Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

Agrippa pulled on the chord and the servant appeared.  "Bring a glass of wine for our friend here and fill mine as well" he ordered.

As the servant left, Manaheem prayed silently for power to speak to this young man about the master.  The servant returned with two full glasses of wine.  As they sipped the wine, Manaheem said "I’m really glad I had the chance to meet you, sir."

"Oh, likewise, I’m sure.  So you are his foster brother.  I guess that makes you my foster uncle."

“I suppose so" he replied.  "But, I really wanted to talk to you about something else.  I don't know how to put it, but just to get right into it."  Suddenly he felt a new boldness which he had not felt before.  "Have you heard of Jesus of Nazareth?"

“I heard something when I was in Rome about a Jew of that name being crucified.  That's all."

"He was crucified, but he's no longer dead."  He found himself waxing bolder by the second.  "He arose from the dead and then ascended into heaven.  He is LORD and Christ and he offers eternal life to all who will accept him."

Agrippa was sipping his wine, but he let out a big laugh, thus spraying wine into the air.  "So you are a follower of this Jesus?"

"Yes I am, and glad of it."

"What about my uncle?  Don't tell me he also is a follower."

"No, unfortunately, your uncle wouldn't listen to me about that either."

"Well at least he and I are agreed on something.  I think you'd better go now."

Manaheem set the half full glass back on the table and turned to leave.  "Goodbye Agrippa."

The latter was silent and watched as Manaheem left.  As he left, he breathed a prayer of thanks that he had this opportunity and a prayer of petition for the souls of Agrippa and Antipas.