THREE MORE BIBLE STORIES THAT NEVER HAPPENED...but maybe could have

This book is a sequel to my previous book, SIX BIBLE STORIES THAT NEVER HAPPENED…but maybe could have. It takes additional minor characters of the New Testament—a pagan woman, two blind men, the father of the apostles Matthew and James, and others--and presents fictional stories about them woven into the actual Biblical narrative. Justa, a pagan woman, is presented with a back story of true faith, genuine love, debilitating tragedy and miraculous healing. She is introduced as a house slave who longs to be respected and loved. Her story follows her as she learns resilience from Mary and Joseph, how to love and be loved from her beloved husband Danel, and her true worth from Jesus. Micah and Asher’s story begins with them as thieves partnering with Eli, an unrepentant ne’er-do-well. Then, through the concern of the apostle Nathaniel, they are lifted up from blindness to sight, both physically and spiritually. The story of Alphaeus is about a man who is obstinate regarding his Jewish beliefs and traditions, even if his stubbornness means being estranged from his sons, Matthew and James, and creating heartache for his wife, Rebecca. Alphaeus’ adamant stand leads him to join Saul in persecuting the first Christians until he and Saul are ironically called to be ambassadors for Christ. These stories engage and inspire, for they not only speak to questions of faith in the context of the start of Christianity, but they also touch on challenges regarding faith and the meaning of life facing contemporary believers and unbelievers alike.