A Novel by Angela Hunt
Based on the Screenplay by Andrew Hyatt
I read with interest this book Paul Apostle of Christ by Angela Hunt.
The story which is biblical is based on the friendship of Paul the Apostle and Luke. Paul is imprisoned in Rome and Luke spends time with him in the jail cell. Paul shares stories and teachings with Luke so he might write another book to pass on to the believers. Luke spends time with Paul as it leads up to the time of his scheduled execution. Paul is being accused of arson, conspiracy, treason and murder. The condition of Paul when Luke finds him is grave. Paul had been through so much and was now waiting for the day of his death. In spite of all he had been through, he wanted to finish the race of life well and be an example to the Christians in the future.
This was a difficult time for Christians as the story also centers around Priscilla and Aquila and the Christians they were sheltering in their home. Luke shared their home as well. The persecution of the Christians is so terrible during that time that Priscilla and Aquila eventually escape Rome.
Another significant story is of Mauritius, a prefect in the prison where Paul is. He prays to the gods for the healing of his daughter but there is no improvement. Eventually, Luke sees the daughter and is able to help her when no one else has been able to. The prefect is grateful to Luke and Luke is able to share the good news of Christ with Mauritius and his family.
It is interesting to read books such as this one by Angela Hunt based on stories of Scripture. I found the way she described the friendship of Luke and Paul moving. Luke showed such compassion for Paul. When I first began to read the book it did not draw me in right away but as the story unfolded my level of interest grew. I appreciated the way Hunt told Paul's story at the end - his regrets about the way he persecuted and killed Christians before his conversion experience. It was a story of the mercy and grace of God for Paul but that mercy and grace extends to all of us.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
No comments:
Post a Comment