Product Details

• Actors: Salome Jens
• Directors: Michael Chin, Douglas Cheek, Margaret Koval
• Writers: Margaret Koval
• Producers: Brian Donegan, Ellen Mulligan, Greg Diefenbach, Patricia Aste, Ron Devillier
• Format: Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Unknown)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: PBS
• DVD Release Date: March 8, 2005
• Run Time: 120 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00078XGPQ
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,592 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Empires - Peter & Paul and the Christian Revolution" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Early christianity faced powerful obstactles. But this new faith wouldnt die. With the words of paul and other ancient writers and interviews with contemporary scholars explore how 2 men weathered major disagreements and political persecution to lead one of the most astonishing religious movements. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 03/08/2005 Run time: 120 minutes Rating: Nr Director: Margaret Koval

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Analysis of Early Church Growth, August 23, 2007

By 

Don Hoyt (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Empires - Peter & Paul and the Christian Revolution (DVD)

I first watched this program a year or two ago, and although I thought it was good, I didn't think it was up to the level of an earlier PBS series on early Christianity, From Jesus to Christ. Then, in July 2007, in preparation for teaching some Sunday school classes on the book of Acts, I watched it again. In fact, I watched it several times, and went to the companion web site[..], which has a wealth of interesting material related to the people, events, and geography of the first-century church.

I now realize that this is an extraordinarily good and very carefully crafted explanation of the earliest growth of the church. It may not always be right (the series is at pains to point out that the historical record is very thin and often contradictory), but it is a coherent, consistent, and convincing account of how and why Christianity took root in Palestine and then began to spread across the Roman Empire. I had a good knowledge of the gospels, and a fair understanding of church development from the time of Constantine forward, but I never really understood the period from Jesus' death to the acceptance of Christianity in the 4th century. Luke's account in Acts and Paul's accounts in his letters are not consistent, and neither one provides the historical perspective that can only come with the passage of time. The gospels, of course, were written in the second half of the century, and they reflect where the Christian community was then, rather than how it got there. (Even though intuitively they would seem to predate the emergence of the church, in actuality they came afterwards and probably were written as core narratives for existing groups of believers.)

Although there is not a lot of sizzle or razzle-dazzle in the production, everything is meticulously thought out. If you are interested in really coming to a better understanding of Peter and Paul and the early church, rather than just looking for something entertaining on a religous theme, I don't think you can find anything more serious or historically thorough, or anything on video that will do a better job of deepening your understanding and appreciation of these apostles and their lives.

34 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Christianity's Growing Pains, February 14, 2005

By 

J. S. Kaminski "j_s_k" (Aberdeen, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Empires - Peter & Paul and the Christian Revolution [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"Peter and Paul" tells the story of Christianity from roughly 30 AD to 70 AD; it is basically a summation of the books of "Acts" from the New Testament. I say summation because only certain events are highlighted. "Acts" has 28 chapters and it would take more than two hours to relate the story in detail.

The show is mostly made up of reanactments of events, with voice-overs quoting either an ancient historian, like Josephus, or a biblical passage. Statements from contemporary historians and theologians are also woven into the program.

The story follows the struggles of the early "Jesus community" in Jerusalem, and then the spreading of the "good news" beyond Jerusalem, mostly by Paul. The hardships and challenges they faced are detailed here, and one wonders how the church was able to survive, and indeed thrive, under such harsh conditions. It is a remarkable story, whether you believe, or not.

Lastly, I must state that this is intended to be a program of history, not faith. Some reviewers were upset that the program did not fit with his/her understanding of the events, and that's fine. But it cannot be denied that multiple understandings exist - otherwise, how else can you explain so many different branches of Christianity?

Looking through the New Testament, one can find different versions of the same story. After Jesus' death, for example, some accounts state the apostles remain in Jerusalem (Luke), while others state they returned to Galilee (Matthew, John). Elsewhere, Paul claims the "appointed time has grown very short" (1 Corinthians), but in 2 Thessalonians he states that Jesus' coming is not imminent.

It is important to remember that the New Testament was written by several people over many years, and not all of the stories/accounts/versions/ideas are going to match. The producers of this program chose one version of certain accounts and stayed with it. Sometimes it might agree with your understanding, sometimes not. Keeping this in mind will most likely enhance your enjoyment of the program. And it might even help you to see things in a new light!

Four stars.

18 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You Want to Gather Information, October 6, 2004

By 

Mary Miner "mbminer" (Boxford, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Empires - Peter & Paul and the Christian Revolution [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I personally find the Christian story fascinating and "love to hear the story because I know it's true." While every source has their own take on it, and every author their own theory, those who believe continue to seek knowledge regarding how Jesus has continued to influence people through the ages. This DVD creates a visually interesting tale about Peter, the Rock, one who actually shared Jesus' life journey, death, and resurrection and Paul a man who shortly after Jesus' death (and resurrection) was profoundly affected by a conversion experience leading to belief in Jesus and the mission he then undertook to carry the good news to the gentile world. This DVD points out the differences in opinion the apostles held (of which Peter was one) with what Paul believed. And, Paul didn't merely think or feel he had the authority to carry the message to "the Jew and the Gentile alike"; he had experienced with his whole being a calling to bring all people to the knowledge of Jesus. This take on the new faith was not compatible with the faith traditions already being practised by the disciples and not all the apostles supported Paul's enthusiasm. The idea continues to be incompatible for some, and this shows us the source.