It was a gut wrenching first hour to watch as Jesus is beaten and crucified.  The pure arrogance and mocking from the soldiers is almost unbearable just as a human being, let alone if you believe that Jesus is the Saviour and the way they were treating him.  I appreciated, as I have the whole sieries though, the fact that they are making it as authentic as possible to the characters and attitiudes of the people.  Mary (played by Roma Downey), mother of Jesus, was closely followed as she watched her son being tormented and killed.  Seeing the interaction between Mary and Jesus always reminds how human the situation is between a mother and son that is easy to gloss over.  The boldness with which the disciples preach His name after his ressurection is so powerful. 

The second hour shows Saul's conversion into Paul.  Saul starts a mob to have Stephen stoned and then works out a deal with the high priests to start having the resources and man power to kill Christian in high volume.  He has his conversion experience on the road and sees Jesus and tells him quit persecuting Christians but to reach people for his kingdom.  Jesus speaks to Ananias and he is called to go and baptize Paul, whom Paul had persecuted in the past.  Ananias follows Jesus order though and Paul becomes one of the most influential names for Jesus.  

The way they follow the disciples journey through the life, death and resurrection and onto their missionary lives after Jesus ascends is remarkable.  This side of the story has not been shown in such remarkable detail.  Peter gets a second chance to make a preach the gospel after his denial of Jesus before his death.  

Peter is brought to Cornelius and he is the first Roman to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Hundreds become followers in days.  

20 years later they show Peter and the other disciples preaching the gospel to all the nations in there region and beyond.  It is said that all of the disciples are killed because of their faith.  

They show the powerful words from Paul while sending a letter to other believers saying, "we rejoice in our suffering as Jesus perseveres, perseverance creates character and character hope".  Paul's letters form nearly half of the new testament.  

The Romans try to poison John but fail to kill him.  In frustration they exile John and he receives visions of Revelation.