Film · 2014
Son of God
A feature film drawn from Roma Downey and Mark Burnett's TV miniseries The Bible (2013), following Jesus from his birth to the Ascension, with Diogo Morgado in the title role. The apostle John, in exile on Patmos, frames the story with the opening words of his Gospel.
Facts
About Son of God
- Directed by Christopher Spencer; produced by Roma Downey, Mark Burnett and Richard Bedser; released by 20th Century Fox.12
- Diogo Morgado plays Jesus; Roma Downey plays Mary.3
- The film grew out of the History Channel miniseries The Bible, whose Easter 2013 finale drew about 11.7 million viewers.3
- Released on February 28, 2014; rated PG-13, and A-III (adults) in the Catholic News Service classification.31
- Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington: “It is a joy to watch this film bring alive the pages of the Gospel.”3
- Runtime 2 hours 18 minutes.2
At a glance
| Type | Film |
|---|---|
| Year | 2014 |
| Directed by | Christopher Spencer |
| Studio | Produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett; released by 20th Century Fox |
| Running time | 2 h 18 min |
Where to watch in the US
Scenes
The Bible behind the scenes
For each scene: what the production shows, the Bible passages it is based on and what it adds to the Gospels. Each reference links to the chapter in the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Compare scenes withThe ChosenJesus of NazarethThe PassionNativity Story
| Scene | What the film shows | Bible | What the film adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| The birth of Jesus Compare the Gospels → | Shown The early scenes include the Nativity.14 | Lk 2:1–7 | – |
| Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth Compare the Gospels → | Shown In Nazareth Jesus reads from Isaiah and says the passage is now fulfilled.14 | Lk 4:16–21 | – |
| The raising of Lazarus Compare the Gospels → | Shortened Lazarus's death and return to life are told in shortened form.14 | Jn 11:1–44 | – |
| The Last Supper Compare the Gospels → | Shown The Last Supper is shown.14 | Lk 22:14–20 | – |
| Jesus before Pilate Compare the Gospels → | Shown Pontius Pilate decides Jesus' fate.14 | Jn 18:28–38 | – |
| The crucifixion Compare the Gospels → | Shown The film follows the events that lead to the crucifixion.124 | Mt 27:33–44 | – |
| The risen Jesus among the disciples Compare the Gospels → | Shown The risen Jesus first appears to the Twelve during a meal.14 | Lk 24:36–43 | – |
| The Ascension Compare the Gospels → | Shown The story continues to the Ascension.34 | Acts 1:6–11 | – |
Bible Behind the Screen is independent and not affiliated with the makers or the distributors of this production. We describe it in our own words and show no clips, stills, posters or photos of actors.
Sources
- Catholic News Service, John Mulderig: Movie review: Son of God, February 28, 2014 (via Today's Catholic) (checked on October 21, 2026)
- Apple TV: Son of God (checked on October 21, 2026)
- National Catholic Register / CNA: Catholic Leaders Praise 'Son of God' Movie, February 18, 2014 (checked on October 21, 2026)
- New American Bible, Revised Edition (USCCB): Bible references (checked on October 21, 2026)
Bible references follow the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), the Catholic Bible translation of the U.S. bishops. We give the references and sum up the passages in our own words; each reference links to the full text on the bishops' website. Found a mistake? Write to us at hello@biblebehindthescreen.com.
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