from the margins

exploring faith’s foundations from the edge

Acts, All Kirsten Trued Acts, All Kirsten Trued

The Eloquent Student Who Still Had Homework

Apollos was eloquent and confident, yet his understanding of Jesus’ story was incomplete. Acts 18 shows how he humbly accepted guidance from Priscilla and Aquila, growing into a more effective teacher. This brief moment offers a glimpse into the power of humility and mentorship in shaping communities.

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Philosophy Meets the Unknown God: A Conversation in Athens

In Acts 17, Paul’s visit to Athens places him in the heart of a city known for its love of ideas and debate. His conversation with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers shows how two very different worldviews engaged with his message. This snapshot of ancient thought highlights the challenge—and value—of exchanging ideas across cultures.

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Acts, All Kirsten Trued Acts, All Kirsten Trued

Lydia: The Purple Cloth Powerhouse

Lydia’s story in Acts 16 offers a rare glimpse of a wealthy, independent woman shaping the early Christian movement. As a merchant dealing in luxury textiles, she used her home and resources to support a new community of believers in Philippi. Her brief appearance raises fascinating questions about trade, power, and gender in the ancient world.

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Pushed Out, Moving Forward

Acts 13 and 14 tell a story of constant opposition, yet Paul and Barnabas turn resistance into momentum. Each time they’re forced out of a city, their message spreads even further, and new communities take root. This chapter of history offers a fascinating look at how struggle can drive growth rather than stop it.

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From Jerusalem to Antioch: A Turning Point in Acts

Acts 11–12 marks a turning point in the early church’s story as the focus shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch, a multicultural hub of the Roman Empire. It’s here that followers are first called “Christians,” reflecting a growing movement that was stepping beyond its original cultural roots. This passage offers a fascinating glimpse into how ideas spread and evolve when they cross borders.

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Cornelius the Curious Centurion: When Boundaries Blur

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, doesn’t fit neatly into the religious boxes of his time. Acts 10 tells the story of his curiosity, generosity, and an unexpected vision that changes everything—not only for him but for the early Christian movement. His story invites us to consider how spiritual exploration can come from unexpected places.

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Roads Less Traveled: Acts 7–8 in Motion

Acts 7–8 shows the early Christian movement in motion, scattering under persecution yet finding new paths forward. Stephen’s execution sparks a shift that carries the message beyond Jerusalem, while Philip’s encounters illustrate a faith that crosses boundaries and adapts to change. These chapters invite us to see movement, uncertainty, and disruption as central to the story’s growth.

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Growing Pains and Growing Brains: Acts 6 in Focus

Acts 6 captures a turning point for the early Christian community as rapid growth creates cultural tension and logistical challenges. The apostles respond by delegating responsibility, appointing leaders to ensure fairness and care for everyone’s needs. This passage offers a fascinating look at how structure and representation emerge in a movement learning to organize itself.

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Acts, All Kirsten Trued Acts, All Kirsten Trued

Babel Undone: A Tongue-Twisting Tale

Acts 2 and Genesis 11 are two stories separated by centuries but deeply connected by a theme: language. The Tower of Babel tells of division and scattering, while Pentecost paints a picture of diversity without confusion. Together, they invite us to explore how communication shapes unity, identity, and understanding.

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