The New Testament is not just ancient history—it’s a living invitation to step into God’s ongoing story of redemption. In The Untold Story of the New Testament Church, Frank Viola invites readers to see the New Testament with fresh eyes through a chronological retelling that brings the early church to life in an unfolding narrative. By presenting the letters and events of the New Testament in the order they unfolded, Viola helps readers grasp the context, movement, and mission of the early church— those early radical “believing communities” living under the kingship of Jesus. These radical followers didn’t just believe in Jesus; they gave Him their full allegiance as God unleashed the Kingdom of God through demonstrative and transformative grace, teaching, signs, and wonders. That same otherworldly, inbreaking, Kingdom mission continues to advance today—and we are still being invited into the story.
The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revisited and Expanded
Originally released in response to growing cultural skepticism about Scripture, Viola’s book took a different path—not one of deconstruction, but reconstruction. The newly revised and expanded 2025 edition spans over 500 pages and includes endorsements from scholars like Craig Keener, Darrell Bock, and others. It offers wide margins, clear formatting, and rich footnotes rooted in scholarly sources like F.F. Bruce and Ben Witherington III. What makes this book truly compelling, however, is how it bridges history and invitation. Viola reminds us that the early church faced suffering, setbacks, heresies, and persecution—yet the Kingdom of God continued to grow. His final chapters call us to live into this same revolutionary mission today, as family, lovers of Christ, and Kingdom collaborators.
A Rekindled Passion for the New Testament
I’ve followed Frank Viola for years, and this book reignited my passion for the scriptures and the church’s ongoing calling. Whether you’re a theologian, a seeker, or someone rediscovering faith, The Untold Story offers more than insight—it offers immersion. The New Testament is still unfolding, and we’re called to live in its wake.
You can read my full review over on my Patheos blog, Lead a Quiet Life.
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