Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018)

Plugged In: Reviewer Paul Asay describes the film as a masterclass in faith-based filmmaking: “This is how it’s done.” He praises how the production brings to life “one of Christendom’s most compelling founders: a grizzled, worn-down warrior whose soul longs for home, and who longs to bring as many other souls as possible with him.”

Dove.org: The review celebrates James Faulkner’s performance, stating “Faulkner brings Paul the Apostle to life!” and highlighting the film’s timely message: “With today’s modern ‘politically correct’ social environment and the continued persecution of Christians by some, this movie seems incredibly timely, even though the events happened some 2,000 years ago.” The review notes the authentic sets and costumes enhance the production quality.

The Gospel Coalition: New Testament scholar Patrick Schreiner offers measured assessment, praising the film’s portrayal of non-retaliatory Christianity: “Unlike other Christian films that tell redemption stories through retribution (God’s Not Dead, for example), this one shows Paul and other Christians refusing to retaliate in the face of persecution.” However, Schreiner notes historical liberties, particularly regarding Priscilla and Aquila’s presence in Rome during Paul’s second imprisonment and the timing of Luke’s writing of Acts.

Christian Spotlight: Reviewers emphasize the film’s biblical accuracy despite its fictionalized framework: “The writing, acting, directing, cinematography, etc. are all strong. Biblically speaking, there is plenty of violence, but most of it is either off-screen or in shadows. There is no profanity, sexual situations, or blasphemy.” One viewer notes the film is “100% biblically accurate” and “very inspiring.”

Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a 49% Tomatometer score and a 93% Audience Score as of the writing of this review.

IMDb: The film carries a 6.7 rating as of the writing of this review.

The Hollywood Reporter: Critic Todd McCarthy wrote the film was “missing passion” and noted: “The life of the crucial evangelist Paul has everything needed for a powerful film, but the filmmakers picked the wrong part of his life to dramatize in Paul, Apostle of Christ, a soupy, conjectural take on how the widely-traveled proselytizer came to produce his account of spreading Jesus’ word throughout the Mediterranean world.”

The Washington Post: Ann Hornaday gave the film 3 stars, writing: “This absorbing drama benefits from lush production values (it was filmed in Malta) and first-rate performances from a cast of seasoned actors.” Hornaday particularly praised the film’s relevance: “It offers an equally relevant—and inspiring—portrayal of principled steadfastness and spiritual integrity in the face of a petty, corrupt and tyrannical leader.”