The Apostles

Exploring the lives of the 12 apostles in an historical as well as social context, The Apostles is divided into ten 26-minute chapters ("Peter," "Andrew," "Bartholomew and Philip," etc.) that examine various facets in the lives of Christ's first disciples, including pre-ministerial history, the call to the apostleship, their relationship with Jesus, and missionary activities after Christ's death. Drawing on the New Testament, historical records, and apocryphal works, religious historians and theologians effectively bring to life these men whose influence continues to be felt throughout the Christian world today. The final chapter about Mary Magdalene touches on the Gospel of Mary (an apocryphal work discovered in Egypt in the 1890s), and looks at the role of women in the early church and how it has changed over the last two millennia. In addition to informative interview clips, the series uses Medieval and Renaissance art for illustrative purposes, as well as dramatic recreations, on-location photography, and some interesting special effects. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)