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The Christ Commission
In front of eight million TV viewers, "The Greatest Mystery Writer in the World" bragged he could prove Christ was actually stolen from the tomb and never really rose from the dead . . . if he were given just one week back in ancient Jerusalem. That night author Matt Lawrence got his wish. A knock-out punch took him right out of this world and landed him in Biblical Judea in 26 A.D., just six years after the execution of Jesus at Golgotha. In relentless pursuit of his investigation, Lawrence walked the same streets Jesus walked, visited the same places . . . and found himself facing the same dangers. Eyewitness reports might lead him to a discovery that would shake the world--but will he live long enough to tell the 30th century that he just solved the greatest mystery of all time?
260 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1980
127 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Og Mandino
96 books910 followersAugustine "Og" Mandino II (December 12, 1923 – September 3, 1996) was an American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. He was the president of Success Unlimited magazine until 1976 and is an inductee of the National Speakers Association's Hall Of Fame.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
August 4, 2010
Read this one, particularly if you need a faith-booster or if you have doubts or questions about the resurrection of Jesus! Og Mandino writes as a time traveler to Jerusalem six years following Jesus' crucifixion. He is able to search into the death and resurrection of Jesus by interviewing the apostles, Pilate, Caiphas, Nicodemus, Joseph, Mary Magdalene, etc. He also weaves in the Gospel accounts. Totally strengthened my faith, and I have read it voraciously through twice this time around!
April 29, 2009
If this weren't a book club selection, I probably would never have thought to read this book. I think it's a real gem from the author of The Greatest Salesman in the World. The premise of the book is that a famous suspense author has been working on a book that would prove that Christ actually was resurrected, but he hasn't been able to finish it because he becomes convinced that he actually wasn't. Until he gets the chance to go back in time and interview Christ's disciples and other eyewitnesses. In spite of some theological points on which I disagree with the author, I found it really intriguing and inspiring.
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October 3, 2012From the opening quote by Francis Bacon – “If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties,” – to the dramatic conclusion, Og Mandino’s The Christ Commission is a powerful speculative examination of the events leading up to Jesus of Nazareth’s crucifixion, death and resurrection. While most historians are willing to concede the identity of the so-called ‘historic Jesus’ and even accept some version of his final demise on a Roman cross, there are more than a few who either doubt, deny or remain ambivalent so far as His resurrection goes. And yet if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the factual-ness, the truth, of His rising from the dead is the crux of the problem—if you’ll forgive the pun. If He didn’t rise from the dead—as He repeatedly said He would—His horrific death is still a grave injustice done an innocent man and beloved local teacher, but it remains an isolated event, only another in a long list of violent acts perpetrated by the Roman Republic/Empire during its long history.
Mandino’s book centers on a modern day mystery writer time struggling with his own doubts. In a move reminiscent of “It’s a Wonderful Life” he is given his wish to conduct an investigation—the Christ Commission—into the details surrounding Jesus’ final days. With Joseph of Arimathea as his guide, the main character, Matthias, time travels back to Jerusalem 6 years after the crucifixion and death of Jesus, A.D. 36.
Matthias then sets out to interview important ‘witnesses’ in a race against time. Since he is an actual person entering into that time period, he has to observe all the usual protocol about not altering history, etc., but he also has to deal with his own identity as a supposed Roman historian inquiring into a politically and religiously sensitive event which more than a few people would rather forget. Most of his findings and the words spoken by witnesses are the same as those we read today in the Gospels, even though the earliest account (The Gospel of Mark) wouldn’t be written for another 30 years.
There is some conjectural biblical exegesis which the author puts into the testimony of his characters. For example, a young (Jon) Mark (as he would still have been in A.D. 30) informs Matthias that he went to the tomb, found the stone rolled away, prayed and slept and then awoke as the women arrived to anoint the body. As he frightened them, they fled, however we are meant to discern from this conversation (between Matthias and Mark) that (Jon) Mark is the ‘young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe’ (Mark 16:5) who tells the women, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. But go and tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.’” (Mark 16:6-7)
Still whether you accept or reject some of these explanations of the more minor mysteries concerning the resurrection, Mandino’s story is a compelling and detailed examination of the subject, especially for a work of fiction.
Mandino’s book centers on a modern day mystery writer time struggling with his own doubts. In a move reminiscent of “It’s a Wonderful Life” he is given his wish to conduct an investigation—the Christ Commission—into the details surrounding Jesus’ final days. With Joseph of Arimathea as his guide, the main character, Matthias, time travels back to Jerusalem 6 years after the crucifixion and death of Jesus, A.D. 36.
Matthias then sets out to interview important ‘witnesses’ in a race against time. Since he is an actual person entering into that time period, he has to observe all the usual protocol about not altering history, etc., but he also has to deal with his own identity as a supposed Roman historian inquiring into a politically and religiously sensitive event which more than a few people would rather forget. Most of his findings and the words spoken by witnesses are the same as those we read today in the Gospels, even though the earliest account (The Gospel of Mark) wouldn’t be written for another 30 years.
There is some conjectural biblical exegesis which the author puts into the testimony of his characters. For example, a young (Jon) Mark (as he would still have been in A.D. 30) informs Matthias that he went to the tomb, found the stone rolled away, prayed and slept and then awoke as the women arrived to anoint the body. As he frightened them, they fled, however we are meant to discern from this conversation (between Matthias and Mark) that (Jon) Mark is the ‘young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe’ (Mark 16:5) who tells the women, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. But go and tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.’” (Mark 16:6-7)
Still whether you accept or reject some of these explanations of the more minor mysteries concerning the resurrection, Mandino’s story is a compelling and detailed examination of the subject, especially for a work of fiction.
January 29, 2010
Og Mandino courageously raised the question of all questions, then took you back to Jerusalem at the time of Christ and had you solve the mystery with the likes of Joseph of Arimathea, Peter, Mary Magdalene, and others. While I am sure not all solutions were the same, The Greatest Story Ever Told was not compromised, but rather enhanced by the wonderful Og Mandino. I am sure this late, great self-help story-teller is resting in peace.
July 12, 2008
De todos los libros que leí de Og Mandino, este fue el único que me gustó de verdad. Me dio tanta curiosidad el tema, que entonces me leí los 4 Caballos de Trolla que eran nuevos en aquella época.
Eran los ochenta y yo tendría 12, estaba formando mi criterio... Ups :-)
Eran los ochenta y yo tendría 12, estaba formando mi criterio... Ups :-)
January 1, 2016
First book for the year! Woooooh!
August 8, 2025
I’m so glad we read this for book group though it’s older. It really gives you pause to think about what things were like after Jesus was resurrected. I appreciate the authors perspective in the novel and can’t wait to discuss it. 😀
December 12, 2019
Un libro muy entretenido para quien gusta de estos temas. Por otra parte que pasaría si de repente por algún evento inesperado pudieras ir al acontecimiento histórico que te permitiera no solo ver de primera mano todo lo ocurrido sino que además desvelar incógnitas que por mucho tiempo eran un misterio.
April 29, 2016
For those whose faith are dwindling down the cliff of Mt. Sirac. This book is bound to restore your faith.
The story goes: While in a talk show, a best selling author said that a book he's working on for 20 years is about Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Except all his research seems to come to the conclusion that Christ never rose back from the dead, and that what Christians celebrate over 2000 years is a lie. Now, this outraged the audience, even the famed talk show host couldn't save him, causing him to flee from the scene.
Later that night, he went in a bar contemplating the night's event over a nice glass of whiskey. Now, to make things even more, I don't know...ill-fated, the TV was currently airing that particular show he was in. People in the bar recognized him, and this Christian guy in the bar with an inclination to break necks came up to him and asked him to clarify himself. Matthew, the best-selling author, thought he had to be honest, and said something like, "It's true. The Easter is a hoax." So this Christian guy landed a punch on his face that knocked him down right there.
When he woke up, he's in Jerusalem. Years after the death of Christ.
The story goes: While in a talk show, a best selling author said that a book he's working on for 20 years is about Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Except all his research seems to come to the conclusion that Christ never rose back from the dead, and that what Christians celebrate over 2000 years is a lie. Now, this outraged the audience, even the famed talk show host couldn't save him, causing him to flee from the scene.
Later that night, he went in a bar contemplating the night's event over a nice glass of whiskey. Now, to make things even more, I don't know...ill-fated, the TV was currently airing that particular show he was in. People in the bar recognized him, and this Christian guy in the bar with an inclination to break necks came up to him and asked him to clarify himself. Matthew, the best-selling author, thought he had to be honest, and said something like, "It's true. The Easter is a hoax." So this Christian guy landed a punch on his face that knocked him down right there.
When he woke up, he's in Jerusalem. Years after the death of Christ.
May 28, 2011
Renown mystery writer, Matt Lawrence, begins his journey on the Carson show revealing an unfinished manuscript denying the rise of Christ in the tomb, which leads to his inevitable journey back in time to 36 AD in search of the truth.
There are few things in life I like less than a story that is full of the journalistic approach to shoving information down my throat because they lack the creativity to share it any other way, which is what this book does. If one can pass beyond the narcissistic protagonist and his plethora of knowledge of a time during the Christ years, than they must force forward to one question/answer session after another with an ending equally as disappointing and narcissistic as its beginning.
There are few things in life I like less than a story that is full of the journalistic approach to shoving information down my throat because they lack the creativity to share it any other way, which is what this book does. If one can pass beyond the narcissistic protagonist and his plethora of knowledge of a time during the Christ years, than they must force forward to one question/answer session after another with an ending equally as disappointing and narcissistic as its beginning.
January 17, 2021
Muy buen libro e imaginación del autor. No es una novela histórica, aunque da ciertos datos de la época y lugares cercanos a los que vivió Jesús de Nazareth. Para mi que soy católico, me conmovieron muchas partes, el final me hizo llorar. Narrativa súper ligera.
May 8, 2012
Intensa y sorprendente.
February 7, 2018
Very engaging
I have read several books by Og Mandindo. The depth of his research was amazing! I highly recommend this book!
I have read several books by Og Mandindo. The depth of his research was amazing! I highly recommend this book!
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May 8, 2025A história relata a busca do escritor Matias, também chamado de Matt, em desvendar o enigma do sumiço do corpo de Jesus, o que evidenciou a sua ressurreição. Sua investigação fictícia em torno da ultima semana de Jesus na Terra faz o livro ter suspense, drama e mistério por trás de um retorno com duração de uma semana ao ano 36, algo que lhe proporciona a investigação minuciosa com os apóstolos, contando com a ajuda principal de José de Arimatéa, o qual se responsabilizou pelo corpo falecido de Jesus. Sua pesquisa consiste em descobrir a tese de que Jesus jamais ressuscitara dos mortos. Durante sua investigação Matias descobre que o anjo visto no túmulo de Jesus era Marcos, o qual tinha catorze anos.
Marcos houvera entrado no local antes de João e Pedro, os quais haviam estado lá antes de Maria Madalena e outra mulher. Ainda assim fica a dúvida: quem teria estado lá antes de Marcos? A visita do espírito de Jesus aos apóstolos reunidos foi a força que os fez sair do anonimato transformando os derrotados na maior força em prol do bem que o mundo inteiro jamais conheceu. De acovardados eles ganharam força, levaram a palavra ao povo com tamanha força e vigor que a mesma reinou durante os séculos posteriores e provavelmente nunca acabará. Eles espalharam o cristianismo ao mundo enfrentando inclusive a própria morte assim como Cristo. Shobi, um dos vigias de Caifás que guardava o túmulo, vê quando Jesus sai do local, mesmo com a pedra da entrada selada. Então ele acorda os demais soldados que estavam dormindo e os quatro abrem o tumulo para verificar se o corpo de Jesus estava lá dentro, constatando que o mesmo misteriosamente sumira. Shobi ficou escondido morando na casa de Nicodemos enquanto os outros três guardas se suicidaram.
Ao final o mistério não se desfaz, ficando a certeza de que Jesus ressuscitou e seu corpo simplesmente sumiu para sempre. Ao final do livro ele é levado preso por Pôncil Pilatos, o qual o coloca para desafiar Pórcio no Circulo da Morte. Matias volta ao mundo e a vida normal depois de uma das lanças do legionário Pórcio bater em seu amuleto: um pingente com um peixe, uma inscrição e uma ancora de esperança gravadas num pedaço de ouro de formato estranho preso a uma tira de couro, algo que ele ganhou de José e carregava no pescoço. De resto descobri que o nome Matias é uma variante de Mateus, nome que significa dádiva de Deus.
Marcos houvera entrado no local antes de João e Pedro, os quais haviam estado lá antes de Maria Madalena e outra mulher. Ainda assim fica a dúvida: quem teria estado lá antes de Marcos? A visita do espírito de Jesus aos apóstolos reunidos foi a força que os fez sair do anonimato transformando os derrotados na maior força em prol do bem que o mundo inteiro jamais conheceu. De acovardados eles ganharam força, levaram a palavra ao povo com tamanha força e vigor que a mesma reinou durante os séculos posteriores e provavelmente nunca acabará. Eles espalharam o cristianismo ao mundo enfrentando inclusive a própria morte assim como Cristo. Shobi, um dos vigias de Caifás que guardava o túmulo, vê quando Jesus sai do local, mesmo com a pedra da entrada selada. Então ele acorda os demais soldados que estavam dormindo e os quatro abrem o tumulo para verificar se o corpo de Jesus estava lá dentro, constatando que o mesmo misteriosamente sumira. Shobi ficou escondido morando na casa de Nicodemos enquanto os outros três guardas se suicidaram.
Ao final o mistério não se desfaz, ficando a certeza de que Jesus ressuscitou e seu corpo simplesmente sumiu para sempre. Ao final do livro ele é levado preso por Pôncil Pilatos, o qual o coloca para desafiar Pórcio no Circulo da Morte. Matias volta ao mundo e a vida normal depois de uma das lanças do legionário Pórcio bater em seu amuleto: um pingente com um peixe, uma inscrição e uma ancora de esperança gravadas num pedaço de ouro de formato estranho preso a uma tira de couro, algo que ele ganhou de José e carregava no pescoço. De resto descobri que o nome Matias é uma variante de Mateus, nome que significa dádiva de Deus.
June 8, 2023
I found this book on my Dad’s bookshelf nearly forty years ago when I was in my early twenties.
I loved reading it that first time and I’ve just completed my third time through.
This is about a successful mystery/detective novelist who states on national television (The Tonight Show) that Jesus did NOT rise from the dead, but that it was a hoax. He says that if he had a week in AD 36, he could use his knowledge of investigative techniques to uncover the truth.
Later, after an angry drunk punches his lights out and he wakes up in AD 36 - his investigation begins.
The premise sounds a little silly - but I remember how the various New Testament characters came to life to me as I read the novel - and how much more vivid the gospels themselves were as I read them afterwards.
It’s a compelling “page turner” and even suspenseful.
Two problems: it was written in the early eighties, so the first chapter is dated (before the main character is transported back to AD 36). Johnny Carson is the host of The Tonight Show and most of the celebrities referenced are from long ago.
Also, the author has the Bible characters speak in something similar to King James English. That’s a little jolting. I wish more modern language had been used - but, again, this was published forty years ago when KJV was still king of the translation hill.
The Christ Commission is a wonderful read - and highly recommended.
I loved reading it that first time and I’ve just completed my third time through.
This is about a successful mystery/detective novelist who states on national television (The Tonight Show) that Jesus did NOT rise from the dead, but that it was a hoax. He says that if he had a week in AD 36, he could use his knowledge of investigative techniques to uncover the truth.
Later, after an angry drunk punches his lights out and he wakes up in AD 36 - his investigation begins.
The premise sounds a little silly - but I remember how the various New Testament characters came to life to me as I read the novel - and how much more vivid the gospels themselves were as I read them afterwards.
It’s a compelling “page turner” and even suspenseful.
Two problems: it was written in the early eighties, so the first chapter is dated (before the main character is transported back to AD 36). Johnny Carson is the host of The Tonight Show and most of the celebrities referenced are from long ago.
Also, the author has the Bible characters speak in something similar to King James English. That’s a little jolting. I wish more modern language had been used - but, again, this was published forty years ago when KJV was still king of the translation hill.
The Christ Commission is a wonderful read - and highly recommended.
March 27, 2025
Awesome!!
So... I'm A fan of historical fiction, especially historical fiction the colors the lines of the New Testament era. I'm not sure how I never encountered this author before but consider it a blessing of God priming that this volume recently caught my eye!
Told in first person, the proponent is a very successful author of crime fiction and in a late night appearance on a talk show reveals he will nog add to his best selling series, instead he announces his desire to complete a long-time back burner expose as to how Jesus never really rose from the grave and that Christianity is a sham! No spoiler on how it happens, but he suddenly finds himself back in time to just six years after the crucifixion of Jesse a d is able to interview the very people involved in the life, death, and alleged resurrection of Jesus; however, his aim is to discredit such accounts as sham and folly.
Again, no spoiler, just to say I recommend you read this book and prepare yourself to be lead toward deeper insights into what actually happened!!
I certainly look forward to reading other books by this author!!
So... I'm A fan of historical fiction, especially historical fiction the colors the lines of the New Testament era. I'm not sure how I never encountered this author before but consider it a blessing of God priming that this volume recently caught my eye!
Told in first person, the proponent is a very successful author of crime fiction and in a late night appearance on a talk show reveals he will nog add to his best selling series, instead he announces his desire to complete a long-time back burner expose as to how Jesus never really rose from the grave and that Christianity is a sham! No spoiler on how it happens, but he suddenly finds himself back in time to just six years after the crucifixion of Jesse a d is able to interview the very people involved in the life, death, and alleged resurrection of Jesus; however, his aim is to discredit such accounts as sham and folly.
Again, no spoiler, just to say I recommend you read this book and prepare yourself to be lead toward deeper insights into what actually happened!!
I certainly look forward to reading other books by this author!!
July 29, 2021
Primero que nada quiero mencionar que me considero agnóstico apático, por lo cual leer este libro ha partido de la duda y no de seguir aprendiendo sobre Jesús.
La estructura de la historia considero que es buena, es manejada como un libro policial partiendo de interrogatorios e incertidumbre. Personalmente no conocía tantos detalles de la trayectoria de Jesús pero en verdad es una historia muy fascinante llena de heroísmo y fantasía. Me cuesta bastante aceptar lo expuesto en el libro ya que al final son conjeturas que parten de "hechos".
Le doy 4 estrellas ya que leerlo es un deleite, la narrativa es muy buena y se disfruta al paso de las paginas. ¿Lo recomiendo? Diría que si pero no por iniciativa propia, si eres religioso este libro aumentara tu fe. De caso contrario terminaras como yo con un escozor al final del libro.
La estructura de la historia considero que es buena, es manejada como un libro policial partiendo de interrogatorios e incertidumbre. Personalmente no conocía tantos detalles de la trayectoria de Jesús pero en verdad es una historia muy fascinante llena de heroísmo y fantasía. Me cuesta bastante aceptar lo expuesto en el libro ya que al final son conjeturas que parten de "hechos".
Le doy 4 estrellas ya que leerlo es un deleite, la narrativa es muy buena y se disfruta al paso de las paginas. ¿Lo recomiendo? Diría que si pero no por iniciativa propia, si eres religioso este libro aumentara tu fe. De caso contrario terminaras como yo con un escozor al final del libro.
November 9, 2021
Wow! Just wow!
Honestly, I am sort of speechless. I just got done reading this for a 2nd time. The last time I read this book was about 20 years ago. Og Mandino takes you directly into Jesus’s time period. Personally, I am not much of a reader. Most books do not hold my interest, I have to force myself to read. Probably because of my ADHD. This book, had me excited to read it from start to finish! It really gets you thinking about everything that happened around Christ’s death. It really gets you thinking about the sacrifices he made and the sacrifices his disciples made, how genuinely scared they had to be and how honestly improbable Christ being a hoax is. Like many, I have a question my faith throughout the years but, this book really helps me cement my love and faith in Christ!
Honestly, I am sort of speechless. I just got done reading this for a 2nd time. The last time I read this book was about 20 years ago. Og Mandino takes you directly into Jesus’s time period. Personally, I am not much of a reader. Most books do not hold my interest, I have to force myself to read. Probably because of my ADHD. This book, had me excited to read it from start to finish! It really gets you thinking about everything that happened around Christ’s death. It really gets you thinking about the sacrifices he made and the sacrifices his disciples made, how genuinely scared they had to be and how honestly improbable Christ being a hoax is. Like many, I have a question my faith throughout the years but, this book really helps me cement my love and faith in Christ!
April 23, 2023
At the end of a book tour, massively successful author Matt Lawrence appears on the Johnny Carson Show where he admits his belief that Jesus Christ was not resurrected and instead his body was stolen. Matt vocalizes his wish for a week to return to six years after Christ's death where Matt could interview the key players in Jesus's life and death, certain he could prove his theory correct. The fallout from his admission result in a punch that knocks Matt unconscious. When he awakes he finds that his wish has been granted and he is given a week to determine what really happened to Jesus after he was crucified. Those interviewed include many who interacted daily with Jesus and those who condemned him to death. Much of the material is directly quoted from the Bible along with Og Mandino's own imagination and theories thrown in to make a unique story. Rated 3.5/5.
August 16, 2023
Este libro me ayudó a resolver varias dudas que tenia acerca de la religión en general de una manera que nunca me hubiera imaginado, me gusto bastante y siento que puede ayudar a gente que pone en cuestión su fe. Personalmente me ayudo a comprender la naturaleza de lo que se quiere practicar en cuanto a la religión. Si tuviera la oportunidad me gustaría leerlo con el mismo entusiasmo y misterio y dudas que tenia como si fuera la primera vez que tomó el libro
April 9, 2024
not great
This book was ok and had some good parts, but overall it was a pretty mediocre reading experience. Reading so many over the top vivid and wordy descriptions of virtually everything (people, rooms, places, landscapes, meals, caves, trees, etc.) got very old very fast. I reached a point I just skipped over them. Glad I read it but I can’t now scratch this author off my list.
This book was ok and had some good parts, but overall it was a pretty mediocre reading experience. Reading so many over the top vivid and wordy descriptions of virtually everything (people, rooms, places, landscapes, meals, caves, trees, etc.) got very old very fast. I reached a point I just skipped over them. Glad I read it but I can’t now scratch this author off my list.
November 2, 2024
Tarde o temprano, la humanidad se dará cuenta de que el mejor remedio para todos los infortunios y desaciertos, preocupaciones, penas y crímenes de la humanidad estriba exclusivamente en los actos de amor. El amor es el mayor presente de Dios; es la chispa divina que por doquiera produce y restaura la vida.
Para todos y cada uno de nosotros el amor nos da la fuerza, como sucedió en tu caso, Matías, para obrar milagros con nuestra propia vida y con las de aquellos que nos rodean.
Para todos y cada uno de nosotros el amor nos da la fuerza, como sucedió en tu caso, Matías, para obrar milagros con nuestra propia vida y con las de aquellos que nos rodean.
February 1, 2019
An original “time-travel book. Matthias goes back in time for one short week after the crucifixion of Christ. His purpose is to find out who actually stole Christ’s body from the tomb and where they hid it. Through his investigation and interviews, can he discern the truth and find the answer he seeks?
June 5, 2020
Og Mandino has a great writing style. He brings up many points of the Gospels that may sound controversial or - at least - that don't add up. His character seeks a truth he has built to himself but in the end his inquiry brings him to the conclusion people had a thousand years before we we born. It's a good read.
March 1, 2021
I’ve read this book thrice already, and I must say, no matter how many times I read it, it will always feel like I am inside the story, as if I’m with the protagonist as he tried to investigate and prove that our Lord Jesus Christ’s rising from the dead was a hoax. Not saying anything anymore, it may be fiction, but damn! This is a must read.
June 12, 2021
I wish that I was able to read this years ago. The book narrated the events on the last few days of Jesus with interviews that really made sense. Though the conversations are fictional,it made me realize that I only read the Bible as is and I have not questioned the logical reason behind the events and how it connected to other verses - I will certainly check on it.
January 27, 2022
A story about a guy who goes back in time to attempt to prove that Christ never resurrected from the tomb. He interviews people such as Peter, James, John, Caiaphus, Pilate, and others. As the story goes on, he realizes that Christ did indeed resurrect and that it’s impossible to say that the resurrection was a hoax.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2017
Was a fun book to read, and had some interesting insights about the personal relationships of Jesus.
Recommended for anyone that enjoys stories of Christ and the early days of the Christian movement.
Recommended for anyone that enjoys stories of Christ and the early days of the Christian movement.
June 14, 2021
I really appreciate all of the research and creativity that went into this book. The whole thing was so fun for me to imagine and also helped me humanize many of the people I have been taught so much about.
June 3, 2022
"The Greatest Mystery Writer in the World" bragged he could prove Christ was actually stolen from the tomb and never really rose from the dead...
I thought this was a fascinating book...what would I give to go back and see for a moment those times
I thought this was a fascinating book...what would I give to go back and see for a moment those times
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