If you haven’t yet immersed yourself in The Chosen, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful and intimate retellings of Jesus’ story ever created. With over 200 million viewers worldwide and nearly 770 million episode views as of early 2024, this groundbreaking series has become a cultural phenomenon — and Paras Patel’s portrayal of Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, stands at its heartfelt center. 

Set against the turbulent backdrop of first-century Israel under Roman rule, The Chosen tells Jesus’ story through the eyes of those closest to him — each character layered with humanity, struggle, and transformation. Now heading into its much-anticipated fifth season, The Chosen: The Last Supper, premiering in theaters and streaming on Amazon Prime in June 2025, the series continues to captivate audiences around the globe. 

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Paras Patel to dive into his journey playing Matthew — a role that has deeply shaped his craft and his spirit. 

From Screen Newcomer to Spiritual Storyteller 

Paras Patel’s path to this transformative role wasn’t a straightforward one. Launching his acting career over a decade ago with the Freeform TV movie Teen Spirit, where he played Raj Kukuri, Paras steadily built a diverse resume. From recurring roles on Nashville and Fresh Off the Boat to appearances in Ray Donovan and The DUFF, his craft grew steadily — but Matthew remains his most meaningful role yet. 

“When I first got the part, I wasn’t familiar with the full story,” Paras admits. “But as I dove in, I realized how beautifully the show unfolds those pivotal miracles and moments, drawing you into a deeply human journey. What really resonated with me was Matthew’s neurodivergence — I see the world differently too, and his story of finding repentance and self-confidence felt personal.” 

Paras’s connection to Matthew offers a fresh and important perspective. In a time when neurodiversity is finally gaining the attention it deserves, The Chosen embraces this dimension with compassion and nuance — breaking new ground in storytelling. 

Living the Transformation 

Playing Matthew isn’t just about historical drama — it’s about embodying the emotional and spiritual upheaval of a man leaving everything behind. 

“Following Jesus meant leaving your old life, your security, and stepping into the unknown,” Paras reflects. “Matthew was a tax collector for the Romans, which made him an outcast. To portray that loneliness and alienation authentically was a challenge — but it’s also a powerful story of redemption.” 

The Chosen itself has a unique origin story, beginning as a crowdfunded passion project that grew into a global sensation. “We started with just enough funding to shoot four episodes,” Paras shares. “There were many obstacles — the pandemic was a huge one — but our cast and crew became a family. We support each other, especially through the emotionally intense scenes.” 

A Spiritual Impact Beyond the Screen 

What makes The Chosen stand out isn’t just its compelling storytelling but its ability to foster spiritual reflection for viewers — including Paras himself. 

“The biggest lesson Matthew’s journey has taught me is about acceptance,” Paras reveals. “He struggles with rejection, but it takes only one person — Jesus — to see his potential. That message is universal. This role has connected me with people from all walks of life, and it’s opened doors to conversations about faith, identity, and belonging I hadn’t imagined.” 

Watch The Chosen — It Could Change Your Life 

As The Chosen prepares to premiere its fifth season on Amazon Prime and hit theaters nationwide, the series remains a beacon of hope and inspiration. It’s a reminder that beyond our flaws, there is a greater love that sees and redeems us. 

Paras Patel’s performance as Matthew is a cornerstone of that message — delivering a portrayal that is both vulnerable and powerful, inviting audiences to experience history in a deeply personal way. 

If you haven’t yet witnessed The Chosen, now is the perfect time. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and transformed. 

Photography Credit: Ryan West