‘Testament’ Series Reimagines the Book of Acts In a Fresh, Bold, and Exciting Way
Creator Paul Syrstad and Mary Actress Mogali Masuku Talk the Dystopian Show's Unique Approach to a Familiar Story
When a new faith-based series launches, it’s often easy to predict what it will look like — flowing robes, dusty roads, Jesus sandals, and dialogue lifted straight from Scripture. But “Testament,” streaming exclusively on Angel Studios, breaks the mold completely.
Created (in partnership with Faith Syrstad and Kenneth Omole), produced, and directed by Paul Syrstad, with Mogali Masuku starring as Mary of Magdala, Testament is a "dangerous, exciting, thrilling" narrative of the Book of Acts — set in an alternate, dystopian modern world. Think “The Hunger Games” or “Divergent,” but with the power, boldness, and hope of the early church that came to life on Pentecost.
Syrstad and Masuku shared their take on the new series with Faithfully Magazine’s Managing Editor Nicola A. Menzie in an August 8 video chat. This article was partially written with AI, and includes affiliate links that may allow us to earn a commission.
Why Acts, and Why Now?
Unlike countless adaptations of the life of Jesus or Old Testament epics, the Book of Acts is rarely explored on screen — especially as a series. For Syrstad, that’s exactly why it was irresistible.
“I think it’s one of the most dangerous, exciting, thrilling books there is to adapt,” Syrstad said. “Acts isn’t just history — it’s an ongoing story. We are living in chapter 29 right now.”
Instead of ancient Jerusalem, “Testament” unfolds in a world with modern buildings and clothing — but crucially, no digital technology. Without phones, cameras, or AI, the story retains a raw, analog tension. “If someone could have just sent Peter a text warning him about danger, it wouldn’t be the same,” Syrstad said before laughing.
The Power of Perspective
Rather than dropping viewers straight into the Upper Room at Pentecost, the series begins with Stephen (Charlie Beaven) — the first Christian martyr — as our entry point. His journey allows audiences unfamiliar with the Bible to learn about the apostles and their mission alongside him. On the other side, we meet Saul of Tarsus (Eben Figueiredo) early, setting the stage for a powerful dual narrative.
According to Masuku, this choice “dechristianizes” the language around these figures. “Stephen wasn’t just a martyr — he was murdered by people who knew him. Seeing that makes the story tangible, even for those who grew up hearing it.”
Mary Magdalene Reimagined
For Masuku, playing Mary of Magdala was a calling years in the making. She recalls defending Mary’s reputation as a child in church, long before she had studied the Bible for herself. “Scripture doesn’t portray her as a temptress — it tells us Jesus freed her from seven demons, and she followed Him faithfully.”
In “Testament,” Mary is fierce, protective, and utterly committed to the mission. “Surviving seven demons? What can man do to me?” Masuku said with a grin. “But underneath the boldness is someone who values everyone else’s worth more than her own.”
A Cast That Reflects the Global Church
From the start, diversity wasn’t just a checkbox — it was essential. The Jewish diaspora in the first century was far from uniform, and Syrstad wanted to reflect that reality in a way that also mirrors the global church today.
“Christianity didn’t start in the West and it doesn’t belong there,” he said. “Most Christians in the world don’t look like me — so why should they always look the same on screen?”
A Story That Invites Us In
From the scrappy, low-budget production to the impressive on-screen result, it is clear that "Testament" is a labor of love and faith.
With its immersive world-building, character-driven storytelling, and thoughtful balance of faithfulness and creativity, “Testament” feels both fresh and familiar, thrilling and emotionally resonant.
As Paul Syrstad said, "You vote with what you watch." So if you're looking for a faith-based show that breaks new ground, "Testament" is a wild ride worth taking — and a bold reminder that the story of Acts never really ended.
“Testament” is available to stream on Angel Studios.
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