Biola University Professor of New Testament Doug Huffman served as an evangelical Christian consultant on a new series titled “The Chosen” — the first multi-season series about the life of Christ. Huffman was one of three consultants brought on to ensure historical and biblical accuracy. 

Huffman, who oversees the Division of Biblical and Theological Studies in Biola’s Talbot School of Theology, is a specialist in early church history and received his Ph.D. in Theological Studies, with an emphasis in New Testament exegesis and theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

“‘The Chosen’ is particularly good because of its commitment to plausibility,” Huffman said. “This is vital for the project, as it is attempting to bring to life the biblical accounts of the ministry of Jesus. As much as the Gospels tell us, there are still countless details that are omitted. This is why director Dallas Jenkins took on three consultants — experts in their fields — to help ensure as accurate a representation of the ancient Near Eastern world as possible.” 

The first season of “The Chosen” chronicles Jesus’ early ministry, culminating with his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. To ensure accuracy in the storytelling, Huffman was joined on the consultation team by a Roman Catholic priest and a Messianic Jewish rabbi. 

“The majority of the cast is ethnically Middle Eastern, and great lengths were taken to ensure historical accuracy in regards to the costuming, dialogue and general world-building,” Huffman said. 

“The Chosen” is entirely crowdfunded and raised over $10 million in under one month. It is now the largest crowdfunded show of all time, according to Fox News. 

Jenkins hopes to continue the show for up to possibly seven seasons. Because the show is crowdfunded, this would depend on the continued generosity of donors. 

“The Chosen” is available for streaming on Angel Studios through Loaves and Fishes Productions. Learn more about academic programs in the Bible, theology and ministry at Talbot School of Theology. 

Written by Marc DeJager, iBiola intern. For more information, contact media.relations@biola.edu.