Liberty University offers simulcast of roundtable discussion about new movie 'Paul, Apostle of Christ'

Liberty University is offering churches and study groups a chance to take part in a simulcast of a roundtable discussion about the upcoming movie "Paul, Apostle of Christ."

The event, which was recorded last month at Liberty University, features actor Jim Caviezel and some of the nation's leading biblical scholars and theologians. Churches and study groups can register for the simulcast, which will be available nationwide on March 11, 18 and 25.

According to CBN News, simulcast viewers will be able to get a preview of the film as well as a roundtable discussion on the life and writings of the Apostle Paul.

The simulcast will also include Caviezel's comments on the 30-day shoot on the island of Malta, a panel discussion on the birth of the Christian church, what was life like for believers in ancient Rome as well as the conversion of Paul from the greatest persecutor of Christians to the church's greatest advocate.

The movie highlights the last 10 days of Paul's life, as he awaits execution in Mamertine Prison in Rome after being sentenced to death by Emperor Nero.

Paul is portrayed by British actor James Faulkner, who is known for his supporting roles in "Downton Abbey" and "Game of Thrones."

In an interview with Catholic News Agency, Faulkner said that preparing for the role had changed him after he "read and reread Paul's letters."

"Do I have more humility? Yes. Do I have more love for my fellow man? Yes. Is there a possibility of redemption even for myself? Yes, there is," the actor said.

Caviezel, who served as an executive producer of the film, plays the role of the physician Luke, who regularly visits Paul in prison to document his story while composing the Acts of the Apostles. The actor noted that conversion and forgiveness are the major themes of the upcoming movie.

Executive producer Eric Groth noted that they took persecuted Christians in the Middle East into account as they wrote the script for the film.

"We were writing this script through those heavy intense times with ISIS and the problems that are going on in Syria and the Middle East," Groth said, adding that he and his team had tried to guide the actors by reflecting "on the martyrs of the centuries who have laid down their lives."

The movie, produced by Affirm Films, will be released in theaters nationwide on Friday, March 23. Other members of the cast include Oliver Martinez ("S.W.A.T."), Joanne Whalley ("A.D. The Bible Continues") and John Lynch ("The Secret Garden").