I watched the movie in theatre today and felt a sense of peace throughout the film and left with my faith strengthened.
Here is an account of some of the things that impressed me.
I felt it was an authentic portrayal of the Christian faith through the witness of Paul. The movie catches up with Paul in his last days.
I saw that there was not an iota of doubt in him, about what he had worked for throughout the missionary life. He tells the Roman Prefect, “No man will die for what he doubts”.
Another touching scene is where he says with firmness and peace as Luke narrates the horrors of the persecution: “where sin abounds, grace abounds more”. It was beautiful in the movie !
Something that struck me after the movie, was how much Paul had not intended to write to the churches. He was very much by himself, all to eager to finish his race and get to heaven. Throughout the movie, we see him envision joining the Christians who had gone before him, especially those whom he himself put to death, before he knew Christ.
I think it was because of the horrors of his past self, (which Paul recounts often “haunted” him: I think there was a mention of this, though I am not sure) that he was so reliant on God’s grace.
Another thread throughout the movie is the work of Luke, how this physician of Greek origin was so instrumental in getting Paul’s story out to the people. Luke was keenly aware how much the people needed him to be an authentic testimony to what it really meant to be a Christian.
The movie also gave me some insights into what really kept the Christians going during that time of great persecution (by Nero). I should say, the movie is clear about what was not that kept the Christians going. It was definitely not Paul ! At one point he complaints to Luke, “I cannot fix their faith” and continues on the lines of ” … every man and woman should find for himself …”. It’s striking how little responsibility Paul assumes for the plight of those, the very people who are suffering because of the faith he brought them !
And about this, we also see him lament that for his people, the sum total of what the Faith has given in this life is misery and pain. At this point, I felt quite sad. (Later I realized why Paul is so right when he says, if Christ had not risen, this faith is meaningless.)
The character of the Roman Prefect is one of great hope in this movie. I was so relieved to see his honesty and lack of malice. So in personality he must have been so open to Christ. Thanks be God that Paul, Luke and the Christians didn’t fail to make a mark on him either.
But there was one point in the movie where I felt very worried and not at peace. That was when the rebellious youth faction within the Christians made a raid on Paul’s prison hoping to free him. I was worried because, they were about to undo all of that gospel of love, which so many Christians before them proclaimed with their blood. To my relief, Paul had no second thoughts about what to do when they came knocking at his cell – he convicted them of not knowing Christ and with no hesitation decided not to make good his escape !
As I close, I must make note of the horrendous acts of persecution that runs throughout the movie. Because of the sheer pain involved, I felt a real fear that, if I was there, I would have all too easily denounced the truth and my faith. Perhaps that is exactly the point, nobody survives on his own strength.
All in all, the movie is one of great love and I loved it !