They say you never truly know someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Watching the latest series from Drive Thru History® has taught my family that very lesson. Dave Stotts, our engaging and entertaining host and tour guide has taken us on a tour of the very roads traveled by the apostles and the writers of the New Testament with Drive Thru History® “Acts to Revelation”.
The whole family was thrilled when this 3-dvd video set arrived. History, Bible, world travel and archeology are combined with amazing videography to transport us to another place, another time.
What is included –
- 3 DVDs, containing 18 episodes, 9 hours of viewing time
- full color Study Guide
- Storage Case
What it is –
Drive Thru History® “Acts to Revelation” is a combination Bible study and video tour that takes you to the very places where the early Christians lived, walked, worked and died. Dave Stotts takes the viewer to Jerusalem, visiting the places where followers of Christ first gathered. He also follows the very routes the Apostles took on their journeys during the years following the Jesus’ death. We are introduced to the cities and churches who are mentioned in the New Testament, in their ancient state as well as their modern counterparts. You’ll travel from Judea, through Asia Minor, all around the Mediterranean region, criss-crossing from city to city, where early churches gathered and messengers of the Gospel preached.
“Acts to Revelation” is, in essence, the sequel to “The Gospels” (which I had the pleasure of reviewing for you 2 years ago.) Each of the 18 episodes take you to a different place as you move through the different books of the New Testament.
- Episode 1 – The Gospel Shared at Pentecost
- Episode 2 – The Church Grows in Jerusalem
- Episode 3 – The Gospel Spreads to the Gentiles
- Episode 4 – Saul of Tarsus & the Road to Damascus
- Episode 5 – Paul’s First Missionary Journey – The Island of Cyprus
- Episode 6 – The Journey Continues – Pamphylia, Galatia & Asia Minor
- Episode 7 – The Jerusalem Councel & Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
- Episode 8 – The Second Journey Continues – Philippi & Thessalonica
- Episode 9 – A Road Trip to Athens
- Episode 10 – Ancient Corinth
- Episode 11 – Paul’s Third Missionary Journey j- Ephesus
- Episode 12 – Paul’s Final Trip to Jerusalem & Caesarea
- Episode 13 – Adventures at Sea – The Island of Malta
- Episode 14 – A Final Journey to Rome
- Episode 15 – The Martyrdom of Paul & Peter
- Episode 16 – John and the Island of Patmos
- Episode 17 – The Seven Churches of Revelation
- Episode 18 – The Book Closes on the New Testament Period
As you follow along the journey with Dave you’ll visit Solomon’s Colonnade, walk the same Roman roads Paul walked, catch a glimpse of Damascus. You’ll be brought to places that help you understand more about the cultures and persecutions the early church was up against.
As a companion to the video series, a full-color study guide is included. This includes a summary, discussion questions, suggested Bible passages and a ‘Side Road’ with bonus information for each episode.
How we used it –
Over the past couple months our family has been viewing the episodes of Acts to Revelation once a week as a part of our family devotions. We all gather ’round and watch together, then discuss what we saw and heard. We take out our Bibles to refresh our memories and compare the information we’ve just taken in. Everyone has something to contribute to our discussions because the videos have something for every level.
To follow up and reinforce what we’ve been learning, I take the study guide questions and use them as a basis for Bible lessons during our homeschooling hours. This may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the topic of the lesson. We also look up the suggested scripture and read the Side Trip together. This often gives opportunity for further study.
What we think –
The video episodes bring the people, places and events of the New Testament to life in an amazing way. Dave Stotts weaves scripture, challenging subjects like persecution and martyrdom, gorgeous views and impressive ruins with his fun and quirky storytelling.
Dave Stotts does not disappoint. Everything we’ve seen from the Drive Thru History® team has been top-notch, educational and entertaining. Dave brings us serious lessons, introduces us to life-changing events and places, and balances it all with humor. And really cool vehicles. It was fun seeing ‘Steve McQueen’ the LandRover again (we first met him in The Gospels series) but so cool to see what other vehicles Dave drives throughout this adventure. It’s one of the fun things my kids look forward to in every episode and series.
This series is recommended for ages 12 and up, although I think many families may choose the view with their younger children as well. Younger ages will be entertained by Dave’s wit and personality, but will also appreciate the incredible photography and references to Biblical themes. Adults will appreciate the amount research and hard work that went into producing the video footage, but at the same time glean knowledge and insight into scripture. Now, that’s what I call quality television for the whole family!
My family enjoys the Drive Thru History® “Acts to Revelation” for pleasure viewing as well as for Bible Study. It’s been great for curling up on our cold winter days! I can also see it being used for a Sunday school class, youth group workshops, ladies’ retreat or homeschool co-op classes.
See how other families are using Drive Thru History® – just click on the image below and you’ll be able to visit my fellow crew mates!
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