Matthew the tax collector - the complexities of the character

When we chose to make tax collector Matthew one of The Chosen’s main characters, two incredibly important decisions were made: one, to portray Matthew as having Asperger’s Syndrome; and two, to cast Paras Patel to play him.

The results have humanized Matthew and drawn audiences to him beyond our expectations.

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[redneckbarbie]

I am the mom of an autistic son who sees himself in Matthew. His talent is reading and remembering EVERYTHING he has ever read.
Thank you Paras....you have made my son feel said, "mom, if Jesus chose Matthew and he has autism.... he can chose me too!"

I cried.

[safiyabrown]

Being a talented actor is one thing... Identifying with the character is another... but being called, anointed and suited for the role, now that's God!

[lindyrakestraw]

My son who has Autism watches The Chosen and is constantly saying Matthew is just like him. Our entire family loves the show...thank you for being a part of it!

[Lauren-olqn]

The most memorable scene in season one to me is when Matthew shares his Sabbath dinner with the dog because he knows his family won't let him in. The way Paras shows Matthew's grief without crying is phenomenal.

[cindyjean]

I must admit... he’s one of my favorite characters in this series...

when I was a teenager, Matthew was the second book I read in its entirety...
Second to the book of Revelation..

And now I can say that I have read the Bible-cover to cover- several times...it usually takes me about four years each time~it’s an incredible blessing each time I read it...

Blessed be the name of the Lord...

[zacparismusic.]

As a teacher who works with students who are on the spectrum, I really appreciate how the person of Matthew is being portrayed. I student of mine told me, "God can use me because I saw him use Matthew". I started crying!! Thank you!!

[ItsMeLearyB]

I connect more to Matthew than any character. The moments where Jesus makes eye contact with him made me weep. Its like he's telling Matthew "I see YOU"

[RachieSSays]

My husband’s on the spectrum and watching him watch Matthew and feel represented in not only media but faith based media has literally warmed his soul, and watching that with him warmed mine.

[lauriecorbin]

Paras, you play Matthew perfectly. God knows what HE'S doing. You're one of my favorite characters. God bless you

[raylingomen]

I love how Matthew is portrayed! As a mom with an autistic son I spotted the similarities immediately. And seeing the actor outside of his character role, wow, what an amazing actor he is to be able to so perfectly portray those eccentricity when he himself is not autistic, I'm truly blown away!

[Meggiebeth]

My favorite disciple character in this production is Matthew. My heart aches for him because of his pain, struggle & sadness he carries within himself. Paras does a brilliant job portraying Matthew.

[superdavidss]

I'm aspie. When our Lord says "Matthew son of Alpheus: follow me", I felt like He asked me too.
God bless you all in the production team of The Chosen.

[williamg]

I love that we can see Matthew’s thoughts in his hands and facial expressions. It’s such a gift to see such a remarkable portrayal of Matthew.

[NyJenni]

My favorit scene from The chosen is actually when Matthew got The eye contact With Jesus. So Beautiful 💓

[gen]

As a parent of a child with Autism...watching this character wrestle with his faith as he seeks TRUTH, and the Lord ministering to him, is beyond refreshing, and fills me with HOPE!🙌🏼🙏🏼

[joszsz]

Matthew's character was an enlightening one to me. I saw humanity in him. I never really thought of Bible characters as being so relatable to modern day people... I knew they were human, I knew their characteristics and all, but... Seeing an OCD Matthew, seeing his body language, seeing him exhibit his skill at math and spotting details changed my perspective. I saw his weakness, his talent, and how God could still use all of this. Same applied to other characters like seeing Thomas clinginess to logic and how he struggled to make sense of a miracle, seeing Nicodemus' curiosity and awe at the realisation that he was "standing on holy roof 😄"... It was all just refreshing. I loved those little details and how none of it compromised scripture. Excellent cast, beautiful too, maybe even too beautiful😄, everyone looked so good... Almost forgot - Peter's relationship with his wife!!! It was so beautiful to see, I loved every bit of it❤️

I'm grateful for this project and I pray God continues to shine through everyone involved, God bless you all

[MrLernforenzics]

I cried watching this. Both of my children are on the spectrum. My youngest (9) is having a hard time relating to people. This actually made us connect and cry together!!! God is good!!!!

[jmr]

Mr. Patel, your portrayal of Matthew is beautiful. Well done, sir.

[gracefederico]

As a sister of an autistic child, I am so honored that you took on this role, and thank God that you have just been here showing up and showing kids like Matthew that if Jesus chose him, He will chose others like him too. GOD BLESS YOU <3

[kjohnheath]

Thank you your eyes convey a hundred things words could not. Praying you are deeply blessed as you are blessing us.