Season 1 Episode 12
Content:
(CCC, BBB, FR, VV, A, M) Very strong Christian, biblical worldview with prayers, a conversion scene and positive references to God, Jesus, faith, baptism, and Scripture with biblical miracles, with some mixup of historical events regarding Pontius Pilate and the Roman Emperor Caligula’s attempt(s) to erect a statue of himself in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem (the only recorded event of such an attempt happened AFTER Caligula removed Pilate from office in A.D. 37), plus some repetitious prayer, which Jesus warned the disciples not to imitate; no foul language; some strong violence includes a battle between Roman soldiers and Zealots in front of the Temple, plus Pilate’s wife slaps him, and he slaps her back and knocks her to the floor, after which they have an intense conversation where Pilate is holding her wrists forcibly, and a woman’s body is found, an apparent suicide with her throat slit; no sex; no nudity; Pilate orders wine for a dinner event; no smoking or drugs; and, pagan idolatry but rebuked.
Episodes: Season Overview
More Detail:
“The Abomination,” Episode 12 of A.D. THE BIBLE CONTINUES, resolves the subplot about the Roman Emperor Caligula’s order to place a golden statue of himself in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. It opens with the apostles getting word of the statue’s arrival and debating what it means for their new faith. At the same time, High Priest Caiaphas tells Pilate he will oppose bringing the statue inside the Temple. Meanwhile, an angel brings together Pilate’s centurion, Cornelius, and the Apostle Peter, and Peter converts Cornelius. Eventually, everyone but Pilate is at the Temple when the Roman soldiers and Caligula’s statue approach. The Zealots are also there, ready to battle the Romans.
“The Abomination” is one of the most dramatic episodes of the A.D. series. That said, the story about the Emperor’s statue doesn’t really occur historically until 40 A.D., three years AFTER Caligula removed Pilate from office! Also, the Bible never mentions this story. That said, Episode 12 of A.D. remains a sterling example of great television and riveting, inspiring faith-based entertainment. Caution for younger children is advised because of violence.