The Chosen: Is It Biblically Accurate

I’ll be honest with you. When I watched the first episode of The Chosen, I cried. The scene of Mary Magdalene being set free touched me deeply. It reminded me of my own journey with deliverance and the many people I have seen Jesus set free. It was raw, emotional, and powerful.

That is the beauty of this show. It makes Jesus feel close. You see Him laugh with friends, share meals, and feel tired. Then you also see Him move in divine authority. It shows the disciples as real people with flaws and personalities that we can recognize in people around us or even in ourselves.

But as a pastor, I also had to ask the question: is it biblically accurate?

What I Appreciate

One thing I love about The Chosen is how it stirs curiosity about the Bible. After watching certain episodes, I found myself going back to Scripture to reread passages and study details. That is a win. Anything that pushes people toward the Word of God has value.

I also appreciate how the show helps people imagine the humanity of Jesus. He was fully God, but He was also fully man. Seeing that balance has helped many realize that He truly understands us.

Where It Goes Beyond Scripture

At the same time, The Chosen adds creative details that are not in the Bible. For example:

1. Mary Magdalene is shown walking away from Jesus after being delivered, but Scripture shows her faithfully following Him.
2. Jesus is portrayed as rehearsing the Sermon on the Mount. The Gospels present Him speaking with authority as the living Word.
3. In one scene Jesus says, “I am the law of Moses.” That phrase is not in the Bible.
4. The Garden of Gethsemane scene shows Jesus saying, “I don’t think I can do this.” Scripture shows Him troubled, but also fully surrendered to the Father’s will.

These moments make for emotional storytelling, but they are not always faithful to the text.

Should You Watch It?

Here is my honest answer. Yes, if you can separate storytelling from Scripture. If you treat it as a Bible study, you might walk away confused. But if you watch it as a drama that points you back to God’s Word, it can be very meaningful.

The creators have made it clear that the series is not meant to replace the Bible. Their goal is to stir curiosity about Jesus and the Gospels. I have met people who started watching the show and then picked up the Bible for the first time in years. That is worth celebrating.

For me, The Chosen has been both moving and thought provoking. But nothing replaces the Word of God. Stories can inspire your heart. Only Scripture can transform your life.

So enjoy the show. Let it inspire you. But be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Search the Scriptures daily and test everything by the Word of God.

If the Bible feels boring, read this blog.