Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018), PG-13, 1 hr 47 min

Overview

Paul, Apostle of Christ is a quiet but powerful movie that digs into the final days of the Apostle Paul’s life. He’s locked up in a dark Roman prison under Emperor Nero’s rule, and things are bleak. But Luke—played by Jim Caviezel—visits him regularly to write down his teachings and letters, even while Christians in Rome are being brutally persecuted. James Faulkner does a great job as Paul, giving him both grit and deep spiritual peace.

The story unfolds in a thoughtful, kind of meditative way. It’s not action-packed, but it’s emotionally rich and grounded in Scripture. We get flashbacks to Paul’s past, some tense moments in the Christian underground church, and powerful conversations about faith, forgiveness, and hope—even in the face of death.

It’s definitely not a light watch—it’s slow-moving, sometimes heavy, and pretty emotional. But for mature audiences, church groups, or anyone who wants to reflect on early Christian history, it hits home in a quiet but meaningful way. It’s all about grace under pressure, loving your enemies, and holding on to faith no matter the cost.

If you're looking for an intense thriller, this isn’t it. But if you're in the mood for something spiritually deep with strong performances and rich messages, it’s well worth your time.

Family Friendliness

Paul, Apostle of Christ is rated PG-13, mostly because of its intense and sometimes disturbing scenes. It doesn’t have bad language or romance to worry about, but it does show some pretty heavy stuff—persecutions, stonings, burnings, martyrdom... all meant to reflect what early Christians really faced. It’s not gory for the sake of it, but the emotional and physical violence is definitely intense.

Common Sense Media says it’s best for ages 14 and up, mainly due to those tough scenes. Meanwhile, the Dove Foundation gives it a thumbs-up for ages 12+, because the film’s overall message is powerful—focused on forgiveness, faith, and courage under fire.

Bottom line: it’s not a movie for little kids, but for teens and adults who can handle some tough imagery, it’s a faith-filled, morally strong film that really sticks with you.

Notable Scenes

Paul’s Imprisonment & Writing

Luke sneaks into the Roman prison where Paul is being held to record his final thoughts and letters—especially to Timothy. It’s quiet, gritty, and filled with urgency, knowing Paul’s time is running out.

Violent Persecutions

This one hits hard. We see Christians—men, women, even children—being brutally attacked: stoned, burned alive, or thrown to their deaths. It’s not overly graphic, but it’s raw and emotional. You really feel the cost of following Christ in Nero’s Rome.

“Love Is the Only Way” Speech

Probably one of the most moving parts. Paul passionately urges the believers not to fight back with violence—even when they’re being hunted. He reminds them that love and forgiveness are what Christ calls them to. It’s both convicting and inspiring.

Luke Heals Mauritius’ Daughter

Luke’s not just a writer—he’s a physician. When the Roman prefect Mauritius is desperate to save his sick daughter, Luke steps in. That act of kindness opens the door for Mauritius to soften and eventually rethink everything he believed about Christians.

Flashbacks to Saul’s Conversion

We get quick glimpses of Paul’s past as Saul—the persecutor. These short flashbacks give us context and contrast. It reminds us that this man, now so full of grace, was once a feared enemy of the Church. It’s a powerful redemption arc.

Communion Scene

There’s a really quiet, tender moment when Paul and Luke share communion while locked away in prison. No big speeches, just faith, hope, and brotherhood. It’s a small scene with a big emotional punch.

Final Testimony & Execution

Paul’s final words are taken straight from Scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He’s calm and ready. After his execution, there’s a beautiful, symbolic scene where we see Paul in heaven—finally at peace and home.

Main Cast

James Faulkner as Apostle Paul

Jim Caviezel as evangelist Luke

Olivier Martinez as Mauritius, the Roman prison prefect

Joanne Whalley as Priscilla

John Lynch as Aquila

Noah Huntley, Yorgos Karamihos, Jenna Busch in key supporting roles

Critics’ Ratings

My Rating: 7/10

Dove Foundation: Approved (12+) 

IMDb: ~6.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 46% critics

Metacritic: ~52/100