Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018)

This movie is almost anti-Christian. The reason I say this is the Christians in this movie are almost cult like in there teaching and in their ways. There is no Holy Spirit or walk with God, but only head knowledge of "love love love". It was like they were unsaved "christians" that are filling churches today. They have no idea what the power of God is. This movie only appeals to that crowd, affirming their lack of faith. The movie also makes sure to let the audience know that prayer doesn't work, and God doesn't protect. They sent a boy out on a mission full of faith that God would protect, only to have him killed. Sure the persecution happened, but we do not shiver in fear with no hope. "The Holy Spirit shall lead you to all truth." Yet they had to force feed "just love" teaching. This is a modern teaching that is very crafty. Yes Jesus is love but he taught hard truth. He blasted the pharisees for being hypocrites and their teaching keeps people from salvation, over and over for the entire chapter. (matthew 23) Paul of the bible was also bold in teaching and correcting. Now on to the writing of the book of Acts. In the movie it was Luke's idea for Paul to encourage the church with a letter. Paul would randomly say a classic verse throughout the movie, which the average non discerning Christian will eat up. But it comes off like man made one liners. The way the "story" was told to Luke was not even word for word from the bible. Then at the end Luke heard Paul say something great, and he said "I now have an ending!" Like an author that had writers block. This gives the message that the bible is man made and manipulated. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." 2 Timothy 3:16 I will say God did have a cameo appearance at the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. Other than that there was no God in this movie. Like another reviewer pointed out, the one chance to let Paul heal the dying daughter of the jailer, and Paul offers the skills of Luke "the best surgeon in Rome." There is power in salvation and in the life of the true believer. I'm afraid that if this movie doesn't turn people away from Jesus, that it will keep the lost "christian" in his deception. I know from experience from praying multiple times as a child for salvation. I never knew God or his power. I even thought to myself in high school "if Jesus were Lord, wouldn't you feel God?" So many today teach "it's not like that for everyone, it's not about feeeeelings". Really? So you can't feel fruit of the Spirit? The Holy presence, peace love for strangers, patience, conviction unlike ever before salvation? If salvation for you didn't bring you to shame and tears in the Holy presence of God...only to be filled with peace and holiness after crying out for forgiveness? Does God bring peace in an instance when they are down? Do they lose that peace and holy desires, and are filled with flesh when they sin? And also get that peace back in an instance when asking for forgiveness? " For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance"

The movie was good and I liked it, as others said, it's a human based story and you are not just watching a christian movie. but the movie didn't show anything about Paul. because there is so many things wrong about this person. all you know that Paul was the first one who said Jesus is son of God and before him no one ever told that. Paul made many changes in Christianity that it was more on Jews will till Jesus will. those who read the history without prejudice name Paul, Paul the Lier. again I say, this movie did not show anything about lies Paul said and wrong changes he made in Christianity.

For me, it was source of joy. first, for the presence of James Caviezel , giving a splendid Luke. for the courage to be more than expected Christian film. for realism. and for Paul by James Faulkner.for Joanne Walley and Olivier Martinez. and, sure, for cinematography. honest portrait of a period and comunity, it is the right film for understand the essence of Christian faith. and that did it special. for many reasons. first - for the emotion defining it. for dialogues. for characters. and for accuracy. a confession film.

One of the problems with having a pastor as a parent is you have to sit through Christian films to keep them happy. 1st, this is not a historical film. There is no single shred of historical evidence to support any of the Christian faith. The entire new testament was written 50+ years after Jesus supposedly died by 2nd and 3rd hand writers. None of the writers were the original apostles albeit they had the same names... strange right? But they were not the original people and even the church will acknowledge it. So basically, everything in the new testament is hearsay.Anyway, the movie itself was a drag. Very slow paced and the writers obviously added blood and gore to try and keep the viewer awake. Too bad its the 21st century and such things in cinema are more common than cylindrical cups. It simply was not enough to hold my attention any more than nude women or pointless action in other films. My mom liked the movie but then again, any Christian propaganda is a-ok by her so I suppose if you are a Christian, you might enjoy this though I would invest in caffeine drinks before taking a seat.