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

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

Synopsis

Can a cynical, nonconformist, dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all find true fulfillment in ancient Palestine? And at what cost? Find out in this intriguing 2020 Readers Favorites award winner.
• The nonconformist, Manaheem, Herod's truth-seeking foster brother, is hired by Herod Antipas to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate, whom Herod fears.
• Manaheem, in turn, recruits the disgruntled blacksmith, Barabbas, to lead the insurrection - much to the dismay of Barabbas's Godly but fearful wife.
• Imagine Pontius Pilate as a weak ruler, whose wife pushes him to take over Herod's territory.
• Imagine a young pensive mendicant, who joins with an older beggar unsympathetic to his younger partner’s musings.
• Meanwhile, Manaheem reunites with his former wife, Claressa. Then, in need of money, after much soul searching, tries to blackmail Herod, losing Claressa in the process. Will he win her back?
• Barabbas turns to robbery, enlisting the aid of the two beggars.
• Timotheus, the younger beggar almost turns back
Does redemption lie ahead, and at what cost to those who find it? Find out in this incredible tale filled with conflict, suspicion, and treachery.

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

Joseph, Barnabas and Saul

This excerpt starts with Joseph's decision about going to the meeting. Then, I purpose a meeting between Saul and Barabbas. But is this the old or the new Saul? He claims to be a Jesus follower, but will Barabbas believe him? Could he just be saying this to gain a foothold in the Christian community? Stay tuned or buy the book to find out.

Book Excerpt

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

The next day Barnabas (formerly Barabbas) and the family paid another visit on the bereaved family. They were surprised to see Joseph at home from the Academy. They were even more pleasantly surprised when he told them he had decided to come with them to the next meeting.

************

The blacksmith shop had not yet sold, so Barnabas went there the next morning and opened it, hoping to get some response from the for sale sign in the window. Around noon, a short stocky man walked in and walked directly up to the counter behind which stood Barnabas (formerly Barabbas).

The stranger cleared his throat and asked: "Do you mind if I ask why you are selling this great shop?"

Barnabas felt a tinge of fear at the thought of telling this man he became a Christian, but then he felt a surge of boldness from the Holy Spirit. "Well, if you must know, I’ve joined the Christians and we are having all things in common."

The stranger scowled. "So you're one of them?"

Now Barabbas didn't know what to think, but he breathed a prayer and continued: "Yes, I’ve come to realize Jesus is the Savior."

"Don't fear, my friend. A week ago I would have had you arrested for saying that. But I myself have met the Savior. I now am a Jesus follower. My name is Saul of Tarsus."

The name struck terror into Barnabas' heart, but then he felt a strange sense of calm. "Saul of Tarsus? You're the one persecuting the Christians."

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

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James Michael Becher

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

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Joseph, Barnabas and Saul

Book Excerpt

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

Comment on this Bubble