Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement: An Interview

What if the story of early Christian missions isn’t just preserved in texts but in stones, inscriptions, and cities waiting to be read? In Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement, Michael T. Cooper explores how archaeology reshapes our understanding of the early Christian movement—and what that means for missions today. In this interview, we asked …

Rethinking Paul’s Arabian Sojourn Through the Archaeology of Northwest Arabia

In his letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul makes a brief but tantalizing statement: “I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.” — Galatians 1:16–17 The remark is …

Understanding the First-Century House Church in the Archaeological Record

The Greek words oikos and oikia are often used interchangeably in modern discussions of the early church, yet they carried distinct meanings in the first-century context. Understanding their differences is crucial for accurately interpreting biblical texts and their implications for missions, community, and church structure for today. Oikia: The Physical House and Family The term …