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 und... more »er 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.« less