This is not a distant historical account; it is a visceral, intimate journey into the heart of the Gospels. LIGHT OF THE WORLD unfolds through the memories of an aging John (Benjamin Jacobson), the last surviving apostle, as he recounts the earth-shattering years he spent beside his beloved friend and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth (Ian Hanlin). From the breathtaking miracles on the shores of Galilee to the unimaginable horror of Golgotha, and the world-altering hope of the empty tomb, we experience the events not as doctrine, but as a profound, personal relationship that forever changed a man and, through him, the course of history.

Director David C. Cook (The Visual Bible: Matthew) employs groundbreaking cinematic techniques to create an immersive experience. The camera is John’s eyes, capturing the dust of the road, the spark of conviction in Jesus’ gaze, and the trembling hands of a fisherman turned fisher of men. This is a story of friendship, faith, and the transformative power of unconditional love, reminding audiences of the radical humanity and divinity of the man who walked, taught, and sacrificed for all.

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Light of the World Cast real names

1. Ian Hanlin as Jesus of Nazareth

Hanlin’s portrayal is a revelation of both power and profound gentleness. His Jesus is not a remote icon, but a charismatic, compassionate, and emotionally present leader whose love for his followers is as tangible as his authority over the spiritual and physical world. Hanlin captures the full spectrum of the Messiah—the joyful friend at the wedding at Cana, the righteous anger in the Temple courts, the agonizing surrender in Gethsemane, and the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

The actor’s powerful yet resonant voice brings the Sermon on the Mount and the parables to life with a fresh urgency. Hanlin focused on the humanity of Jesus, portraying his fatigue, his laughter, and his deep sorrow, making his divine nature shine all the more brightly through these authentic human moments. His performance is destined to be a benchmark for the role.

2. Benjamin Jacobson as John

John is our guide, the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” Jacobson masterfully portrays his transformation from a passionate, ambitious “Son of Thunder” to a humble, awe-struck witness, and finally into the aged apostle burdened with the sacred duty of preserving the truth. The film is framed by his reflections, giving every miracle and teaching a layer of personal, heart-rending context.

Jacobson’s eyes are the window to the soul of the film. He conveys more with a silent look of adoration, confusion, or devastating grief than any line of dialogue could. His journey is our journey, allowing the audience to feel the overwhelming weight and wonder of walking alongside the Son of God.

3. Vincent Tong as Andrew

Andrew, John’s brother and the first-called apostle, is the humble, steady heart of the disciple group. Tong brings a gentle, earnest energy to the role, portraying the man who was always bringing people to Jesus, from his brother Peter to the boy with the loaves and fishes. He is the believer of quiet, unwavering faith.

Tong provides a crucial grounding presence amidst the larger personalities of the other disciples. His character represents the everyday faithful—those who may not lead the conversation but whose simple acts of service form the bedrock of the ministry.

4. Jesse Inocalla as John the Baptizer

Inocalla embodies the fiery, ascetic prophet with raw, untamed power. His performance from the banks of the Jordan is electrifying, a voice crying out in the wilderness that demands repentance and heralds the coming of the Lamb of God. His unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of Herod’s court, sets the stage for the conflict between earthly and heavenly kingdoms.

Inocalla’s portrayal highlights the Baptizer’s humility and pivotal role. His poignant scene of doubt from his prison cell—“Are you the one who is to come?”—adds a deeply human layer to the prophet, making his fate all the more tragic and his faith all the more powerful.

5. David Kaye as Judas Iscariot

Kaye delivers a complex and tragic performance as the betrayer. His Judas is not a simple villain but a intelligent, disillusioned idealist who believes he is forcing Jesus’ hand to unleash his political power and overthrow Rome. Kaye lets us see the calculating mind and growing frustration that ultimately curdles into devastating betrayal.

The actor’s portrayal inspires pity and horror in equal measure. His final moments of realization and despair are haunting, presenting Judas not as a monster, but as a warning of how good intentions, when mixed with pride and deception, can lead to the darkest of paths.

6. Michael Benyaer as Nicodemus

Nicodemus is a man caught between two worlds: his respected position in the Sanhedrin and his thirst for the truth he sees in Jesus. Benyaer portrays him with exquisite tension, his nocturnal visit with Jesus a highlight of intellectual and spiritual seeking. His arc is one of gradual, courageous conviction.

Benyaer’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety. We see the internal war in his eyes during the Pharisee councils and his ultimate, defining act of courage alongside Joseph of Arimathea, claiming the body of Christ, showcasing a faith that moved from secret curiosity to public devotion.

7. Peter New as The Pharisee

Peter New plays a key Pharisee, representing the institutional opposition to Jesus’ teachings. New’s performance is not a caricature of evil but a portrayal of devout, rigid orthodoxy that feels threatened by Jesus’ radical message of grace and his authority over the law.

New brings a chilling, logical precision to his arguments with Jesus. He embodies the danger of placing tradition above truth and law above love, making him a formidable and intellectually credible antagonist throughout the film.

8. Colin Murdock as Lucius (Roman Centurion)

Lucius is a weary, pragmatic Roman centurion stationed in Jerusalem. Murdock embodies the professional soldier, initially dismissive of the Jewish “rabble” and their mysterious teacher. His journey to the foot of the cross is one of the film’s most powerful subplots.

Mdock’s performance culminates in the pivotal moment of recognition. His delivery of the line, “Truly this was the Son of God,” is not shouted, but uttered with a stunned, reverent awe that speaks volumes about the impact of Christ’s sacrifice on even the most unlikely of hearts.

9. Richard Newman as The Fish Monger

Though a small role, the Fish Monger represents the common people of Judea who were the heartbeat of Jesus’ ministry. Newman brings a robust, earthy authenticity to the role, portraying a man whose life is hard but whose encounter with the disciples leaves him curious and forever slightly changed.

Newman’s presence adds vital texture to the world of the film. He is a reminder that the Gospel spread not only through grand sermons but also through countless small interactions in markets, on roads, and in homes.