Soul Sustenance - By What Power: The Book of Acts, Autocracy, and the Power of Resistance

We live in an era defined by overwhelming structures: political autocracies, economic empires, and deeply entrenched social divisions that leave many of us feeling powerless and filled with a quiet, lingering despair. In this landscape of complexity, how does the individual find their voice, and how does resistance begin when the system seems too vast to challenge? Biblical scholar, tenured professor, and ordained minister Eric C. Smith offers a bold, transformative answer in his groundbreaking new release, By What Power: The Book of Acts, Autocracy, and the Power of Resistance. Looking past routine devotional readings, Smith analyzes the reality of the ancient Roman world to show how the earliest Christians successfully confronted corrupt officials, unfair courts, state violence, and economic exploitation. He reveals that the Book of Acts is not just ancient history, but a radical, practical guide for navigating our own turbulent political times. The early Jesus movement resisted autocratic oppression not through violence, but by building resilient, counter-cultural communities. They shared resources, practiced mutual aid, and embraced radical inclusion to dismantle the empire’s divisive tactics. By What Power provides the inspiring plan modern readers need to escape isolation, discover fresh courage, and construct durable networks of hope. By What Power is the essential and timely roadmap for individuals and study groups looking to the biblical tradition for social action beyond the claims of the religious right. Discover your power to resist, belong, and flourish. Eric C. Smith is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with 25 years of parish experience and a tenured scholar of the New Testament, exploring its intersections with American culture and politics. A prolific and engaging author of four books, including Paul the Progressive, he writes a widely read weekly Substack for clergy and laity alike. By What Power: The Book of Acts, Autocracy, and the Power of Resistance is published by Chalice Press, the leading progressive Christian publisher of books that challenge and inspire communities of faith, and the publishing house of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

About Chalice Press

Chalice Press is an imprint of Chalice Media Group, which works to grow and equip a community that is vibrant and energizing, a worldwide force for justice, peace, inclusion, and multi-faith cooperation.