Reimagining the Book of Acts in an Alternate Modern World (Paul Syrstad)

What if the Book of Acts unfolded today—in a world that looked eerily like ours, yet with no digital revolution? That’s the bold vision behind Testament, a new drama series from Angel Studios. In this episode of Crosswalk Talk, host Michael sits down with creator, director, and co-writer Paul Syrstad to explore the creative journey behind reimagining Scripture for a new generation.

Together, they dive into:

🎥 How Testament brings the story of Acts to life in an alternate modern world—no smartphones, no email, just raw human encounters and analog risk

🕊️ Why the series begins on the Day of Pentecost and centers around Stephen, inviting viewers to rediscover the Spirit’s power through fresh eyes

🌍 The thought process behind changing settings while preserving character names and biblical authenticity—from Peter and Caiaphas to Salem (Jerusalem)

📖 How the creative team balances faithful storytelling with cinematic world-building to engage both believers and skeptics alike

🔥 Themes of courage, boldness, and spiritual transformation that echo through the early church—and how Testament brings them to life for today's viewer

Paul shares why the Holy Spirit is the true lead character of the series, how Testament invites re-engagement with familiar stories, and why this modern retelling may be exactly what the church—and the world—needs right now.

👉 Stream the first episode and learn more at angel.com/testament
👉 Find more faith-fueled conversations at Lifeaudio.com

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