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The Kingdom and the Crown #1
Fishers of Men
In an ancient land in a time foretold by prophets, a babe was born beneath a shining star. Thirty years later, Jesus of Nazareth began teaching a message of hope, peace, and love. He claimed to be the Son of God, and his words - and his life - would change the world. In Fishers of Men, the first volume in the new series The Kingdom and the Crown, best-selling author Gerald N. Lund transports us to the days of Christ's mortal ministry and invites us to experience the emotions and events of those extraordinary times. Reports of Jesus of Nazareth have reached the ears of David ben Joseph, a merchant in Capernaum, who has waited and watched for the Messiah ever since a special, starlit night thirty years ago. He and his family decide to see for themselves whether or not the rumors are true and journey to hear Jesus. Though David is quick to accept Jesus as the Messiah, the rest of his family is more cautious. His wife, Deborah, and his son, Simeon, leaders in the rebellious Zealot movement, look for a Messiah that will crush the Romans with power and the sword, not one preaching a message of love and forgiveness. Meanwhile, reports of Jesus have reached into the very heart of Jerusalem, and both the powerful Sadducee Mordechai ben Uzziel and the Pharisee Azariah are growing uneasy with the news. Though they hold opposing political views, both agree that something must be done to stop this man from Nazareth before he gets out of hand. However, in Mordechai's own household the influence of the carpenter from Nazareth begins to create conflict. Fishers of Men is a sweeping epic filled with memorable characters who bring to life an extraordinary time in the history of the world. It is a story about the importance of family, the power of faith, the miracle of forgiveness, and the strength needed to follow your heart.
642 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2000
159 people are currently reading
5428 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books752 followersGerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 766 reviews
September 11, 2008
When I’d finished the Work and the Glory, I decided to go to the Kingdom and the Crown series next. The premise sounded great: in a similar vein to Lund’s more famous series, a fictional family is followed during a pivotal moment in history: this time, during the time of Christ. Researched like a history book but as readable as a novel, it promised to provide real learning in a fun way.
And then, for some reason that I still can’t put my finger on, I couldn’t even get past the prologue. It went back to the Provo Library unread.
Four years later, I was ready to try again — and this time around, I’m loving it.
That said, I still didn’t love the beginning this time around. Too many action sequences, too many characters with long Roman and Hebrew names to suddenly keep track of, too many italicized words in foreign languages to stumble over. Way, way too much violence, it seemed — not gruesome violence, just mean people threatening each other and sometimes a few (non-graphic) scenes. Wasn’t this supposed to be a book about Christ? I asked myself as I read. He wasn’t even mentioned until about a hundred pages in, maybe more. There was just one singular passing reference to John the Baptist.
I confessed my thoughts to my friend Ashley (who’d recommended the series and loaned me the first book), and she apologized but promised it got better, that those first hundred pages or so were laying the groundwork so that everything else could be placed in context.
She was right: it did get better, and what seemed to be longwindedness proved to be necessary background.
Soon I realized that so many things that had been so abstract in my reading of the New Testament now actually had meaning: the geography (”Capernaum” wasn’t just some random point on a map anymore), the customs (there is an entire chapter, for instance, detailing events surrounding a betrothal), the people (finally I understand the difference between a Pharisee and a Saducee!). And, while the reactions of the fictional characters are obviously speculation on how some might have perceived him, Lund did an excellent job of bringing up ideas I never had considered: for example, I’ve been taught that the Christ the Messiah is the literal Son of God since I was a child, but someone looking on this Man with fresh eyes might find this incredible. Thus it gave me a new appreciation for who Christ is and what he taught.
And even the fictional storyline, which I struggled to keep up with at times, proved to be page-turning at the end: last night, Nathan had gone to bed hours before, and yet I was up, turning pages until the end. It was a good thing Ashley had loaned me one book at a time or I don’t think I would’ve been able to resist opening up the second volume once I’d closed the first!
An educational and uplifting read — I’m looking forward to the others!
And then, for some reason that I still can’t put my finger on, I couldn’t even get past the prologue. It went back to the Provo Library unread.
Four years later, I was ready to try again — and this time around, I’m loving it.
That said, I still didn’t love the beginning this time around. Too many action sequences, too many characters with long Roman and Hebrew names to suddenly keep track of, too many italicized words in foreign languages to stumble over. Way, way too much violence, it seemed — not gruesome violence, just mean people threatening each other and sometimes a few (non-graphic) scenes. Wasn’t this supposed to be a book about Christ? I asked myself as I read. He wasn’t even mentioned until about a hundred pages in, maybe more. There was just one singular passing reference to John the Baptist.
I confessed my thoughts to my friend Ashley (who’d recommended the series and loaned me the first book), and she apologized but promised it got better, that those first hundred pages or so were laying the groundwork so that everything else could be placed in context.
She was right: it did get better, and what seemed to be longwindedness proved to be necessary background.
Soon I realized that so many things that had been so abstract in my reading of the New Testament now actually had meaning: the geography (”Capernaum” wasn’t just some random point on a map anymore), the customs (there is an entire chapter, for instance, detailing events surrounding a betrothal), the people (finally I understand the difference between a Pharisee and a Saducee!). And, while the reactions of the fictional characters are obviously speculation on how some might have perceived him, Lund did an excellent job of bringing up ideas I never had considered: for example, I’ve been taught that the Christ the Messiah is the literal Son of God since I was a child, but someone looking on this Man with fresh eyes might find this incredible. Thus it gave me a new appreciation for who Christ is and what he taught.
And even the fictional storyline, which I struggled to keep up with at times, proved to be page-turning at the end: last night, Nathan had gone to bed hours before, and yet I was up, turning pages until the end. It was a good thing Ashley had loaned me one book at a time or I don’t think I would’ve been able to resist opening up the second volume once I’d closed the first!
An educational and uplifting read — I’m looking forward to the others!
June 21, 2011
When my husband saw the series "The Kingdom and the Crown" on sale at Deseret Book, he suggested we buy them and read them together. Forget the fact I have never read a book with someone since my parents read to me as a kid, I just wasn't that interested. I decided to humor him because it did mean some one-on-one time with him.
Never before have I tried to read a book that is fiction based solely off of scripture. I never got into Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites even. I didn't like the movie version of Lund's Joseph Smith series either. This series follows a family and their friends during the New Testament time period. They meet Christ, his disciples, and many are baptized themselves.
I have been really surprised how entertaining they are. There is even some romance and awesome action! Lund creates many believable characters and I just eat up their personalities. My favorite is little Esther (read it to know why). The first book ended with a great cliff-hanger and I was excited to pick up the next! Gerald Lund is sure to do his homework so each chapter ends with notes about the culture back at the time of Christ and scripture references. It is a fun way to open up my imagination when visualizing the stories from the New Testament.
Try it. You will be surprised!
Never before have I tried to read a book that is fiction based solely off of scripture. I never got into Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites even. I didn't like the movie version of Lund's Joseph Smith series either. This series follows a family and their friends during the New Testament time period. They meet Christ, his disciples, and many are baptized themselves.
I have been really surprised how entertaining they are. There is even some romance and awesome action! Lund creates many believable characters and I just eat up their personalities. My favorite is little Esther (read it to know why). The first book ended with a great cliff-hanger and I was excited to pick up the next! Gerald Lund is sure to do his homework so each chapter ends with notes about the culture back at the time of Christ and scripture references. It is a fun way to open up my imagination when visualizing the stories from the New Testament.
Try it. You will be surprised!
March 19, 2008
I hesitated to start reading these books because I figured it would be the same old, same old. I've read about Christ's life in the Bible, learned about His life at church for over 40 years - the story isn't going to change, right? I guess I forgot who was writing the books. Mr. Lund can make the same old, same old become riveting and a book I don't want to put down until I'm finished. And when I say "a" book, I mean all three of them.
With a desire to be accurate as well as fair to differring opinions, Mr. Lund takes you through the years of Christ's ministry on Earth through the eyes of a fictional family who are good people with a desire to do what is right. Their experiences as well as observances of other characters help you to imagine being there as they listen to Christ's teachings. In my opinion it is Mr. Lund's notes at the end of the chapters where he explains why he chose to put a certain parable in that chapter versus somewhere else that make the books so good. He made understand the scriptures even more than I thought I did.
With a desire to be accurate as well as fair to differring opinions, Mr. Lund takes you through the years of Christ's ministry on Earth through the eyes of a fictional family who are good people with a desire to do what is right. Their experiences as well as observances of other characters help you to imagine being there as they listen to Christ's teachings. In my opinion it is Mr. Lund's notes at the end of the chapters where he explains why he chose to put a certain parable in that chapter versus somewhere else that make the books so good. He made understand the scriptures even more than I thought I did.
November 5, 2007
I loved loved loved this book. After reading The Work and the Glory, and then this, Gerald N Lund has to be my favorite author.
Anyways, when I first started reading this book, maybe the first chapter, I was a little intimidated because I thought that I wasn't really "in touch" with this time era, and the terms would be too difficult for me to understand what it really meant. But the author gives super details and explains so much to make you really understand the time that all of this took place. I felt that I was there, watching Jesus talk to the multitudes, witnessing the miracles, and really picturing in my mind what He was really like, the countenance He had/has. Some parts I felt so into it that I got teary eyed and even some chills. It was like I was watching a movie in my mind. The author doesn't really add too much to what Jesus says other than what we know what was said from the Scriptures, which is awesome, because he says in the preface what Jesus says is sacred, therefore, he doesn't want to add to it. This book is filled also with fictional characters, and it really helps you to understand what went on in homes after they have heard Jesus teach---what was said, why some people didn't believe, why some people did, questions that people had, etc. This book also makes you think...What would I have done if I lived in those times, would I have believed? Why? Why not?
The story of Jesus Christ is truely the best story ever told, and this book has helped me to clearly understand the times in which He lived & His ministry here on earth. I can't read to read the next book!
Anyways, when I first started reading this book, maybe the first chapter, I was a little intimidated because I thought that I wasn't really "in touch" with this time era, and the terms would be too difficult for me to understand what it really meant. But the author gives super details and explains so much to make you really understand the time that all of this took place. I felt that I was there, watching Jesus talk to the multitudes, witnessing the miracles, and really picturing in my mind what He was really like, the countenance He had/has. Some parts I felt so into it that I got teary eyed and even some chills. It was like I was watching a movie in my mind. The author doesn't really add too much to what Jesus says other than what we know what was said from the Scriptures, which is awesome, because he says in the preface what Jesus says is sacred, therefore, he doesn't want to add to it. This book is filled also with fictional characters, and it really helps you to understand what went on in homes after they have heard Jesus teach---what was said, why some people didn't believe, why some people did, questions that people had, etc. This book also makes you think...What would I have done if I lived in those times, would I have believed? Why? Why not?
The story of Jesus Christ is truely the best story ever told, and this book has helped me to clearly understand the times in which He lived & His ministry here on earth. I can't read to read the next book!
February 17, 2012
I had mixed feelings reading this book.
The positive: I learned so much. Tons of detailed information about ancient Judaean life; social classes, roles, beliefs, Pharisees, Sadducees, zealots, gentiles, Rome, the layout of the temple, rituals, and on and on. Some things I already knew, but maybe not in so much detail, and some knowledge was totally new. All of these things went a long way in putting biblical events in context, being able to consider how Christ's teachings might be received by different individuals, and what they might expect of Him. I also loved the notes at the end of the chapter telling you scriptural references, as well as citing biblical scholars. So two thumbs way up for the wealth of information and research.
The negative: I just don't personally enjoy Lund's writing style. The dialogue always seemed cheesy and scripted. I didn't really care much about the fictional characters and all of the side plots going on with them. I would liked it much better if the book were about half as long, leaving out the family dramas, love triangles, vengeance, and overly complicated triple-crossings, but focusing more on the Savior's life. He wasn't even a major character in the book, more of an aside.
That said, I like it well enough to want to read the next two...I don't think they're quite as long.
The positive: I learned so much. Tons of detailed information about ancient Judaean life; social classes, roles, beliefs, Pharisees, Sadducees, zealots, gentiles, Rome, the layout of the temple, rituals, and on and on. Some things I already knew, but maybe not in so much detail, and some knowledge was totally new. All of these things went a long way in putting biblical events in context, being able to consider how Christ's teachings might be received by different individuals, and what they might expect of Him. I also loved the notes at the end of the chapter telling you scriptural references, as well as citing biblical scholars. So two thumbs way up for the wealth of information and research.
The negative: I just don't personally enjoy Lund's writing style. The dialogue always seemed cheesy and scripted. I didn't really care much about the fictional characters and all of the side plots going on with them. I would liked it much better if the book were about half as long, leaving out the family dramas, love triangles, vengeance, and overly complicated triple-crossings, but focusing more on the Savior's life. He wasn't even a major character in the book, more of an aside.
That said, I like it well enough to want to read the next two...I don't think they're quite as long.
February 15, 2025
To put it very very simply this book is The Chosen in book form which is amazing but is not something that I would read (or watch) quickly. My testimony didn’t grow because of it but my testimony isn’t based on The Chosen either. Worth your time if you want a religious read? Absolutely. Very well done, but a too long winded at times with too many details and characters. Definitely helps if you have some background knowledge of ancient/modern geography, biblical languages, culture, and literature.
February 25, 2008
This series is one of my all time favorite books. The series is written by the same author of Work and the Glory but it is so so much better. When my parents gave me these books I thought, oh great, some boring church books, but when I finally got around to picking the first volume up I couldn't put it down. The plot in very entertaining with love, war, politics, and history all intricately involved but what I love about this book in addition to the entertainment value is the way it helped me to understand Christ's life and ministry better. After reading Kingdom and the Crown I feel that I have a better understanding of the history of religion and polotics during the time of the New Testament. After every chapter is an explanation of where the author found his information, what is fact, what is commonly believed, and what is speculation. I highly recommend this book to everyone! Trust me...you will not regret picking it up!
March 31, 2008
With this series I was drawn into the story right from the beginning. I particularly enjoyed the way the author worked the teachings and events from Jesus' life into the narration in a natural way, so that it was as if we are there watching the actual events transpire. Lund's work has helped me reach a level of clarity regarding the Savior's ministry. This series did a wonderful job helping me understand which characters in the books are really from the New Testament, and where he was favoring certain scriptural interpretations over others. The chapter endnotes were fantastic and very enlightening!
July 21, 2010
After reading "Echo in the Darkness," I was left disturbed by the perversion and feeling empty. I immediately picked up this series after a recommendation from a dear friend, and I just devoured it. What an amazing series about the 3 year ministry of Jesus Christ! I felt like I was one of his close disciples experiencing first hand the many miracles performed and parables taught by Him. What a powerful and moving experience. I learned so much!
August 19, 2008
What an amazing writer Elder Lund is. He has a wonderful talent of taking historial/biblical events and makes they come to life. Just like in the Work and the Glory books, I get to read a great story and learn some histoy at the same time. What great joy I have had in reading this first books.
August 19, 2008
This is a fabulous series from Gerald Lund detailing the time of the Savior's life. This book follows a family who have to decide for themselves is Jesus is the Son of God or merely a good person.
January 27, 2011
Started out a bit slow but then picked up and was hard to put down.
March 11, 2023
4.5
A wonderful mix of fiction and fictional characters, along side the retelling of the Biblical account of the start of Jesus' ministry. I think this account of people 's thoughts and experiences is both interesting and realistic, adding an additional dimension to the teachings and ministry. I love it.
A wonderful mix of fiction and fictional characters, along side the retelling of the Biblical account of the start of Jesus' ministry. I think this account of people 's thoughts and experiences is both interesting and realistic, adding an additional dimension to the teachings and ministry. I love it.
November 21, 2024
took me quite awhile to get into. probably mostly cause I didn't have a good way of listening to it. but probably before half way it was so good. loved the way it brought Jesus miracles to life!
March 12, 2014
I'd been wanting to read this series for a while and finally started it when I felt I had some time to give. I was reluctant because I remembered the Work and the Glory being somewhat cheesy, but I really wanted to learn more about the Savior's life.
As far as the whole series goes, I wasn't disappointed. But in the first book it takes a long time to introduce Him and I kept just waiting...and waiting...and waiting. The introduction of the characters and back stories took a really long time, and I think I would have been more interested if I knew how they'd all fit into the story of Christ. And it IS somewhat cheesy at times, but I love the effort Lund puts into research, and his inclusion of the notes telling his sources and additional info really makes you learn about the setting and culture of the Holy Land at the time. So while the back story isn't necessarily what I was reading for and could be long-winded, it definitely helps you remember all the details better. Pretty good overall.
I will warn that while the book speaks in modern-day language, as do the characters, in order to keep a true account and not try to interpret things himself, Lund writes the Savior's lines word for word from the KJV. He explains this in the foreword, but it still gave the writing a slight disconnect between the other characters and Christ's speaking. Kinda weird, but I understand why he did it that way.
I think what I like most about the series is that having multiple characters around for Christ's teachings allow for multiple interpretations of His words to be considered, and all could be right. It opened up, in my mind, many more possibilities of what Christ may have meant and I love that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Christ's life. Super educational and easy to follow the story because Lund gives you (mostly) relatable characters.
As far as the whole series goes, I wasn't disappointed. But in the first book it takes a long time to introduce Him and I kept just waiting...and waiting...and waiting. The introduction of the characters and back stories took a really long time, and I think I would have been more interested if I knew how they'd all fit into the story of Christ. And it IS somewhat cheesy at times, but I love the effort Lund puts into research, and his inclusion of the notes telling his sources and additional info really makes you learn about the setting and culture of the Holy Land at the time. So while the back story isn't necessarily what I was reading for and could be long-winded, it definitely helps you remember all the details better. Pretty good overall.
I will warn that while the book speaks in modern-day language, as do the characters, in order to keep a true account and not try to interpret things himself, Lund writes the Savior's lines word for word from the KJV. He explains this in the foreword, but it still gave the writing a slight disconnect between the other characters and Christ's speaking. Kinda weird, but I understand why he did it that way.
I think what I like most about the series is that having multiple characters around for Christ's teachings allow for multiple interpretations of His words to be considered, and all could be right. It opened up, in my mind, many more possibilities of what Christ may have meant and I love that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Christ's life. Super educational and easy to follow the story because Lund gives you (mostly) relatable characters.
August 4, 2015
It's been 10 years since I read this series, and it's definitely worth revisiting periodically. Lund masterfully weaves a fictional family into the time of the true Biblical story of Christ. His expert knowledge of the Middle East and Christ's time shines through every page. I feel I am there to see Christ's miracles as I read this book...Lund has a gift with bringing the Bible to life.
In sum: Any Christian would benefit from reading this book.
In sum: Any Christian would benefit from reading this book.
July 29, 2020
Simeon son of David, a dedicated Zealot struggled to accept Jesus as the Messia while his family were more ready to accept Jesus and His teachings. Meanwhile the Pharisees were eager to discredit Jesus. Over in Jerusalem, Miriam is horrified to discover that her father, Mordecai is in cahoots with the Roman's and scheming to destroy the Zealots. These and other characters are brought to life in a real and vivid way.
October 2, 2015
I just reread this book, and I think it's my favorite book of my father's. Wow. Story. Characters. Scriptures. All of it. Love it.
May 3, 2018
Reading this book feels like coming home. A favorite from my adolescent years.
November 9, 2021
At first I only gave this 2 stars, but I will explain why I added an additional star later.
I'm not sure where I got this book. I found it in my room on a bookshelf, brand new, hardback. I know I didn't purchase it and I also know that nobody who knows me well at all would give it to me as a gift. So how it came to be in my possession is a mystery to me. I'm willing to give it away, any buyers?
This book takes place at about 30AD. Or around the age 30 years of Jesus Christ, the first part of his ministry. I study a lot of theology. I study scripture as well as doctrine. I study only non-fiction. (As a side note, I also study neuroscience, self-help and psychology), but overall, I only read non-fiction. When I decided I'd look into this book since I've heard so many compliments and know many fanatics of Gerald N. Lund, I thought it would be more about the life of Christ in the year 30 AD. I was wrong.
Really, the book is not bad. It's not poorly written at all! It's really well done and the story is captivating. Or should I say storIES. There are several different scenes going on at once, as if in a soap opera. Unfortunately, that's the first thing that came to mind. I don't watch soaps, never have.
I say Lund is a very gifted writer and story teller. And he used what little information he had, the four gospels found in the Bible, to make up a whole book. This is the reason I increased my assessment to 3 stars instead of 2. He did well with what he had. But as for what he had, he didn't have to make it 639 pages unless he was going to go off on stories of his own, which is what he did.
I can see why many, many people fall in love with his books, and follow his series, can't wait for the next one to come out, etc. If you read any sort of fiction at all, it is well worth the read!
I won' t leave any spoilers from the lives of the characters introduced. I will just say, I'm on page 183 and so far all that I have read of Jesus Christ is (And I will leave out the whole conversation documentary, because there is bickering between uncle and nephew, the father asking truthful questions, the friend who keeps butting in asking only one question "Is this the Messiah? Did he say he was the Messiah?")
They are talking to Andrew, one of the first apostles who had been following John the Baptist. They went to find John to find out for themselves about this man who John claims to be the One. This is just what Andrew had to say after telling them that John is now in prison. Pgs 140-141
"What I was trying to say was [to Andrew], if John is the forerunner, do you think he knows if the Messiah has come?"
"He has," Andrew said quietly
Andrew went on eagerly "That's the other thing I have to tell you...While I was there last week, John kept speaking about the Messiah. Or at least we all assumed it was the Messiah he spoke of. He kept saying that there was one among us whom we did not know, whose shoe latchets John wasn't worthy to unloose. Knowing the reverence in which we all hold John, that was a startling statement, of course. Everyone pressed him to know who it was, but that was all he would say"
His face glowed with excitement. "Then the very next day a man came to where John was baptizing. The moment John saw him, he stopped speaking. He stared at him in such wonder that we all turned to see who it was." "John raised a hand and pointed at him. 'Behold the Lamb of God', he said in tones of greatest reverence, 'who takes away the sins of the world'"
"To our surprise, the man came forward--"
"His name is Jesus. He is from Nazareth, the son of a carpenter named Joseph. They say that Jesus is too a carpenter."
"So this Jesus came forward and asked John if he would baptize him. John was shocked. You could see that, even from where we were. 'But I have need to be baptized of thee, and you come to me?' he said. But Jesus insisted, saying to John, 'Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness.'"
"So John took Jesus down into the river and baptized him. It was nothing unusual, very much like all the other baptisms John was doing" Andrew stopped..."That is, until he finished.
"John looked surprised, almost startled. He was looking up, over and above the head of Jesus, and then he got this most wonderful look on his face."
("What was it?")
Andrew: "We weren't sure. Not then, anyway. Later, John told a group of us that as Jesus came up out of the water that he, John, saw the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus as if it were a dove."
("He actually saw the Holy Spirit?")
Andrew: "No. He saw a dove, which was the sign of the Holy Spirit's presence" Now he leaned forward, very earnest. "But that's not all. John said that he had been told that when he saw the Spirit descending upon a person, that person would be the one who had come to baptize not just with water, but with the Holy Ghost as well."
"The next day we were with John again. We were listening to him teach. Then this Jesus of Nazareth came by again. To my complete amazement, the moment John saw him, he said again, 'Behold the Lamb of God'"
That whole bit covered two pages, and that's including the other dialogue. I am sorely disappointed at not even learning more about Christ and His life!
I did like how Lund added Chapter Notes at the end of each chapter where he cited his references to the historical sites, times, symbolism, Roman Empire, Jewish rituals, Bible Chapters and verses, etc. He gives all of his information and where he got it. He did a lot of research for this book! I will say I am very impressed at that alone.
The only reason I judge it perhaps, so harshly, is just because it's not the kind of book I expected it to be. I didn't want stories of different fictional characters with Christ being a side note. He just means more to me than that, and I expected more than that. But Lund is a very gifted, well referenced, writer. And for those who read fiction, I do highly recommend this book. It's just not for me.
I'm not sure where I got this book. I found it in my room on a bookshelf, brand new, hardback. I know I didn't purchase it and I also know that nobody who knows me well at all would give it to me as a gift. So how it came to be in my possession is a mystery to me. I'm willing to give it away, any buyers?
This book takes place at about 30AD. Or around the age 30 years of Jesus Christ, the first part of his ministry. I study a lot of theology. I study scripture as well as doctrine. I study only non-fiction. (As a side note, I also study neuroscience, self-help and psychology), but overall, I only read non-fiction. When I decided I'd look into this book since I've heard so many compliments and know many fanatics of Gerald N. Lund, I thought it would be more about the life of Christ in the year 30 AD. I was wrong.
Really, the book is not bad. It's not poorly written at all! It's really well done and the story is captivating. Or should I say storIES. There are several different scenes going on at once, as if in a soap opera. Unfortunately, that's the first thing that came to mind. I don't watch soaps, never have.
I say Lund is a very gifted writer and story teller. And he used what little information he had, the four gospels found in the Bible, to make up a whole book. This is the reason I increased my assessment to 3 stars instead of 2. He did well with what he had. But as for what he had, he didn't have to make it 639 pages unless he was going to go off on stories of his own, which is what he did.
I can see why many, many people fall in love with his books, and follow his series, can't wait for the next one to come out, etc. If you read any sort of fiction at all, it is well worth the read!
I won' t leave any spoilers from the lives of the characters introduced. I will just say, I'm on page 183 and so far all that I have read of Jesus Christ is (And I will leave out the whole conversation documentary, because there is bickering between uncle and nephew, the father asking truthful questions, the friend who keeps butting in asking only one question "Is this the Messiah? Did he say he was the Messiah?")
They are talking to Andrew, one of the first apostles who had been following John the Baptist. They went to find John to find out for themselves about this man who John claims to be the One. This is just what Andrew had to say after telling them that John is now in prison. Pgs 140-141
"What I was trying to say was [to Andrew], if John is the forerunner, do you think he knows if the Messiah has come?"
"He has," Andrew said quietly
Andrew went on eagerly "That's the other thing I have to tell you...While I was there last week, John kept speaking about the Messiah. Or at least we all assumed it was the Messiah he spoke of. He kept saying that there was one among us whom we did not know, whose shoe latchets John wasn't worthy to unloose. Knowing the reverence in which we all hold John, that was a startling statement, of course. Everyone pressed him to know who it was, but that was all he would say"
His face glowed with excitement. "Then the very next day a man came to where John was baptizing. The moment John saw him, he stopped speaking. He stared at him in such wonder that we all turned to see who it was." "John raised a hand and pointed at him. 'Behold the Lamb of God', he said in tones of greatest reverence, 'who takes away the sins of the world'"
"To our surprise, the man came forward--"
"His name is Jesus. He is from Nazareth, the son of a carpenter named Joseph. They say that Jesus is too a carpenter."
"So this Jesus came forward and asked John if he would baptize him. John was shocked. You could see that, even from where we were. 'But I have need to be baptized of thee, and you come to me?' he said. But Jesus insisted, saying to John, 'Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness.'"
"So John took Jesus down into the river and baptized him. It was nothing unusual, very much like all the other baptisms John was doing" Andrew stopped..."That is, until he finished.
"John looked surprised, almost startled. He was looking up, over and above the head of Jesus, and then he got this most wonderful look on his face."
("What was it?")
Andrew: "We weren't sure. Not then, anyway. Later, John told a group of us that as Jesus came up out of the water that he, John, saw the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus as if it were a dove."
("He actually saw the Holy Spirit?")
Andrew: "No. He saw a dove, which was the sign of the Holy Spirit's presence" Now he leaned forward, very earnest. "But that's not all. John said that he had been told that when he saw the Spirit descending upon a person, that person would be the one who had come to baptize not just with water, but with the Holy Ghost as well."
"The next day we were with John again. We were listening to him teach. Then this Jesus of Nazareth came by again. To my complete amazement, the moment John saw him, he said again, 'Behold the Lamb of God'"
That whole bit covered two pages, and that's including the other dialogue. I am sorely disappointed at not even learning more about Christ and His life!
I did like how Lund added Chapter Notes at the end of each chapter where he cited his references to the historical sites, times, symbolism, Roman Empire, Jewish rituals, Bible Chapters and verses, etc. He gives all of his information and where he got it. He did a lot of research for this book! I will say I am very impressed at that alone.
The only reason I judge it perhaps, so harshly, is just because it's not the kind of book I expected it to be. I didn't want stories of different fictional characters with Christ being a side note. He just means more to me than that, and I expected more than that. But Lund is a very gifted, well referenced, writer. And for those who read fiction, I do highly recommend this book. It's just not for me.
March 14, 2025
“Because I know who you are.” This is the line that sums up the theme of this book…which is a story of a family who is searching for the true Messiah to come and deliver them. Though they don’t understand it at the time, He will come to deliver them not just from the Romans but from their sins, weaknesses, and death.
Gerald Lund does a fantastic job at bringing characters to life, bringing the Savior into the story by using His teachings from the New Testament, and creating a story that you can’t wait to finish! The only issue I had with it is that the chapters are soooooo long. If they were shortened, that would have made the book even better 👌
All in all, it was a great testament to who Jesus Christ is, the Son of God.
Gerald Lund does a fantastic job at bringing characters to life, bringing the Savior into the story by using His teachings from the New Testament, and creating a story that you can’t wait to finish! The only issue I had with it is that the chapters are soooooo long. If they were shortened, that would have made the book even better 👌
All in all, it was a great testament to who Jesus Christ is, the Son of God.
July 24, 2021
Sure, it’s a bit cheesy. Sure, it has some historicisms. Sure, there were typos and holes in the timeline of the story. But I like it. The Work and the Glory series is alright, but this is far better. Fun read.
July 5, 2022
Clean, adult biblical/Christian historical fiction in the area and time of Jesus
What I loved:
- Historical aspects: I know this author does their homework when it comes to history and I LOVED learning new things about the time that Christ walked the earth; about the romans, about Jewish customs and belief, so very interesting
- Action: good stuff! battles and sneaking with your blood pumping!
- Character depth: A good story is a character driven story for me usually, and this one does just that most of the time. I loved it. I think the power of historical fiction is how the use of fictional characters can help you FEEL more about the historical era and events.
- Religion: the author has used almost only direct quotes from scripture when it comes to Christ's dialogue, but with the extra historical information a lot of his speeches suddenly have an altogether different meaning. As a christian, I really appreciated the way this story gave me different ways to look at new testament quotes.
What didn't work for me:
- Heahopping & some writing style aspects: As a writer, I couldn't help but be a little bothered about the sometimes inconsistent character pov's. It wasn't quite clear if the author was going for an omniscient viewpoint or a closer third person that just happened to hop around a bit. The inconsistency bothered me a little bit. But fair is fair, it didn't bother me enough to not make me love this story, and I'm excited to read book two.
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: mild-moderate violence, mild gore
What I loved:
- Historical aspects: I know this author does their homework when it comes to history and I LOVED learning new things about the time that Christ walked the earth; about the romans, about Jewish customs and belief, so very interesting
- Action: good stuff! battles and sneaking with your blood pumping!
- Character depth: A good story is a character driven story for me usually, and this one does just that most of the time. I loved it. I think the power of historical fiction is how the use of fictional characters can help you FEEL more about the historical era and events.
- Religion: the author has used almost only direct quotes from scripture when it comes to Christ's dialogue, but with the extra historical information a lot of his speeches suddenly have an altogether different meaning. As a christian, I really appreciated the way this story gave me different ways to look at new testament quotes.
What didn't work for me:
- Heahopping & some writing style aspects: As a writer, I couldn't help but be a little bothered about the sometimes inconsistent character pov's. It wasn't quite clear if the author was going for an omniscient viewpoint or a closer third person that just happened to hop around a bit. The inconsistency bothered me a little bit. But fair is fair, it didn't bother me enough to not make me love this story, and I'm excited to read book two.
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: mild-moderate violence, mild gore
October 20, 2024
640 pages went really fast because the story is that good!!! I always love a book that includes Jesus in it & this book has it all…mystery, intrigue, adventure, a love story, & the gospel. The end definitely leaves you hanging. I’m starting the 2nd book right now!!!
October 1, 2023
I'm happy for you if you loved this book. I wanted it to help me imagine what it would be like to live during Jesus's time and make him and those around him seem like real people. So I guess I wanted it to be more like the chosen. 😄 But the characters' paths only crossed briefly and occasionally with Jesus's. And it just wasn't that great--the writing, the characters, the story. It was LONG, and I got bored.
June 15, 2025
It was wonderful meeting a family who had been friends with the twelve apostles even though they were not an actual family just a fictional family who met them it was really special to meet each of them.
October 10, 2023
Some of the conversations seemed a little forced and cheesy but, other than that, this was a good read. 😀
December 5, 2008
This book was great! I learned so much about the Savior. The only problem was that the list of characters are so long that I kept getting lost. I really like the notes at the end -- very informative. I wish I had read these before I went to Israel last year.
Lines that I loved:
No other single life has so profoundly changed the course of history and influenced humanity.
Even our basic division of time into two great eras is marked by his birth.
Numerous wars have been fought in his name.
The common people in the Holy Land spoke Aramaic, but their scriptures were classical Hebrew.
In discipline and obedience lay the secret of Rome.
The people weren’t in open rebellion at the moment, but the hot coals still glowed just beneath the surface of the whole society.
Deborah was a gracious and cultured woman. She had a gentleness and patience about her that always drew others to her.
The friend of my enemy is my enemy as well.
When the elephant is angered, everyone in the grass gets trampled.
The deepest rivers flow with the least sound.
The Galileans were also known for their warmhearted openness, their unrestrained hospitality, and their uncompromising honesty.
He decided to do what was right, not what was safe.
“Dearest Shana,” she whispered, “I am so happy for you tonight. But no happier than I am for myself and for my son. Welcome to our family.”
Each courtyard is a few steps higher than the pervious one to signify that we are always ascending upwards to God.
He wants me to be different from the world, even if the world laughs and ridicules me for doing so. This ishow I show my love and gratitude for him.
To hear more than a hundred voices recite it together in perfect unison sent a little thrill up Simeon’s spine. This was something that the Romans could never understand, a simple collection of sentences that defined an entire people.
No prophet is accepted in his own country.
“That’s my little sphinx,” he agreed. “Unless you happen to be one of the few she accepts as family, you might as well be transparent.”
There is a special bond between Simeon and your mother. It is like their spirits are closer, more in harmony with one another than is normal.
Men willingly believe what they wish.
It has been a time like no other in the history of the world.
Signs and evidence come because of faith, not in order to create faith.
In Jewish law the witness whose testimony was responsible for bringing about a conviction in a capital crime was required to cast the first stone during execution.
What is a wife for if not to be strong when her husband needs it?
I can hardly ask of others to go where I do not lead them.
The Sabbath was welcomed as if she were a visiting queen.
When the prize is of great worth, the costs rise to meet it.
Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.
Lines that I loved:
No other single life has so profoundly changed the course of history and influenced humanity.
Even our basic division of time into two great eras is marked by his birth.
Numerous wars have been fought in his name.
The common people in the Holy Land spoke Aramaic, but their scriptures were classical Hebrew.
In discipline and obedience lay the secret of Rome.
The people weren’t in open rebellion at the moment, but the hot coals still glowed just beneath the surface of the whole society.
Deborah was a gracious and cultured woman. She had a gentleness and patience about her that always drew others to her.
The friend of my enemy is my enemy as well.
When the elephant is angered, everyone in the grass gets trampled.
The deepest rivers flow with the least sound.
The Galileans were also known for their warmhearted openness, their unrestrained hospitality, and their uncompromising honesty.
He decided to do what was right, not what was safe.
“Dearest Shana,” she whispered, “I am so happy for you tonight. But no happier than I am for myself and for my son. Welcome to our family.”
Each courtyard is a few steps higher than the pervious one to signify that we are always ascending upwards to God.
He wants me to be different from the world, even if the world laughs and ridicules me for doing so. This ishow I show my love and gratitude for him.
To hear more than a hundred voices recite it together in perfect unison sent a little thrill up Simeon’s spine. This was something that the Romans could never understand, a simple collection of sentences that defined an entire people.
No prophet is accepted in his own country.
“That’s my little sphinx,” he agreed. “Unless you happen to be one of the few she accepts as family, you might as well be transparent.”
There is a special bond between Simeon and your mother. It is like their spirits are closer, more in harmony with one another than is normal.
Men willingly believe what they wish.
It has been a time like no other in the history of the world.
Signs and evidence come because of faith, not in order to create faith.
In Jewish law the witness whose testimony was responsible for bringing about a conviction in a capital crime was required to cast the first stone during execution.
What is a wife for if not to be strong when her husband needs it?
I can hardly ask of others to go where I do not lead them.
The Sabbath was welcomed as if she were a visiting queen.
When the prize is of great worth, the costs rise to meet it.
Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.
July 21, 2012
To me this is the definitive narrative of its kind. I have always been a fan of Gerald Lund, but he has outdone himself on this one.
This story is about two very different families. The first is from Galilee and has strong roots in the zealot movement while the second is part of the Great Sanhedrin of Jerusalem. They come into contact with each other through a mutual enemy, a highway robber of Samaria. In the midst of the political unrest, a man named Jesus of Nazareth begins to teach. A family that was previously united in a cause of freedom becomes divided as the father and daughter pledge their hearts to the peace of Christ while the mother and son find themselves unwilling to let go of the bitterness they have held so close for so long.
I love that every character is well rounded with a story of their own. Even that obnoxious uncle that we all have, I can see why he makes the choices he does. I love the portrayal of the Mortal Christ, and the fact that Lund does not put a single word in his mouth. I generally hate these works because I can't stand Christ being made into a fictional character. While Christ does feature prominently in the book, every word He says is accurate down to the last reference.
I have learned more about the time of Christ from these books (including the chapter notes) than from any other source. Like the best works of historical fiction, the time of Christ lives for me now. The Romans and their dream of uniting the world under a single leader, the Sanhedrin in their eagerness to maintain the tenuous peace that keeps them in power, and the zealots that have a thirst to be the victors rather than the victims this one time.
It breaks my heart to watch each time as every person must decide if they will follow Him above all else, their families, their traditions, their own beliefs. It makes me think of all the people I know that decided to follow Christ in a way that estranged them from their families. The issues these characters face don't seem any different than what I see every day. They are real because they are as human as us, faced with the same issues we will all be held accountable for, and by the same Man.
This story is about two very different families. The first is from Galilee and has strong roots in the zealot movement while the second is part of the Great Sanhedrin of Jerusalem. They come into contact with each other through a mutual enemy, a highway robber of Samaria. In the midst of the political unrest, a man named Jesus of Nazareth begins to teach. A family that was previously united in a cause of freedom becomes divided as the father and daughter pledge their hearts to the peace of Christ while the mother and son find themselves unwilling to let go of the bitterness they have held so close for so long.
I love that every character is well rounded with a story of their own. Even that obnoxious uncle that we all have, I can see why he makes the choices he does. I love the portrayal of the Mortal Christ, and the fact that Lund does not put a single word in his mouth. I generally hate these works because I can't stand Christ being made into a fictional character. While Christ does feature prominently in the book, every word He says is accurate down to the last reference.
I have learned more about the time of Christ from these books (including the chapter notes) than from any other source. Like the best works of historical fiction, the time of Christ lives for me now. The Romans and their dream of uniting the world under a single leader, the Sanhedrin in their eagerness to maintain the tenuous peace that keeps them in power, and the zealots that have a thirst to be the victors rather than the victims this one time.
It breaks my heart to watch each time as every person must decide if they will follow Him above all else, their families, their traditions, their own beliefs. It makes me think of all the people I know that decided to follow Christ in a way that estranged them from their families. The issues these characters face don't seem any different than what I see every day. They are real because they are as human as us, faced with the same issues we will all be held accountable for, and by the same Man.
April 16, 2011
My dad read this series before he died and since I got the 2 book on CD for free I read the first one. I really liked it! It really takes you there, with the issues facing the day, the fractions of Jews, the Roman empire, the places and how far it took to get there.
2 fictional families: a zealot, a Sadducee, a Pharisees and a few Roman soldiers. The book made me get out my scriptures and write stuff in there, and look stuff up on line. I could see how people could easily believe and how others would be offended. Take for instance the sermon on the mount where he tells them to walk 2 miles instead of just 1. Well in that day, a Roman solider could ask anyone- child, or old bend over man to carry his VERY heavy equipement for a mile. The Lord was telling them to go 2 miles.
The Jews hated the Romans for taking over there country.Do you see how this could upset them? They have been there for already 100 years!
2 fictional families: a zealot, a Sadducee, a Pharisees and a few Roman soldiers. The book made me get out my scriptures and write stuff in there, and look stuff up on line. I could see how people could easily believe and how others would be offended. Take for instance the sermon on the mount where he tells them to walk 2 miles instead of just 1. Well in that day, a Roman solider could ask anyone- child, or old bend over man to carry his VERY heavy equipement for a mile. The Lord was telling them to go 2 miles.
The Jews hated the Romans for taking over there country.Do you see how this could upset them? They have been there for already 100 years!
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