"Encountering Differences in Antioch of Syria" is the seventh book of "The New Way Series." It is based on the first century manuscript "Acts of the Apostles" written by Luke. We have seen how the New Way might have moved from Jerusalem to both villages and large cities in Galilee, but Luke records that it also began to impact the surrounding countries ? countries that had once been considered archenemies of Israel. The city of Antioch was established by Alexander the Great, but when the Romans took control, they desired to make it the capital city of the region. They provided incentives of property, jobs, housing, and religious freedom. As a result, Antioch soon became the third largest city of the Roman Empire and was filled with people from many different nations.

Many followers of Jesus and New Way groups relocated to Antioch. They encountered people from all over the known world, and specifically Pharisees from Jerusalem who were intent on destroying the New Way. Once again, I have chosen to imagine what it must have been like for some of the characters who were introduced in Book #1 of the New Way Series to become adults and relocate to Antioch of Syria. They expected to be in the minority. They were prepared to face the misunderstanding of other religions. But they were surprised to discover that some of the hardest battles were keeping the peace with fellow followers. They had to deal with questions, conflicts, and disagreements as the New Way was being forged and strengthened by its battles. These young adults had to determine what they believed, and what they were willing to sacrifice in order to follow those beliefs. What would they give up in order to be obedient to Jehovah?

Watch as these young friends of Jesus became adults in a strange land, far from home. And look forward to the final New Way Series Book #8, "Telling the World from Antioch of Syria," where they begin to face the high price of spreading the New Way deeper and deeper into the uttermost parts of the world.