, You baptized them, Peter?
Yes, James. I did.
Why?
They are Gentiles!
I told you as I was
speaking to them,
The Holy Spirit
fell on them.
I was astounded!
The Holy Spirit poured out
- even to the Gentiles.
- No!
Jesus said,
"John, baptize with water,
but you will be baptized
with the Holy Spirit.”
God gave them the same gift
that He gave us.
Who was I to reject
God's voice?
So, I ordered them
to be baptized in the name
of Jesus Christ.
And I stayed with them,
slept in their house,
and ate what they ate.
So, we are to baptize Gentiles
and eat unclean
animals with them?
My vision said,
nothing is unclean
that God has cleansed.
No, no, I will never do it.
It's your choice, James.
I heard the voice of God
and He told me
to put this prejudice away.
Prejudice?
Law given by God to Moses,
and now you want to replace it
with the law
as given to Peter?
You think too much
of yourself, Peter.
I glorify God,
not Peter.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Then God has given even
to the Gentiles
the repentance
that leads to life.
(man) Go get the mule.
(man) Bring me some skin.
What story about Jesus
are you going
to tell us today?
Jesus walks on the water?
I told you that story
too many times.
Let me tell you
about his crucifixion.
Sit down. Listen.
For months now, I've heard
of war in the temple, priest.
(man) War, my lord?
Jew plotting to kill Jew,
men waiting at the gates
to kill other men,
Jews in prison
at your orders,
men fleeing Jerusalem
to escape death.
(man) We have the situation
under control.
You have nothing under control.
You've allowed
these Jesus followers
to cause chaos in the city.
I assure you, My Lord,
there is no chaos
and we have a plan.
We must find the leaders,
and kill them publicly.
A very good plan.
Yes, that's what
you keep telling me.
But have you found them?
Not yet, my lord,
but we will.
How?
Reuben has a way.
Oh, do tell me.
I have someone inside
the sect, my king.
(man) A spy?
Not exactly.
Explain!
Someone who will lead me
to their leaders.
But he doesn't know
he's leading you to them,
does he?
- No.
- Splendid.
Who?
Answer me!
My wife.
Your wife?
Your new wife?
My only wife.
My, my,
I thought I was without love,
but I pale in comparison
to you, Reuben.
This scourge of Jesus
must be stopped.
His followers ignore the law.
They teach of everlasting life,
never-ending life
and people believe them.
Stopped, yes.
At any cost?
My wife will forgive me
when she sees how wrong she was.
It is a husband's duty
to correct the errors
of his wife.
Well, well, yes.
You bring me the leader,
and I will kill him.
So, the Jews will be happy,
I will be happy,
and Rome will be happy.
Only Reuben's wife
will be unhappy,
but you can fix that.
Can't you, Reuben?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Reuben) Dinah,
I heard that Saul
is teaching crowds about Jesus.
Is that true?
(Dinah) Why?
Well, don't worry.
I'm not going to arrest him.
I don't care anymore.
Well, the Sanhedrin
doesn't care,
and the High Priest
doesn't care,
and the Jesus followers
threaten no revolution,
so they may live
as they want.
I only ask because
if he is teaching,
it must mean that
the Jesus followers
have accepted him
into their sect.
Apparently.
This amazes me.
See, if they can accept a man
who arrested and killed them,
then they will accept most men.
I've been told they only care
if you believe
in the teachings of Jesus.
Nothing else.
So they would accept
even a priest
who arrested
and persecuted them?
Reuben, are you telling me...
Perhaps. Perhaps.
Do you believe?
I need instruction
to know what I believe.
I can tell you many things.
No, my love, I don't
mean to offend you,
but I am a priest,
schooled in these things
for many years.
You're not qualified
to answer my questions.
I need the counsel of someone
who is my equal.
A leader in the movement.
Someone who walked with Jesus.
Yes. Yes.
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
This man is guilty
of blasphemy,
sedition,
treason,
and other evil acts.
The penalty
is death.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Reuben you must stop this.
I can do nothing
against the power
of the King
and the High Priest.
Then I'll stop it.
Dinah, there is nothing
to be done.
I carry out this sentence
in the name of Rome,
and in the name of God.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
Reuben, did you like the dance?
- I am a priest.
- Oh, yes.
Thou shalt not watch
the lascivious exposure
of human flesh.
Hah, religion.
I've called you here
to compliment you
on your exemplary work
finding the Jesus follower.
And do you know
what the most amazing part
of that event was?
The crowd, they loved it.
They loved watching me Kill
that Jesus dog,
especially your friends,
the priests.
I was amazed.
I've been getting compliments
about it for days now.
I've never been
so popular in Jerusalem.
So, my priest,
I want to do it again.
A politician's first rule
is to please the people.
Well, actually that's not
quite true here, is it?
The first rule
is to please Rome
and I want you to help me.
You should be High Priest,
Reuben.
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
The High Priest is a fool.
You are what I need
in the Sanhedrin.
And more importantly,
you are what the Emperor needs.
I'm going to recommend
you to Rome.
My God demands that those
who break the laws
given by God be punished.
It's God's law,
it's not Roman law.
Anything else would be
the destruction of my beliefs,
and my country.
High Priest is not my goal,
justice is my goal.
Justice?
Well, yes.
That's what we all want.
And we will have it
as soon as you find me Peter.
- Peter?
- Simon called Peter.
That's what my spies tell me.
It's the name
of the number one leader.
I want him.
Bring him to me.
You can do that, can't you?
For justice,
Reuben,
High Priest.
Well, where is the girl?
Lead her to me
or shall I have the boy?
[ laughing ]
Perhaps, I will have
both of them.
(man) Take him.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
You expressed your agreement
with the execution of James,
son of Zebedee.
And now, I bring you
the leader
of Jesus's followers.
May he be the last.
I give you Simon called Peter.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Dinah) No!
Reuben.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Reuben.
My king.
Reuben, my High Priest.
Will you execute
him now, my king?
No, no, no, no.
He is too valuable.
That's the mistake
I made last time.
I had only one showing
with that James.
I want more.
I'll keep this Peter in prison
and bring him out anytime
I need the crowd behind me.
March him through the crowd,
and then throw him
into a cell.
My king.
Under heavy guard, Reuben.
Heavy!
Lose this one
and you won't be priest
of anything.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Satan!
Reuben, Satan!
Satan!
Satan!
Satan!
Satan!
No, no!
No.
No.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
(Mary) Do not despair, child.
God will be victorious.
I led them to him.
To James, to Peter.
I led them.
Reuben pretended to love me,
just so I would
lead him to them.
Then you have to pray for him,
and for Peter.
God would never
hear my prayer.
Jesus taught us a prayer.
Do you want to learn it?
Yes.
"Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done..."
Paul!
Paul.
Barnabas!?
Look at you.
Working like a slave.
I pay my own way, Barnabas.
This is important work, Paul.
But God needs you now.
Paul, I believe God needs you.
So do I.
So?
God told Ananias,
"I will show him
how much he must suffer
for the sake of my name.”
I'm frightened.
You're frightened?
And I'm envious.
Envious?
God has called you, Paul.
Perhaps the road will be hard,
but it's God's road.
We will spread
the Word together?
[ Music playing ]
Reuben!
Peter has escaped from prison.
I'm not responsible
for his escape.
Of course, not.
I had men sleeping
on either side of him.
Of course.
They must have been bribed.
Of course.
There were men at the doors.
Of course.
I will find him again.
How?
Your wife didn't look
very happy with you.
And I'm not
very happy with you.
Even the High Priest
is not very happy with you.
So, you have told our king
that you will be
a better High Priest
and calling me a fool?
You have ten days.
Ten days?
To live. If you can't find him,
this Simon Peter.
What is his name anyway?
Simon or Peter?
His name is Simon, my lord,
but this Jesus
called him Peter.
Why?
That makes no sense,
Simon, Peter.
They're two completely
different names.
But Jesus, uh,
he was a mad man.
Obviously.
Get out.
Open the gate!
It is your king who speaks.
Go away, you filth!
Who was guarding Peter?
And who was outside the cell?
Draw your swords.
Kill him.
If you don't kill him,
I will have him kill you.
[ Grunts ]
Kill him!
Kill him!
Would you rather he kill you?
[grunts ]
Kill them!
[ Grunting ]
[ Music playing ]
(Barnabas) Cyprus, Paul, Cyprus.
(Paul) Salamis is on
the northeast shore.
You love the sea too much
for a tent maker!
It's my road to God's will.
God's will?
God wants me to tell
the Gentiles, Barnabas.
Yes, Paul.
We must be careful.
They have their own god.
No, we must never
be careful, Barnabas.
We must rush in like bulls.
We must crash through
their pagan gods
like this boat through the sea.
Paul...
We will tell the world
about Jesus
all the way to Rome.
Rome?
Rome.
Why are you washing clothes
with the slaves?
To punish myself
for your crimes.
- I had to do it.
- Get away from me.
They want to destroy the law.
They want to destroy
our way of life.
No, you did that.
I love you.
Jesus taught forgiveness.
Don't speak to me of Jesus.
- You are my wife.
- I am a widow.
If I don't bring them Peter,
I will be killed.
For me, you are dead already.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Reuben) No!
[ Panting ]
[ Women scream ]
Oh! Oh, no!
Please.
No.
Please, please, please,
I beg you,
Do not kill me.
I will find Peter.
(Gaius) Peter is a stupid Jew.
I want Saul.
A Roman citizen
who betrayed Rome.
You are alive only
because King Herod is dead.
Find Peter.
Kill him
and I'll let you live.
I can.
I thought you'd say that.
Saul sailed for Cyprus.
How do you know this?
Rome knows everything, Priest.
Follow him.
These men will accompany you.
You will kill Saul
or they will kill you.
[ Grunts ]
[ laughing ]
(Paul) Let it be known
to you, therefore, my brothers,
that through this man,
forgiveness of sins
is proclaimed to you.
Through this Jesus,
everybody who believes
is set free.
Do you believe
what I'm saying, friend?
I want to.
What stops you
from believing?
We have many gods here.
I've prayed to them since
I could speak to heal me,
but none can.
How long have your legs
been like this?
Always.
Do you believe Jesus
can heal you?
He can.
I can see you
believe he can.
Stand up on your feet.
[ Grunts ]
[ Crowd gasps and murmurs ]
The Gods have come down
to us in human form.
We are not gods.
We are not gods.
We are not gods.
(man) He is Zeus.
(Paul) We are not gods!
Barnabas, stop this!
Can't I be Zeus
for just a moment longer?
[ Music playing ]
Reuben!
I'm here to carry out
God's punishment
for your crimes.
You will die by the stone
according to His law.
You are not my judge.
[ Music playing ]
God forgive you.
[ Music playing ]
(Paul)We are fools
for the sake of Christ.
We are hungry and thirsty.
We are poorly clothed
and beaten.
We are homeless.
And we grow wary
from the work
of our own hands.
When reviled, we bless.
When persecuted,
we endure.
But God proves
his love for us.
And that while
we were still sinners,
Christ died for us,
because if you confess
with your lips
that Jesus is the Lord
and believe in your heart
that God raised Him
from the dead,
you will be saved.
(Paul) Those who have never
heard of me shall understand.
Be satisfied.
[ Indistinct chatter]
Yes, the tax collectors
would have confiscated
them all then.
As you all know,
I try and tell the truth
at all times.
Even when I know
it is not a truth
that everyone wants to hear.
Tonight, we are all happy
that Peter
has been here with us
in Antioch for the past month.
And we are glad
that Benjamin and others
have brought good tidings
from James in Jerusalem.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
But, but...
some of us are engaging
in hypocrisies
since Benjamin arrived.
Some of us used to eat
with the Gentiles in this group.
And as soon as Benjamin arrived,
they shunned the Gentiles.
This is hypocrisy.
Who are you speaking of, Paul?
You.
And Peter.
I'm sorry, Peter, but it's true.
As soon as James' people
arrive from Jerusalem,
you pulled back
from the Gentiles.
You are afraid of criticism
because of the controversy
over those who are circumcised
and those who are not.
It's a very serious question.
To some, perhaps.
To me, it is a mockery
of Jesus' teaching.
It is the law
that believers
must be circumcised.
Believers in the law?
You're abandoning the law?
[ Indistinct chatter ]
When Gentiles,
who do not possess the law,
do instinctively
what the law requires,
they're the law onto themselves.
What the law requires
is written on their hearts.
Many who follow Jesus believe
that they must accept
the law also.
Christ is the end of the law.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
The end of the law,
so there may be righteousness
for everyone who believes.
This is too serious a question
to decide here tonight.
There should be a meeting
of all the elders
to decide this question.
Barnabas is right.
We will meet in Jerusalem
in one month's time.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Barnabas)
This is very dangerous.
(Paul) This is my temple.
I will come here
whenever I want.
You're a stubborn man, Paul.
I'm not afraid.
I am-
[ indistinct praying]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Thank you.
Unless, you are circumcised
according to the custom
of Moses,
you cannot be saved.
But we're not talking
about Jews,
we're talking about Gentiles.
The law does not bend,
Gentile or Jew.
Moses is very clear.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
We've always said
that we follow the law...
Moses' law.
Even Jesus said
to follow the law.
But He also said to be tolerant
of the differences of each man.
The law has no tolerance.
Barnabas and I have found
many wonderful things
in our travels.
Jesus, who's called Christ
in the lands to the West.
And the believers
are called Christians.
- Christians.
- Oh, we like this word.
I think Jesus would like this.
You are all Christians.
The law, as Moses gave it to us
is not known among Gentiles.
When we tell them about the law,
we're always careful
to explain it
as a way of living
which is good for all,
not as rules
which must be followed.
Gentiles have their own rules.
And Barnabas and I
found that many
are the same as ours.
Different words
meaning the same thing.
(Paul) Yes.
God's commandment,
to do unto others
as you would have them
do unto you
is the law by which all men
must live.
It doesn't matter
if they are Jew or Gentile.
But specific laws,
like circumcision,
are very difficult
for Gentiles to accept.
Demanding the Gentiles
eat certain foods
or wear certain clothes
is not important in my opinion.
It's only important
that they understand
and accept Jesus
and the teaching of Jesus.
But didn't Jesus teach the law?
He did. But you have
told me that he said,
loving one another
was the heart of the law,
and that we are to be
more concerned
about what comes out
of our mouths
than what goes in.
My brothers,
Paul's argument
has changed my mind.
(James) No, Peter.
Peter!
God knows the human heart
and in cleansing the hearts
of Gentiles,
He has made no distinction.
Therefore,
putting God to the test
by placing on the neck
of disbelievers a yoke,
which is not theirs but ours,
is not right.
They will be saved
through the grace
of the Lord Jesus
just as we will.
Will you join with me
in this, James?
It is important we be united
in this decision.
We should make
a solemn proclamation
which says that we have
decided...
unanimously...
to no longer impose on Gentiles
any burden of the law,
except, except
to obey
the commandments of God.
If anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation.
Everything old has passed away.
Everything has become new.
- (Mary) Amen.
- Amen.
- (All) Amen.
- Amen. Amen.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Barnabas) I love Jerusalem.
(Paul) Yes, but we have
to go back, Barnabas.
- Back?
- To the Gentiles.
You like being beaten
with stones?
Personally, I don't enjoy it.
It is our mission.
Yes.
Hagar will be very sad.
(Paul) Your wife knows
your life is not your own.
Yes, but she'll
still find it hard to accept.
I think it is good
to remain unmarried.
I love her.
In that case,
it is better to marry
than to be aflame with passion.
Let each of us lead the life
the Lord has assigned.
Yes.
As God has called.
We're just at the beginning,
Barnabas.
We have a long way to go.
Where do you wanna go?
Rome.
- Rome?
- 'Yes-
But we will start in Greece.
We won't be welcome
in Greece, Paul.
- They have their own gods.
- I know.
And then, you can put Rome
out of your mind,
it's ridiculous.
Rome?
We will go to Antioch.
No, Rome.
We will go to Rome.
(Barnabas) Paul.
It is my mission.
Your mission
is to bring God's words
to the world.
Rome is the center of the world.
There are plenty of Gentiles
between here and Rome.
You have no faith in Christ.
You have no right to say that.
- I have every right.
- No.
You do not trust God.
Every man has fears.
- Faith conquers fears.
- Tolerance.
I have no tolerance
for a lack of faith.
I am not going to Rome.
I am-
Fine. Then, you go all alone.
Paul.
Rome?
This cannot be God's will.
It is.
I'm going.
If you choose,
without you.
But I am going.
Suicide is not God's will.
And to try to teach about Jesus
to the very people
who killed Him...
No.
No.
I love you.
(Paul) So, He was raised
from the dead
and ascended into heaven.
We know that all things
work together for good
for those who love God.
Who were called according
to His purpose.
For I am convinced
that neither death
nor life,
nor angels,
nor rulers,
nor things present,
nor things to come,
nor powers,
nor height,
nor depth,
nor anything else
in all creation,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God
in Christ Jesus, our savior.
[ Music playing ]
(Paul) To the God, Zeus.
To the Goddess, Athena.
To the Unknown God.
Athenians,
I see how extremely
religious you are
in every way.
For as I walk through the city
and look carefully
at the objects of worship,
I find among them an altar
with the inscription,
to an unknown god.
But noble men,
the God who made this world
does not live in shrines
made by human hands
as though he needed
anything from us.
He, himself,
gives to all mortals,
life and breath.
We ought not to think
of God as an image
formed by the art
and imagination of mortals.
God overlooks the times
of human ignorance.
But now,
as man gains knowledge,
God commands all people
everywhere to repent
because He has fixed a day
on which He will have
the world judged
by a man whom he has appointed,
and who raised Himself
from the dead.
Raised Himself
from the dead?
And ascended into heaven
where He waits
for the day to come,
when we will all be judged
for our belief in Him,
Jesus of Nazareth.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(boy) My father has told me
about Jesus.
You say He raised Himself
from the dead?
Yes.
- Are you the owner?
- I'm Aquila.
- I am Paul of Tarsus.
- Tarsus?
I am a tentmaker.
My father has pits
just like this.
I thought I was home
when I smelled them
from over the hill.
Which why
we are outside of Corinth.
City fathers
don't think it's home
when they smell these pits.
Would you like some water?
Let's give our new friend some.
This is Paul of Tarsus.
He's a tentmaker, too.
This is my wife, Priscilla.
When I was a boy,
I worked with my father
till he sent me away
to school in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem?
Do you know a prophet
called Jesus?
I travel the world
telling people of Him.
We are Christians.
I am home.
(Priscilla) Jesus spoke of love.
Tell us what He meant, Paul.
Love is patient,
love is kind,
love is not envious,
not boastful,
or arrogant,
or rude.
It does not insist
on its own way.
It is not irritable
or resentful.
It does not rejoice
in wrongdoing,
it rejoices in the truth.
It bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes for all things,
endures all things.
That is beautiful, Paul.
Paul, you must stay in Corinth.
We're new believers from Rome.
We need a leader.
Rome is where I'm going.
I must go back
to Jerusalem first,
and then to Rome.
You can't go to Rome.
No Jews allowed.
- What?
- Claudius drove us out,
all Jews from Rome.
That's why we're here.
No Jews.
You can't go to Rome, Paul.
(Paul) I'm on my way
to Jerusalem.
Not knowing what
will happen to me there,
except that the Holy Spirit
testifies to me
in every city that imprisonment
and persecution
are waiting for me.
But I do not count my life
of any value to myself,
if only I may finish my course,
and the ministry I receive
from the Lord Jesus
to testify to the good news
of God's grace.
Remember,
if I speak
in the tongues of mortals
and of angels,
but do not have love,
I am a noisy gong
or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers,
and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith
so as to move mountains,
but do not have love,
I am nothing.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(Paul) Law? Law is the sin,
you understand?
The law will make you
do something that is...
[ Indistinct talking ]
So I tried...
So, I tried again,
but nothing...
- Now, bring it to the table.
- (Paul) Over there?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
(James) There are rumors
saying that you teach
against Moses law.
Rumors.
I don't deny the importance
of the law, James.
We had to live by it
until Christ came.
But we are no longer
subject to it.
The only thing
that counts now is faith
working through love.
This is very difficult for Jews.
They grew up
under the law, Paul.
Yes, I know.
Tomorrow...
today.
Today, we have men
who are under a vow
of purification for seven days.
I think you should
join these men,
go through
the rites with them, pray.
Cut your hair,
then everyone will know
that it was true
what they've been
told about you,
that you, too, observe
and guard the law.
Cut my hair?
A small sacrifice
for a man who has been beaten
for his God.
James,
I only came home to rest.
Soon, I will begin
my longest journey.
But I agree with you,
it is important
for the people to know
that I follow the law.
Where will you go?
Rome,
to the end of the earth.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
You lied to me.
You told me Saul was dead.
Your own soldiers
saw him stoned.
He's alive in the temple
at this very moment.
How?
Kill him.
Reuben, stop.
Alive?
You're not his judge, Reuben.
I am a priest
in the service of God.
You do not serve God by killing.
I serve God
as He demands, Gamaliel.
Not here,
not in the temple.
I will not allow it.
It is not God you serve,
but your anger,
your jealousy.
Fellow Israelites,
this is the man
who is turning the world
against our people,
our laws, this place.
He has defiled this holy place.
No.
(Tribune) Stop.
Stop it, stop it.
Why are you
punishing this man?
(Reuben) He breaks God's law.
He breaks no law.
If he breaks the law,
he shall be dealt with
under the law.
You have no right
to murder him
as you wish.
This is a matter for Jews.
Jews are Roman subjects,
and in this land,
I am Rome.
Bring him.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
- (man) What did you say?
- (Tribune) General,
General, you shall follow
my order immediately.
Pick him up.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
(man) Take him,
take him.
What am I to do with you, Jew?
Kill him.
- Why?
- He's a threat to Rome.
One man?
(Gaius) He leads a religious sect
that follows Jesus of Nazareth.
He was crucified.
They teach that He rose
from the dead.
I don't care if they teach
that He turned into a swan.
They teach revolution
against Rome.
Is that true, Jew?
You want a revolution
against Rome?
- He's harmless.
- Kill him.
I decide what is done here,
Gaius, not you.
This man will not be killed.
There is no reason.
He must be flogged
for inciting a riot.
Yes. Fine, flog him.
I am a Roman citizen.
- What did you say?
- Born a Roman citizen.
(Tribune) A Roman citizen.
Do you still
want him killed, you fool?
Bring him inside.
So I bring him
before your council.
The people want him killed,
which I cannot allow,
because he's a Roman citizen
since birth,
a Jew, yes,
but also a Roman.
You will decide
the proper punishment,
if any, for this man.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Brothers,
since the day I met Jesus,
I have lived my life
with a clear conscience.
Blasphemy!
Strike him in the mouth!
Filth.
God will strike you.
Are you standing there
to judge me according
to the law
and judge in violation
of the law,
you order me struck?
Saul.
This is the Head Priest,
you speak to.
If you follow the law,
you know what is demanded.
The law says...
you shall not speak evil
of the leader of your people,
and so, I apologize.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Brothers,
I am a Pharisee.
I follow the law as you do.
I'm on trial here
not because of the law
but because of the hope
of the resurrection of the dead.
God has spoken to me.
This is blasphemy.
Quiet,
quiet.
We find nothing wrong
in this man.
He follows the law.
This man spits
on the law of Moses.
- (Gamaliel) He teaches love.
- (Reuben) God teaches law.
- He teaches tolerance.
- God teaches obedience.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Stop it!
Stop that!
Take him out!
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Music playing ]
(God) Paul.
Paul,
keep up your courage,
for just as you have
testified for me
in Jerusalem,
so you must bear witness
also in Rome.
Rome.
[ laughter ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
This man,
this man must die.
If we cannot do it
within the law,
then we must do it
without the law.
Brothers,
there's sometimes a moment
when the law cannot act,
but when God would bless us
for our courage.
David knew this.
Solomon knew this.
They had the courage to act,
and so must we.
I will not eat,
or drink again,
until Saul of Tarsus is dead.
Are you with me?
I didn't have to make a meal
for my stupid master
this morning.
Why not?
He has taken an oath.
He says he won't eat
or drink again
until that fool Paul is dead.
I hope he lives forever.
[ laughter ]
[ Music playing ]
(man) Hey, stop.
What's the hurry?
Let me go!
Let me go!
[ Music playing ]
(man) Who's she?
What a little beauty.
(man) Jew, wake up!
You're going to have a woman
for your morning meal today.
[ laughter ]
(Tribune) And that will be done
immediately
by my orders.
Here.
Well, what do you want, girl?
Paul is to be killed.
Jews.
It is a secret pact.
When you bring him
to the council tomorrow,
they will ambush you
and kill Paul.
How do you know this?
Women learn things.
Good.
I will send Paul
to Caesarea tonight.
Go on your way
and tell no one of this.
And, uh,
thank you.
Romans.
Hmm-
[ sighs ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Horse neighs ]
(Paul) When I was a child,
I spoke like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child.
When I became an adult,
I put an end to childish ways.
For now,
we see in a mirror dimly,
but then we will see
face to face.
Now I know only in part,
then, I will know fully,
even as I have been
fully known.
And now faith, hope,
and love abide.
These three,
but the greatest of them
is love.
Paul, some news,
the king is dead.
That isn't news.
And the new king
comes to visit.
Agrippa?
In one week.
I must get him to hear my case.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Applause ]
Those who want to be heard,
come forward.
Your names?
Paul of Tarsus.
I am Ananias,
High Priest of Jerusalem.
And the charge, High Priest?
This man, Saul,
is an agitator amongst the Jews
throughout the world.
Not just Israel,
but the whole empire.
He is also a ringleader
of the indecent sect
based around
the fraudulent Messiah,
Jesus of Nazareth.
He has defiled the temple,
refused the law of Moses,
incited riots against Rome,
and defamed the name
of Agrippa himself and...
Love never ends
and Jesus lives,
my king.
Why is it so difficult
to believe
that the Messiah has come?
He spoke to me,
He told me to take His truth
into all the world.
I have followed His orders,
saying nothing
but what the prophets
and Moses said would take place,
that the Messiah must suffer,
and that by being the first
to rise from the dead,
He would proclaim light
both to our people
and the Gentiles.
You're out of your mind,
Paul of Tarsus.
Too much learning
has driven you insane.
I'm speaking the truth.
Do you believe the prophets,
I?
My king.
Are you... are you going
to persuade me
to be a Christian now, Paul?
Not only you,
but all who are listening to me.
And what other accusations
are there
against this man?
I have, in no way,
committed any offense
against the temple,
against the law of the Jews,
against the king,
or against the emperor.
High Priest,
this man is doing nothing
to deserve death
or imprisonment.
(Paul) I appeal
to the Emperor's tribunal
to seek my release,
my king.
[ Music playing ]
You made a mistake, prophet.
I would've set you free today
had you not appealed
to the Emperor.
But you did not trust
my judgment.
So now,
you will be required to go
before the Emperor
in Rome.
Very long journey for a man
who should be free.
May your God be with you.
You will never
return from Rome
to preach your false message.
Rome.
Reuben,
you have destroyed a man
because of your ambition.
You know nothing of my mind,
Gamaliel.
Your love for Saul
has blinded you.
My love for God tells me
that He has many ways
of showing us His mind.
I believe in life after death,
Reuben.
I believe God knows our hearts.
And I believe we will stand
before Him on that day,
and answer for our life.
Shall I choose to serve
Him now?
Learn some fantasy
of life after death?
Jesus was not the Messiah.
I don't believe Jesus
is the Messiah.
But what I know for sure
is that you're wrong.
You don't have the true faith
of Israel.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
[ Birds chirping ]
(Barnabas) Paul?
Paul?
(Paul) Please, I love this man.
I'm sorry, friend.
I'm sorry, too.
Pride is such a stupid sin.
Oh,
are there intelligent sins?
Paul.
You saved my life.
You saved my soul.
Only God can do that.
You showed me to God.
Thank you.
Remember,
God wants us to forgive those
who sinned against us.
Reuben loved you,
I'm sure.
God has called me to Rome.
I'll wait for you.
I'm not coming back.
He has told me.
Please, God,
no.
You do please God,
Barnabas.
You are a strong and good man.
He needs you here,
me there.
A hard test, master,
too hard for me today.
I'll see you in heaven.
I'll be there
to welcome you at the gate.
[ Music playing ]
Why?
He's gone, he'll never be back.
(Gaius) Gone to Rome.
The Emperor will see
that I failed
to silence him.
I told you
to kill him.
[ Grunts ]
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]
(man) It's too fierce,
I can't get it down.
(man) Hold on to the bow!
(man) We're blowing away!
[ Frantic shouting ]
(man) Please help me!
[ Indistinct shouting ]
(man) Help!
(Paul) Help me!
Help!
(God) Do not be afraid, Paul.
You must stand
before the emperor.
All those who are sailing
with you
will be safe.
(Paul) Please help me!
Help me!
(man) Help me!
[ Indistinct shouting]
(man) No.
(man) Jump for your life.
(Paul) My God, help us.
[ Thunder clapping]
[ Music playing ]
[ Thunder clapping ]
My Lord,
my God,
You are with me
even unto the end of the earth.
[ Music playing ]
Rome.
For it is written,
those who have never been told
of Him shall see,
and those who have
never heard of Him
shall understand.
[ Music playing ]
[ Music playing ]