The Ephesus Scroll

by Ben Chenoweth

In 93 AD, a young man is entrusted with a scroll to read in seven churches in Asia Minor. However, the scroll sparks rebellion wherever he goes and the Roman authorities attempt to track him down. In 2005 AD, a young Russian couple from St. Petersburg come across an ancient scroll. It appears to be an early copy of the book of Revelation. Has it come to light at this very time for a reason?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

ebook

First published October 24, 2012

About the author

Ben lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his wife and two children. He currently works at the Melbourne School of Theology as their eLearning Coordinator. He enjoys reading, writing, music and playing computer games in equal measures. He has an interest in the intersection between theology and the arts, and to that end has written a play based on the life of Saul, a musical based on the Biblical book of Esther, and a novel that is actually a thinly-disguised commentary on the book of Revelation (as he says, "If others can do it, so can I!") For those who might be interested, he lists C. S. Lewis, Peter Shaffer and Neal Stephenson as his literary inspirations.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I awaited this book for a long time, since Ben Chenoweth, who is a friend and colleague of mine, first mentioned working on it several years ago. He and I share a strong aversion to pre-millenlial, dispensational interpretations of the biblical book of Revelation. We also share a strong dislike for a highly popular series of fictional novels that presented an apocalyptic scenario based on this theological viewpoint.

In Chenoweth's novel we encounter a very different approach to the book of Revelation, one that treats the text within its original context. Chenoweth adds an interesting element by juxtaposing this unfolding of the book of Revelation in its context with the rediscovery of the original text in modern-day Russia. The story line does not move with the action-adventure pace of the other series previously mentioned, which will probably disappoint anyone who likes such novels. However, the story line does not lag and the juxtaposition of the story as it unfolds in ancient Asia Minor and the modern story unfolding in Saint Petersburg should keep most readers engaged. However, the most interesting and most worthwhile aspect of the novel lies in Chenoweth drawing the connections between the language and imagery of Revelation and parallel passages in the Old Testament. Although not a Bible scholar myself, I have certainly had plenty of exposure to Revelation and the Bible as a whole, but not once in my reading have I had someone draw these connections as clearly and helpfully as in this book. Now that I am aware of them, I see them more myself in my own reading and I wonder why so many pastors who feel the need to preach sermons from Revelation fail to make these connections explicit for the modern church audience.

If you find the theology of that other series deficient, or even if you fully agree with it, The Ephesus Scroll is worth a read to get a different understanding of what Revelation is talking about.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually shy away from books about Revelation. For that matter, I shy away from THE book of Revelation. I have never been fascinated by it as so many people are. PLUS people get kind of, I don't know, weird, about Revelation. It is interesting, but hard to understand, and interpretations often fly wild and don't seem or feel quite right to me.

BUT, I wanted to read Ben's book. First because I liked his first book, Meeting of Minds. Second, because I generally like a lot of the same books he likes, so I wanted his perspective on Revelation. Finally, as a Christian, I should probably face the book of Revelation at some stage of my faith.

It took me a LOOONNNGG time to read The Ephesus Scroll, and I am quite glad I did read this book. Ben gives a very logical, well researched, good sense, not at all weird perspective on the book of Revelation embedded in a very interesting, engaging story with very real, believable characters. It is quite an educational adventure. Give it a read.

[Buffy Greentree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ephesus Scroll alternates between 1st Century Asia Minor as the letter of Revelation is taken to the seven churches, and modern day Russia where an ancient scroll has been found by two new believers.

The historical sections of this book give a great feel for the original context of Revelation. The author has a good understanding of the places and cultures involved and adds the little details which make the period come alive.

The modern setting gives interesting insight into everyday life in Russia, along with a good review of the debates about Revelation. It is academically rigorous in its discussions, but is never boring.

Overall this book is interesting as well as theologically sound. I highly recommend it as the best way to study the meaning and purpose of Revelation for the ordinary believer or theological student alike.

[Roelie]

An enjoyable way of learning more about Russia, history as well as ancient Roman times, while being challenged by interpretations of difficult Biblical passages that present alternative insights. Worth reading. Thanks.

[T.B. Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book based on the reviews that praised the author for a nice way of positing how it all went down when the Book of Revelations was first written, back in the late first century, AD. As a former Christian/ turned Atheist, for many years now... what I got instead, was a head-shaking disappointment.

Up until the 60% mark, the plot & story structure, which alternates (mostly) between two time periods, is "okay". The story moves along and is at least understandable if nothing else. Like, the modern-day timeline is a bit of a stretch, but whatever- creative liberties & differences- I'll overlook it. But then- when we DO get to the 60-65% point ALL sensibility in telling a story in the present-day goes straight out the window. Basically, the storyline that follows the journey of the 'original' scroll penned by John of Patmos in the latter part of the first century, stays pretty consistent with the pace and the raising of the stakes, but to hell with the modern-day...

Instead of staying a "story" and mixing in details in an unforced narrative, the author chooses to have his "non-expert", priest-character, give pages and pages of expositional dialogue... at dinner parties, museums, and just- really anywhere he can butt in; with a short, compulsory apology at the end of each outburst, for "accidentally" taking over the convo... whoopsie.

AND to TOP IT ALL OFF... right when it looks like "they" figured it out: that it truly WAS a con and a tool to ensure loopholes for ages upon ages that would allow the church to rule by preaching salvation and redemption and enemy retribution in the form of smiting by the actual hand of GOD (my favorite), AFTER YOU DIE (of course, super convenient, IMO), the author ACTUALLY FEEDS into the hypocrisy and justifies THAT belief, by basically contradicting everything else he's laid out so plainly in all the preceding pages that a RATIONAL MIND would see???!

I haven't been this passionately displeased with a blatant near-end-of-book, sudden change of convictions, since "Man of Legends" by Kenneth Johnson.

"Clan of the Cave Bear", and to some extent, the second book in that series written by Jean Auel, called "Valley of the Horses" (I think), did an EXCELLENT job of working in plenty of (at the time) theoretical science into the story, to where it felt natural and imaginable that that's how everything happened. Likewise, the book "Sex, Time, and Power" by the late/great Leonard Shlain, put forth evolutionary theories AND included fictional short story hypotheses to illustrate HOW some of his theories might have played out... The author of "The Ephesus Scroll" would have done well to have read one or both, taken notes, and then copied either one of their formats; instead of creating this poorly executed conjecture.

His theory (Ben Chenoweth's) is good AND plausible. In fact, I'm so upset because the way (it) was presented fell short. If it would have been presented as a paper/thesis (OR), as a fictional book WITHOUT ALL of the EXPOSITINAL DIALOGUE... it would have been good. Great, even. I could've even overlooked the overlooking of the blatant con.

But, poor supposition presented in the forced 3rd person voice of an excited speculating cleric, is the WORST FORMAT POSSIBLE. I could've read this theory if Mr. Chenoweth was delivering it in the same voice, with the same cadence, as he gave to the priest, Zhenya. But, in a thesis format/ where I KNOW ahead of time that I'll be listening to a thesis... like, does that make sense?

*Also, side note... My Babushka's name was Zhenya (spelled differently, tho)... I never knew that to be a nickname for a man, but maybe that's a regional thing? IDK.

Obviously, this book irritated me. It interested me. It interested me so much so that I WANT to and more than likely WILL- read the other books in this series, because of the theories, alone. I've studied religion for over 30 years, and let me just tell you... I am a sucker for origin postulations...

And... just for the theory alone, this book deserves 5 stars... PLUS, it was able to get me fired up... and isn't that worth something? I'm uping my review to a 4, up from my original, salty, 3. Well done, Ben, well done.

[Jane Fulmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Ephesus Scroll

I was able to read about 66% of the book when I had to stop. Obviously the author and I have different views regarding the book of Revelation. And that's okay since born again Christians should be able In Christian love to agree to disagree on non essential salvation issues. That being said, I do believe the Arthur to be in error in his concept of there not being a pretrib rapture (or catching away of the church) prior to the tribulation. From what I gathered in his writing, he apparently believes the Church, the Bride of Christ, will have to suffer through the Tribulation. I believe I can stand upon the Word of God and say this is untrue. The souls John saw under the alter crying "how long, O Lord" are the souls of people who accepted Christ during the Tribulation and were killed for their faith. Christ's bride is without spot or wrinkle. If She has to go through the Tribulation, She will be blooded, bruised, abused, her bridal gown dirtied and torn. Can one picture our Holy Father God presenting this pitiful looking Bride to His previous Son who suffered death on the cross to pay the high price for her redemption? I think not. The Church is not mentioned after Chapter 3 when John in Chapter 4 hears a voice calling him "to come up here". The Tribulation is for the salvation of the Jewish nation. The Church will be in heaven. Russia, Turkey and Iran will attempt to invade Israel in the near future but God will destroy them. All three nations have troops in Syria at this moment in time waiting to invade. Gave two stars for the interesting story about Lucas carrying the scroll from city to city.

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

THE EPHESUS SCROLL by Ben Chenoweth has three main themes/plots, all intertwined. 1)There is the original writing of the Book of Revelation on a scroll by John on Patmos, its reading and dissemination to the 7 churches of Asia Minor, and the resulting problems for Rome. 2)There is the discovery of the buried scroll following an earthquake in the 19th century and its eventual possession by two new Christians in 21st century Russia, its examination, and final display. 3)Throughout there is a discussion, debate, and interpretation of Revelation and its meaning to the 1st century church and its meaning to the church today. I found 1) and 2) interesting and an enjoyable read, but I've never had much use for the Book of Revelation, have never understood it, and have always wished it never made it into The Bible. THE EPHESUS SCROLL has only confirmed my belief in my #3) opinion.

[Anthony Yvonnica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. I read it and I learned a LOT! The book presented a fresh explanation for Revelation. It was captivating and truly exciting to read.

I was troubled by the inclusion of Russian language words for no reason: Dacha for county home, etc. I get it, the protagonists are Russian. But the book is written in English. I am strengthened when this same author uses other Russian language words and phrases and then immediately provides the English translation. This helps me to learn new things.

I loved the book. I will read more from this author because I learned a great deal.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back and forth through time

I liked the way the author wove together the stories from the different time periods. A small glimpse into what life could have been like for early Christians and how the book of Revelation could have made it's way from Patmos.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever way of engaging a theological debate, this entertaining novel brings the time of the early church alive, and mixes it with the thrill of archaeological discoveries.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely way to get your head around the Book of Revelation and understand its cultural context.

[leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

benchen71 is my favourite youtube channel like and subscribe

[Patricia Zhao · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCC