Mark Vestal Supporter Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

The Chosen tv series does not claim to be a completely accurate account of biblical truths. It is ultimately a form of entertainment with the underlying theme of biblical stories, but with the added viewpoint of what the lives of biblical characters might have been like during those times.

Ultimately, we should always turn to God's Word to discern truth from fiction, whether it comes in the form of media entertainment, man's interpretations, or those professing to be scholars of the Christian faith. 
Portraying theorized details of the lives of biblical characters isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially when the result glorifies Jesus Christ and potentially brings more people to the knowledge of the sacrifice He made on our behalf.

At the time of this writing there are 3 seasons of the series. I have hope that the producers in future episodes will include the life of Saul of Tarsus, our apostle Paul, to account for God's Ephesians 3:2 'dispensation of God's grace', which is separate from God's covenant with Israel and the gospels of those portrayed in the series. It is through Paul's gospel, given from Christ ascended into Heaven, where we today find our hope for salvation without the need of the priesthood of Israel and her earthly kingdom as dramatized in the series so far.

Regardless, I find the series to be very entertaining and enjoyable. I was especially moved when Simon Peter came to the realization that he was facing the Messiah in Galilee. A very moving scene in my opinion!

January 29 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

D. Michael Paxton Supporter IT at Moody Publishers, MDiv Student at Moody Theo. Seminary

Strictly speaking, "The Chosen" never "departs" from God's Word. Dallas Jenkins, the creator and producer, has gone to great lengths multiple times to emphasize that "The Chosen is not Scripture." The production consults heavily with multiple theologians to ensure accuracy to the text and meaning of God's Word. As others have noted, where "The Chosen" depicts Biblical events or teaching, it is completely accurate to the text of Scripture.

However, Scripture often is scant on details of the circumstances surrounding the events and teachings is presents. By adding supplementary characters and underlying storylines, and by filling in the cultural, political, and religious background of the times in which the Gospels took place, "The Chosen" facilitates viewers "connecting" with the the teachings and events in a more personal way by enabling them to visualize themselves as one of the characters impacted by Jesus.

One poignant example I found was when Jesus first met Nathanael (Jn 1:45-50). Jesus commented on Nathanael's candor and Nathanael was surprised at how Jesus could know anything about him when they had only just met. Jesus' reply that, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you," seemed to knock Nathanael to his knees (figuratively and maybe literally) and elicit his confession of Jesus as the Son of God. But taken just as presented in the Scriptures, the, "When you were under the fig tree, I saw you," phrase seems perplexing.

However, in "The Chosen's" presentation of the event, they back up a few days to show Nathanael as a failed architect whose recent project caused serious injury to some workers. He is mourning the shambles of his life alone on a hill under a fig tree, wondering what purpose there is to his life when all he ever wanted was to build things for God's glory. In his grief, he cries out to God, "This was done for You.... Do You see me?" ("The Chosen", S2e2) Now when Jesus says, "When you were under the fig tree, I saw you," His impact on Nathanael takes on much greater relevance. Jesus saw Nathanael, just as He sees us in our deepest need.

This is but one of innumerable examples of how, over and over, "The Chosen" helps connect us to the Scriptures in unique and special ways. But the show should always drive us deeper into God's Word, never stand in as a substitute. We must always strive to be like the Bereans, who "received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11)

August 06 2024 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

My family views it this way: "Right now I'm watching The Chosen. Netflix has the first 8 episodes. I found more on CW, on the Roku. So far no contradictions to the Bible, but there's a lot of background details to the characters that you don't find in the Bible, like Simon and Andrew's tax debts. The stories that are in the Bible are depicted with 100% accuracy, and that's what makes it really interesting. In the first 5 or 6 episodes, Simon is the main character. Jesus shows up in the first couple of episodes, as a minor Character. As the series progresses Jesus begins to be more emphasized. It's a very interesting series." --my son-in-law

I would highly recommend that you watch at least the first 3 seasons, and you can get those free on DVD at the public library. I do not think that Season 4 is out yet on DVD.

I convinced a neighbor and his wife to watch the Chosen on TV.

June 19 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report