Barabbas (1961 film): Difference between revisions

Barabbas witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus. As Jesus dies, the sky turns black, and Barabbas is shaken. He watches Christ's body sealed in the tomb. On the third morning, Barabbas finds the tomb open. Rachel tells him that Christ has risen, but Barabbas says it's is an illusion, or that Hishis followers have stolen the body. He visits the [[Apostles in the New Testament|apostles]]; they do not know where Hehe is, but also believe Hehe is risen.

Barabbas survives this hellish existence for the next twenty years. He is chained to Sahak, a [[Christians|Christian]] sailor who was sent to the mines for allowing slaves to escape. Sahak at first hates Barabbas for being pardoned instead of "the Master", but the two men eventually become friends. Over time, Sahak becomes too weak to work. As the guards are about to kill him, the mine is destroyed in an earthquake, andwith Sahak and Barabbas are the only survivors. Julia, the superstitious wife of the local prefect, considers them blessed. The prefect is due to leave for Rome, having been appointed to the Senate. Julia insists that Barabbas and Sahak accompany him for good luck.

Once in Rome, the men are trained to become [[gladiator]]s by Torvald, the top gladiator in Rome. After a gladiatorial event, Sahak is overheard sharing his faith with other gladiators, and is condemned to death for [[Law of majestas|treason]]. When a firing squad deliberately miss throwing their thrown spears, Torvald executes Sahak. The next day, Torvald and Barabbas battle in the arena. Barabbas wins, killing Torvald and impressing Emperor [[Nero]], who sets him free. Barabbas takes Sahak's corpse to the [[Catacombs of Rome|catacombs]], where the local Christians are worshiping. They give him a proper burial.

Barabbas becomes lost in the catacombs. When he eventually emerges, [[Great Fire of Rome|Rome is on fire]]. Barabbas is told that the Christians started the fire. Believing that the end of the world has come (as Rachel and Sahak had taught), Barabbas sets fire to more buildings. He is confronted by Roman soldiers and tells them that he is a follower of Christ. He is imprisoned with several other Christians, among them the apostle [[Saint Peter|Peter]]. Peter admonishes Barabbas for committing arson, informing him that Christians would not do such a thing. Afterwards, the Christians are executed by mass crucifixion in the [[Persecution of Christians#Persecution under Nero, 64–68 AD|persecutions]] that follow the fire. Throughout his life, Barabbas was said to be the man who could not die. Having finally placed his faith in Christ, hishe bodyis breathescrucified itswith the lastothers.