Confessions

I've been an avid Bible student since I was 21 years old. Prior to that I lived my life without caring what my Creator thought about my choices. My Bible study has only increased in the 40 plus years since I first started reading the Gospel accounts.

I know the Bible very well and am thoroughly enjoying The Chosen series. Naturally, since I am so familiar with the Bible account, I have some opinions about this series. I believe it is important to point out that less than 10% of each episode of The Chosen is actually from the Bible accounts. Ninety percent of these episodes are embellishments; the producer's ideas of how the Bible characters may have spoken, looked and acted, beyond what is written in the Bible. I have no problem with most of those embellishments. As a matter of fact, I appreciate and enjoy much of the non-biblical inventions by the writers of this series.

I would like to speak about the good and the not so good embellishments created by the writers of this series. I hope you will not be offended by my critique.

Season 4, Episode 2 Forgiveness. Jesus is in the 7 day mourning period for John the baptizer and he takes the Apostles to Cesarea Philippi. The Bible account does not say that he took them to the Pagan site of 'the gates of hell'. The Bible does not mention this Pagan place of false worship, but archaeologists have uncovered a place of Pagan worship in Cesarea Philippi dedicated to the god Pan, which the writers of The Chosen have dubbed 'the gates of hell' and have suggested is where Jesus took the Apostles.

The most accurate English translation of the Koine Greek word used at Matthew 16:18 is not "hell", it is "the grave". When Jesus said "on this rock I will build my congregation, and the gates of the grave will not overpower it" , he was stating that the congregation of his true followers would not suffer death forever, but he would resurrect them in God's Kingdom when it comes "on Earth as it is in Heaven". Peter said "you are the Christ, the Son of the living God" and that is the "rock" or "foundation" of the congregation of his true followers worldwide.

The Chosen writers naturally embellished the account of Jesus bringing the Apostles to Cesarea Philippi. They invented an entire controversy of Cesarea Philippi in a prior episode and I do not think that's a bad thing. The embellishments are often very well done and bring out the human side of the Apostles, but there is no such place called "the gates of hell" in Cesarea Philippi. It is the altar, or temple of Pan.

Other than that fact, this episode is excellent. I especially loved the issue between Peter and Matthew, even though it is not in the Bible. The scenes between them were powerfully portayed and brought me to tears. The biggest miss there is that the writers of The Chosen could have easily included the very powerful 2 minute parable Jesus gave the Apostles at Matthew 18:23-35 which followed Peter's question about how often to forgive someone.. I encourage you to read it for yourselves please.

One last clarification. The writers of The Chosen chose to make it appear that Peter got his name in Cesarea Philippi, but the fact is that Jesus gave Simon his new name right after he invited him to become his follower. See John 1:42

Biblical content 50% Matthew 10:34-37; Matthew 16:13-20; Matthew 18:21-22.

Simon becoming Peter and the confusion about the new name and new status are not only him. Matthew fixing his relation with Peter. And the courage of the last to do what must be. Prepaires of Sanhedrid for capture and judge Jesus and for use the authorithy of Romans as instrument of their interests. The Roman perspectives . And the presence of Savior and apostles in Cesarea Filipi as precious lesson .

More important, the atmosphere. You know the facts but the episode offers what you can feel about them.

In same measure, the honest Jews provocking terrible events against their will.

In short, you know the story. The details proposed by episode is key of new , useful perspective.

In the second episode of The Chosen Season 4, titled "Confessions," the narrative delves into the internal struggles of the disciples as their faith and personal convictions are tested in profound ways. The episode focuses on the intimate conversations and confrontations that bring to light their deepest fears and doubts. Set against the backdrop of increasing tension in their journey, "Confessions" explores themes of vulnerability, accountability, and forgiveness, offering an emotional and contemplative chapter in the series.

The episode opens with a quiet yet powerful scene in which the disciples are gathered, and each of them begins to reveal personal secrets and confessions. This is a key moment for character development, as it exposes the flaws and weaknesses of each disciple, reminding the audience that these figures, often seen as saints, were human beings with their own struggles. The dialogue in this scene is poignant, written with an authenticity that makes the characters feel relatable despite the biblical setting. Director Dallas Jenkins allows the emotional weight of these moments to breathe, using long takes and close-up shots to capture the intensity of each confession. The performances in this episode, particularly from Paras Patel as Matthew and Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, stand out as they bring palpable vulnerability to their characters.

As the episode progresses, the confessions lead to deeper discussions among the group, particularly between Simon Peter (Shahar Isaac) and Andrew (Noah James). The tension between these two characters, stemming from Simon's impulsive leadership and Andrew's more cautious nature, comes to a head in a well-executed confrontation. Isaac and James play off each other beautifully, their chemistry reflecting the complex brotherly bond between Simon and Andrew. The script highlights the different approaches each disciple takes to their mission, creating conflict that feels organic rather than forced. This episode marks a turning point in their relationship, as both characters are forced to confront not only their individual weaknesses but also their expectations of each other.

From a technical standpoint, the episode's direction and cinematography work in tandem to enhance the intimate atmosphere. The use of natural light and muted color palettes during the confession scenes reflects the raw, unfiltered nature of the conversations. There is a simplicity in the visual approach that aligns with the emotional transparency of the episode, allowing the audience to focus entirely on the characters' inner turmoil. The editing is deliberate, using slower cuts that emphasize the weight of the words being spoken. The pacing of the episode is slower compared to the previous one, but this works in its favor, giving space for character exploration and reflection.

One of the standout moments in the episode is when Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) gently guides the disciples through their confessions, offering compassion and wisdom without judgment. Roumie's portrayal of Jesus continues to be one of the highlights of the series, and in "Confessions," his performance strikes a perfect balance between authority and empathy. His presence in the episode, though less prominent compared to the disciples, serves as the emotional anchor that ties the confessions back to the larger themes of grace and redemption. The way Jesus listens to the disciples without interrupting or preaching underscores the message that true leadership often involves simply being present and offering support.

However, while the emotional and character-driven aspects of "Confessions" are strong, the episode does suffer from moments of repetitive dialogue, particularly in the middle portion where certain confessions begin to feel redundant. The script could have benefited from more variation in the types of revelations, as some of the confessions touch on similar themes of guilt and regret. While this reinforces the shared struggles of the disciples, it slightly diminishes the impact of each individual moment. Additionally, the slower pacing, while effective in building tension, may feel too drawn out for viewers expecting more plot progression.

In conclusion, "Confessions" is a contemplative and introspective episode that offers deep character development and emotional resonance. The performances, particularly from the ensemble cast, elevate the material, with standout moments between Simon, Andrew, and Jesus. While the pacing may feel slow for some viewers, and the dialogue occasionally repetitive, the episode's strengths lie in its ability to humanize the disciples and explore the complexities of faith, guilt, and forgiveness. The cinematography and direction complement the intimate tone, making "Confessions" a powerful chapter in The Chosen's ongoing exploration of the human side of the biblical figures.

I have been a watcher of The Chosen from the beginning, a supporter and an enthusiastic evangelist to everyone about the series. I used to say that every episode will make you laugh AND make you cry, especially if you too are a follower of Jesus. I did not see Season 4 in theaters earlier this year, either time, and so I have anxiously awaited (too long) their traditional release, recently. Unlike before each other season's release, I did not rewatch the previous seasons leading up to Season 4's release. I highly recommend this practice, especially since the delay between seasons appears to have lengthened.

In any case, while Episode 1 of Season 4 was good, it wasn't as good imho as Episode 2. Of course, Episode 2 covered a lot more familiar Biblical ground than Episode 1, which was hyper focused on John the Baptist (and necessarily so).

I believe that the closing scene of Episode 2, Season 4 is one of the most emotionally powerful scenes in The Chosen series, especially for Jesus followers who will likely feel the effects of Christ's forgiveness for themselves (as I did). I not only cried, I sobbed.

Thank you Dallas and The Chosen team; May God continue to bless you as you film the remainder of the series.

A new identity for Simon as result of direct testimony about Savior. Moral dilemma for Matthew and Peter. Jesus as provocation for Jews - officials and young ones front to consequences of their gestures - and Romans.

An episode with virtue of kick to self interogation for viewer because the good intentions working bad, the forgiveness who can not very easy be offered or asked are more than familiar problems. In same measure, the episode offers clear traces for the profound loneliness of Jesus and for the fair manner to comemorate the death of a beloved one.

In short , maybe, a hinge episode , useful for the status of mirror for his audience.