Paul, Apostle of Christ

PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is the story of two men. Luke (Jim Caviezel), as a friend and physician, risks his life when he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul (James Faulkner), who is held captive in Nero’s darkest, bleakest prison cell. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians, and does not flinch from executing them in the grisliest ways possible. Before Paul’s death sentence can be enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of “The Way” and the birth of what will come to be known as the church.

Bound in chains, Paul’s struggle is internal. He has survived so much—floggings, shipwreck, starvation, stoning, hunger and thirst, cold and exposure—yet as he waits for his appointment with death, he is haunted by the shadows of his past misdeeds. Alone in the dark, he wonders if he has been forgotten . . . and if he has the strength to finish well.

Two men struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spread their message to the world. (Website)

Love is the only way. This film covers the life of Paul as he transforms from Saul the persecutor to Paul the persecuted after a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ. One of the major influences on the world in history, Paul continues to make an impact today. His story gives hope to those who expect no mercy or redemption and we are able to gain a more visible insight into the courageousness to follow Christ...no matter the cost.

My Review: I thought the film was very well made and brought a deep insight into conditions that early Christians faced during the days of Roman persecution. The fictionalized story of Paul and Luke's relationship with a Roman prison official is a backdrop for sharing the gospel of Jesus. Standout performances for me included Jim Caviezel as Luke (physician and author of several books of the Bible) and James Faulkner as Paul. John Lynch as Aquila and Joanne Whalley as his wife Priscilla gave me a fresh perspective to the danger of being a Christ-follower and decisions that had to be made. Olivier Martinez as the Roman, Mauritius, does a good job as a doubter who is also desperate to save his dying daughter. To be honest, the pace of the film does drag a bit at times, but the message is clear and the ending is both satisfying and inspirational. I recommend it.

I highly recommend you watch all of the videos connected with the film that are on the Paul playlist on YouTube. Writer/Director Andrew Hyatt, Rich Peluso (Executive VP of Affirm Films), and several of the actors share more about the making of the film in these videos.

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Working Women of the Bible by Susan Dimickle

Working Women of the Bible is a look at some of the women we know from the Bible and how we can use them as role models for today's working woman. The idea of being Superwoman isn't as prevalent today as it was in the past, but most working women are trying to find a balance in their life. Does the Bible really have women who are culturally relevant?

Working Women of the Bible asks these questions and answers them in a manner that is both candid and with a touch of humor. These women and their lives may be surprisingly more like yours than you imagined.

Very good look at the lives of  women we are familiar with in the pages of Scripture, but takes a closer look at their lives. Too many people, even today, tend to overlook the contributions made by women who are featured in the Bible (except for feeling intimidated by the standards of the Proverbs 31 Woman), and I do like this fresh look at some who don't necessarily get the recognition they deserve. Looking at them from the perspective of a working woman, along with the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, gives us a new respect for their accomplishments and a new way for us to apply these principles to our own lives.

I must admit that I did not agree with the author on everything. There were a couple of comments that led me into my Bible to see if a point was valid. For example, she called Eve the first woman to hold twin boys. I have not seen any Scriptural reference to back up that claim...but it is not a deal-breaker for me. On others, I either agreed after further research or still felt it was a reach to draw that conclusion. Bottom line was that none of them were fundamental issues I will not budge on, and I am certainly not going to complain because someone said something to make me read my Bible! After all, isn't that the point of a Bible Study?

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About the Author:
SUSAN DIMICKELE has been a trial lawyer for nearly 18 years and a mother for 12 years. Susan is the author of Chasing Superwoman: A Working Mom's Adventures in Life and Faith (David C. Cook, 2010). She has authored articles in both secular and faith-based publications, including, ''War of the Worlds,'' a recent article in Home Life Magazine (February 2011) that candidly discusses the need for common ground between stay-at home mothers and mothers who work outside the home. While Susan strives to be at the top of her profession, her greatest desire is to use her God-given gifts to be the woman he created.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

As working women struggle to find mentors in today's society, Working Women of the Bible asks, what if the women of Scripture are the very mentors we've been looking for?
Most working women today understand they can never be Superwoman. But if Superwoman is unattainable, whom are we trying to emulate? Is the Bible completely outdated, or does it offer a blueprint, full of real-life, culturally relevant examples for the twenty-first century working woman? Can we actually find female mentors in the Bible--women who defied cultural norms and held positions of power and influence?
Working Women of the Bible confronts these questions with heart and humor, and offers surprisingly simple yet potentially life-altering answers.
- See more at: http://www.bible.acu.edu/leafwood/pg.asp?ID=196#sthash.YY7mTWm4.dpuf

As working women struggle to find mentors in today's society, Working Women of the Bible asks, what if the women of Scripture are the very mentors we've been looking for?
Most working women today understand they can never be Superwoman. But if Superwoman is unattainable, whom are we trying to emulate? Is the Bible completely outdated, or does it offer a blueprint, full of real-life, culturally relevant examples for the twenty-first century working woman? Can we actually find female mentors in the Bible--women who defied cultural norms and held positions of power and influence?
Working Women of the Bible confronts these questions with heart and humor, and offers surprisingly simple yet potentially life-altering answers.
- See more at: http://www.bible.acu.edu/leafwood/pg.asp?ID=196#sthash.YY7mTWm4.dpuf