The Tape I Played Till It Broke
Did you know there’s a musical about the Apostle Paul? It’s called The Apostle (music by Bill Tewson; words by Cam Floria; arrangement by Lex de Azevedo). I was introduced to this musical in the 8th grade when I sang in the youth choir. I was captivated by the music and words. During our months of rehearsals and performances, I became immersed in the Apostle Paul’s world and in the epistles he wrote.
Over the years, I listened to the cassette recording many times through many seasons. I listened so often the cassette eventually wore out. Even without the recording, I still sang those songs in my mind. Years later, discovering the full recording on YouTube was like finding an old friend. I still listen today for the way the music helps me connect with scripture.
Why this Music Stayed with Me
Much of Christian music is inspired by scripture including Paul’s epistles. The Apostle is likewise inspired by and filled with scripture, making the words of Paul so memorable because they are set to music. It’s often easier to remember words when sung.
In addition to its focus on scripture, this musical also takes the listener into the historical background and setting for Paul’s epistles. Each song is connected by storytelling that captures the atmosphere of Paul’s life and work. As you listen, you hear the context of each song. It’s a great reminder that the words of Paul’s epistles were set in real-life situations: church dynamics, new believers, opposition, Paul’s journeys. The music and narration bring Paul’s world to life.
Songs that Stand out to Me
While I enjoy listening to every song in this musical, several songs stand out for different reasons:
“My One Aspiration”
This song opens the musical, proclaiming Paul’s words from Romans 8:38-39 and Philippians 3:13-14. The opening narration, in first person, introduces Paul’s background before his conversion (Philippians 3:1-9; Acts 22:3). The song reflects Paul’s transformation and singular focus on Jesus. If you love Paul’s exhortations, this song is for you.
“Tradition of Our Fathers”
This song captures the background of Paul’s pre-conversion life (Galatians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:5-6), focusing on his zeal for tradition. The background narrator is introduced as Luke, who describes Paul’s background and persecution of the church. This song helps us understand where Paul came from, how dramatically his encounter with Jesus changed his life, and why he was able to speak in so many challenging settings as a missionary for Christ.
“A Quiet Time”
The opening narration captures Paul’s desert sojourn (Galatians 1:17) following his conversion. The song reminds us to spend quiet time with God, as practiced not only by Paul but also by Jesus (Luke 5:16).
“The Fruit of the Spirit”
The opening narration captures early events from Acts 9 following Paul’s conversion. The words of the song draw from Galatians 5:22-23. This song is a reminder that the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts shapes our walk with Him and each other.
“In a Dream”
This song captures Paul’s vision of a Macedonian man calling for help (Acts 16:9-10). This atmospheric song captures that incredible moment when Paul felt called to bring the gospel to Europe.
“Believe in Your Heart”
This song reflects the story in Acts 16:25-34 of the jailer who asked how to be saved. The words are a great reminder that we are saved not by our own efforts, but instead by giving our heart to Jesus.
“You Are Not Alone”
This song reflects the opposition Paul faced in Corinth (Acts 18:9-10). The Lord encouraged him to keep on speaking, letting Paul know God had many believers in that city. If you’ve ever struggled and felt alone in ministry, this song will remind you that you’re not alone. I have often felt encouraged by this song and reassured by Acts 18:9-10 during difficult seasons of ministry.
“I Walk Free”
This song expresses Paul’s writings from Galatians. The opening narration describes the start of Paul’s third missionary journey. The inspiring song is a beautiful reminder of the freedom Christ brings to each person, a freedom anchored in love by the Holy Spirit.
How this Musical Fits into Bible Study
These songs bring Paul’s words and the biblical stories about him to life. They remind us of the background, setting, and context behind Acts and Paul’s epistles. Paul lived, preached, traveled, and ministered in real communities amid upheaval, persecution, exhaustion, shipwreck, and many other struggles and relational dynamics among the emerging churches. The musical reminds us of Paul’s missionary journeys and his own spiritual journey as a follower of Christ.
During my years in seminary, whenever I would start on a new class project, I would listen to one or more songs from this musical. If I were writing a paper about a passage from Galatians, I would listen to “I Walk Free” or “The Fruit of the Spirit.” I didn’t listen to the music as a substitute for Bible study. But listening helped orient me to the setting and atmosphere of what I would encounter in scripture. The music helped bring the biblical background from my mind into my heart. Often the music led me into worship or prayer before beginning my study.
Listen with Your Bible
I’m so grateful to have discovered this favorite musical on YouTube as recorded by the Continental Singers. This music doesn’t just bring back memories from my youth. It also inspires my Bible reading time today.
I encourage you to listen to the musical on YouTube: The Apostle.
You may want to keep your Bible beside you as you listen. When the narration or song lyrics touch on a Bible story about Paul, or highlight Paul’s words, you can look up and read that passage of scripture. Read what comes before and after for context. If you don’t remember the exact location of the Bible verses or stories referenced in the songs, you can search online by the topic and find those verses.
I enjoy listening to these songs in tandem with my Bible reading. I might look up a Bible passage first and then listen to the song. Or the other way around: listen and then look up the scripture to reflect on it afterward. And sometimes I just listen to a song, remembering the Bible story that inspired it. Choose whichever approach works best for you at a given time. Ultimately, these beautiful songs point to scripture and inspire Bible reading time with God.
Adventures with God 