The entire work has a pattern of biblical narrative, commentary, and prayer. Such a concept is theatrical, that is, a drama. It is even written in two Parts (or two “Acts”) with an intermission. This is one of the reasons why the reactions to the first performance of the Passion in Leipzig were very “different”.

The rather unorthodox, new way of presenting a religious story was not perceived by dedicated parishioners as something befitting a church; such a feeling arose from the fact that the work was perceived as too “operatic”.