Original subtitles

Saul!

Saul!

Ah!

Saul.

Who has blinded you, Saul?

Jesus blinded me!

Jesus blinded me!

Reuben!

- Give up, Priest! - Why?

God is on my side, tentmaker.

Pharisees!

Ha!

Ha!

Hurrah!

Hurrah! Hurrah!

One!

Two!

Three!

Hurrah!

Hurrah!

Don't be a bad loser.

I'm a very bad loser.

You're just not so strong as me.

Nor as old.

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.

Why are you wearing that Roman sword?

It looks ridiculous!

I'm a captain of the temple guard.

You're a businessman.

Why do you pretend to be warrior?

Leave me alone.

A child playing war games.

You're not my priest, Sadducee.

Pharisee!

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.

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.

Don't move, Hagar!

Don't move! Don't move, Hagar!

No.

Stop!

Hagar! Run!

Run! Run!

Kill him!

Kill him!

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.

He said, "You will be my witness in Jerusalem.”

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.

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.

Greeting, Saul.

Peace be with you, Saul.

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.

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.

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.

- He's is here. - Jesus is here.

The Lord is amongst us.

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!

He was crucified, but He lives.

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.

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.

You're both drunk!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

Jesus said,

take, eat,

for this is my body.

Do this in remembrance of me.

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.

I baptize you in the name of the Father...

- 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!

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!

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.

Remember Judas, the Galilean?

Many followers.

But when he died,

they all scattered.

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.

Bring in the prisoners.

- The prisoners? - 'Yes-

The prisoners have escaped.

They are teaching at the temple

at this very moment.

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!

Rejoice, John,

that you're worthy to suffer for our Lord.

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?

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?

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.

Barnabas.

Mary.

Peter,

there is word on the street.

King Herod has ordered your death,

you and John.

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...

- 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.

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.

So, was He man or God?

Both. God sent to us

in the form of man.

God Himself? Divine?

- Yes. - Ah!

So you believe in two Gods?

One God.

The God of our forefathers.

God the Father and God the Son.

Ah! So, Jesus was not God.

God's Son.

Divine?

- Yes. - It's two Gods!

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!

No, Jesus is our Savior.

Jesus is our Savior.

The Savior! The Savior!

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?

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!

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.

- No! - No!

Take him away now!

It is forbidden to speak of Jesus!

It is forbidden to preach in Jesus' name!

Saul, are you with me?

Saul, if these teachings are not of God,

they will die without violence.

Saul, you saved my life.

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.

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.

- Stop! - Don't kill him.

No.

No! No.

Stop! No!

Saul, remember your oath,

until Israel is safe.

No! No, Saul!

This is wrong!

Here, you can hold my coat.

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!

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.

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.

Jesus taught us...

to turn the other cheek.

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.

Blessed be the meek

for they shall inherit the Earth.

Oh, Lord, hear our prayer.

Blessed be the peacemakers

for they shall inherit...

No, please!

- Please! - No!

Take them away.

Who do you think you are?

- What is this? - Silence! Quiet!

Arrest them!

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...

Peter! John!

Come in quickly.

Come in, come in.

Peter and John have returned.

- They're back. - Praise God!

John!

- What news? - Good news.

There are believers all through Judea and Samaria.

- Ah! - Speaking out, unafraid.

Glory to God!

Congregations everywhere we went.

- John. - Oh.

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.

Thank you, my king.

But the threat is still alive.

It has sprung up in other towns.

Yes, Damascus in particular.

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.

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.

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. - 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.

- A new believer. - 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.

Barnabas!

Barnabas!

Ha! Heeyah!

Heeyah! Heeyah!

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?

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.

The synagogue.

I'm looking for Ananias.

- This way. - This way!

Damascus!

Saul.

Saul.

Why are you persecuting me, Saul?

Who are you?

I am Jesus,

whom you are persecuting.

Get up,

enter the city of Damascus.

You will be told what you are to do.

Saul!

Saul!

Saul!

Saul.

Saul.

Saul.

Saul.

Saul, let me help you, Saul.

He blinded me!

Who blinded you?

Jesus blinded me!

Jesus?

He's gone mad! Come, Saul.

We must go onto Damascus.

Stand up!

Jesus blinded me!

Bring some ropes!

We'll tie him up behind me.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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?

Baptize me.

I baptize you

in the name of the Father,

and the Son,

and the Holy Spirit.

Come along! Come along!

And Saul, I don't think

you'll need that inside.

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!

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!

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.

That was before

Jesus appeared to me

on the road coming here.

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.

The word of Jesus is my sword.

The word of Jesus is my fire.

Oh, yes, yes.

Yes.

- Welcome. - Brother!

- That traitor! - Reuben, be calm!

There's nothing lower than a man who betrays his friends,

his beliefs, his mission, his God!

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!

This is the one!

Saul, come out and die!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Guards.

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.

Do you think you can hold me?

With God's help.

With God's help.

Get in!

Get in! Get in!

Hurry.

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.

Lower. Lower.

Lower.

Lower.

Saul?

Where is he?

- Where? Where? - There!

There!

He's there!

Run, Saul.

- Saul, run. - Run, run, run.

- Run. - Go.

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.

Okay, force, secure this gate.

No one leaves till I say so.

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.

- 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.

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.

- 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.

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.

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. - 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.

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.

Now he is called Paul.

No, no, listen, listen to him.

Do not fear.

I believe in Jesus as the Messiah.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

In Jesus' name.

Ahh.

I love you, Reuben.

And I love you.

Congratulations!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Then God has given even to the Gentiles

the repentance that leads to life.

Go get the mule.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Dinah, I heard that Saul

is teaching crowds about Jesus.

Is that true?

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.

This man is guilty of blasphemy,

sedition,

treason,

and other evil acts.

The penalty

is death.

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.

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?

Perhaps, I will have both of them.

Take him.

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.

No!

Reuben.

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.

Satan!

Reuben, Satan!

Satan!

Satan!

Satan!

Satan!

No, no!

No.

No.

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?

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.

Kill him!

Kill him!

Would you rather he kill you?

Kill them!

Cyprus, Paul, Cyprus.

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.

No!

Oh! Oh, no!

Please.

No.

Please, please, please, I beg you,

Do not kill me.

I will find Peter.

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.

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.

The Gods have come down to us in human form.

We are not gods.

We are not gods.

We are not gods.

He is Zeus.

We are not gods!

Barnabas, stop this!

Can't I be Zeus for just a moment longer?

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.

God forgive you.

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.

Those who have never heard of me shall understand.

Be satisfied.

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.

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?

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.

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.

This is very dangerous.

This is my temple.

I will come here whenever I want.

You're a stubborn man, Paul.

I'm not afraid.

I am-

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.

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.

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.

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.

- Amen. - Amen.

- Amen. - Amen. Amen.

I love Jerusalem.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Law? Law is the sin, you understand?

The law will make you

do something that is...

So I tried...

So, I tried again, but nothing...

- Now, bring it to the table. - Over there?

- Yes. - Thank you.

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.

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.

Stop.

Stop it, stop it.

Why are you punishing this man?

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.

- What did you say? - General,

General, you shall follow

my order immediately.

Pick him up.

Take him, take him.

What am I to do with you, Jew?

Kill him.

- Why? - He's a threat to Rome.

One man?

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.

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.

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.

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.

- He teaches love. - God teaches law.

- He teaches tolerance. - God teaches obedience.

Stop it! Stop that!

Take him out!

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.

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.

Hey, stop. What's the hurry?

Let me go! Let me go!

Who's she?

What a little beauty.

Jew, wake up!

You're going to have a woman

for your morning meal today.

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-

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.

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.

I appeal to the Emperor's tribunal

to seek my release,

my king.

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.

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.

Why?

He's gone, he'll never be back.

Gone to Rome.

The Emperor will see that I failed

to silence him.

I told you

to kill him.

It's too fierce, I can't get it down.

Hold on to the bow!

We're blowing away!

Please help me!

Help!

Help me!

Help!

Do not be afraid, Paul.

You must stand before the emperor.

All those who are sailing with you

will be safe.

Please help me!

Help me!

Help me!

No.

Jump for your life.

My God, help us.

My Lord,

my God,

You are with me

even unto the end of the earth.

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.