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James Michael Becher

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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

More intrigue: Manaheem imprisoned

This next excerpt focuses on Manaheem. He had not yet heard of the banishment of Herod Antipas. You will recall that Caligula had given Herod Agrippa Antipas' territory. Now, although he (Agrippa) refused the request of Caligula to set up a statue of him in the temple, he (Agrippa) decides to show his authority by 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: If you already have Parts I

Book Excerpt

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

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.

"Herod Agrippa! What are you doing here? Where is my foster brother?"

"I’m sorry to inform you, Manaham, 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 awhile."

***********

The prison was dark and damp. Soon the disciples and Claressa came to visit.

"Don't worry, dear. You'll be out of here soon."

“I certainly hope so. This place is terrible."

"We are praying for your speedy release.”

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

More intrigue: Manaheem imprisoned

Book Excerpt

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

Comment on this Bubble