Peter and Paul (film)


Peter and Paul is a television miniseries that originally aired on CBS in two 2-hour parts on April 12, 1981 and April 14, 1981. This biblical drama featured Anthony Hopkins as Paul of Tarsus and Robert Foxworth as Peter the Fisherman, David Gwillim as Mark and Jon Finch as Luke. It was directed by Robert Day. The historically-based miniseries covers much of the Book of Acts in its Biblical re-telling of chapters 8 through 28, including the apostolic missionary journeys and interactions of Peter and Paul.

Synopsis

Living in Jerusalem just after Christ’s death and resurrection, Paul does his best to destroy the early Christian church. He participates in the execution of the first Christian martyr, Stephen just before Paul's supernatural encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. From there, in episodic detail the miniseries highlights the Christian Jews early reluctance to welcome Paul, King Herod Agrippa having James, and the Son of Zebedee executed by sword.
Next is Peter's own arrest, his miraculous release from prison, and appearance at the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark. This is followed by Paul's eventual partnership with Barnabas in ministry to the Gentiles beginning with their 1st Missionary Journey. Then comes the Jerusalem Council meeting, called to debate whether or not male Gentiles who were converting as followers of Jesus were required to become circumcised.
Following this, the series follows their 2nd Missionary Journey including receiving the eager converts in Galatia and Greece, as well as their arrest and equally miraculous release from a Philippian prison. This is followed by Paul's Sermon on Mars Hill, their 3rd Missionary Journey and afterwards Paul being recognized and seized in the Jerusalem Temple. The series concludes with Paul's journey to Rome for his trial.
The purpose of all of Paul’s missionary journeys was the same: proclaiming God’s grace in forgiving sin through Christ. Trials always follow Paul. The miniseries dramatizes Paul's trials before the Sanhedrin, his trial before the Roman Governor Felix, and then Paul's trials before his successor, the Roman Governor Festus and the Jewish King Agrippa.
Paul's ocean voyage to Rome include the storm and shipwreck, and his coming ashore in Malta and arrival in Rome. He preaches in Rome under government house arrest for two years before being executed by Nero. After which Peter arrives in Rome and is crucified.

Production

The miniseries was shot in Rhodes, Greece. It won one Emmy and was nominated for a second.

Cast