The Archaeology and Missiology of Early Christianity in a Greco-Roman World

Based on Dr. Cooper's book Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement: Discovering the Movement of God in the Archaeological Record of Asia Minor.

This deep dive into Asia Minor explores the intersection of archaeology, mythology, and religion in the ancient world, focusing on the seven cities of early Christianity in Asia Minor. Through visual presentations, historical analysis, and interactive discussions, participants will uncover how Christianity emerged in a world dominated by Greco-Roman gods, emperor worship, and mystery cults.

Join Dr. Cooper for a fresh, historical perspective on the ancient world, making archaeology accessible and engaging for those in ministry and in the church. Whether you're a mythology buff, history lover, or someone curious about how ancient beliefs shaped the Bible’s context and our world, this course will help bring your personal Bible study, discipleship, and sermons to life in an exciting and interactive way!

  • Discover the Ancient New Testament World Like Never Before

  • Apply Current Archaeological Research to your Study and Teaching of the New Testament

  • Engage with Mythology & History that will Make the Biblical World Come Alive

  • Experience Interactive & Engaging Learning with Others

Dig into the World of Asia Minor

Great for a 10-week small group Bible study or for personal enrichment

    1. Welcome to this Ephesiology Master Class

    2. How to use the course player

    3. Welcome to the World of Archaeology and Missiology!

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. Buy the Book

    5. Free Download - Forthcoming

    6. Before we begin...

    1. What to expect ...

    2. A Deep Dive into the Background of Asia Minor

    3. Key Terms

    4. A Deep Dive into Gods, Emperors, Philosophies, and a New Movement

    5. Gods and Goddesses

    6. Emperors and Philosophers

    7. Diaspora Judaism

    8. Missiological Parallelisms in the Archaeological Record

    9. Aphrodite in Ephesos

    10. A Pedestal in Priene

    11. Application

    1. A Deep Dive into Luke's Theophilos

    2. Map of Ephesos

    3. Theophilos in the Archaeological Record

    4. Chapter 3 - Ephesos Figures

    5. Rediscovering Theophilos

    1. A Deep Dive into The Writing on the Wall

    2. Map of Smyrna

    3. Christianity in Public Spaces

    4. Chapter 4 - Smyrna Figures

    5. A Word Square Puzzle

    1. A Deep Dive into the Disappearance of Christianity

    2. Map of Pergamon

    3. The Challenge of Pergamon

    4. Chapter 5 - Pergamon Figures

    1. A Deep Dive into Trade Guilds and Places of Peace

    2. Map of Thyatira

    3. Places of Peace

    4. Chapter 6 - Thyatira Figures

Study and Discussion Guide

  • $200.00
  • 53 lessons
  • 4.5 hours of video content
  • Hundreds of Hi-Res Photographs
  • Discussion Guides for Small Groups
  • 10 Audio Episodes

A Visual Companion

Free Download

Photographing the Movement of God presents a curated visual archive to accompany Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement (Wipf & Stock, 2026). Organized in the sequence in which they appear in the primary volume, these 116 photographs and seven maps document the material and geographic contexts that shaped the first centuries of the Christian movement in Asia Minor.

The collection includes architectural remains, inscriptions, urban corridors, sacred spaces, and regional landscapes. Each image is accompanied by concise interpretive commentary situating the photograph within its historical, archaeological, and theological frame of reference. Together, they offer a visual record of the civic, imperial, religious, and social environments in which early Christian communities emerged and matured.

Read alongside the primary text, they provide a documentary complement to the argument that the movement of God unfolded within identifiable places, structures, and public spaces.

Consider joining us for an immersive experience

A research trip to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor

The research trip offers a captivating journey into the rich historical and cultural heritage of a region deeply intertwined with the New Testament and ancient civilizations. Participants embark on a immersive exploration of archaeological sites, ancient cities, and religious artifacts, gaining valuable insights into the historical context of the New Testament mission, the adaptive nature of the early church, and the dedication of early Christ-followers.

In a learning community, you will situate first, second, and third century missions in their cultural milieu while discovering the early church's Christological commitment to live as Jesus' body, dedicated to more and more people worshiping Him. Then, you'll engage with a learning community to think, innovate, and create ideas about what it all means for today.
Contact us for more information

Meet Dr. Michael T. Cooper

Join Michael on an archaeological exploration of the early church. This learning experience is based on his recent archaeological research in Asia Minor.

Professor of Missiological Theology Michael T. Cooper

Dr. Cooper earned a PhD in Intercultural Studies with a focus on religious movements and a minor in theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He currently serves as a missiologist for a missions agency where he focuses on missiological research and equipping missionaries for effective cultural engagement. He has thirty years of missions experience, including ten years as a pioneer church planter in Romania after the fall of communism and has equipped church planters and leaders in Africa, Europe, North America, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. He is a guest faculty at Torch Trinity Graduate University, adjunct faculty at Mission India Theological Seminary, Asia Graduate School of Theology Nepal, and Ebenezer Bible College in Katmandu, and affiliate faculty at Kairos University. He has written and contributed to more than 30 books and academic articles and has presented conference lectures at the London School of Economics, University of Bordeaux, Loyola University, Baylor University, and many others. His recent book, Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement is a best seller at William Carey Publishing.