In a behind-the-scenes video for PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST, Jim Caviezel offered a simple yet deep truth. “In order for us to be great in the eyes of God, we have to become very small.”
Caviezel is no stranger to faith films, having awed moviegoers in 2004 with his riveting portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. Now, in his first biblical film since, he plays Luke in PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST, the upcoming biblical epic from AFFIRM Films.
The film also stars James Faulkner (“Downton Abbey”) as Paul, and illustrates how the Book of Acts came to be written amid the turbulence of Nero’s persecution in Rome.
Writer and director Andrew Hyatt sought to create an immersive film introducing modern audiences to Paul, the most significant early convert to Christianity. Using Scripture as the primary reference, Hyatt recreated Paul’s story with a cast of biblical characters including Priscilla and Aquila. As prominent figures of the Roman church, they face execution or exile—and wrestle with whether to abandon Rome to Nero’s darkness, or remain and endure persecution.
The film combines Scripture—Paul’s conversion, the missionary journeys, his friendship with Luke, and imprisonment in Rome—alongside fictional elements, such as the character Mauritius, the ambitious prison prefect. Ultimately, the film portrays the followers of God and their efforts to spread His Word in the midst of oppression, illustrating themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace.
This is the first theatrical feature film about the life of Paul, though next to Christ, no one played a more central role in the growth of the early Church.
“He wrote a vast swath of the New Testament and traveled more than 10,000 miles by foot to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said AFFIRM Films Executive Vice President Rich Peluso. “This gripping film dives deep into the final months before Paul’s execution under Nero as he reconciles his faith with his past persecution of the church.”
Producer T.J. Berden also highlighted forgiveness as a key theme in the film: “Paul changed from murdering Christians to becoming their unlikely leader. His life personifies ‘forgiveness,’ a concept that seems almost impossible today — but desperately needed.”
PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST resounds with truth for a modern audience, reminding viewers that in the face of suffering, love is the only way. It was true 2,000 years ago for Paul and Luke, and it’s true for believers today.
In theaters on Friday, March 23, just days before Easter, PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is the ideal opportunity for an outing with friends, family, or your church. Experience the epic biblical story and be inspired by the lives of the men and women who carried the faith through its tumultuous early days. For information on available church resources like our free Church Simulcast, downloadable materials, sermon clips, and more, please visit PaulMovie.com/Resources. For information on Group Sales, visit PaulMovie.com/groups.
PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST also stars Olivier Martinez (S.W.A.T.), Joanne Whalley (“A.D. The Bible Continues”) and John Lynch (THE SECRET GARDEN).
AFFIRM Films, a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, in association with Giving Films, presents an ODB Films production in association with Mandalay Pictures. PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is produced by T.J. Berden (FULL OF GRACE) and David Zelon (SOUL SURFER). Executive Producers are Eric Groth, Rick Jackson, Harrison Powell and Jim Caviezel.
