The Silas Diary (First Century Diaries)

I came across the First-Century Diaries in the Fall of 2014. After reading this first installment, I am sad that I did not run into these series of books earlier. Gene Edwards is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary and has a deep passion for the church, church-planting, and house churches. He has an incredible story that you can read here. It is necessary to know that Mr. Edwards is highly educated and has spend years studying the first century and the early church.A book like this has the potential to do a lot of damage if the author is not careful and educated. This book is not an effort to add to Scripture, but is an effort to help readers of Acts and the epistles of Paul understand those writings in context. I was drawn into the book of Acts and the the letter to the Galatians in a new way – this book heightened my love and appreciation for Scripture. Here is an example of how the book functions.The first 12 verses of Acts 13 give us basic facts. Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch of Syria, they are readying themselves for their first missionary journey...See the remainder of this review at http://joevalenti.me/portfolio-item/the-silas-diary/

I have a lot of books from this author. This was the first of a series and though difficult to find, it was worth the effort.

Having read most of Brother Edwards books, I can tell you that I have never been disappointed in any of them. This book is no exception. And if you've read any of his works, you already know that he's a master at weaving an engaging story around scripture. His style pulls you into the story, and you go willingly, where you feel you're actually living the story along with the characters back in that time. If you are fascinated by early Christian church history, you will enjoy how Edwards makes you believe it is as he has written it through his imagination. His books are so hard to put down anyway. But this particular series allows you to imagine how it could have actually been back then. A point of view one doesn't get from only reading the Bible. A small investment for a very enjoyable book...with more to the series that you won't want to miss.

physical quality was less than stellar; could definitely tell was used because of the big crease on front cover and more dingy appearance; would have appreciated paying less because of how the product looked; The Silas diary itself is an excellent story based on Paul's 1st missionary journey with Barnabas, as they went about establishing the ecclesia in Galatia (Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Antioch of P?). Like with all of Edward's 1st century diaries, I love how the story of these journeys makes what happened sooo real to me, rather than centuries removed. Makes Acts and the letters more rich as I read them in the bible

I'm taking a cruise this fall and will be visiting the sites of Paul's first Missionary Journey. This book was recommended to read prior to the trip. It was a great read and made me more aware of just how much Paul suffered to spread the Gospel. Loved it.

Interesting story, I always like a historical novel where you get to know the characters as real people. When you read the bible, it is hard to think of these people and what their actions and conversations were. All through the ages, people are still the same no matter what century and it makes them seem more real.

Great follow up from "Revolution" covering Acts 1 - 8. This one is of Barnabas and Paul into the Galatian region to plant the fist Gentile churches. The twist (if it can be called that) is that Edwards thinks Peter circumcised the household of Cornelius in Acts 10 upon their conversion. Not so at Antioch or the later Galatian churches, which is why the great controversy arose.

Excellent way to add to our understanding of the times, Gene Edwards is a excellent story teller and I have read many of his books, he doesn't state this is how it was but how it could have been. As he says this is not for studying the Bible but has helped me putting a greater understanding to the times and culture, I do highly recommend this book as I would for all of his books I have read so far

All as described