More intrigue: Manaheem imprisoned

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James Michael Becher

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Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

Synopsis

This novel is the sequel to "Of Such Is The Kingdom Parts I & II A Novel of the Christ and the Roman Empire." It employs those characters who were still alive at the end of Part II and adds some new ones. Did Claressa embrace Manaheem's new-found faith? What happened to the bereaved family of Benjamin? Did Joseph, the oldest son get to go to Rabbi school? Did Barabbas continue to follow the master and did his wife and children join him? And was Pontius Pilate able to forget about his decision to crucify Jesus and did he become the strong ruler his wife wanted him to be? These and other questions are answered in this volume.

The new characters added include Saul, who becomes Paul, Herod Agrippa, the nephew of Herod Antipas, who wants to take over the latter's territory, and Caligula, the crazy son of Emperor Tiberius and friend of Agrippa. Against the background of suspicion and treachery within the empire and disdain for and persecution of the new faith, the Church continues to grow and flourish.

Follow the travels of Manaheem as he tries in vain to convert the two Herods. Follow the machinations of Herod Agrippa in his aim to take over his uncle's territory. Follow the foibles of Pilate as he seeks to become a stronger ruler, while still regretting his decision to crucify Jesus.

Follow the new life of Barabbas and his family. Follow the lives of Benjamin's family as they cope and deal with their loss and the now seeming impossibility of Joseph's schooling. Will he get to go to Rabbi school and what will it mean for their future? But mainly follow the early church as it grows in spite of persecution.

bio

Author Biography
I, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1943 to a Christian family and accepted Jesus at an early age. In Jr. High School, I became interested in writing and drama. I wrote poems, articles and a few short stories, and plays. In college, I won second prize in a contest with a Biblical short story, which now forms part of my first novel, “Of Such Is The Kingdom, A novel of the Christ and the Roman Empire,” published in 2003. In 2010, I wrote the sequel, “Of Such Is the Kingdom, Part III, Power and Persecution, A Novel of the early Church and the Roman Empire.” I also wrote a Sci-fi novel, “Impossible Journey, A Tale of Times and Truth” and a non-fiction book, “Principles of the Kingdom." I graduated from Clearwater Christian College in 1970 with a B.A. degree in Bible-Literature, and from Biblical School of Theology in 1974 with a M. Div. Ordained in November, 1974, I served as assistant pastor/Bible teacher in several churches. I also served in a foreign-student ministry, where I met my wife, Berenice Carett from Venezuela. In 2014 I wrote an American historical novel, called "The Christmas Victory."

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Author Insight

More intrigue: Manaheem imprisoned

This excerpt skips quite a bit of text from the previous one to focus on Manaheem who had not yet heard of the banishment of Herod Antipas. In the meantime, Herod Agrippa had, as Antipas had feared, been given his territory by Caligula..Then, he (Agrippa) decided to show his authority by first setting up a statue of Caligula in the temple, and secondly having some Christians arrested. Now we see Agrippa and Manaheem face to face resulting in the arrest of the later, This sets the stage for the arrest and murder of another more predominate believer. Maybe you can guess who (if you know the Bible). If not, stay tuned or buy the book -------NOTE: This book is volume 2, the sequel to Parts I

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

It had been three months since the banishment of Herod Agrippa, but Manaheem had not heard about it. Some of the lesser known disciples had been thrown into prison for a short time and then released, but he assumed it was by Herod Antipas. One day he decided to pay another visit to his foster uncle. To his surprise, he was met by Herod Agrippa.
"What are you doing here? Where is my foster brother?"
"I’m sorry to inform you that your dear foster brother has been banished to Gaul for treason."
"Oh, I see. And you have taken over his territory and his palaces."
"Exactly. I have been awarded your foster brother's territory by Caligula Caesar himself, so that makes it official."
"Yes, I see--legal, if not moral."
"More moral, I dare say, than were the acts of you your foster brother--marrying his brother's wife and then beheading that prophet for denouncing him."
"You have a real point there, although two wrongs don't make a right."
“And who are you to lecture me on morality?"
“I would lecture you on more than that if I thought you'd listen."
"Oh, and what might that be? I supposed you want to try again to convert me to that new sect of yours--to have me become a follower of that Jesus fellow?"
“I was thinking of it."
"Well, think no more. I’ll have you know, I have heard quite enough about those Jesus followers. They're always stirring up trouble of some sort. They are my enemies and I’m already starting to do something about it. I’ve already had some of them put in prison for a short time, to see how they like it. Perhaps that may cool them down a bit."
"Oh, so that was you?"
"Yes, and you're next." He pulled three times on the chord which hung from the ceiling and yelled
"Guards, guards!"
Two husky guards entered.
"Guards, take this man to prison and let him cool off for while."
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James Michael Becher

Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

Comment on this Bubble