Competing philosophies put pressure on the early church to change its doctrines and practices. One of these contenders was Gnosticism.

The Gnostic interpretation of Scripture was designed to appeal to the Hellenistic intellectual communities such as existed in Alexandria, Egypt.

Both Simon Magus and Marcion of Sinope have been considered heretics associated with Gnosticism.

Though Paul is manacled to a Roman guard, he continues his ministry both in person and through letters to fellow believers in outlying provinces.

The prisoner Paul makes his way to Rome for a hearing before the famous Nero. But what might appear to be the end of the story is really just another beginning.

Paul’s final visit to Jerusalem resulted in riots, beatings, imprisonment, hearings before governors and a king, and finally an appeal to Caesar.

The apostle Paul travels to the city of the goddess Artemis to live and teach for three years before making his way to Jerusalem one last time.

The apostle Paul arrives in the ancient cities of Athens and Corinth. How he approaches his respective audiences is in itself enlightening.

The apostle Paul sets out on a journey to the ancient cities of Asia Minor and Greece. Even today, his experiences offer valuable and instructive lessons.

What Paul and Barnabas taught Jews and gentiles as they traveled through Cyprus and Asia Minor is the subject of considerable debate and misunderstanding.

The book of Acts provides a history of the early church’s growth and development. This article explores the experiences of three key players.

Amid growing persecution, early followers of Christ fled to neighboring regions, spreading a message of hope and a way of life.

What does God look like? Did Jesus have blond or dark hair? And why do we want to know?

Author and early-church historian Paula Fredriksen discusses the life and times of the apostle Paul.

Christian orthodoxy and heresy both have a long history. But is either right, and who decides?

Why is the word orthodox applied to a group within Judaism today?

In this issue we begin a new series on the 21^st-century application of the gospel, this time focusing on the biblical book of Acts.

What do you actually know about the Virgin Mary? Who is this iconic figure who has attained such an exalted standing in religious circles?

The establishment of Easter as a key Christian festival is an example of the syncretization of Judeo-Christian and pagan celebrations.

James D. Tabor, chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, discusses misconceptions that have surrounded the apostle Paul since mainstream Christianity’s early days.