Iain Duguid’s latest work, “Turning the World Upside Down” (Crossway, 2025), is an accessibly-written exposition of Acts 1–8. Duguid – a professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and teaching elder in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church – guides readers to appreciate the church’s powerful growth by the Spirit’s direction throughout the early chapters of Acts. Rather than chasing cultural trends or answering to the latest church growth strategies, he looks to the Holy Spirit’s work in the birth and early development of the church to provide guidance for ministry. 

Each chapter of “Turning the World Upside Down” briefly outlines the meaning of the passage, noting significant issues in the texts and providing illustration and application born of Duguid’s many years as a professor and pastor/church planter.

In 13 chapters, the work sequentially moves through the text of Acts 1–8, breaking it down into preaching units. Duguid does not offer arguments for these units but seems to have the flow of thought running through the narrative in mind (with the exception of chapter 10 “The Gospel and the Poor,” where Acts 4:32–35 and 6:1–7 are addressed). 

Each chapter opens with an attention-getting introduction, followed by a loose exposition of the text, which progresses along the lines of preaching points supported by illustrations and ample application. Rather than word-for-word, or thought-for-thought exegesis, Duguid works through the teaching of Acts 1–8 in a conversational way, focusing on holistic insights and personal application. The chapters read like sermons, or parts of sermons, an impression confirmed in the book’s acknowledgements: here Duguid comments he has preached through these chapters in several church contexts over the years. 

The exposition is relevant and warm, balancing insights into the ancient world with practical application to daily life. For those who know Duguid’s work, it will be no surprise that one finds careful attention to the text with warm, evangelistic application throughout. Those seeking a trusted guide through the early development of the church in the first eight chapters of Acts will not be disappointed. 

Darian Lockett serves as professor of New Testament in the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is a teaching elder in South Coast Presbytery.