The Apostle Peter: Redemption Page #4

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I do not know him!

I have spent

- the rest of my life

Trying to rise above

that moment,

for what profit a man

that he gain the whole world,

yet lose his soul?

Something is troubling you.

Susanna.

She takes great risks

on your behalf.

I have seen the looks

- that pass between

- the two of you.

I'm concerned for her safety.

And nothing else?

She is enamored

with the rabbi you speak of.

And you are not? Hmm?

It is hard to walk together

- on different paths.

- When you travel

I would like you to look

at these words.

They were inspired by him.

You may find them useful.

Thank you.

God be with you, Captain.

Husband?

My husband,

what troubles weigh on you?

The Jew.

You mean Peter?

And the Senate.

I am no closer

to an accordance

that these Christians

started these fires.

You know, there are those

- release them.

- Who would have you

Traitors.

Who are they?

No one specifically,

but I hear talk

- in the streets,

- in the marketplace,

Even here in the palace.

They say he is a wise

and honest man

who never speaks against Rome.

That he talks only about...

Jesus.

Another rabbi crucified

years ago.

They say he is a holy man

who would not harm anyone.

But I suggest otherwise.

I suggest you further increase

the pressure on him

and on all of the Christians.

And how do you suggest

I do that?

Kill them.

Kill them all.

Perhaps that will gain

his confession.

If not, you eliminate

the root of the problem,

eliminate it

in a very public way.

As they say, "History

is written by the victors."

Go on.

Your games are about to begin.

What better way

to open the festival

than to put all traces

of suspicion behind us?

"Though I speak with

and of angels,

the tongues of men

"have not love, I am nothing."

"And though I understand

and all knowledge,

all mysteries

"and though I have all faith

"so that I may

remove mountains,

"but have not love,

I am nothing."

How do you know these words?

They are the words of Paul.

Paul.

"Love believes all things,

"hopes all things,

endures all things.

- -"Love never fails."

- -"Love never fails."

They are so beautiful.

But how do you know them?

Given to me by Peter

but clearly meant for you.

The morning finds you

- Honor.

- In good spirits.

You've grown fond of him.

I'm sorry, Your Honor?

You think I don't know

about your conversations?

I have ears everywhere,

even in Mamertine.

It's natural.

When you spend so much time

with someone, you grow close.

I understand.

And he's a very compelling

storyteller.

Oh, come on.

Peter, the rabbi, your friend.

I know you talk to him.

Come.

Kneel.

Perhaps we could find a way

that I might consider

clemency for your friend.

Honor, your wife...

Yes, she's at the market

with her staff.

Eyes up, girl.

That's better.

So do you want clemency

for your friend?

- I'd like to consider

- your wishes.

But, of course,

it would require

that you spend far more time

in my service,

so to speak.

Does the idea of that to you

sound appealing?

Such an innocent thing.

Susanna!

Go to the kitchen

and help the others.

Yes, mistress.

- I want to thank you

- for your words.

Oh, they were not my words.

- They were the words

- of a friend.

- -Paul.

- -Mmm-hmm.

How do you know? Huh?

How do you really know

that this Jesus

was who he said he was?

I know that Jesus Christ

is the son of God

and my redeemer

because I saw him

after he died.

They crucified him,

and he rose again.

And I sat with him.

I talked with him.

I even ate with him.

Uh...

But I do not understand.

I am blessed

because I saw

the Christ risen.

But how much more blessed

are they who did not see

and yet believe?

Ah! Susanna.

Come, come.

A question.

Do you think me a fool?

I'm sorry, Honor?

In the realm of politics

and power,

and rulers and subjects,

deception and deceit,

I find it fascinating,

- how they all work together.

- Don't you?

Although history has taught us

that when a ruler

does not deal swiftly

with his subjects

about deception,

quite often,

he can find himself

on the wrong end

- of the delicate balance

- of his power,

And that's not good,

is it?

So I ask you again.

Do you think me a fool?

No, Honor.

Yet you treat me as one.

No, Honor.

Am I given to understand

that you are much more

than just good friends

with this Peter?

In fact,

you have become

one of these followers.

You have become

a Christian.

Yet when we last spoke,

- to me.

- You failed to mention this

Is that any way to respect

your Emperor?

Answer me!

Mistress.

Please.

I've done nothing wrong.

My heart belongs to another.

Please.

Look at me.

Are you a Christian?

What is it that you want

from me?

The truth.

- What are you doing?

- What is this?

She's admitted to being

a Christian.

Susanna?

Nero has ordered the execution

of all the Christians,

including Peter, tomorrow.

No.

No, I will not hear it.

Release her immediately.

The orders come

straight from Nero.

It'll be my head

if I let her go.

- I will not allow...

- Martinian.

It is not his fault.

The Emperor asked me

if I was a Christian,

and I could not deny my faith.

There is nothing to be done.

No, we will see.

Martinian?

Lock her up.

- Martinian.

- Out of my way, Captain.

Forgive the intrusion, Honor.

Yes, Captain, perhaps you've

brought me a confession.

Honor, I have come to ask

Susanna.

About your servant girl,

Ah, yes, no doubt

she's in Mamertine.

Pretty little flower.

Perhaps

there's been some mistake, no?

I don't believe so.

Honor, she is a harmless

servant girl.

- How is it that

- she is in prison?

She's a Christian.

That makes her a criminal.

Ah, do I sense something more

- Captain?

- Than a dutiful question,

I only wish

that you would consider...

Of course,

- around these charges.

- I offered her a way

A way, shall we say,

shouldn't be discussed

amongst polite company

or open court.

She refused.

It is only now

- what she meant

- that I understand

When she said

her heart belonged to another.

I appeal to your compassion.

No, you cannot, Captain.

The law is the law.

Who am I to change

my own edicts?

You're a passionate man.

I like that.

May I counsel you

that you shouldn't throw away

your entire career

over some pretty little

Christian servant girl

who was pleasing to the eye.

Ma'am,

she is your faithful servant.

- Surely, you would

- not let her die

For such a pointless offense.

You mistake

my wife's loyalty, Captain.

In fact, it was my wife

- servant's treachery.

- Who told me of this

My love, do you wish this girl

to be back in your service?

No, husband.

Ah, well,

it's decided then.

Now, Captain,

I have some orders for you.

Tomorrow, you will

personally be in charge

of the execution of Peter

and all the Christians

in prison.

Won't this be a wonderful way

- to start off the greatest

- banquet ever?

You are dismissed.

No, Honor,

I cannot carry out

those orders.

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