A groundbreaking television series reimagining the Book of Acts launched on Pentecost Sunday, offering viewers a fresh perspective on one of Christianity’s most pivotal historical narratives.
“Testament,” produced for Angel Studios, transforms the ancient biblical text into a compelling dramatic series that aims to engage both faith-based and mainstream audiences. Creator Paul Syrstad describes the project as an invitation to re-examine a familiar story through a contemporary lens.
“Not everyone gets along with tunics and sandals,” Syrstad said. “I wanted to introduce people to the biblical story, which is full of danger, full of excitement, full of thrills, in a way that might connect with them more easily.”
The series emerged from Syrstad’s creative journey that began in 2017 with a series of parable short films. What started as experimental storytelling evolved into a feature film and ultimately a multi-season television project exploring the early Christian church’s dramatic beginnings.
Syrstad, who trained as an actor before stepping behind the camera, sees the project as more than entertainment. He draws inspiration from organizations like The Bible Project, which have successfully made biblical narratives more accessible and engaging.
“This is an attempt to invite people to re-engage with a story,” Syrstad explained. “You might come away disagreeing with things or seeing them differently. Either way is good, as long as it invites re-engagement.”
The first season consists of eight episodes, with the creators already planning future seasons. Premiering on Pentecost Sunday, the series released its first two episodes, with subsequent episodes rolling out weekly.
Despite significant production challenges, including a limited budget and ambitious storytelling scope, the production team experienced what Syrstad describes as moments of divine intervention. During one critical outdoor shooting day, unexpected rain threatened to halt production until Syrstad and his brother stepped out to pray.
“We had a 20-minute window with no rain,” Syrstad recalled. “The skies parted, we filmed, and then it didn’t rain again. When you decide to trust and step forward, sometimes God shows up in remarkable ways.”
The series represents a significant moment in faith-based entertainment, which has seen increasing sophistication and production quality in recent years. Syrstad’s approach deliberately seeks to transcend traditional biblical storytelling limitations, creating a narrative that feels contemporary and accessible.
“For the believing community, it’s a chance to see familiar stories from a new perspective,” Syrstad said. “For those who might not typically engage with biblical narratives, it’s an opportunity to experience the genuine excitement and drama the Bible offers.”
The production involved a predominantly young, less-experienced filmmaking team working with limited resources. They shot in locations previously used by larger productions, often preparing and filming on the same day – a challenging approach that required significant creativity and faith.
“We’re walking into places where other productions spent weeks preparing, and we’re setting up and filming immediately,” Syrstad noted. “It shouldn’t work, and yet something wonderful is happening.”
Not everyone on the production team shared the same faith background, which Syrstad sees as part of the project’s missional approach. The goal is to create a storytelling experience that invites curiosity and dialogue.
“Testament” represents a bold reimagining of a foundational biblical text, blending historical narrative with contemporary storytelling techniques. By presenting the Book of Acts as a dynamic, suspenseful narrative, Syrstad hopes to invite viewers into a deeper exploration of these transformative historical moments.
“Testament” premiered June 8 on Angel Studios with new episodes releasing weekly. Click here for more information or to watch.
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