With nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide, Angela Hunt sets the gold standard for writing breathtaking biblical fiction. Transporting readers of faith back to the fledgling days of Christianity, Hunt draws from in-depth historical research and brilliant storytelling skill in launching her new series, THE EMISSARIES. Following members of the New Testament church in the Gentile cities of Philippi, Corinth, and Rome, Hunt’s deep dive into the perilous days of the early Church amid a hostile pagan culture will thrill fans of Francine River’s MARK OF THE LION series.
About the story: In The Woman from Lydia, book one in THE EMISSARIES series, widowed Euodia seeks to make a fresh start by moving to the foreign city of Philippi. She finds new purpose after meeting Paulos, apostle to the Gentiles, who opens her eyes to helping those in need, particularly women and those who have been enslaved.
Retired Roman soldier Hector has settled in Philippi with dreams of a future filled with wealth and status, pooling his army earnings with Lucius, his fellow comrade in arms turned business partner. His hopes are dashed, however, when Paulos robs their youngest slave of her lucrative ability to foretell the future, rendering her worthless to Hector’s ambition. When Euodia becomes aware that Sabina is being mistreated, she buys Sabina from Lucius, intending to set the girl free. But when Hector claims the sale was not legitimate, he takes Sabina back and vows he’ll find someone to restore her valuable “gift,” even if he must travel to the ends of the earth to do so. Following close behind him, Euodia and her servants set out to rescue Sabina, not for gain but to free her forever.
Can you tell us a little about your new novel The Woman from Lydia, book one in THE EMISSARIES series?
Angela Hunt: The first novel in this new series focuses on the women mentioned in Acts as Lydia, the first European convert to Christianity. I loved investigating her story and had several questions about what happened to the slave girl who had been freed from demon possession.
What inspired the idea behind a series focusing on major Gentile cities in the Roman Empire?
AH: After writing eight novels centered on the Jews, I was eager to explore how the advent of the Messiah affected the Gentiles of the first century. The Woman from Lydia gave me a wonderful opportunity to do that.
How
is this series different from other biblically based novels you’ve written?
AH: Most biblical stories focus on the Jews—as is only natural—but Yeshua came to save the world, including Gentiles. This series allows me the opportunity to look at how Yeshua disrupted a pagan society, one that’s not too far removed from the world we live in today.
AH: First, she is a woman and yet she’s the first recorded Christian in Europe, and that’s remarkable. Second, she ran her own business, hosted the Corinthian church in her home, and was a pillar of the early Church—talk about being an example for us to emulate! She was amazing.
Holding two doctorates on the subject, you know quite a bit about the history of the Christian faith. What do you think readers should know about this period in history where your new series is set?
AH: I’ve always felt that Gentle Christians, including myself, have done ourselves a disservice by not learning all we can about the Jews of this period. So much of the Old Testament, the prophets, and even the Intertestamental Period are important when we consider Jesus the Messiah. Moreover, we must honor those brave Gentiles who brought the gospel message to the pagan world of Rome, long before Christianity was an established and “respectable” religion. We Christians in the twenty-first century should be inspired by their examples of courage and dedication.
What lessons can the lives and experiences of early believers teach modern Christians today?
AH: The early believers spoke up when it was right to do so, despite threats to their lives, their wealth, and their reputations. They stood against the tide of public opinion and bravely obeyed a God they had not known in childhood or even in their culture. But the emissaries—the disciples and apostles Yeshua sent out—carried the light of the gospel into their dark world, and they willingly received it, sometimes at great cost to themselves.
What
led you to pursue degrees in biblical studies and theology?
AH: Two things: First, I love learning, and theology really is the Queen of Sciences. Without knowing God, none of the other sciences make sense. Second, I feel a great responsibility to “get it right” in my novels. I don’t want to stand before Jesus and learn that I made a theological mistake that misled someone.
Do
you think it’s important for believers to be well versed in the history of
their faith?
AH: I think it’s important to know history, but more important than knowing dates and names and facts is being able to take the lessons of history and apply it to our lives. What happened to the fathers will happen to the sons, and we will face the same temptations, trials, and situations those people faced—even more so as the days grow short.
What
are you working on next?
AH:
I’m currently writing book two in THE EMISSARIES series, I’ve just written a
passion play for a group of believers in Memphis, and I’m excited about an
Advent devotional coming out in the fall of 2023. I’ve learned so much about
the historical basis of Christmas, and I can’t wait to share the way
things really were and the amazing miracle of the Messiah’s birth.
How
can readers connect with you?
AH: My website (www.angelahuntbooks.com) has a contact page that sends emails straight to my inbox. I love hearing from readers and am grateful for each email.
Thank
you for sharing The Woman from Lydia with us.
Readers, here’s a
link to the book.
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