A.D.: THE BIBLE CONTINUES: The Persecution
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Should You Watch It?
“The Persecution” is a solid, four-star episode that takes place after Stephen’s martyrdom and focuses on the growing pressure against Christ’s followers. The disciples grieve, Saul is enraged, and Caiaphas seeks a way to stop the Christian movement.
The episode covers only a small portion of Scripture, so much of its story is creative assumption and dramatic buildup. It starts slowly, but it builds toward powerful moments, including Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the only way to the Father. The violence is also toned down after the brutality of previous episodes.
If you want a faith-centered biblical drama suitable for all ages, this episode is WORTH WATCHING.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAfter Stephen is martyred, the disciples and other followers of Christ mourn his death while sensing that more persecution is coming. Saul, a Pharisee, becomes increasingly hostile toward the disciples.
Meanwhile, Caiaphas faces political pressure from the Sanhedrin and Pilate. To protect his position and stop the Christian movement, he turns to Saul.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a strong episode with powerful dramatic moments, even though it has a few dull stretches. “The Persecution” begins slowly, but its buildup prepares the way for the drama to come.
The episode’s strongest moment is Peter’s message that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus. The violence is noticeably toned down compared with brutal scenes in previous episodes, which is refreshing. Overall, it is a solid biblical drama.
The Worldview
This episode presents a strong Christian, biblical worldview centered on the impact of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. It states that Jesus is the only way to the Father and portrays Christians being persecuted because of their belief.
The episode also includes a reference to a Roman goddess. However, its central message remains clearly Christian: the followers of Jesus face pressure and suffering, yet the gospel continues to advance.
Jesus’ words give the episode its clearest theological center: “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, biblical worldview about the impact of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, stating that Jesus is the only way to the father, Christians are persecuted for their belief; reference to a Roman godess; light violence, some threats, arrests and one scene where Christians are beat by guards; no foul language; no sexual content; no nudity; no alcohol use; no other immoral content.
Talk About It
Three questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
The disciples grieve Stephen’s death while facing more persecution. What can faithful Christians learn from the way the early church responded to suffering?
Acts 7:54–60 · Acts 8:1–4Peter says that Jesus is the only way to the Father. What does Jesus mean by that claim, and how should it shape our faith?
John 14:6 · Acts 4:12Saul is determined to stop the followers of Jesus. How can anger or certainty become dangerous when it is not submitted to God’s truth?
Acts 9:1–6 · Proverbs 14:12The Final Word
This is a strong, faith-centered episode with a clear message about Jesus, persecution, and the continuing power of the gospel. Though the opening is slow and some material is creatively expanded, the episode offers powerful moments and restrained content. For viewers of all ages, WORTH WATCHING.
