Casting includes ethnic diversity such as Paras Patel (South Asian descent) as the outsider tax collector Matthew, portrayed as neurodivergent to explain his social isolation, which aligns organically with the historical multicultural setting of Galilee rather than forced DEI changes or race/gender-swapping. Other cast members like Shahar Isaac (Israeli-Jewish as Simon Peter) and Jonathan Roumie (Lebanese-American descent as Jesus) fit the Middle Eastern context without controversy over alterations.

Creator Dallas Jenkins, an evangelical Christian, justifies diversity as reflective of first-century demographics and emphasizes drawing viewers to scripture, explicitly contrasting the show with 'woke' preaching in interviews. Reception is overwhelmingly positive among faith audiences, with criticisms centering on theological liberties or unrelated production issues like Mormon consultations and a set pride flag (not endorsed by Jenkins), not progressive messaging; some conservative voices label diversity 'woke' but without substantive backlash affecting the season's narrative integrity.