A.D.: THE BIBLE CONTINUES: The Road to Damascus
Empowered to change the world through Jesus Christ.
Should You Watch It?
This episode gives Saul’s conversion, healing, and baptism the weight they deserve. The scenes are brilliantly acted, dramatic, and joyous. They will especially move viewers who love Jesus and understand how important Paul’s leadership became.
The episode also follows Peter in Samaria and explores the drama between Caligula and Pilate. Those storylines are powerful, while the Gospel of Jesus Christ is promoted throughout.
The content concerns are real but limited: violence, implied sexual activity, some nudity, and light alcohol. For middle schoolers and up, this is a strong choice with discernment; parents should use their judgment for younger children. WORTH WATCHING — WITH DISCERNMENT is the practical answer.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESSaul travels toward Damascus as a determined persecutor of Jesus’ followers. There, his path takes an unexpected turn, while Peter confronts Simon the Sorcerer in Samaria and Pilate faces political danger in Jerusalem.
Across these connected stories, powerful leaders are tested, a persecutor is confronted, and the followers of Jesus continue learning what it means to bear witness.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this episode succeeds both dramatically and spiritually. Saul’s conversion, healing, and baptism are among the most dramatic and joyous scenes ever broadcast on television, according to the source review. The acting is brilliant, and the episode’s central scenes are deeply moving.
The Peter-in-Samaria scenes and the drama between Caligula and Pilate are also powerful. Best of all, the episode dramatically promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout.
The Worldview
This episode presents a strongly Christian, biblical worldview. It exalts Jesus, the Holy Spirit, prayer, love, forgiveness, healing, baptism, and the calling to bear witness. Saul’s transformation shows that even a fierce persecutor can be confronted, forgiven, and appointed to serve.
The episode also presents judgment against Simon the Sorcerer for trying to buy Holy Spirit power from Peter. Its leaders and rulers face moral and political consequences, while the Gospel remains central.
The episode’s central hope is that Jesus can change a person’s life and send that person to serve others. As Jesus tells Saul, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, biblical worldview extols Jesus, the Holy Spirit, prayer, love, and forgiveness; no foul language; some violence when Pilate threatens Caligula with a knife, when Pilate’s wife dreams of Emperor Tiberius being murdered in his bed, and Simon the Sorcerer starts to suffer God’s judgment for trying to buy Holy Spirit power from Peter; no sex depicted but it’s implied Caligula and the son of Herod Antipas have indulged in an orgy when they are shown sleeping in a room with two women who are asleep as well; some shots of upper male nudity and the naked back of a woman on a bed; light alcohol; no smoking or drug use; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Four questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
Saul’s life changes when Jesus confronts him. What does genuine repentance look like, and how can Christ change someone who seems far from Him?
Acts 9:1–19 · 2 Corinthians 5:17Jesus appoints Saul to be His witness. What does it mean to bear witness to Jesus in your family, school, workplace, or community?
Acts 1:8 · Matthew 28:19–20Peter rebukes Simon for treating the Holy Spirit’s power as something to buy. What are some ways people can be tempted to use spiritual things for personal gain?
Acts 8:18–24 · 1 Timothy 6:5Saul receives healing and baptism after encountering Jesus. Why are forgiveness and new life central to the Christian faith?
Ephesians 4:32 · Romans 6:3–4The Final Word
This is a dramatically powerful episode centered on Jesus’ transforming grace. Its limited content concerns call for discernment, especially with younger children, but the episode’s faith, acting, and emotional force make it WORTH WATCHING — WITH DISCERNMENT.
