The Apostles Collection (The Story of the Twelve Apostles / The Story of  Paul the Apostle)
The Story of the Twelve ApostlesThis documentary from the History Channel does a fine job examining the lives of  the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to carry his teachings to the world. Beginning  by providing an historical overview of life in Jerusalem under Roman rule, it  goes on to cogently explain the circumstances by which Jesus, having become  recognized as a teacher, was able to recruit his apostles. Intelligently handled  reenactments provide dramatizations of significant events in the lives of the  disciples, and their diverse personalities and individual relationships with  Jesus, as well as their lives following the crucifixion, are covered in some  depth. Biblical scholars, including university professors and priests, appear  throughout in interview segments to offer their insights, and the narration by  actor Martin Sheen is understated but always interesting. The issue of  separating fact from myth is dealt with at some length, and a discussion of how  some accounts of the lives of the apostles came to be judged as the Apocrypha is  of particular interest.The Story of the Twelve Apostlesis a commendable  look at some of history's most intriguing figures, 12 men who were considered  outlaws but whose influence is today felt around the world.--Robert J.  McNamaraThe Story of Paul the ApostleThe impassioned life work of the devout Jew who persecuted Christians until he  heard the voice of God is thoroughly examined in this 66-minute History Channel  documentary. Drawing on the biblical writings of his friend Luke, his own  Epistles, and the meager additional writings of the time, this film begins with  Paul's conversion and follows his three decades of traveling missionary work,  imprisonment, trials, and eventual martyrdom in Rome. Biblical scholars and  historians augment Martin Sheen's narration of this secular look at his life.  Lavish illustrations include artwork (stained glass, mosaics, paintings,  sculpture), old black-and-white movies, contemporary reenactments, and footage  of today's ruins of many of the temples and landmarks where Paul preached from  Israel to Turkey to Athens. Always controversial in his day, Paul gets his due  here, being credited as the single most influential person in taking  Christianity from a fledgling sect to a worldwide church.--Kimberly  Heinrichs