{"product_id":"by-what-power-the-book-of-acts-autocracy-and-the-power-of-resistance-9780827203563","title":"By What Power: The Book of Acts, Autocracy, and the Power of Resistance","description":"\u003cp\u003eFeeling crushed by today's corrupt systems, widening divisions, and attacks on democracy? We've been here before. \u003ci\u003eBy What Power\u003c\/i\u003e reminds us of the Book of Acts' radical wisdom for resistance. See how Jesus' followers built inclusive communities, shared resources, and stood against injustice. Reclaim your voice, cultivate belonging, and lead with courage in today's turbulent oppressive political climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\"By what power or by what name did you act?\"\u003c\/i\u003e (Acts 4:7) captures the fear of those power when confronted with strength they do not understand. \u003ci\u003eBy What Power\u003c\/i\u003e draws startling parallels between the Roman Empire and 21st-century America, revealing how corruption, unjust laws, imprisonment, and violence protect wealth and divide communities. Biblical scholar Eric C. Smith shows how early Christians navigated courts, oppression, and seemingly impossible systems--and how their strategies offer a blueprint for today: build faith communities rooted in mutual support, share resources boldly, and practice radical inclusion. \u003ci\u003eBy What Power\u003c\/i\u003e equips readers to reclaim agency, confront systemic injustice, and flourish in the face of empire, offering essential wisdom for anyone seeking action, courage, and hope beyond the claims of the religious right.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Chalice Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 10\/06\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780827203563\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 162","brand":"Eric C. Smith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53195135975605,"sku":"9780827203563","price":18.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/9780827203563.jpg?v=1788273023","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/by-what-power-the-book-of-acts-autocracy-and-the-power-of-resistance-9780827203563","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}