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.
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.
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)?
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.
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.
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.
[contact-form-7 id=”1358″ title=”Ben Contact Form”]
Today, if you hear his voice 
PLEASE BRING The Second season of A.D. KINGDOM AND EMPIRE BACK, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. The best series I’ve ever watched.
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I just discovered and quickly gobbled up this series and I agree that it brought the book of Act alive in a powerful way that makes the reality of Jesus and his power and impact more tangible and real. These types of shows help tremendously to spread the message of Jesus and to understand the power and impact He offers to each of us who choose to follow Him over the world we see. I hope that we will witness more and more of the word of God brought to life in genres that can have real impact, as this series certainly has. I am exceedingly grateful for the gift and hope fo more!
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#bringbackAD
We need season 2
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I’ll add my vote for Season 2. But will the people who need to hear our cries of, “continue please,” even hear it? If they don’t see it as a money-maker, they will not do it, for our nation worships the god of money more than anything else these days.
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Please bring this AWESOME series back! My husband and I finished it in two days. I’m now very eager to read my Bible! So much heRt and spirit was poured out into this series. The characters are addicting! I praise our Lord Jesus Christ and hope that this series got it as close to how things might have been.
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How do we start a petition for a season 2? And how would we get signed petion to producers- Roma Downey and her husband Mark Burnett?
Not precisely accurate but close…very well done and inspirational though- couldn’t stop binge-watching ’till finished The Bible AND A.D.!
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We could start with all 200 people who have commented on this blog!
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Please bring season 2. I have been searching online and found this forum so I can post. Please bring season 2. Please.
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As we live today, i just say the world is so devastating scenarios like typhoons, floods, crime of killings, hungers and you name it.. nailed it. It’s about time that bring back the AD The Bibble Continues (season2). Cause i believe that it will touches our hearts, give hopes and most of all.. let the peoples to the whole world knows that we have Jesus Christ the Savior.. believe, have faith and have fear in GOD. Amen 🙏
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Who Made This Bloop Of Not Bringing Back A.D The Bible Continues ? Big Mistake There’s A Whole Lot Of People That Wanted To Tune In Whoever is Responsible Please Explain Just For People That Are Woundering !
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Our entire family watched Season 1, it was part of our routine every night to watch AD Kingdom & Empire every night. it is very touching & filled with inspiration. We are so sad that there is no Season 2 yet.Please bring Season 2 …praying that God will make the road easy for the producers to make Season 2 happen.
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Still waiting, hoping, and praying to see the series return, Lord willing
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Like many others ive just watched season 1 straight through and was totally hooked, Please continue with season 2 as the show was fantastic
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Mire la temporada 1 completa..
La miré con mi familia y por favor queremos la temporada 2..
Por favor Netflix…
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escúchenos!
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I agree with you, Mr. White. A hundred per cent. Besides the petition (initiated by Jadine, below) what else may we do to spur the producers to continue the show?
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Yes please bring it back.
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Just finished A.D kingdom. Loved it. Power watched it. Now I’M reading my bible. It touches hearts. Please put season 2 out. In the name of Jesus. Amen
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Please we want more!!😊
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I finished season 1 and I would live to see this come back! Netflix, can you help make this happen?
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Please follow through with another season…
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I love A.D Kingdom and i want the following please
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Bring back A.D. Kingdom and Empire, very good actors for a very real story of CHRIST….I want more. 🙏📖
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The series everyone wants to watch and NBC doesn’t want it. Who needs NBC.
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I just finished episode 12 again. I have watched AD 3 times over the past 1-2 years. As some have said it may not be exact, but it brings life to the pages from which they came. It made it more human and want to read the Bible to find the truths. I hope it returns even if available only on DVD or exclusive to Netflix. It makes it interestingly human and makes you wonder their every day thoughts. Bring it back. Stay true to the Word of God! For those of us here, study every day. Find out what God’s Word says for ourselves and don’t rely on every word that comes out of the mouths of men alone who stand proclaiming they know. Psalms 14:2, 1 John 4:1, Romans 16:17, Romans 2:21, 2 Peter 1:20, 2Timothy 3:16, Jeremiah 23:11 + so many more
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I guess you could say I agree with and can relate to totally the author or else I never would have even found this article. I had no idea this series existed until roughly 24 hours ago and and I have already completed all 12 episodes. BUMMER to say the least that it did not continue
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Please Roma Downey , please may you start filming Chater 2. I got my husband to know more about the word . He asks me who is that and what was that person’s mission. Let everyone sent sprayer to Roma Downey and the other director to please bring this beautiful story back.
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I am a Muslim and i loved every bit of the story, it has broadened my thoughts about Christianity, I can’t wait for Season 2,pls bring it back ASAP, God bless.
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Finally a series that was such a blessing g to us. Really praying for season 2 through to the end. Please bring it back
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Episode 12 leaves us hanging. There is so much more you can write. I agree with the above eulogy and the idea of bringing it back. You did such a great job with the first 12 episodes why stop?
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I must add to this list to Roma Downey and husband….. What a help for believers to help themselves and others learn about Acts! What intricate characterizations of motivations of great men of God! Bless You and family! I am sure that it was quite a sacrifice ! Please I add my vote for bringing back AD!!!! It is so necessary in today’s age! Nothing like this EVER! Great cast and direction! Begging!!!
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Just finished watching from this morning at 10am and just finished watching at 10pm! a real treat and give me a sense of the times! A real treat for the eyes… it doesn’t matter that it wasn’t completely accurate and a few important characters missing the important thing for me was that the message was there, of God’s love for us all and the sacrifice he made for us. And sacrifice so sufficient.
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PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO GET ANOTHER SERIES MADE
https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/continue-with-series-of-ad-kingdom-and-empire.html
GODS WILL BE DONE
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Agreed! #bringbackAD
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I was addicted after watching the first episode…praying for a season 2. It will be watched.
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I loved this series. I want season 2 to be made because it helped me to relate to those who were the closes to Jesus. This program ignited my spirit, it made me to cry, to see the difference and struggles for all that where involved, but most importantly it reaffirmed my belief of just how much Jesus Christ of Nazerath truly loves us all from the past to our present. So if for nothing else continue this series for Him.
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Please bring back season 2 of AD Kingdom and Empire. I just finished season 1 and I loved it and it’s great Bible Truth as well and I’m praying too that Season 2 will be soon on Netflix and I can’t wait to watch it
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I agree. Please bring back AD season2!
I want to watch Saul becomes a great apostle of gentiles.
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Ahhhh I’m devastated to know there is no season 2!!!! I zoomed right through season 1 on Netflix and I’m SOOO bummed to not have it continue! Season 2, Season 2, Season 2!
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Please please bring it back
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wow, a great presentation of the story of the apostles, really enjoyed it.
Bummed to find out there was no season 2, and to leave us hanging there with Peter… so disappointing.
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I have watched this series 4 times now. I have also read the book of Acts. I love being able to feel visually connected to what it would be like living in that time. I keep searching for season 2. Please continue this series and show us what happens to Peter next. I am torn between Saul and Peter as my favorites in this series.
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I absolutely agree with your review, I’m Nigerian and just got to watch this show as it got on Netflix. The way the Bible is portrayed but with intertwining, intricate mix of circumstances, events made everything so much more relatable, detailed and real. I must add that my favorite character is Paul, he just has so much spunk and not much changed in him after his conversion besides that hate was translated to love, but all the quirks in his personality made me get a sense on why he was really the perfect agent for the explosion of the new era of faith. This show should please make a comeback. The producers should please ignore the critics and do it for the actual fans .
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Yes and I agree with you. Paul is my favorite too. He had me in tears! This is an incredible series. So sad for it to stop.
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Please come back with the season 2,if the season two is in gods planning then it will happen,……god bless the whole team
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From Pakistan:
I’m a Muslim Pakistani and just finished watching the first season. Please bring season 2. It clears a lot of things to me about the releation between the Jews and the Romans at that time and gave knowledge about the opostles and their struggle. Loved Saul!
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Please continue the series, really enjoyed it.
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I really wish made a series 2 😦
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PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO GET ANOTHER SERIES MADE
https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/continue-with-series-of-ad-kingdom-and-empire.html
GODS WILL BE DONE
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Pls, I beg that they should pls continue this movie. I am devastated with the sound of its discontinuation.. Pls I beg you
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Fantastic series! Maybe the world wasn’t ready for season 2 in 2015 but I think we are ready now, bring it on!
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Please release other seasons. Everyone has been watching the first season. And then boom gone. They stopped the show. This is the best series I have watched in my whole life! It will be a hit if it continued
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I, like everyone else in this thread, absolutely loved this series and was equally disappointed to read that no further season would be made. How can we all be left dangling, not knowing what happened to each of the characters.
Brilliantly acted, filmed and written and too good for the story not to continue. 10/10
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Please please please, give us a season two. I’ve watched it three times over the years and I always marvel at the wonderful way the story of Our Lord and his Apostles are portrayed in this series. All the actors are marvellous. It is a shame that a first class series just stopped. There should be series one, two, three, four and……….. Please bring it back.
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Please please please, give us a season two. I’ve watched it three times over the years and I always marvel at the wonderful way the story of Our Lord and his Apostles are portrayed in this series. All the actors are marvellous. It is a shame that a first class series just stopped. There should be series one, two, three, four and……….. Please bring it back.
Patricia
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Any news about Seson2. Are they going to release it?
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No news yet 😦
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