Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13047 in DVD
• Brand: A&E
• Released on: 2003-02-25
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 170 minutes

Amazon.com
The Story of the Twelve Apostles
This 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 Apostles is 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. McNamara

The Story of Paul the Apostle
The 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

From the Back Cover
Go far beyond the scriptures for an illuminating look at the ordinary men whose faith forever changed the world. They were Christ's first adherents, closest companions, and partners in spreading God's word. He chose twelve personally; the last came to Jesus only after the Crucifixion, yet was arguably the most important figure in Christianity's early history.

From Peter's conversion to Paul's missions, this authoritative collection draws on ancient texts, visits to sacred sites, and interviews with esteemed theologians to explore the lives, legacies, and world of The Apostles. The Story of the Twelve Apostles, narrated by Martin Sheen, reveals the extraordinary, untold tales of the men Jesus selected to bring God's plan to the world. And, The Story of Paul the Apostle examines the earliest extant Christian writings to shed light on the man who ensured the religion's survival. THE APOSTLES COLLECTION contains two complete, acclaimed programs from The History Channel, available on DVD for the first time.

Customer Reviews

Excellent production value
This A and E production for the History Channel is a summary of the history of the 12 Apostles and of Paul. Martin Sheen's narration makes this a powerful production: he gives the stories presented both flavour and emotion. The visual images are also quite dramatic: panning the location of many of the biblical events were to have occurred, snippets of audiovisual productions telling the Christian story, and artistic works inspired by biblical events.

The only drawback is that the content is not particularly enlightening as the production does not deviate greatly from the four gospels, the Acts, and Paul's letters from the NT. I would agree with the last reviewer: there is no political message in this material: it is merely reciting the historical events during the first century of the church.

Simply a Powerful Historical Angle
I completely disagree with Robin E. Simmons (a.k.a. "Top 1000 Reviewer") review of 3/24/03; I believe she has become bias in all her "reviewing"; perhaps you need to slow down Robin. I did not see ANY political or religious bias in this AT ALL - that's what, not only made this fascinating, but very informative. It is raw and it is very powerful; I felt it cuts straight to the heart of the history surrounding the Apostles. It certainly put the flesh on the skeleton for me. Definitely check them out!!

Good shows
Let's call this what this is, a show to help you understand who the Apostles were without having to sift through the New Testament. Not that the NT isn't a good read. Consider this sort of the Cliff Notes version. It allows you to get into their heads a little more to see the hows and whys of their following Jesus.