Flames of Rome: A Novel - Softcover

Maier, Paul L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0825443547 ISBN 13: 9780825443541

Publisher: Kregel Publications, 2014

Synopsis

Can one man's madness destroy the faith for which so many would die?

A madman who murders his way into power lusts for ever-greater glory and domination. A capital city awash with corruption, sensuality, and political intrigue is at the flash point. And caught between the crushing currents of history are a new but growing religious group known as the followers of The Way.

Award-winning historian and best-selling author Paul L. Maier has created a compelling style of documentary fiction, using only known historical events and persons to bring to life first-century Rome in all its excess, treachery, and insanity. This is the Rome that the apostle Paul visits, where he’s placed on trial, and which is forever changed by his testimony and witness. Maier takes readers into the courtroom of imperial justice and into the homes of the people struggling with the new faith they’ve encountered to answers questions such as:

• How did Christianity first reach Rome?
• Why did Paul have to wait two years for trial and was he condemned or set free?
• Why does the New Testament account in Acts end so abruptly?
• Who set fire to Rome and why did Nero persecute Christians so horribly?

Following the family of Flavius Sabinus, mayor of Rome under Nero Maier captures all the drama and tension of the political conflicts that precede and follow the Great Fire of Rome, and the epic political and religious clashes of the world’s capital. This is the sensational story of pagans at their worst—and Christians at their best. Readers won’t want to put it down.

About this title

About the Author

Paul L. Maier is the former Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History (retired) at Western Michigan University and an award-winning author whose expertise in first-century studies and extensive travels in the Middle East and Asia Minor provide historical authenticity and compelling drama to his writing. His other writings include the ECPA Gold Medallion Award-winning volume Josephus: The Essential Writings, as well as The Flames of Rome, and the best-selling novel, A Skeleton in God’s Closet.

Review

A spectacular work of history and a sweeping story. (Christian Observer 2004-06-03)

A splendid work. . . objective, interesting, and thought provoking. (Norman Vincent Peale 2004-06-03)

Different religious persuasions will enjoy this unique book. The approach is reverent and not debunking. (Los Angeles Times 2004-06-03)

Fact-filled, interesting, and successful. . . splendid research. This book is beautiful. (Christian Century 2004-06-03)

Fascinating. . . brings a new perspective to a story we have known all our lives. (Redbook 2004-06-03)

For the supremely pivotal event of the Resurrection, Paul Maier's book lends fresh and scholarly support. (Billy Graham 2004-06-03)

In The Flames of Rome, Paul Maier has accomplished a tremendously challenging project, and he has done so with wonderful clarity and accuracy. (Christian Library Journal 2004-06-03)

The author is at home in the vast literature of his subject. (New York Times Book Review 2004-06-03)

Tremendously worthwhile. . . intensely enlightening and interesting. . . a wonderful book. (Christian Herald 2004-06-03)

Vivid style and keen insights make this book a delight and a genuine educational experience. --(Moody Magazine 2004-06-03)

Edition details

• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0825443547
• ISBN 13: 9780825443541
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 480