The World Behind the Story
History. Culture. Belief.
My novels are set in a real world—vivid, complicated, and surprising. Explore the people, places, beliefs, and everyday life that shaped them. Begin with Philippi and Acts 16. More people and places will join this collection as it grows.
Start Here
Begin in Philippi. These three readings move from the city’s Roman identity to a jailer’s crisis, then to a reflection on freedom.
1 · Enter Philippi
Philippi: Rome’s Outpost in Macedonia
See how the city’s Roman identity shaped the setting of Acts 16.
2 · Meet the jailer
The Philippian Jailer and the Earthquake That Changed Everything
An earthquake, an open prison, and a man whose duty seemed to leave him no safe choice.
3 · Consider freedom
A reflection on why Paul and Silas remained when the prison doors opened.
The following articles currently live on Substack. As I revise them, I will bring the collection to this website.
Religion & Belief
Gods, oracles, prophecy, and the rise of Christianity
Public Life
Power, law, and entertainment in the Roman world.
More to Explore
The articles below are currently the only ones here on this website. More paths through the ancient world will join them as this collection grows.
Why Paul Silenced the Diviner in Acts 16
The enslaved diviner appeared to speak the truth about Paul. Why, then, did he command her spirit to be silent? The answer lies partly in how Philippi heard her words.
What Freedom Meant in Roman Philippi
In Roman Philippi, freedom was a legal status with layers and limits. Citizens, freed people, and enslaved people could inhabit the same city without possessing the same rights.
What Conversion Cost an Early Christian
In the Roman world, religion permeated households, business, friendship, and civic life. Turning from the gods could therefore cost an early Christian far more than private certainty.
When Trust Takes Time: How the Early Church Tested Prophecy
Early Christians believed in prophecy, but they did not accept every spiritual claim. Scripture, communal discernment, personal conduct, and allegiance to Christ all helped them distinguish a true message from a false one.
When the Old World Lets You Go: What Mynestra Loses When She Leaves Apollo Behind
Mynestra's spiritual freedom does not immediately bring safety or belonging. Turning away from Apollo costs her the identity, relationships, and protection that once held her world together.
Allies in Unlikely Places: When a Roman Lictor Chooses to Protect Mynestra
Clement serves the Roman officials who govern Philippi. Mynestra has every reason to fear him. Yet as the city turns against her, Rome's servant becomes an unexpected ally.
Watchers of the Ancient World: Sylvanus, the Crow behind Oracle of Philippi
Why does Mynestra keep a crow in a gilded cage? Meet Sylvanus, the watchful companion who becomes a reflection of her captivity and longing for freedom.