A Paean to “A.D. Kingdom and Empire” on Netflix

Posted byBenjamin WhitePosted inbiblical observationsTags:, , , , , , , , , , ,

They Cancelled This Show in 2015
…but I Just Found Out

When NBC cancelled A.D. The Bible Continues, I had no idea it was a thing, but now, three years later, I’m heartbroken. Now I have watched all 12 episodes of A.D. Kingdom and Empire (it got renamed for it’s Netflix Release) and I am very sad that the Roma Downey and Mark Burnett produced adaptation of the book of Acts is not continuing.

So this is my eulogy for “A.D. Kingdom and Empire” AKA “A.D. The Bible Continues” and my contribution to the googleverse in hopes of a reboot some day soon, and a motivational essay to read the book of Acts again this week. If you live in the Philadelphia area, come live it with us in Circle of Hope.

Peter praying to stay the Holy Spirit’s hand

The Holy Spirit is No Joke

In Acts 5 we find the troubling story of Ananias (Peter De Jersey) and Sapphira (Indra Ové) who held back some of the money they got from selling their house but said that they gave it all to the newly born church. In A.D. Kingdom and Empire blood comes out of their eyes and they die for lying to the Holy Spirit in a very scary scene. How could any TV producer skip such a gruesome moment in history? Acts 5:11 says “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”

Um… yeah! Great fear seized me when I first heard this story, too. If I’m honest, there’s still a tinge of fear in me as I reflect on it now. The Holy Spirit is no joke. God was trying to do something that required the utmost seriousness. The new movement was not for spiritual tourists who could move on to what’s next after the high wore off. This movement could not peter out (poor Peter!). If the Church of Jesus’ first followers didn’t survive, thrive and bust out of the confines of Jerusalem, God’s plan would not have happened. Desperate times call for desperate measures, it seems — even the confounding sudden death of two would-be-followers. The way this story is portrayed in the show brings the immediacy and the meagerness of the movement to light in a compelling way. Peter (Adam Levy) gets why they are dying but he is freaked out, too. I love the confusion that streaks through the faces of the main characters. They are not yet saints, wise in their remote spaces in history. They are living, failing, God-trusting people just like us. In a later episode of the show, the Holy Spirit almost kills Simon Magus (Stephen Walters) who tries to pay Peter for the Holy Spirit but Peter begs God in the thundercloud to spare the foolish new disciple. It didn’t happen just like that in Acts, but it made for good TV, and it communicated the live-wire wildness of the moment.

Procla, Pilate’s wife (as the story goes), is a Saint in the Greek Orthodox Church

The Resurrection Had Political Consequences

Four of the main characters of the show are Pontius Pilate (Vincent Regan), his wife Claudia (Joanne Whalley), Caiaphas (Richard Coyle), the high priest, and his wife, Leah (Jodhi May). They are not just the evil ones, they are real people with real pressures of their own. Each are tempted to believe in Jesus’ resurrection, especially Claudia and Caiaphas. The political intrigue is not historically accurate, but it could have been! How would the Jesus movement know that Pilate’s wife had dreams about Jesus (as in Matthew 27:19) if she did not one day become a Christian and tell them her story?

From Wikipedia: “In the 3rd century, Origen suggested in his Homilies on Matthew that the wife of Pilate had become a Christian,or at least that God sent her the dream mentioned by Matthew so that she would convert. This interpretation was shared by several theologians of Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The apocryphal Letter of Pilate to Herod, dating from around the 3rd–4th century, names Pilate’s wife as Procla and connects to the story of Matthew 27:19.”

The show writers had a lot of opportunities to incorporate other legends and speculations from the early church but didn’t do so, however, they did take the opportunity to highlight the political consequences of the resurrection. Jesus disrupted the political potentates of his day, and he continues to do so. The power to kill is the source of all political power. When you boil it down, that’s it. The state’s ability to kill and the permission the people give it to kill is the only real ultimatum. Violence is the source of state power. Read the first two chapters of William Cavanaugh’s book “Migrations of the Holy” if you need to be convinced of this. There are other places to find this argument too. But, for now, it suffices to say that the foundation of any governmental power is death. And if Jesus rose form the dead then he is not subject to any power. Pilate and Caiaphas, and Claudia and Leah, as portrayed in the show, are obviously threatened by this. How we respond to Jesus’ anarchic resurrection will dictate how we relate to government. Are we subjects of the Kingdom or the empire(s)?

Chipo Chung as Mary Magdalene

They Don’t Know What They’re Doing Either (But the Women Knew Better)

After Jesus’ death, the disciples have no idea what to do. Only Mary, Jesus’ mother (Greta Scacchi), remembers what Jesus said. She is stone-faced and sad after watching her son die but she refuses to give up as many of the men are doing. She is waiting for the third day. Mary Magdalene (played by Chipo Chung), who is the first apostle of the resurrection in the Bible, also gets her proper place in the show. She sees Jesus, and we get to see her as one of the most important characters in the show (because she IS one of the most important people in history). The men defer to her, she makes converts, and she’s always part of the dialogue about what they need to do. Twelve disciples would be too many characters for drama so only a few disciples are dramatized. It’s unclear what happened to the rest of the twelve in the show, but Mary Magdalene takes one of their places.

They muddle through the amazing things that happen. From the resurrection, to Pentecost, to persecution, to new believers who aren’t Jewish, they are stumbling through an incredibly disorienting ordeal. Can you imagine what it would be like? I can, but not so well as they creators of this show have done for us!

It is helpful to read through scripture with our imaginations. What was it like? What were the smells? What did you see? How did you feel? Art like this show, all the many, many paintings, and the other films that were made about these stories from the Bible help us feel our way into the story even more. John, the Beloved disciple, may always be a slow to speak, dark skinned African man (Babou Ceesay) in my imagination. And I am forever grateful for that. 

I need to feel my way through these stories and find myself in them because reading the Bible at a distance just doesn’t work. The point of reading the Bible is to relate to Jesus and find myself in his story. Art helps me do that. It will help you, too, especially when the artists assume that these people in the Bible were a lot like us. We don’t know what we’re doing a lot of the time either.

“The Road To Damascus” Episode 108 — Pictured: Joe Dixon as Phillip

Those Baptisms Though

The formula for baptism in the show is backwards into the water for like a three second count — in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is a good ritual! I love that they stay underwater for as long as they do because it is really symbolic of the death they are dying with Christ. When we baptize people in Circle of Hope we do it three times, bowing forward in submission to Christ. Some folks I have baptized are pretty scared about going under, and I assure them that is the point. We are going through death with Christ and coming out on the other side with him. Staying under, though? Holding your breath for a moment until you get pulled up? That is pretty cool.

Paul wrote in Romans 6:3-5

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”

This show gets that. These early Christians were serious about what Paul said even before he wrote it. Paul codified the ritual in Romans but it meant something before he said that. It meant death and resurrection, and you can SEE that in the show, even if it isn’t said. That is what ritual is all about. It is an enacted truth that often goes deeper and truer than words ever can.

Saul was initially devastated by Jesus’ appearance to him.

Paul Really Was a Badass from the Start

When Saul has his Damascus Road encounter with Jesus in the show I was unimpressed. Unfortunately I’m not a huge fan of how they portray Jesus in the show at all. But the aftermath of the encounter was awesome. Saul’s agony and redemption mediated by someone who isn’t sure of what they saw (it was an Angel — who is also totally badass). Then Saul comes back to the disciples in Jerusalem and demands forgiveness.

Peter and Saul have a one-on-one conversation. Saul is under tons of suspicion. He is trying to make Peter and the disciples trust him but Peter is slow to do so. Saul says to Peter,

“This is all a bit ridiculous, surely. I know what I’ve done, Peter, but listening to you all downstairs it’s like you had forgot that Jesus taught you forgiveness. I mean you lived with him — you know his message — so, so, sorry but I’m confused.” Saul of Tarsus got swagger! And that is why God chose him! I love how Emmett J Scanlan gets that across in his Irish brogue. Saul’s confidence, his arrogance even, was what God needed! You might have something in you that doesn’t seem like a gift. You might have done things that are hard to forgive. You too are chosen by God for a purpose. And a lot of what you see as useless, God can use. You might not receive such a direct address from Jesus as Saul did, but if you listen you will know.

In Conclusion, Bring it Back For Season Two!

I could go on and on about this show (and I already have), but please, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey of Lightworkers Entertainment, please bring back this show! I hear you’re working on an end times story instead. No thanks. I want more of these characters and the imaginative plot twists that your writers have supplied already. What if the stories of all these unsung heroes really did weave together in this way? Some of my Christian counterpoints are up in arms that you did not “stick to the Bible.” To them I say “p’sha.” You got it. No, it was not exact, but you got it. If they demand some fastidious recreation of only what is in the text 1) it’s bad TV, bad drama, bad art and 2) they are just way too uptight. Jesus likes this show, mkay? Well, I guess he’ll tell us whether or not he does some day, but I really, really like this show, mkay? So can we get a Season Two of A.D Kingdom and Empire? Lord, hear our prayer.

And if you made it this far, you must like to read. So keep reading. Read the book of Acts. Imagine, pray and listen right through the whole epic story. We’re living the 29th Chapter.

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Published by Benjamin White

zesty enthusiast, mystic, amateur poet, husband, father, chaplain

298 thoughts on “A Paean to “A.D. Kingdom and Empire” on Netflix”

  1. I agree!!! My wife and I will finish season 1 today and we pray (and demand) season 2 release soon! We have watched it in Spanish from Netflix Spain. Can you imagine how many people from many nations would like to watch the continuation?

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      3. I just finished episode 12 and it ended so abruptly I want to know what happens next lol. I guess I’ll have to read the Bible then 😂

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      8. We must start a movement protest to stop watching programming channel until it is renewed

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      13. Yes bring this back we just can’t leave Peter like that yahshua hamashiach Jesus Christ the holy Spirit and God is the truth. Truth be told!!!!! Hallelujah in Jesus name amen

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      1. Loved watching this!!! So creative and truly inspirational!!! With all that was put into the writing, casting, filming, acting, etc.. must have cost dearly in time and expenses for many… I wish I had the ability to help with a season 2… God Bless You for bringing this part of the Bible to life.

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      2. Please continue this shown, it is important for people to know what Christians had to go through to become Christians. There are too many that don’t know if the fight was real.

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      3. Yes it was very inspirational and finally something on TV that is good. Please bring season 2! Funny how you see all these other series that promote everything that is ungodly. I forgot that we live in the times that teach use what was right now is wrong!

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      1. Me and my husband just finished it and we can’t believe that it ended just like that! We def need a season 2! Please Netflix!

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      1. I have watched this for a straight 10 hours on Netflix….it was so moving and I cried on how hard was the lives of the disciples after Jesus death…… I wish and pray that a season 2 will be resurrected just like Jesus.A lot of people like me surely will feel empowered like what the Holy Spirit did to Jesus disciples.

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    7. I am a fan of A,D Kingdom and Empires. I pray for an release of season 2. This movie had enlightened me on another level. How this movie had make story in the Bible alive. I am praying that God will touch the heart of the production team to release an season 2. It a way of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ

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    10. I enjoyed this show so much please bring season 2 back I would love to see it I watched it every night I’m re-watching it again right now I love the characters all of us storyline I love Jesus

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    14. Omg I just finished the whole season and in need of Season 2!!! LORS HEAR OUR PRAYERSSSS!!!!
      Is there anything we can do? Sign a petition? Spread a hashtag? Email the producers??? What! What!

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      1. I binged yesterday for the umpteenth time on the Bible Series because Netflix was removing it today 10/13/2019…. Today I binged on AD Kingdom and Empire (renamed for Netflix) and was super disappointed to learn after the final episode, there’s no season 2😩… Roma Downey and Mark Burnett…PLEASE COMPLETE AND RELEASE!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 You have a huge base of followers and supporters. who value your gifts and talents and the work you do…COME BACK 🙏🏼 #RomaDowney #MarkBurnett

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    15. I’ve been praying for a season 2for the past 4years and nothing really a shame the show was really moving and loved how the actors portrayed them

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    16. I binged watched Season1 over two nights and was left hanging expecting the story line from episode 12 would be followed up in Season 2. This is an incredible story and needs to be told

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    18. ABSOLUTELY!!! IT SEEMS THAT THOSE THAT ARE TRYING TO CANCEL THIS AMAZING PROJECT DID NOT TAKE ANY LESSONS FROM CAIAPHAS OR PILATE!!!

      YOU CANNOT SILENCE GOD. IF HE WOULD LIKE HIS NAME TO BE PROCLAIMED IN THIS WAY THEN IT WILL CONTINUE REGARDLESS OF ANYONE INTENTIONS.

      PEACE OF JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL…

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    1. Por favor, please, we need this masterpiece to continue!! God bless you. Que Dios les bendiga.

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  5. I am so heart broken that their is no season 2 for this AD. We love to see the season 2.Looking forward to bring back AD soon.

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  6. I feel exactly as the author feels. Please AD producers, fight and struggle to continue your amazing work. I am sure is a work of God! You are in our prayers.

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  7. Just finished binge watching this with my husband, giving it top 5 stars!! Had my BIBLE close at hand for character reference…. ready to watch season 2; very disappointed, no season 2…Please, Please bring it back. Love your faith Roma Downey, and because Roma loves you – we love you too Mark Burnett….

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  9. I pray to God that season 2,3, 4,5…….is made. This show inspires me to read the Bible and find out what happened. God is alive and unstoppable!

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  10. Just finished watching this on Netflix but there’s no season 2. Horrified, it was wonderful. Please please make another series. Only just found out about this series 1 hence only just watched it.

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  11. My Wife and I also just completed season one to discover no season two. Very heartbreaking. This series was one of great spiritual content. Our Church is called “Acts 29 Church unto God” as you stated we are the continuation of Acts. We also are praying for the release of season two and beyond until Jesus returns.

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  12. Just finished on Netflix and had to google season 2. What a disappointment that it was ended! The show gives such great visual to the events so important to our history as Christians. And something finally worth watching. I can only think someone “important” or so many got offended that the show was stopped. It makes no sense why this inspiring depiction of history was halted.

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    1. Myself and my cousin watched this epic series for Easter up into the wee hours of the morning and loved it. My cousin is not saved but has claim to have read the bible all the way through he was very in to this movie which was very interesting and he learned something perhaps it prick his heart. We must have season two because my cousin really wants to see it and has asked me to let him know when it comes back on. It is a shame I have to tell him it is not happening yet. How long must we wait

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  13. I loved watching A. D. Kingdom & Empire on Netflix. Like many of you who lauded this excellent TV series, I was also in search of season two. If I had to guess why season two was not created… perhaps season one was not profitable enough to justify a season two. Of course, that is simply a guess. Congratulations to the cast & crew for an outstanding performance.

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  15. I have just watch this truly amazing account of after the crucifixion it was directed and produced in a very understandable way and making the story of the Bible so eady to follow.please please Netflix show season 2

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  16. Please bring season 2 to Netflix… I just finished watching season 1.. I loved it and it touch my 💓 and soul … Jesus is love….

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  17. I just finished season one. It was fantastic. Am shocked and saddened to learn there is no Season 2. I would love to see the show continue into a second season!!

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  18. I loved season one, it broke my heart when I found out that season 2 was canceled 😦 Praying that it somehow makes a comeback!!!!!!!

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  20. I started watching this show one Saturday night and before I knew it it was 4am and I had to go to bed but didn’t want to because I wanted to keep watching more episodes.Once I watched the first episode I was hooked.The best show I have watched in a long time on NBC.There needs to be a season 2 you cant just leave us hanging like that.Its funny that The Walking Dead can show all of its gore and violence but we cant get another season of something more powerful and meaningful.

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  21. I am lately interested about Jesus and the religion. Watched The Bible and after watched this show. I was so excited to search when the second season will start. But there won’t be the second season 😦 How sad I am. It’s a great way to learn and understand the Bible and all it’s history.

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  22. There is such a hunger for the word, and is a great way to get the word all over the word, It really did help when you go back and read the chapters to really get a better understanding than I ever had just trying to read it, they did an amazing job!!!
    Standing in agreement, we need more seasons!!!

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  23. Wow, This series of the Bible made me want to know more about what happens next, unfortunately I try searching for season 2 but just find out the series was cancel, even my 12 year old was hook on this series, this series truly was a work of god!,

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  27. My wife and I just finished season 1. Technically this was my 2nd watching, I got through almost half of it and then decided that my wife must watch it so started back at the beginning with her. She got just as hooked as I did and it is a show all Christians should watch. The actors were superb and the stories awesome. Great job to the cast and writers. Netflix, please pick up this ball and run with it!!!

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  30. Wow, what a great series, please bring back A.D. for at the least season 2…always seems to be my luck, find a great show to have it cancelled…especially the content…..much needed.

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  31. Just finished watching the last episode of season one. Heart broken 💔 to find out there is no second season A.D. Kingdom Empire. There is still so much more story to tell. You can’t stop now.😥

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  35. We must have season 2. Maybe it will be released like how Sherlock seasons got released every few years. But that’s just what I think might happen. Nevertheless, we need season 2. We were left hanging in season 1 ending after Peter is seen being captured by a Roman soldier. Probably this may be in the section of the Bible where Agrippa had Peter imprisoned and James executed. But, who knows, they may have changed the story a little bit in the show. Furthermore, I personally would have wanted to see more Paul if season 2 was made. So maybe we should petition for season 2. Its not even like Roma Downey and Mark Burnett gave up on making these biblical series. they’re even trying to make a end of time series. But, we all know we want AD SEASON 2.

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  36. Waiting for the season2. just finished watching 1st season on netflix france. love this fresh point of view love the way the writers made it intertwined with complicated real life political issues !!!

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  41. I just finished watching season 1 and I was so sad to find out there is no season 2. Please bring back season 2, the story needs to continue.

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  42. Found this article in hopes that there was talk of a season 2! My husband and I just watched all 12 episodes within a span of 3 days! We so love this shows; please bring it back—somebody!

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    1. I am saddened to get to the end and search for season 2 on my Netflix only to find they have cancelled , ??? How can they , it’s a great series . Please get season 2 up and on tv. Its halfway through a story … who does that ? The series has to be continued please .

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  44. I absolutely loved season 1, so much that I’m planning on rewatching it with my boyfriend. I would also love to see a second season

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  45. I am definitely one of those who would relish the opportunity to see more seasons of this series. I loved “The Bible” adored “AD Kingdom and Empire” and am now disappointed that there is no Season 2 in sight. This series is a much needed light in a time of darkness. I plead with anyone who has the power to continue this series to PLEASE do so. We would forever be in your debt.

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  47. SEASON TWO! Truly enjoyed watching A.D. Kingdom And Empire I pray and hope the story will continue with season two. Thanks to those who have helped make the bible come to life. Thank you Lord Jesus for your Word and truth continue to let your story be told in Jesus name amen.

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  49. Just finished Season 1 on Netflix…if NBC won’t permit Season 2, get Netflix to have a Season 2….please!!!!!

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  50. Yes please make season 2. My husband and my family ( including teens) enjoy a lot this first season and Mede us think a lot about the mercy of God and his miracles!!!!!!

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