​Furthermore, there is a pervasive government oppression that feels both timely and fitting for the biblical world. This is a modern world, but it's not necessarily our contemporary world, at least not one that most American or European audiences would be familiar with.

In the first episode, we're introduced to Stephen (Charlie Beaven), a young man newly baptized into the followers of Jesus. We get to see some of his home life and his impressions of the movement formed by Christ. The modern setting provides some perspective on how the apostles must have appeared to society at large. While we likely know some of the major beats in the upcoming episode due to the biblical text, there's still an aura of suspense and tension that makes for compelling viewing.

Of course, one of the questions that few of these types of modern biblical stories ever address is the rules of this world. We're shown characters reading Old Testament scripture at times. Are those Old Testament scriptures as distant from the story as they are from us in terms of years? Is this a world where modern technology existed in what would become the 30s A.D.? Or is this some story in which the events of Christ's life didn't unfold for another 2,000 years? In which case, what alternate history filled those years instead?

I think it presents a fascinating and somewhat untapped dramatic potential for exploring what a world would look like if the promised Son of God were to come to earth 2,000 years after His arrival. Perhaps these questions don't hold as much impact on the plot as my musings suggest. Nonetheless, it's a significant question I'd like to see a program like this tackle someday. 

The Book of Acts, with its sprawling stories, lends itself well to a practical television series. (NBC's short-lived A.D. The Bible Continues tried to mine it a decade or so back.) We already see familiar players like Saul and Peter assuming prominent narrative roles in these initial episodes, which are now available for review. These biblical figures, whose stories we are familiar with, can often feel both overly familiar and yet incredibly distant.

Performance-wise, the cast of unknowns does well. You can experience the emotion, tension, and wonder of the nascent Church in a new way, enhanced by modern flourishes. I'll be curious to see how these modern flourishes influence the events of the story. Actor Charlie Beaven shines as the youthful Stephen, while Tom Simper adds emotional depth to Peter.

Will this production be a straightforward adaptation of Acts only with modern haircuts and clothing styles? Will the contemporary setting allow for any technology to play a role in the narrative, or will this setting merely serve as some provocative window dressing? Can modern clothing and hairstyles help 2025 audiences better relate to biblical figures? Perhaps meditate on these events with a new, unsettling perspective? I suppose we'll all have to tune in to Testament, streaming on Angel Studio's app, to find out. I know I left the first two episodes curious to see more.